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11 May 2007
Church altar.
Possibly in Rilly sur Loire, France
The little red candle burning on the altar means that there is some consecrated host in the tabernacle. Which is to say that behind the small gold door in the bottom middle of the altar, there is a small chamber. Inside that chamber, there are some small wafers that appear to be a sort of unleavened bread made from wheat flour and water. However, during a mass, the bread has been consecrated and therefore has transubstantiated. Although there is no physical evidence to substantiate the claim, the bread only looks like bread. It is actually the physical body of Jesus.
Altars are always supposed to be given a certain amount of respect, but that increases when Jesus is hanging around inside the tabernacle. When crossing in front of the altar, it is customary to bow. Before leaving (after having approached it), it is customary to genuflect (drop down on one knee only) and make the sign of the cross. (Place your hand on your forehead, then your belly, then your left shoulder, then your right shoulder, all with head bowed.)
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