Liturgy of the Word: The Gospel

As we prepare to hear the reading of the Gospel, notice how the liturgy shows special reverence to this reading. For this particular reading, the priest or deacon and we, the congregation, do things that we did not do for the other readings from Scripture.

First, we stand to welcome the Lord Jesus who is about to be proclaimed in the Gospel reading. In the Old Testament, standing was the proper way to show reverence, so it is fitting that we welcome Jesus in the same way to express our reverence and readiness to listen.

Second: We say or sing “Alleluia”, which is a Hebrew expression of joy meaning “Praise the Lord!” It was used by the angels in Heaven to praise God for his work of salvation and to announce the coming of Christ to his people. Therefore, it is a fitting way to welcome Jesus who will come to us in the Gospel.

Third: During the Alleluia, the deacon or priest begins the procession to the lectern. He takes the Book of the Gospel from the altar, and the altar servers carry candles to accompany the Book which further underscores the solemnity of what is about to happen. The priest quietly prays at the

altar: “Cleanse my heart and my lips, almighty God, that I may worthily proclaim your holy Gospel.”

Fourth: After the greeting dialogue of “The Lord be with you”, the priest announces the Gospel reading and traces the sign of the cross on his forehead, mouth, breast, and on the book. The people also make the three-fold sign of the cross over themselves. This is a ritual by which we consecrate our thoughts, words, and actions to the Lord, asking that His word in the Gospel be always on our minds, on our lips, and in our hearts. All this ceremony tells us that we are approaching a most sacred moment in the Mass. That moment finally arrives when the Gospel is read. These Gospel readings are not just stories, but God’s own words about Christ’s life. When the Sacred Scriptures are read in the Church, God himself speaks to his people. We hear Christ Himself speak: “You shall love the Lord, your God, with all your heart, with all your soul, and with all your mind. This is the greatest and the first commandment.” (Mt. 22:37+) Christ is speaking to us through the Gospel, not just to people in the Bible. This is Christ directing us here today.

Please take time to consider all that you have heard the past four Sundays about the readings of the Old and New Testament, and let this new knowledge enrich your experience at the Holy Mass.