Reverence the altar during Mass
Sometimes you may be confused what to reverence
during Mass – the crucifix, the altar, the tabernacle? During Mass our
focus is drawn toward the altar, where the sacrifice of Christ will take
place and where the transubstantiation of the bread and wine into the Body
and Blood of Jesus occurs. For this reason the priests and deacons
reverence the altar with a kiss as Mass begins and at the conclusion. When
reverencing during Mass, a simple bow toward the altar is what is most
appropriate. This doesn’t mean the crucifix is unimportant, rather, it
emphasizes the significance of the altar as the focal point of Mass. |
