While reading through many different Catholic works, certain ideas and words often make me say, "Wow! That's pretty cool!" I had a moment like this a few days ago when reading the following from the General Instruction of the Roman Missal, Number 275. So I thought to myself, "Why not post it on my blog? I'm sure other people would be interested in hearing this as well." And now I will post this on my blog for you:
A bow signifies reverence and honor shown to the persons themselves or to the signs that represent them...
A bow of the head is made when the three Divine Persons are named together and at the names of Jesus, of the Blessed Virgin Mary, and of the Saint in whose honor Mass is being celebrated.
When I came to the seminary, I was told that it is a pious practice to bow your head when these names were spoken, but I had never known that this was outlined in the GIRM. I think this is pretty awesome. And I know that most Catholics have never heard this. We bow, genuflect, and perform other gestures to give an outward sign to an inner belief; when we genuflect to Jesus in the tabernacle, we show Jesus that we believe he is there and he deserves our recognition and reverence. When we bow our heads at the name of Jesus, the Trinity, Mary or a Saint, we show them a special devotion and honor.
It is important to not forget why we make the sign of the cross, why we genuflect, why we bow, why we fold our hands and why we perform the actions we do. I have heard many people say that they never received a proper catechisis on the Liturgy of the Mass. I offer you the GIRM as a good starting point; if you've ever wondered what happens at a certain time in the liturgy, or why we do it, check out the GIRM and start learning! Another good book for this purpose is the Catechism of the Catholic Church (both are free online, too!). These aren't necessarily works that you will read cover-to-cover, but you can if you want.
Last night, the Semiarians attended the Mass of the Lord's Supper at the Cathedral Basilica of Saint Louis with Archbishop Burke as the main celebrant. At the Mass of the Lord's Supper (pictures here), we celebrate the institution of the Holy Eucharist and of the Priesthood, and we commemorate the Washing of the Feet (see John chapter 13).
I was unable to take any pictures at Tenebrae because of the darkness (only one candle was lit for much of the service, and only emergency lighting was on in the Cathedral, but I will copy here the description of Tenebrae from the booklet we receieved for the service:
Concerning the Service of Tenebrae:
The name Tenebrae, meaning darkness or shadows, has for centuries been applied to early morning offices of Matins and Lauds of the las three days of Holy Week, which in the middle ages came to be celebrated on the preceding evenings. The most conspicuous feature of the services is the gradual extinguishing of candles and other lights in the church until a single candle, considered a symbol of the Lord, remains. Toward the end of the service, this candle is hidden typifying the apparent vidtory of the forces of evil. At the very end, a "loud noise" (strepitus), is made, symbolizing the earthquake at the time of the Resurrection, the hidden candle is restored to its place, and by its light all depart in silence.
