Posture in Church - January 21, 2024

Posture in Church

“Oh Lord, you have searched me, and know me! You know when I sit down and when I rise up; you discern my thoughts from afar.” (Ps 139:1-2)

In the words of Romano Guardini, ‘every part of the body is an expressive instrument of the soul.’ The Bible speaks of several postures of prayer; standing, kneeling, bowing, and prostration.

*Standing (side of vigilance and action... like a soldier on duty): Mt 24:15 ... ‘by the prophet Daniel, standing in the Holy Place...’

*Kneeling (side of worship in rest and quietness): Mt 8:2, 9:18, 15:25 ... ‘a leper came to Him and knelt before Him’ ... ‘behold, a ruler came in and knelt before Him’ ... ‘But she came and knelt before Him, saying, ‘Lord help me.’’

*Bowing Jn 19:30 ... ‘it is finished, and HE bowed HIS head...’

*Prostration Mt 26:39 ... ‘fell on his face and prayed’ ; Rev 4:10 ... ‘fall down before the one who sits on the throne and worship him, who lives forever and ever.’

When a knight puts his hands together, for example, he renders himself vulnerable. He could not reach for his weapon. So he stood when he approached a king or a judge. We too, are vulnerable when we are in God’s presence; for none of our weapons can harm him, and none of our defenses can repel him.

Hands pressed together, palm to palm, resemble a flame pointed heavenward -- an appropriate image as we heed St. Paul’s counsel to ‘present your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and acceptable to God, which is your spiritual worship’ (Romans 12:1)

*Signs of Life by Scott Hahn / Catholic Doctorine by Gregory Oatis

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We, at St. Helena Catholic Church, are concerned with educating, directing, and sustaining all who visit. 

In particular those who draw near to the teachings and traditions of Holy Mother Church. 

We strive to achieve this by utilizing the Cardinal Virtues of Justice, Prudence, Temperance and Fortitude.