REFLECTIONS ON KNEELING
by Robert Quinn
Has kneeling at Mass become a lost art? If so, rediscover it in the Bible.
Bulletin: SKEPTICAL REPORTER JOURNEYS BACK 2,000 YEARS IN TIME, IN SEARCH OF "KNEELING" PRACTICES. SURVEY RESULT BELOW:
Reporter: (addressing a "winged" group)
How do you stand (oops)...feel...on the issue of kneeling in the presence
of God?
Angels: So that, at the Name of Jesus, every knee shall bend
of those in Heaven, on Earth or under the Earth. (Phil. 2:10) +
Reporter: (moving on) You, sir...it's Saul, right? Oh,
it's Paul. Sorry about that. Your comment please.
Paul: ...As I live, says the Lord, to Me every knee shall
bend and every tongue shall give praise to God. (Rom.14:11) +
Reporter: (to himself) At last, here's a good group – all dressed like kings – surely they kneel to no one.
The Magi: And entering the house, they found the Child with Mary, His Mother,and falling down they worshipped Him..." (Matt.2:11) +
Reporter: (spying Paul, again) Hello again, Paul. Would you like to amend your earlier comment?
Paul: For this reason I bend my knees to the Father of our Lord, Jesus Christ." (Eph.3:14) Having said this, he knelt down and prayed with them all. (Acts 20:36) ...and we knelt down on the shore and prayed. (Acts 21:5) +
Reporter: (annoyed) That's not fair. Please limit yourself to one great argument for kneeling...not three! + (Noticing someone in an olive garden) You, sir, what is your feeling on the practice of kneeling?
Jesus: And He, Himself, withdrew from them about a stone's throw, and kneeling down, He began to pray. (Luke 22:41) +
Reporter: (visibly shaken slowly moves away – still unnerved spots soldiers with spears) Gentlemen, your thoughts on kneeling?
Roman Legionaries: ...and bending the knee before Him they mocked Him, saying, “Hail, King of the Jews.” (Matt.27:29) +
Reporter: (seeing Paul approach again) Another quote, Paul? Oh,...now you are Saul again. You have more names than a writer. What's that....you are a writer. It figures! Well, let's hear your latest.
Saul: and falling to the ground, he heard a voice saying to him: “Saul, Saul, why dost thou persecute Me? (Acts 9:4) +
Reporter: (exasperated....to the entire crowd) Let's be
honest. When did any of you last kneel to God?
Full Chorus: This morning – at Holy Mass.
Reporter: OK, you win. I bow – hey, it's a start – to your
wisdom.
Full Chorus: Imitation is the sincerest form of flattery.
Epilogue Fellow passenger on reporter's
flight home:
A very good friend once demonstrated "kneeling" as a gesture
of dependence, submission or supplication.
Reporter: You have a wise friend. I wish that I could have met him.
Fellow passenger: You already have....in the Garden of Olives.
Bob Quinn, a long-time friend of Les Femmes, has an extensive email list for his excellent articles and letters. To join, email: bquinn@catholicfamilies.net. Ed.