The head bow is a simple, subtle gesture that, sadly, is largely neglected anymore, even amongst the clergy who learn of its significance in their seminary formation. But though simple, subtle, and much-forgotten, it is nonetheless an important gesture because it is a demonstration of our reverence for the Holy Names.
The head-bow (or nod) is done when the names of Jesus and Mary are uttered in the liturgy (and also when a saint’s name is uttered on that saint’s memorial feast). Because again, this gesture is a sign of respect for the power of the name. There is tremendous power simply in calling upon the Holy Names of Jesus and Mary in the spirit of prayer, as well as the name of the saint whose day it is. If a nod of the head or a tip of the hat is an expected sign of respect toward someone who is our superior in this world (for example, when military personnel of lower rank salute officers of a higher rank), then how much more is it a sign of respect to bow our heads at the Holy Names of God the Son and the Mother of God?
If folks were to observe me as I celebrate the Mass, they would see that I almost never fail to offer a head-bow at every utterance of the Holy Names of Jesus and Mary (and the saint of the day). I would invite folks to count how many times I head-bow during the Mass, because I myself have no clue how frequently I do it! May it be that all of us would foster greater reverence for the Holy Names and that we give careful consideration to showing our reverence by using the simple, subtle gesture of the head-bow.