“The man then bowed down in worship to the Lord.” Genesis 24:26
“Moses at once bowed down to the ground in worship.” Exodus 34:8
“Enter, let us bow down in worship; let us kneel before the Lord who made us.” Psalm 95:6
“The Magi were overjoyed at seeing the star, and on entering the house they saw the child with Mary, his mother. They prostrated themselves and did him homage.” Matthew 2:10-11
These scriptures all speak of bowing low before the Lord. Even earthly kings bowed to the ground when Jesus was just a child.
These scripture passages caused me to think about times when I have walked into a Catholic Church or chapel and did not take the time to bow or genuflect before the Lord in the Blessed Sacrament. With Jesus, my Lord and my God before me, my response should be to recognize Him and pay Him homage by my gesture of bowing or kneeling.
When we bow before the Lord, we are acknowledging that God Almighty is the Creator and I am the created. We give Him the honor due to Him. We were born to praise, honor, and worship the Lord.
When we bow or genuflect before receiving Jesus in the Eucharist, we are again recognizing that this is Jesus before me who I am about to receive inside me. Then when the priest says, “Body of Christ,” and we reply “Amen,” we are proclaiming “Yes, I believe this is the Body of Christ.” The host is truly Christ the Lord!
These scriptures were a gentle reminder to me, and I hope they are to you.
Bow with joy before the Lord. He loves you very much.
God bless you,
Mary Ann / Mother Hen
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