Catholic Action Prayer: The Meaning of Public gestures at Mass

Gestures b4 Mass: Part 1

We are not always aware of that 70-90% of our communication is gesture and ritual: displaying or retireing (pic above) a US flag, tone of voice while inter-acting in a grocery line or placing the items on the conveyor belt, and handing over bank slips for money or deposit, buying tickets for a game or show, taking your seat in the stadium or theatre. All these require actions particular to place and context. I could never convince my Mom to use paper plates for a family reception, however they were necessary to a picnic. 

Learning how to use hands, feet, eyes, legs to engage “things” efficiently and properly is part to growing up (the work and play of hands in the Family Vine Chapel pic below). Toy pots, pans, plastic hammers and saws exist for this reason.  However, day-to-day multi-tasking does make us lose a conscious hand-to-handling connection. Did you ever do something “without thinking?”

 

 Here’s an opportunity to restore connections between our hands and what we handle or how to use them at Mass.  Practicing mindful over mindless connects actions with prayer: hands, knees, and eyes with kneelers, sacred space, and our need for comfort, beauty, inspiration, and hope.

 

Using hands to create: Stacey of Swiatek Studios paints the vine of the international Family Chapel.  Personal action prayers or hand gestures at Mass include the following, listed below with their faith meaning.

Silence before God is never “dead,” but chattering kills it.  As a dynamic opportunity to fall into communion with God, the Psalms remind us, “Be still and know I am here.”

 

Everyone needs quiet time. We need that time to “gather our thoughts” even pull ourselves together. That’s why many people seek peace and healing in meditation. Leaving daily challenges and demands is key to entering silence. It happens when you enter the church. You enter a safe place with God. The attitude of silence is necessary to connect with the spiritual. Connecting with our supernatural God and Creator, means we listen. That usually happens when we get a chance to get “things” off our chest, throwing them on the Lord.

The saints of the ages believed the only prayers heard in heaven are those preceded by profound silence. Quietly entering the church, walk mindful of being in God’s house, and approach your favorite pew without distractions.  This prepares you for full communion with the Almighty.

Historically people genuflected before those in authority, especially when asking for or receiving something significant, like the knighting of a soldier or Prince Casimir relinquishing his crown before God (pic by Jay Costello). Genuflection says there’s someone greater than myself who can help me. Before you genuflect (on one knee) let your eyes go to the Tabernacle, where Jesus, our All-Capable God, is ready for us. Then slowly kneel, maybe even bow your head. Say “Praise You, Lord!” or “Lord, you are so good!” or “You have done great things for me!” Then rise and walk into the bench.

Your gesture conforms your body to your simple prayer of praise before the most important and powerful person you will meet in church.

After finding your seat, it’s time for intimate, personal prayer. We kneel as if at Jesus’ feet to tell him our most pressing concerns (pic by Art Kogutowski). Folded hands are an intercultural sign of focus, pleading, and honor (especially among Orientals). Placing our hands close to our breast, we concentrate or mindfully raise our heart heavenward, “from where comes my help.” Bowing the head reinforces the same attitudes and is often practiced for some real, pressing need.

 

Lighting a votive candle means I have a personal intention.  That candle prays for me, “keeps vigil,” long into the night while we are resting.  Illuminating a vigil light is very comforting and reassuring, a prayer of hope.

Mass hasn’t yet begun as we prepare for full Communion with heaven.  Save the church bulletin for when you get back home, TMI (too much information).  Mindfully listening and paying attention to God, our greatest love, will mean we may even meet Him, yes encounter Jesus, heart to heart, rather than just listen to the Readings. 

The priest is also waiting to offer all the prayers we have prayed (Photo below by Art Kogutowski).  More next week.

Compiled at St Casimir’s Church on the occasion of the National Eucharistic Revival.  © Rev Dr CzMKrysa, Buffalo, NY.  May 2024