After the Gospel Acclamation, we listen with great attention to the Word of God in the Gospel. This is one of the high points of the Mass, and we stand in reverence with our minds and hearts open because Jesus is speaking to us. The Gospel may be proclaimed at Mass only by a bishop, priest, or deacon, someone who has received the Holy Orders. Jesus speaks through this ordained man, using him as His instrument to proclaim His Word.
The Gospel begins with a brief dialogue between the priest (or bishop or deacon) and the people. “The Lord be with you.” “And with your spirit.” We should speak our part with sincerity and with a prayer for the one who will read the Gospel.
The Gospel is drawn from either Matthew, Mark, Luke, or John. The Sunday Lectionary works on a three-year cycle with Matthew read in Year A, Mark in Year B, and Luke in Year C. The Gospel of John is read throughout, filling in as only this beautiful, theological Gospel can do.
We should focus carefully on the Gospel, following along in a missal if that helps. Again, it is best to read and meditate on the Gospel before Mass, for this opens us to what God wants to say to us.
At the end of the reading, the priest (or bishop or deacon) pauses briefly and then declares, “The Gospel of the Lord.” We respond with awe and gratitude: “Praise to You, Lord Jesus Christ.” For Jesus has spoken to us.
The priest (or bishop or deacon) then kisses the Gospel book as a sign of reverence and prays quietly, “Through the words of the Gospel may our sins be wiped away.” Amen. May it be so.
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