And I’ve seen instances where people’s devotion to the Eucharistic Sacrament can overshadow the importance of service to the human element of Christ’s presence among us (which is, scripture tells us, what we’ll ultimately be judged by!). So it can be a delicate balance.

Some think standing is more theologically correct. If you emphasize the celebration aspect of the Eucharistic prayer, then standing is most appropriate. If you are more focused on the sacrifice of the Eucharist, then kneeling (which is a penitential stance, for our sins) makes more sense.

However, isnt this relative sometimes? Did you think your fellow church goers felt less respectful of the Eucharist because they were standing? It might make YOU feel less reverent to stand, but is that true for everyone? I don’t think it would be. Someone who thinks its most important to celebrate what the Eucharist represents would be hard pressed to feel referent by kneeling. But then again, what would my natural ‘stance’ be if I were celebrating? How was it decided that standing would signify celebration (or respect, as in standing when someone enters the room, standing ovation, etc)? Or kneeling would signify being pentitent (down on my knees begging)?

I think about how Jesus said he freely gives the Eucharist to us. So we are aware of our sinfulness in that moment because, in spite of it, Jesus still gives himself to us. Kneeling makes me think I’m focusing on me, and my sinfulness, rather than on Christ and the gift he is giving us. And maybe, there are some days when I need to think about my sinfulness more than celebrating the gift I am to receive. But some days maybe I need to think about my (or our) sinfulness more, and other times I know God wants me to freely accept the gift offered to me, be receptive of its graces, and to do that in that moment I might need to think about celebration.