Devotion for today: We stand in the presence of Christ

Today we answer some frequently asked questions about the reading of the Gospel.

Scripture for meditation: Exodus 19:16-19
Then it came to pass on the third day, in the morning, that there were thunderings and lightnings, and a thick cloud on the mountain; and the sound of the trumpet was very loud, so that all the people who were in the camp tremble. And Moses brought the people out of the camp to meet with God, and they stood at the foot of the mountain. Now Mount Sinai was completely in smoke, because the LORD descended upon it in fire. Its smoke ascended like the smoke of a furnace, and the whole mountain quaked greatly. And when the blast of the trumpet sounded long and became louder and louder, Moses spoke, and God answered him by voice.

The Gospel Reading: Why do we stand: Standing has always been a gesture of deep respect. We stand in the presence of royalty, when we meet dignitaries, or when we’re introduced to someone. Many people still stand to greet women or their elders. It is only natural that this respect would flow into our liturgical life, as well. Standing to pray was the usual posture in the Jewish temple and synagogues… thus during the Mass, we stand during the reading of the Gospel, we stand during many of the prayers and, in the United States, the norm for the reception of holy Communion is standing. Elizabeth Solsburg http://www.staugcatholic.org/articleSynd.asp?ArticleID=66

At last we have reached the highpoint of the Liturgy of the Word, the Gospel reading. The word Gospel means “good news.” What we hear proclaimed at Mass truly is good news — the best news we can hear: Jesus Christ speaks to us! It is important to remember that when the Gospel is proclaimed, it is no longer the priest or deacon speaking, but Christ himself. We should pay especially close attention to the words of the Gospel as they are proclaimed. To help us focus on this very important reading, the Church gives us some additional postures and symbols of respect. First, we stand out of respect for the Gospel reading. Second, the Gospel is often carried in a special book, the Book of Gospels, that is placed in a place of honor during the Mass. Incense and candles are used on solemn feasts to indicate that Christ is present, speaking to us, through the Gospel we hear. It has become a custom for one to make a small sign of the cross on the forehead, lips, and heart before the proclamation of the Gospel. Why do we make small crosses before the Gospel is read? Originally this gesture belonged only to the deacon or priest proclaiming the Gospel, and only then if the Mass was celebrated by the bishop. Over time, priests and deacons began to use this gesture at all of the Masses they celebrated, and the laity adopted the same gesture. Even though this gesture has been used for centuries, there were no regulations requiring this gesture at Mass until the 1980s! When you make this gesture, ask God to bless your mind, that you may ponder his Word; your lips, that you may speak his praise; and your heart, that you may love the Word of God! http://www.verdekc.org/explainingthemass.html.

My thoughts: It is so important to remember that the Gospel is the highlight of the Liturgy of the Word. We stand because God is speaking to us. Just as the Jewish people stood when God spoke to them, out of respect and wondrous fear, we, too, should realize that we are actually hearing the words of Christ as He spoke them, the actions of Christ as He lived them, and the love of Christ as He poured it into the hearts of those who lived in His time, and into the hearts of us present now in the assembly of the faithful. It must be a priest or deacon who proclaims the Word of God; they are In Persona Christi, in the Person of Christ. Some people tell me they never read along with the priest when the Gospel is proclaimed. Rather, they close their eyes and picture themselves in the scene and at Christ’s side at that moment. I like that. Here is the Word of God being proclaimed; let us listen, and learn.

Prayer: Speak, Lord, by Gary Ault http://kevron2001.websitetoolbox.com/post/Lyrics-to-Speak-Lord-3605038 (you can hear the hymn at this site…so beautiful)

REFRAIN
Speak, Lord, I’m listening
Plant your word down deep in me.
Speak, Lord, I’m listening
Please show me the way.

1.       Sometimes my heart is slow to follow you;

Touch me to hear and understand;
And I’m told the things you promise;
And I hope they all come true;
And I know what waits for those who wait;
And put their trust in You.

2.       Sometimes I stumble on my way to you;

Stretch out again, your healing hand;
And I’m told the things you promise;
And I hope they all come true;
And I know what waits for those who wait;
And put their trust in You.
 From St. John Fisher Chapel Community Songbook; #32