When you are defying a person, one thing you might do is stand up as straight as possible and do your best to look down at the person. When paying respect or honoring, you stand erect as slouching shows some contempt or disregard. Standing erect means I am listening and ready to act as you wish. When giving deference we bow. The bow by an 
actor during the applause at the end of the play means, “Oh, no! Really, Thank YOU. You are too, too kind.” Curtseys and bows are still done in rare and incidents thought it equally rarely fails to charm. It is a physical gesture that shows how honored you are by the person’s presence before you. I think I am glad it is a rare thing. Unlike the word “love” it will not lose its meaning by over and frivolous use.Catholics are called to bow to such honored personages and theological wonders, some by decree and some by tradition. A simple bow (in which the head is slightly inclined) is called particularly during formal liturgies whenever the Trinity is named, the name of Jesus is said, the Blessed Virgin, or the saint of the day. A bow is also our custom when approaching the Blessed Sacrament when receiving Him in communion, though some prefer the more profound bow. A profound bow (from the waist) is also called for during the Creed at the lines, “By the power of the Holy Spirit He was born of the Virgin Mary and became man.” This is such an awe
some concept, one that should never cease to amaze us, and so we mark it by this solemn gesture. When the Creed is sung and on some certain occasions such as Christmas, the bow is replaced by a genuflection.When there is no Blessed Sacrament in a church, or when the tabernacle just happens to be empty for some reason, instead of genuflecting before entering your pew, one should make a profound bow to the altar which is then the primary symbol of Christ in the church.
By custom rather than by regulation is the bowing of one’s head whenever a Catholic Church is passed. Within the doors of that honored edifice is the Body and Blood, Soul and Divinity of Our Lord Jesus Christ. It is not only a sign of respect for Him it helps remind us of His presence there.
(Hi Pat. I talked to Frank today. Have a great one.)
6 comments:
Thanks for this post, Fr. V., this is info I need for my talk next week! (Things I knew but forgot to add).
As far as passing a Catholic Church...I was taught to make the sign of the cross. I still remember Mom correcting me when I started to cross myself when passing a Protestant church.
Besides, it's hard to bow while driving...
Not one person in our church (besides hubby and myself) bows during the Creed. We also do not genuflect at Christmas...
i attend a fairly liberal parish on a college campus. very few people bow during the creed and usually the priest does not bow when he says the name of Jesus, Mary, etc :(
I've gotten myself in the habit of the bow at the Holy Name whenever its mentioned. I usually go to the EF, so we genuflect during the Creed. But simple things amaze me.
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