TABERNACLE IN THE CHURCH

The Tabernacle (Hebrew: "residence" or "dwelling place”). The English word "tabernacle" is derived from the Latin tabernaculum meaning "tent" or "hut", which in ancient Roman religion was a ritual structure. The word sanctuary is also used for the Biblical tabernacle, as well as the phrase the "tent of meeting". The Hebrew word Mishkan implies "dwell", "rest", or "to live in", referring to the "[In-dwelling] Presence of God", the Shekhina (or Shechina, based on the same Hebrew root word as Mishkan), that dwelt within this divinely ordained structure. A tabernacle is the fixed, locked box in which, the Eucharist is reserved (stored). The "reserved Eucharist" is secured there for distribution at services, for availability to bring Holy Communion to the sick, and as the center of attention for meditation and prayer. The term "tabernacle" arose for this item as a reference to the Old Testament tabernacle which was the locus of God's presence among the Jewish people.

The Catholic Church holds the doctrine of transubstantiation, i.e. that Christ is "truly present, Body and Blood, Soul and Divinity," though under the appearance of bread or wine. This presence endures after the consecration, so that even after Mass is concluded, the Eucharistic elements are still Christ's Real Presence.
The tabernacle is situated at the middle of the Sanctuary so that we could imitate to put Jesus Christ at the centre of our lives. The lights burn near the tabernacle when the Eucharist is present is a sign to members of the congregation that the Lord is still in the Church. At our tabernacle, the mosaic of the Last Supper (from Jordan) reminds us of our Holy Thursday celebration when Jesus Christ instituted the Eucharist.
I recommend the congregation genuflect only twice i.e. when we enter and leave the Church as a sign of respect to the Lord.
By Fr. Fundes Motiung.