genuflection

[p-hawk]

When genuflecting to Christ in the tabernacle, should one sign one's self as well? I don't know where I picked up the practice, but I always do. My mom does also. My dad was never instructed to, though, and refuses to accede to my mom's request that he sign himself when he genuflects. He says that when the church tells him to, he will.

I can't find anything online on the subject. There was a poll in Open Mic a while back, but again, there was nothing definitive said. Has any teaching on this occured? Is one intrinsically better or more reverent than the other?

[Fidei Defensor]

I think either way is appropriate. I always also include the sign, but I also see others do it without as well. I think that signing is a good practice, though, because not only do you bless yourself, but you also focus on God more, rather than just a quick dip and back us, as some people do.

[FutureSoror]

I agree.

[StColette]

I was taught to genuflect and make the Sign of the Cross and so was my dad.

[Kaeldra]

Most everyone I know makes the sign of the cross when they genuflect, i would feel rather odd if I didnt

[homeschoolmom]

I don't because I would tip over if I did. I do make it once I'm safely up, though...

[p-hawk]

[quote name='homeschoolmom' date='Aug 15 2005, 02:06 AM']I don't because I would tip over if I did. I do make it once I'm safely up, though...
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[Didacus]

Well said fidei, and I agree.

However, I do not commonly do the cross when I genuflect, but that is just because I have a shy nature and don't want to draw attention to myself (most if not all people at my church do not cross themselves. Actually, most don't even genuflect).

[Fidei Defensor]

I now tend to do practice both ways, because when I serve at mass, we genuflect without the sign during the mass, but when I am just attending mass or such, I do sign myself.

[qfnol31]

I do both, depending on what I'm doing.

Good example, for the Incarnation part of the Creed during the Christmas Vigil, I will not.

Edited August 16, 2005 by qfnol31

[Jake Huether]

I usually do both, but the crossing is done mostly out of habit, which I realize now is a bad thing. Not that crossing yourself is bad, but doing it out of habit, rather than devotion, is.

When I genuflect, it is an act of respect. A sign of respect for Christ who is present in the Tabernacle.

Catholics cross themselves as a prayer - in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. It is a prayer. It can be done as a sign of respect, etc. But it is done to recall this prayer. For this reason, when we dip our fingure in holy water and cross ourselves, we recall specifically our Baptism, In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit.

You can say this prayer as you genuflect. But it isn't necessary. If you train your mind to always be in prayer, then it isn't necessary to formalize it at any particular time by crossing yourself (unless during Mass when it is required by the GERM). Only when desired.

God bless.

[phatcatholic]

[quote name='Jake Huether' date='Aug 17 2005, 10:55 AM'](unless during Mass when it is required by the [i][b]GERM[/b][/i]).  [right][snapback]687725[/snapback][/right][/quote]
Freudian slip??

[Jake Huether]

[quote name='phatcatholic' date='Aug 17 2005, 10:41 PM']Freudian slip?? 
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Haha. GIRM.

LOL. Indeed.

[franciscanheart]

Jake,

I read your post yesterday afternoon and ever since I have constantly thought about you said. What an awesome post. Sometimes I don't even concentrate on that beautiful prayer I am saying in the simple motions and you have enabled me to recognize that. Thanks!

God bless,
hugheyforlife

[Jake Huether]

[quote name='hugheyforlife' date='Aug 18 2005, 11:34 AM']Jake,

I read your post yesterday afternoon and ever since I have constantly thought about you said. What an awesome post. Sometimes I don't even concentrate on that beautiful prayer I am saying in the simple motions and you have enabled me to recognize that. Thanks!

God bless,
hugheyforlife
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No prob. Glory to God for this thread. I also realized what I'd been missing.

Thanks!