Proclamation of the Gospel
- Prayer before the reading of the gospel:
- Rubrics: The Deacon or the Priest says, "A reading from the holy Gospel according to [Matthew, Mark, Luke, or John]" and, at the same time, he makes the Sign of the Cross on the book and on his forehead, lips, and breast."
- GIRM 60. The reading of the Gospel constitutes the high point of the Liturgy of the Word. The Liturgy itself teaches the great reverence that is to be shown to this reading by setting it off from the other readings with special marks of honor, by the fact of which minister is appointed to proclaim it and by the blessing or prayer with which he prepares himself; and also by the fact that through their acclamations the faithful acknowledge and confess that Christ is present and is 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.