Here is Saint Dominic assuming two different postures - one flowing into the other. While kneeling he is looking at the crucifix, his left hand has covered his heart, while his right hand is open, perhaps reminding himself simply to stop and gaze. In the second posture Dominic is standing while looking at the crucifix.
The words above the picture tell us that while gazing at the crucifix, Dominic recommends making genuflections. I'd propose an alternative gesture, as the genuflection is the most excellent acknowledgement of worship before the reserved Blessed Sacrament in a Catholic Church. The Eastern Church has a variation on this movement called a prostration.
The words above the picture tell us that while gazing at the crucifix, Dominic recommends making genuflections. I'd propose an alternative gesture, as the genuflection is the most excellent acknowledgement of worship before the reserved Blessed Sacrament in a Catholic Church. The Eastern Church has a variation on this movement called a prostration.
A prostration is made by bending the knees slightly and reaching to touch the ground with the finger tips of the right hand. It is a gesture of deep humility, of littleness, of gratitude, of reverential awe.
In your prayer: gaze on the crucifix, pondering that through Jesus' wounded side we have access to the open heart of God. Touch the ground slowly and gently and even repeatedly before that crucifix and its more-than-we-could-ever-hope-for-expression of heaven's love for all of us. All of us! Oh, take delight in that ~ all of us! Can you feel it?
