Why Catholics Bend the Knee

Why Catholics Bend the Knee

From Fr. Brian Soliven Sermons by Rev. Brian J. Soliven

May 4, 2026 · 17 min · Season 2026

About this episode

Fr. Brian Soliven reflects on the significance of genuflection and the joy of discovering Catholicism through the eyes of a young boy preparing for his First Holy Communion.

“I CAN’T WAIT!”  said fifteen-year-old Jayden, his face bright with a wide and eager smile as he looked toward his First Holy Communion this Sunday. The joy in him was hard to miss; it seemed to spread to anyone near him. Wanting to understand it, I asked, “Why are you so excited?” “All my life I was just a Christian, not living my faith very well. There was so much uncertainty. Then I discovered Catholicism and I started learning more and more. I learned that we truly believe that Jesus is really present in the Eucharist! I want to be with Him so bad!”  Then, with tears gathering in his eyes, he asked,  “Why doesn’t everyone want to receive Jesus in the Eucharist father?” To see such a fire of love for Jesus in one so young was a gift, even to an old priest. It is a curious thing: those who have long been in the Church can grow used to her treasures, as a man might grow used to the light of the sun and forget to marvel at it. We begin to take for granted what is, in truth, both strange and wonderful. And so it often happens that someone new, seeing with fresh eyes, reminds us of what we had nearly forgotten. Why genuflecting before we enter the church pew is…

People in this episode

Host: Rev. Brian J. Soliven

Topics covered

  • Catholicism
  • Eucharist
  • faith
  • genuflection
  • spirituality

Keywords

  • Catholicism
  • Eucharist
  • genuflection
  • faith
  • spirituality
  • First Holy Communion
  • Rev. Brian J. Soliven

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