August 16 and August 17

20th Sunday in Ordinary Time

From Deacon Dick~

                      What is The Book of the Gospels?

          The Book of the Gospels is a collection of Gospel passages proclaimed at Mass on Sundays and Solemnities. This revered book — not the lectionary — may be carried in the entrance procession by a deacon, or by a lector when there is no deacon. The minister walks with the book slightly elevated and places it upon the altar, which represents Christ, the living stone (1 Pt 2:4). This placement unifies two primary symbols for Christ in the Liturgy of the Word and the Liturgy of the Eucharist

During the Gospel acclamation, the deacon or priest goes to the altar, lifts the Book of the Gospels, and carries it to the Ambo. He may incense the book after announcing the evangelist. He proclaims the Gospel and then reverences the Book with a kiss while praying: Through the words of the Gospel may our sins by wiped away. Then, we place the Book in a place of honor with the pages opened signifying that the Gospel has been proclaimed to all.  We do not process out with the Book of the Gospels because we have heard and hearkened to God’s word and leave with it imbedded in our hearts.

During the ordination of a deacon, the Book of the Gospels is placed briefly in his hands as the bishop instructs:  “Believe what you read, teach what you believe, practice what you teach.”  Isn’t that sage advice for us all?