If people feel so compelled to perform gestures, there are plenty in the N.O. that seem to be neglected in many parishes that would be nice to see done properly:
Blessing oneself with holy water in an actual sign-of-the-cross (instead of a vague flapping motion while hollering hello across the vestibule to a friend; genuflecting (right knee to the ground, not some psuedo-curtsy or head-bob); the mini-blessing (mind, lips, heart) before the Gospel reading; holding the hands in a praying posture instead of with boyfriend, wife, kids, etc, cell phone; striking the breast during the Confiteor; bowing during the “Incarnation” part of the Creed; bowing the head and striking the breast at the Consecration; some reverent action (pause and bow head, or genuflect, etc, depends on arrangement of church) before receiving the Eucharist, instead of a McDonald’s-style fast food line....
As with the priest, there are specific physical postures and gestures for the laity that have deep symbolic meaning and enhance our genuine participation in the mass.
Amen!!!!