Is reading the Gospel different than memorizing

[jmjconder]

**I wonder what the word proclaim means in reference to the Gospel.

I have been to several Masses where the priest has memorized all the Gospels.

At first I thought this was a beautiful moment. However after some time I have begun to reconsider.

Thoughts?**

 

[promethius]

I wonder what the word proclaim means in reference to the Gospel.

**I have been to several Masses where the priest has memorized all the Gospels. **

At first I thought this was a beautiful moment. However after some time I have begun to reconsider.

Thoughts?

I’m a bit confused as to why it would particularly matter as long as he proclaimed/read the gospel accurately…

 

[SMHW]

Proclaiming the Gospel (and other biblical readings) is not a matter of reading versus memorization.

My dictionary says that proclaim means to announce officially. It is my understanding that priests, deacons, and readers should try to speak with a voice that suggests what they are speaking is authoritative. In general, I believe reading is preferred over memorization because it suggests that the words are not those of the speaker but rather are spoken on behalf of God.

 

[jenkiedad]

**I have been to several Masses where the priest has memorized all the Gospels.

Thoughts?**

Was it really memorization or just thorough familiarity with the text? Proclaiming to me means that the words are very familiar to the point where the “reader” can look out at the congregation and make eye contact as necessary, but still referring back to the text. Also, keep in mind that proclaiming by an ordained priest (or deacon) is much different than what a lector or reader may do with the readings.

If you are expecting the priest to keep his eyes down and read the text, without looking up, that is not proclaiming and is not a very effective way to communicate the Word.

 

[jmjconder]

**For me I know that reading the Gospel is proclaiming an inspired word. A living word.

To repeat it word for word…is that a personal accomplishment or proclaiming action of a living word?

When I became a reader at Mass I thought that I needed to look at the people. I came to understand if the Bible IS the living word…I am only the voice. When I read now…knowing I am proclaiming a Living Word…I can only read with as much humility and not “think” bout those in the pews…that is HIS work…not mine.**

 

[promethius]

For me I know that reading the Gospel is proclaiming an inspired word. A living word.

To repeat it word for word…is that a personal accomplishment or proclaiming action of a living word?

When I became a reader at Mass I thought that I needed to look at the people. I came to understand if the Bible IS the living word…I am only the voice. When I read now…knowing I am proclaiming a Living Word…I can only read with as much humility and not “think” bout those in the pews…that is HIS work…not mine.

Be careful not to apply your chosen personal devotion as a universal stricture by which you judge others…

 

[TimothyH]

Be careful not to apply your chosen personal devotion as a universal stricture by which you judge others…

I don’t understand this comment.

Being a reader at Mass is not a personal devotion. It is a liturgical ministry of the Church.

What jmjconder wrote was not too far off from what I was told when I was trained as a reader, what the introductory notes from the Workbook for Lectors and Readers by Liturgy Training Publications states, and what the Office of Divine Worship from the Archdiociese where I reside states. Hebrews 4:12 states that the word of God is living, and when we proclaim it, we project Christ’s power and can touch lives.

I’m really not understanding how jmjconder is judging anyone.

-Tim-

 

[promethius]

I don’t understand this comment.

Being a reader at Mass is not a personal devotion. It is a liturgical ministry of the Church.

What jmjconder wrote was not too far off from what I was told when I was trained as a reader, what the introductory notes from the Workbook for Lectors and Readers by Liturgy Training Publications states, and what the Office of Divine Worship from the Archdiociese where I reside states. Hebrews 4:12 states that the word of God is living, and when we proclaim it, we project Christ’s power and can touch lives.

I’m really not understanding how jmjconder is judging anyone.

-Tim-

The idea that one should not make eye-contact (presumably by memorizing the text) when reading in order to more faithfully and humbly proclaim goes above and beyond what is stated in said publications, however.

It is to that additional personal devotion which I was referring when I said that such a personal devotion is not applicable to others as a universally binding precept.

 

[jmjconder]

---

I don’t understand this comment.

Being a reader at Mass is not a personal devotion. It is a liturgical ministry of the Church.

What jmjconder wrote was not too far off from what I was told when I was trained as a reader, what the introductory notes from the Workbook for Lectors and Readers by Liturgy Training Publications states, and what the Office of Divine Worship from the Archdiociese where I reside states. Hebrews 4:12 states that the word of God is living, and when we proclaim it, we project Christ’s power and can touch lives.

