Liturgy of the Word Gospel Acclamation, Gospel, and Homily

Gospel Acclamation

Before the proclamation of the Gospel, the cantor may sing the Gospel Acclamation, during most of the year, the “Alleluia,” and sing a verse. This announces that something very important is about to happen: the most important part of the Liturgy of the Word, the Gospel of the Lord, will be read.

The priest bows before the altar and prays that he may worthily proclaim the Word of God. He solemnly carries the Book of the Gospels aloft to the ambo. The altar servers stand on either side of the ambo, holding candles. This emphasizes, in yet another way, the importance of this part of the Mass.

The priest greets the congregation, saying, “The Lord be with you.” The congregation answers, “And with your spirit.” The priest announces which Gospel he will read, and he uses his thumb to trace the sign of the cross on his forehead, his lips, and his heart. All of these songs and signs are meant to prepare the priest to proclaim, and the congregation to listen to, the Word of God.

Gospel Reading

In the Gospel, Jesus speaks directly to his followers. Everything that comes before this point in the Mass is preparation for listening to Jesus speak in the Gospel. While laypeople read the first and second readings, the Gospel is only read by the priest. The special nature of this reading is acknowledged by the congregation, who stands to listen to the Word.

Selections from the scriptures are read at Mass in a three-year cycle: years A, B, and C. We are currently reading the scriptures designated as year C. The primary evangelist for year C is Luke. This Gospel, along with its sequel, Acts of the Apostles, presents a narrative of early Christianity, from Gabriel announcing the birth of John the Baptist in Jerusalem to Paul introducing the Gospel of Jesus in Rome. In his prologue, Luke tells us that he has “decided, after investigating everything accurately anew, to write it down in an orderly sequence for you… so that you may realize the certainty of the teachings you have received.”

We have the opportunity to listen to the narrative of Jesus’ public ministry, written down by conscientious people who lived during or close to Jesus’ time, with his message frequently in Jesus’ own words. It really doesn’t get more important than that.

Homily

After the proclamation of the Gospel, the congregation sits for the preaching of the homily. The homily is an interpretation of the readings of the day, especially the Gospel, an application of what they mean today, and how they can help us to better live the message of Jesus. Jesus taught his disciples how to preach as he explained the scriptures to them, and they, in turn, preached to as many as they could after his Ascension.

The preacher has an awesome task. We should always pray that the Holy Spirit is with him in his preparation and delivery of the homily and that it moves us to a deeper relationship with God.

Listening to a homily is much like listening to the reading of the scriptures. It requires our whole attention. Maybe God is sending a unique message intended just for us.