The "Art" of Bowing

So an amusing thing occurred to me that I've noticed before but never really thought about. At Communion, the other day, a young lady went up, and bowed before receiving the Most Precious Body. But, her bow was extremely awkward. Part of it was that she bowed right as the priest was lifting the Host and saying, "The Body of Christ." Yet, I've seen that a 1000 times, done it myself, and am so used to other people doing it (bowing when they are in front of the priest rather than when waiting in line). It would have been quite fine as long as it was separate from the more awkward part - the bow itself.

I'm sure you have all seen people do it before. A bow where the communicant simply bends at the waste but doesn't lower their head; they manage to continue looking at the priest. The other day's example was simply the weirdest instance of it that I've seen yet.

Frist, it must be noted that if you're going to bow, as you should out of reverence for the presence of Christ before you, then actually bow. I am not upset with this person for having an odd bow. But, it seems that it might be appropriate to explain as much as I can about why we bow.

Don't make your bow a half bow or a quick bow - be reverent. If you have to make it a quicker bow than you would prefer, then that is unfortunate but understandable, but do so with a good disposition. And, I know that I cannot judge this young lady's true disposition. It is not my place to do so, but I can say that if you're going to have a good disposition, then it shows through in most cases. Again, I am not denying that she was in the right disposition, but maybe it is necessary to continue to explain the importance of the bow to show why her bow struck me so much.

You don't need to be self-righteous but rather just righteous. If you're going to bow, then bow your head. That's the point of the bow. You are subjecting yourself to the authority and presence of the Lord. You are showing that you acknowledge that He is truly there, and that you are unworhty to look up to Him. He disguises Himself in bread and wine so that we might not be struck blind at the His amazing sight, but the bow is our way of showing that we acknowledge that we are unworthy to receive Him. Lord, I am unworthy to receive You, but only say the word, and I shall be healed. Our bow is another "Amen." In fact, it is more like the preparatory "Amen." It is our chance to acknowledge that we understand, as best we can, that the Lord is truly present in the Eucharist. Our vocal Amen, mixed with the Amen of our body and heart, through the bow, help unify our body and soul and so fully come to the altar of the Lord as worthy as we can be. So if you are going to bow, then do so reverently and subject yourself to the authority of Christ. Bow your head so that your body agrees with the words of your mouth - Amen. So be it.