Gospel Is The High Point Of The Liturgy Of The Word

According to the General Instruction of the Roman Missal, “The reading of the Gospel constitutes the high point of the Liturgy of the Word.  The Liturgy itself teaches the great reverence … to be shown to this reading by setting if off from the other readings with special marks of honor, by the fact of which the minister is appointed to proclaim it and by the blessing or prayer with which he prepares himself, and also by the fact that by their acclamations the faithful acknowledge and confess that Christ is present speaking to them and stand as they listen to the reading and by the mere fact of the marks of reverence that are given to the Book of the Gospels” (60).

Some marks of reverence shown for the importance of the proclamation of the Gospel include:  1) the Book of the Gospels is carried into the assembly by a deacon or lector; 2) the procession of the Gospel Book to the ambo (pulpit); 3) servers may hold lit candles on both sides of the deacon or priest; 4) the “Alleluia” is sung throughout the Church year (except during Lent);  5) special greetings are given before the Gospel proclamation; 6) the Book of the Gospels may be incensed; 7) the triple signing of our foreheads, lips, and hearts; 8) kissing of the Gospel Book by the priest or deacon; and, 9) the standing of the people during the proclamation. These marks of respect express our faith that the Risen Christ is in our midst proclaiming the same message he did more than 2,000 years ago.

The proclamation of the Gospel begins with the triple signing of the cross on our foreheads, lips and hearts.  Often people joining our church wonder what we Catholics are doing.  This action can easily become such a routine that sometimes we may rush through it without reflecting on its meaning.  At an infant’s baptism, we sign his/her forehead with the cross signifying that the infant now belongs to Christ; the priest or deacon also touches the baby’s ears and lips saying “May you soon hear God’s Word and profess that Word of faith”.  Catechumens are signed with the Cross on their foreheads, eyes, ears, mouth, shoulders, heart, hands and feet.  This symbolizes that our entire body is holy and that we do God’s work with these various parts of the body.  (Some may remember when “Extreme Unction” or the “Last Rites” were given to a person near death.  These same body parts were anointed with the holy oil.)  

The triple signing of the cross means “May we be open to hear God’s Word, be ready to confess the Gospel to others, and safeguard the Gospel in our hearts”.  If we rush through it, this triple signing can neither express our faith nor deepen it.  Only by becoming more aware of the reason for doing it and do it with meaning can this triple signing touch our hearts, minds, and spirits.

After the Gospel proclamation, the priest or deacon kisses the Book of the Gospels.  At one time, the Gospel Book was kissed by all the priests present.  In the northern parts of Europe, the laity were also permitted to kiss the Gospel Book.  The custom of having all the clergy present kiss the Gospel Book was discontinued in the 13th century, although in some countries it is still found mentioned in the Missal until the 18th century.  When the bishop is present, the deacon or priest carries the Book of the Gospels to him to be kissed representing his role as Shepherd and Teacher of the faith.

Father Sauer continues his look at the Mass in the Nov. 18 issue of The Message.