Genuflect or not?

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IrishAm

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I’ve about decided I am over-thinking this . . . but it has been bothering me more and more. When I enter the pew, or leave, I always bow deeply from the waist. I didn’t used to do so – I used to genuflect like everyone else. Unfortunately, the older I get, the harder it becomes. I look healthy and not ancient (well, I hope!), I can get down fairly smoothly, but getting up without full support in front of me is very, very difficult because of ruined knees (and can be rather disruptive to others around me as I pull myself to my feet – I know because I’ve tried and end up with half the pew trying to help me up :o ).

I can and do kneel in the pew (the pew in front provides the needed support for rising) but I worry someone may feel because I can kneel then and just bowed earlier, it is “okay” to just bow. And that makes me feel like a bad role model.

What do you think? Would it be better for me to genuflect how ever I can and struggle to get to my feet; to just keep bowing instead; or maybe not to kneel in the pew (which would make me feel awful, but that would just be me). Or maybe I should just take my father’s adage to heart – “You wouldn’t worry so much about what other people think of you if you knew how seldom they do.”

I appreciate your opinions.
 
IrishAm said:
I’ve about decided I am over-thinking this . . . but it has been bothering me more and more. When I enter the pew, or leave, I always bow deeply from the waist. I didn’t used to do so – I used to genuflect like everyone else. Unfortunately, the older I get, the harder it becomes. I look healthy and not ancient (well, I hope!), I can get down fairly smoothly, but getting up without full support in front of me is very, very difficult because of ruined knees (and can be rather disruptive to others around me as I pull myself to my feet – I know because I’ve tried and end up with half the pew trying to help me up :o ).

I can and do kneel in the pew (the pew in front provides the needed support for rising) but I worry someone may feel because I can kneel then and just bowed earlier, it is “okay” to just bow. And that makes me feel like a bad role model.

What do you think? Would it be better for me to genuflect how ever I can and struggle to get to my feet; to just keep bowing instead; or maybe not to kneel in the pew (which would make me feel awful, but that would just be me). Or maybe I should just take my father’s adage to heart – “You wouldn’t worry so much about what other people think of you if you knew how seldom they do.”

I appreciate your opinions.
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Well, if the Tabernacle is not present in the Church (ours in the Chapel which is to the side of the main Church) then you do not need to genuflect. Also, there are allowances made for people who have physical impairments. So, if you can’t genuflect then don’t…I wouldn’t worry about what others think.
 
Perhaps a little of both. Bow more often than not, as it does show reverence and you have a good reason not to genuflect. Once in a while, do it and offer the suffering and humiliation up for the suffering souls. God knows how much you are hurting and your suffering is united with Christ’s suffering. Just a thought.
 
Alphonsus_John said:
Perhaps a little of both. Bow more often than not, as it does show reverence and you have a good reason not to genuflect. Once in a while, do it and offer the suffering and humiliation up for the suffering souls. God knows how much you are hurting and your suffering is united with Christ’s suffering. Just a thought.
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I like this answer. How are your pews arranged? Ours are in a slightly staggered arrangement (the rows get progressively wider since our church is a semi-circle. So there is a good section of the pew in front of you to grab to get back up. Maybe one hand on the seat and the other on the pew back?

But all in all, your dad is probably right! 😛
 
Thank you – I’ll give it a try on Sunday (and if they have to carry me out of the church, I shall blame all of you 😃 )

Ours is an old-fashioned church, pews all in nice rows and the Tabernacle front and center and covered in gold.
 
Bless you for your courage and concern in raising the question.

You say that:
and (it) can be rather disruptive to others around me as I pull myself to my feet – I know because I’ve tried and end up with half the pew trying to help me up
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There really is no need for you to genuflect if there is a legitimate reason not to. Which it sounds like you have.

On the other hand, I am always impressed by those folks who do genuflect even though it’s obvious how difficult for them. It is certainly a good example to the younger folks.

In the end your decision is between you and God. What others may think is just not important.

James
 
IrishAm said:
What do you think? Would it be better for me to genuflect how ever I can and struggle to get to my feet; to just keep bowing instead; or maybe not to kneel in the pew (which would make me feel awful, but that would just be me). Or maybe I should just take my father’s adage to heart – “You wouldn’t worry so much about what other people think of you if you knew how seldom they do.”

I appreciate your opinions.
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your dad had good advice. my former pastor forbade me to genuflect when I got stuck and needed two ushers to help me up on Good Friday one year. my arthritis makes my knees and hips, esp. on the left side, stop functioning at times (usually the most embarrassing times, this might be one reason we changed parishes:o
 
I would think your deep and reverent bow would be acceptable as a replacement for your genuflect. You and God both know your physical limitations and pains. I think it’s much better than the head nods I see towards the tabernacle occasionally – it reminds me of people acknowledging a friend they see on the street and not a sign of reverance towards our Lord.

ChadS
 
IrishAm;
Or maybe I should just take my father’s adage to heart – “You wouldn’t worry so much about what other people think of you if you knew how seldom they do.”
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Follow your wise father’s advice!

God Bless
Jim
 
CatholicCajun said:
I know if I go down on my knee I am not getting up, so I sort of half way genuflect. God BLess.
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Great solution. It shows a genuflection of the heart even when the knees themselves will not cooperate.

