Should I ignore the tabernacle and bow to the altar?

[ABJOSADA]

In my church, the tabernacle is not in the sanctuary but is just off to the side, in a small alcove not separated from the main church by doors or windows. It is not hidden and fairly visible from most areas in the church. I have been told that if one is entering church to attend Mass, then their focus should be on the altar because that is “where it is happening” and so we should not genuflect to the tabernacle but, rather, bow to the altar. I would find it hard to walk on by the tabernacle and just ignore the Blessed Sacrament within. Is this true? Does the altar take precedence over the Blessed Sacrament even before and after Mass?

 

[Michelle_Arnold]

During the liturgy, the focus should be on the altar and what’s happening there, particularly if you are acting as a minister during Mass. But if you are just attending Mass as a congregant, the devotions in which you engage before and after Mass are your business. Certainly you may genuflect toward the tabernacle when entering and leaving the nave.