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he Vatican has published the new revised Missal preserving the original spirit of the Latin text. As this missal is already being introduced to us, it is better to some of the signs and symbols such as standing, kneeling, sitting, genuflecting, procession, sign of the Cross, bowing, orans, prostrating, singing, praying is Unison, silent prayer etc. we regularly in touch with during our Eucharistic and other liturgical Celebrations. All these gestures and signs points to us a deeper meaning, our creatureliness before our Creator and therefore, there is a need to express our singular devotion not only with our Spirit but also with whole Body besides it helping us in greater attentiveness.
Standing
We do not welcome our guests sitting in a comfortable posture, rather as they approach we stand and show our respect. In some cultures like our Tribal brethren, we wash the feet or hands and apply oil and or Tika on the forehead of the guest as a mark of our respect. Traditional dictum behind this treatment is self-explanatory, “athithidevobhava,” the guest is god indeed. Besides this, as we do perform these acts, what is assumed in still deeper sense is our humility or humble gratitude towards that person or the act which is to be done soon. All these things can be aptly applied to the Eucharistic or Liturgical celebration. The priest is our guest and Christ is our unseen guest to whom we pay our honour and devotion to. We acknowledge the gift of life we received from Christ during the Sacrament of Baptism and our respect to him in the beginning of any Sacramental Celebration is the acknowledgment of the same.
Kneeling
It is rightly said, “The shortest distance between heaven and earth is between heart and knee.” Knee signifies penance. In the past this meaning was so much stressed that kneeling was prohibited on Sundays and Easter seasons as they were the time of Joy and Thanksgiving. But in the Middle Ages, kneeling came to be a sign of homage and adoration. Today this meaning prevails.
Genuflecting
Genuflecting is done by bringing the right knee to the floor. It is done to adore the Lord. Some people make the sign of the Cross along with genuflecting. Usually it is done as we enter and leave the Church or come in front of the Consecrated Body of Christ.
Bowing
Bowing signifies reverence, respect and gratitude. There are several instances during the Eucharistic celebration we bow our head. Specially during the recitation of Creed (at the words that commemorate the Incarnation), before receiving Sacred Communion, priest before celebrating the mass at the altar as a symbol of Christ’s Sacrificial Table and even during our speech as we pronounce the name of Trinity.
Prostrating
Though this posture is rarely used in the Liturgy, it has a deeper meaning and significance. It shows deep humility and willingness to share in Christ’s Passion, Death and Resurrection. It is done by the individual fully laying facing the ground. This is more Indian as we see the tradition which speaks of AstaangaPranayama in Yogic culture as a sign of Total Surrender. This is more meaningful during the Good Friday celebration and also during the ceremony of Sacred Ordination by the Ordinandi.
Sitting
In traditional Indian gurukul system, the student sits infront of Guru to learn and meditate the Word of God. In the similar way, as the Word is read and even broken to explain to us, we reflect and meditate the Word of God. Even the silent prayer and reflection also done in this posture.
Singing
“One who sings prays twice” says St. Jerome. By singing we not only raise our hearts and minds to God but also assist others to do the same. Thus it has both individual and communal aspect. Therefore it brings sacramental presence of God to his people. Singing is not only done in melodious songs but also in chants and dialogues as in the case of Holy Mass.
Orans
The priest frequently uses this ancient prayer posture, extending his hands to his sides, slightly elevated. Orans means “praying.” It invites people to pray along with the celebrant by surrendering themselves with uplifted hands to the Lord. It also gestures Christ’s outstretched arms as he offered himself on the Cross.
Silent Prayer
“Mary pondered over what ever happened in her heart (Lk 2:19).” In the similar way, we reflect and internalize whatever we heard and received. Therefore, there must be enough time in every Liturgical celebration for this. After every invitation to prayer, after the reading and sermon and or after receiving the communion there must be a time of silence.
Praying in Unison
During the Liturgical celebration, we answer to the prayers or invitation of Main Celebrant with proper answer in one voice. This is nothing but the communitarian aspect of Prayer.
Procession
Every Liturgical procession is a sign of the Pilgrim Church or a pilgrimage where we march towards our Heavenly Jerusalem. During the Eucharist we have several instances where we take procession: the Entrance rite, Liturgy of Word, Offertory and also the reception of Communion. Since it represents our Pilgrimage, the procession ought to be done with utmost devotion, attention and eagerness. It is an experience of being one with the Lord in the heavenly Jerusalem.
Sign of the Cross
The first sign of the cross is that which most people are familiar with, the gesture with which the Catholic faithful cross themselves. The symbolism of this gesture is twofold: first, the sign of the cross asserts the Christian doctrine of the Holy Trinity, and second, it affirms the doctrine of humanity's redemption through Christ's sacrifice. Catholics start the gesture their foreheads (In nominee Patris), touch their chests (et Filii), and then touch the left shoulder followed by the right (et Spiritus Sancti).This gesture is seen many times during Mass and in private prayer. It may have come from medieval practices, symbolizing Jesus' coming to earth from Heaven, His descent into Hell (the left being associated with evil) and Ascending to sit at the right side of God, the Father. The second sign of the cross is that which the priest uses to bless the congregation. This gesture is also large, and is inscribed in the air in the direction of the congregation. The priest makes this gesture several times during Mass and during other rituals of the church.
As Christians, our every action, work and prayer should begin with the Sign of Cross because on ‘this sign we find our goal.’ A sign of Cross made on the forehead, the lips and heart just before hearing the Gospel make our minds, lips and heart worthy to receive the Word. Just like a burning coal cleansed the lips of Prophet Jeremiah, so too a sign of Cross cleanses our mind, speech and heart from the impurities and make us worthy to receive the Lord’s Message. The Sign of Cross also remind us in physical way the Paschal Mystery we celebrate. Therefore, it is right and meaningful to make whenever we pass by any sacred shrines.
Conclusion
The Church fosters to preserve these signs and postures as a sign of unity. We are not free to change these postures to suit our own individual piety, rather these signs give unambiguous witness that we are all belong to one flock of Christ’ Body.
Reference:
The United States Conference of Catholic Bishops
Poona Diocesan Life, Vol. XXVIII, No. 276.
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