Its not the alter that is being bowed to. It is the body of Christ which is within the tabernacle. The tabernacle is usually located behind the alter. The bowing is not idolatry because Christ is who is being bowed to.Can someone explain (with Scripture backup if possible) what separates bowing to the altar at mass and the worshiping of an idol which is forbidden by the 10 Commandments?
Thank you in advance
Just want to add one note to your reply. The priest in my parish explained that you should genuflect or bow to the altar even when the tabernacle is empty (i.e. on Good Friday) because that is the place of Christ’s sacrifice. Even though Christ is absent, it’s a show of reverance to the altar on which His sacrifice is made present to us at Mass.Its not the alter that is being bowed to. It is the body of Christ which is within the tabernacle. The tabernacle is usually located behind the alter. The bowing is not idolatry because Christ is who is being bowed to.
Anyway, hope that helps.
I believe there are always consecrated hosts in the tabernacle (that’s why the tabernacle light is always lit), except from the conclusion of Holy Thursday Mass until the Easter Vigil Mass on Holy Saturday. That is when the tabernacle is left empty and open to mark the time Our Lord was in the tomb.Shouldn’t we always reverence the Tabernacle by bowing or genuflecting regardless of the situation? I mean, do we honestly know whether or not there are consecrated hosts in the Tabernacle. Bowing or genuflecting regardless takes away the guessing, and puts you in a position to always reference it, regardless of the day
If on the Day of Atonement the High Priest could go into the Holy of Holies and make the sacrificial offerings while the people outside prostrated themselves every time he uttered the holy name of God (the only time it was uttered), then bowing before Christ present in the Eucharist or bowing before the altar on which His Sacrifice is made present cannot be quibbled at.Can someone explain (with Scripture backup if possible) what separates bowing to the altar at mass and the worshiping of an idol which is forbidden by the 10 Commandments?
Thank you in advance
The altar, however, is still the place of the Sacrificial Offering and thus worthy of reverence. We are not idolizing the altar, but recognizing Whose presence was/is there.Pardon me if this is really basic, but isn’t the tabernacle the place where the species is stored? If so, our tabernacle is a room located adjacent to the sanctuary, and not near the altar.
Is there somewhere in the Scripture where the activities on the Day of Atonement are described?If on the Day of Atonement the High Priest could go into the Holy of Holies and make the sacrificial offerings while the people outside prostrated themselves every time he uttered the holy name of God (the only time it was uttered), then bowing before Christ present in the Eucharist or bowing before the altar on which His Sacrifice is made present cannot be quibbled at.
jc, have a look at Leviticus 16.Is there somewhere in the Scripture where the activities on the Day of Atonement are described?
jc,Can someone explain (with Scripture backup if possible) what separates bowing to the altar at mass and the worshiping of an idol which is forbidden by the 10 Commandments?
Thank you in advance