Tracing the Cross at the Gospel

Tracing the Cross at the Gospel

The proclamation of the Gospel is the high point of the Liturgy of the Word, and is thus shown great reverence by setting it off from the other readings with marks of honor. Only a deacon or priest may proclaim it.

Preparing to proclaim it, the deacon receives a blessing from the celebrant and a priest offers his own prayer. The people stand in respect and sing an acclamation acknowledging that Christ is about to speak to them. The deacon carries the Book of the Gospels, slightly elevated and may be accompanied by lighted candles and a smoking censer. The Deacon greets the people, with hands joined, saying, The Lord be with you. After this, at the words A reading from the holy Gospel, he signs with his thumb the book and then himself on his forehead, mouth, and breast. The people sign themselves in the same way. He incenses the book and then proclaims the Gospel after which he says, The Gospel of the Lord, and all reply, Praise to you, Lord Jesus Christ. He then venerates the book with a kiss, saying quietly, Through the words of the Gospel, may our sins be wiped away. When a Bishop presides, the Book is brought to him so that he might venerate it with a kiss. In more solemn celebrations, if appropriate, the Bishop may impart a blessing to the people with the Book of the Gospels.  

What is the meaning behind the crossing of one’s forehead, lips, and chest? This gesture is a way of praying, “May the Lord be in my mind, on my lips, and in my heart.” It is said prior to the reading of the Gospel as a way of prayerfully inviting Christ to come to us in these ways as His sacred Word is proclaimed. The hearing of the Gospel must change our minds, it must be proclaimed by our lips, and it must affect our hearts. By our hearts, we especially mean our wills, affections, emotions, and passions.