In a remotely related case:
I asked a rabbi how they dealt with references in the Psalms (e.g. 95, the Invitatory Psalm) to bending the knee and he said they simply bend it a bit when the reference is made but that Judaism eliminated actual kneeling so they would be different from Christians.
 
Want a funny story about trouble getting up from kneeling? (I think I may have posted this elsewhere, but it seems particularly appropriate now.)

About 5 years ago, my family (dh, two dds and I) were blessed to receive an invitation to a private audience with His Holiness Pope John Paul II, arranged, we believe, through our archbishop, while we were vacationing in Rome. When it was finally our turn to enter the room and meet with the Holy Father, we approached and chose - all 4 of us - to use the rather small kneeler. I knew it was a bad idea right away, as we were pretty squished together. We briefly exchanged words, and received rosaries and a blessing from the Holy Father. Then, my husband and daughters stood up, and I tried…no luck! I actually had to grab hold of the arm of the Holy Father’s throne/chair to hoist myself off the kneeler! Talk about panic. I had visions of Swiss Guards or various monsignori descending upon me to protect the Holy Father!

I blame my bad knees on lots of Latin dancing while younger. I couldn’t genuflect all the way to the floor - much less get up - if my life depended upon it now. I just do my best. My husband is Ruthenian and makes a profound bow instead of genuflecting, as is his tradition.

Just do what you can.
 
IrishAm said:
I can and do kneel in the pew (the pew in front provides the needed support for rising) but I worry someone may feel because I can kneel then and just bowed earlier, it is “okay” to just bow. And that makes me feel like a bad role model.

What do you think? Would it be better for me to genuflect how ever I can and struggle to get to my feet; to just keep bowing instead; or maybe not to kneel in the pew (which would make me feel awful, but that would just be me). Or maybe I should just take my father’s adage to heart – “You wouldn’t worry so much about what other people think of you if you knew how seldom they do.”

I appreciate your opinions.
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I am in your boat…so to speak:) …and I bow proufoundly when I enter the pew and when I leave. It is the best I can do and I am sure the Lord…knows this. I think your father was very wise and I would listen to his adage.

God Bless…

:heart:Blyss
 
DallasCatholic said:
Well, if the Tabernacle is not present in the Church (ours in the Chapel which is to the side of the main Church) then you do not need to genuflect. Also, there are allowances made for people who have physical impairments. So, if you can’t genuflect then don’t…I wouldn’t worry about what others think.
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It also depends on what you are wearing. I was taught that if you are wearing a skirt, then you bow (not too low). Genuflecting can present a bit of a problem. However, when I am wearing trousers, there’s nothing wrong with genuflecting.

Now, if you are in a liturgical procession and are caring the book of the Gospels, obviously genuflecting can be tricky. A reverent bow is sufficient.

Off topic, but, heck, it’s Thanksgiving and we’re both from Texas: Hey, DallasCatholic, are you going to watch them Boys tomorrow? By the way, I used to live in Dallas and once worked for your current Mayor Pro-Tem’s (Dr. E.G.) husband. I really loved going to Blessed Sacrament (weekend and occasional weekday) and St. Cecilia’s (weekday), as well as the Chapel in the downtown area. My parochial vicar is a graduate of UD.
 
I can get down fairly smoothly, but getting up without full support in front of me is very, very difficult

Now you know why I don’t m ake the prostrations during Lent. I’ll never get up again.
 
No person who promotes piety would look down on you, unless you dance around the aisle or promote disrespect for our Lord. I have been guilty of be-bopping on in, when I was a lax, disrespectful, even more sinful, horribly catechized Catholic. I am a little better now, but there is always room for improvement.

I know a 90 year old man, he pauses faces the Tabernacle, bows and crosses himself. (he doesn’t genuflect and shouldn’t)
We are all called to do what is possible and respectful. Everything else is extra.

If you are going to get stuck, hurt yourself or fall down, don’t risk it, unless you are on your way to your martrydom, then you would be a witness to your faith. You would also force your executioners to pick you up and witness your desire to respect our Lord.

God comes first, just don’t hurt yourself and impede yourself from taking part in worshipping Him.

Anyone who is physically able should genuflect and give honor to God, to not do so knowingly is wrong and prideful.

God Bless
Scylla
 
Don’t worry about what others think, and do the best that you can do. If that means only offering a profound bow, then that’s fine. I can still genuflect smoothly and fairly effortlessly. Sometimes I feel I have to genuflect “extra well” for those who wish they could but can’t.
 
Matas said:
Don’t worry about what others think, and do the best that you can do. If that means only offering a profound bow, then that’s fine. I can still genuflect smoothly and fairly effortlessly. Sometimes I feel I have to genuflect “extra well” for those who wish they could but can’t.
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That is a very nice sentiment.

God Bless
James
 
CatholicCajun said:
I know if I go down on my knee I am not getting up, so I sort of half way genuflect. God BLess.
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That’s what I do as well, and only if I have a pew to hold onto. The only time I go all the way down is in the adoration chapel, where they have a grab-bar on one of the pews for the sake of people like me would would never get back up again without it. If I’m walking past the Tabernacle without a pew nearby, I make a profound bow instead. God knows my limitations, and it’s nobody else’s business.
 
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