Genuflection to the Blessed Sacrament

A question came up in the last training session: Can a genuflection to the Blessed Sacrament provide a remission of venial sin?

St. John Vianney comes right out and says, as if it was already general knowledge, that such a reverence does provide a remission of venial sins in his "Catechism on Confession": "My children, as soon as ever you have a little spot upon your soul, you must do like a person who has a fine globe of glass, which he keeps very carefully. If this globe has a little dust on it, he wipes it with a sponge the moment he perceives it, and there is the globe clear and brilliant. In the same way, as soon as you perceive a little stain on your soul, take some holy water with respect, do one of those good works to which the remission of venial sins is attached -an alms, a genuflection to the Blessed Sacrament, hearing a Mass." (Click here for the rest of that teaching...Chap 17)

Yet, as we frequently ask in our ministry, is the outward movement enough? Or is there more St. John Vianney was alluding to? St. Thomas Aquinas addresses these questions in his Summa Theologica:

"...Hence, for three reasons, certain things cause the remission of venial sins: first, because they imply the infusion of grace, since the infusion of grace removes venial sins, as stated above (Article 2); and so, by the Eucharist, Extreme Unction, and by all the sacraments of the New Law without exception, wherein grace is conferred, venial sins are remitted. Secondly, because they imply a movement of detestation for sin, and in this way the general confession [i.e. the recital of the Confiteor or of an act of contrition, the beating of one's breast, and the Lord's Prayer conduce to the remission of venial sins, for we ask in the Lord's Prayer: "Forgive us our trespasses"]. Thirdly, because they include a movement of reverence for God and Divine things; and in this way a bishop's blessing, the sprinkling of holy water, any sacramental anointing, a prayer said in a dedicated church, and anything else of the kind, conduce to the remission of venial sins."

So the genuflection alone does not serve the purpose. The grace given by the Lord, the detestation for sin, and a reverence for the Lord are some of the necessary ingredients to the recipe for remission of venial sins.

Bottom line: With the right frame of heart and mind and by the grace of God, a genuflection to the Blessed Sacrament can provide a remission of venial sin. But is that the goal?

Is a genuflection a habit, a custom, or desire to revere the Lord? It may start off as a noble custom taught to us by our priests and parents, and then it may become habit. Hopefully, as one matures, it becomes an act of love and faith.

As for remission of sins, the Church advocates to stick to the Sacrament of Confession:

"Without being strictly necessary, confession of everyday faults (venial sins) is nevertheless strongly recommended by the Church. Indeed the regular confession of our venial sins helps us form our conscience, fight against evil tendencies, let ourselves be healed by Christ and progress in the life of the Spirit. By receiving more frequently through this sacrament the gift of the Father's mercy, we are spurred to be merciful as he is merciful." (CCC 1458)

Altar servers have the privilege of genuflecting to Blessed Sacrament in the Sanctuary during training and especially at the Holy Sacrifice of the Mass where their frame of heart and mind should be prepared and focused. Yet, when you attend Mass with your family, should you love any less before you enter the pew?

Photo Credit: jdbradley