From Gert’s Catholic Library
The readings and responsorial psalm bring us to the high point of the Liturgy of the Word, which is the proclamation of the Gospel. The priest takes the Book of the Gospel from the altar and holding it aloft takes it to the lectern as we sing the Gospel Acclamation – Alleluia. (During Lent we sing another verse giving praise to the Lord.) The priest than greets the congregation with “The Lord be with you” and we respond with “And with your spirit.” He then announces the Gospel selection for the day and makes the sign of the cross over the Gospel Reading and then on his forehead, lips, and heart. The congregation also traces the sign of the cross on their forehead, lips, and hearts with their thumbs. This is done as a sign that the word which Christ brought us and set down in this book is something we are willing to stand up for with a mind that is open, confess it with our mouth, and above all safeguard it faithfully in our hearts.
In listening to the Gospel we come to “see” Jesus and learn what God is like and what God wishes of us. At the end of the Gospel the priest kisses the Book of the Gospel, holds it aloft and announces to us that what we have heard is the “Gospel of the Lord.” We answer with “Praise to you, Lord Jesus Christ.”
The homily which follows is an interpretation of the Readings we have just heard proclaimed. It brings the Scriptures into the present moment and giving them meaning in our lives today. Good preaching does not answer all our questions, it is not given to entertain us, we may not understand it, and sometimes it may even bore us as we listen. But later, at a moment of God’s own choosing, we will be surprised when suddenly something that was said makes perfect sense and fits the need of the present moment. The homily should whet our appetite for our reception of the Eucharist. Listening to the homily is much like listening to the Scriptures. It requires our whole attention. God is speaking to us through the words of the homily and no matter how good or poor the presentation, or how long or short it is; if we expect to hear a “word” from God, we will—which means we will hear a great homily at every Mass.