Holy Brit

Genuflecting is a funny thing. Some folk just can't get into the hang of it - somehow it seems to stiff, or too pretentious or perhaps too high church or idolotrous to drop to one knee for any reason or to anyone.

I can understand this - after all it is not something we do these days. We don't bow or courtsy any more and using our bodies in this sort of act of respect and honor is not something we are used to. In fact we tend only to use our bodies to show power and deference and whilst genuflecting does show a humilty it does not lessen who we are rather it adds to who we are.

It adds to who we are because of what we genuflect to - and that is the Blessed Sacrament. The Body of Christ is something tangible which we are all part of, the holy Eucharist is tactile and awakens our senses and the whole body movement of genuflection is just another action in this whole drama of which we find ourselves part.

This is not to either belittle or require it. Sometimes I do not want to make this motion but mostly I sink into that posture as I pass the reserved sacrament in church as a kind of homecoming - that is my proper place - my dwelling - before the altar of God.

I hope this does not sound sentimental or like a feeble attempt and religiosity - it most certainly is not - but sometimes I just pause - not too long because the real physical fact is my knees hurt if I stay down too long - but I pause and breath deeply - here I am God - I say - where I should be - in your presence.

Could I get the same effect by simply pausing, or bowing, perhaps if I were not me. But the me that I am, the body that is me loves to take this whole and large action in an act of adoration and sacrifice and offering. That is, simply, what it is - everything of me given in one bended knee. Sometimes I remain for a while, both knees safely resting on the careful stitching of the kneeler and I just am. God allows me to be the best of me and holds the worst of me safe and loved.

I love these great motions that our Church gives us - forgive me if I indulge and go a little slower at times - for a moment in God's courts, in that posture of service, is worth a deeper breath. It is, on good days, a long, sweet, lovely kiss from Christ before my feet once again set to their busy work and body is put to its daily tasks.