I’m really not understanding how jmjconder is judging anyone.

-Tim-

---

Though I may not have a heartfelt thought that is universally accepted…I stand by my original concern…if anyone proclaims a living word - is it from the memory or reading words from the source?
I say from the source…anyone agree? This is not the same as memorizing a Shakespeare play.

 

[jmjconder]

**

The idea that one should not make eye-contact (presumably by memorizing the text) when reading in order to more faithfully and humbly proclaim goes above and beyond what is stated in said publications, however.

It is to that additional personal devotion which I was referring when I said that such a personal devotion is not applicable to others as a universally binding precept.

**

If the “Living Word” is found in the words…why would anyone focus on the people and not on "The Living Word? "

 

[jenkiedad]

**

If the “Living Word” is found in the words…why would anyone focus on the people and not on "The Living Word? "

**

Because you, as the reader or lector are the conduit for translating what is written in scriptures to a clear voice that best communicates “The Word of God” to the congregation. This is best accomplished by using techniques that best engage others to pay attention and absorb what you are saying; e.g., changing inflection, pauses, emphasis of words, pronunciation, looking up, speaking clearly and with understanding. These are all techniques used in effective communication.

Here is a link to a guidelines for lectors published by the Archdiocese of Los Angeles. Your own diocese or parish may have its own guidelines.

archdiocese.la/prayer/worship/guidelines/lector.html

 

[jenkiedad]

I’m amazed at how much guidance to lectors is found on the internet with some simple searches.

Here’s some good points from another source:
theology.ie/lector.htm

"Some concrete techniques for public reading"“When most readers begin, they read as if they have been asked by a teacher in a lower school to fulfill a lesson: they read too quickly, without emphasis or phrasing, and without eye contact. They are often not loud enough.
Whenever we read in public, we are communicating a message with our presence, mostly in our voicing the words, but also in our body language which also should be given some attention.”

"Body Language: Eye Contact is the Start"“Eye contact is the most important part of this body language. It reflects a care for the hearers of this Word. Among other things it is a sign that we are pilgrims together in receiving it. Eye contact is made possible when the lector is thoroughly familiar with the reading and doesn’t need to see the lectionary for every word. The beginning lector has a fear, I think, that they would “take too long” if they purposively looked up now and then. Rather, by looking up now and then throughout the reading, they are making possible the necessary pacing that gives the reading meaning and enables it to be remembered.”

 

[JerrySeibert]

I’m a bit confused as to why it would particularly matter as long as he proclaimed/read the gospel accurately…

Very well said
At St Francis de Sales in Paducah Kentucky, while on vacation the Priest said practically the entire institution narrative from memory…the New Translation… I thought that was cool the Priest at my own Parish is struggling with that and I think the world of him. If it is read or recited from memory as long as it is said with the authority they are bestowed through ordination, so what?
As for a Priest having the ability to memorize the Gospel??? Impressive!!! And God bless that Priest for studying the word of God to a point he was able to commit it to memory. As for the Priests who are well on their way to memorizing the narrative, they both say multiple masses daily, so they are getting plenty of practice due to the lack of priests.
Pray for vocations and hope they are as in tune with the scripture.

 

[DCNBILL]

**I wonder what the word proclaim means in reference to the Gospel.

I have been to several Masses where the priest has memorized all the Gospels.

At first I thought this was a beautiful moment. However after some time I have begun to reconsider.

Thoughts?**

[BIBLEDRB]Luke 4: 16-20[/BIBLEDRB]

If reading the Scripture was good enough for Jesus…

 

[Splagchnizomai]

I’m amazed at how much guidance to lectors is found on the internet with some simple searches.

Here’s some good points from another source:
theology.ie/lector.htm

"Some concrete techniques for public reading"“When most readers begin, they read as if they have been asked by a teacher in a lower school to fulfill a lesson: they read too quickly, without emphasis or phrasing, and without eye contact. They are often not loud enough.
Whenever we read in public, we are communicating a message with our presence, mostly in our voicing the words, but also in our body language which also should be given some attention.”

"Body Language: Eye Contact is the Start"“Eye contact is the most important part of this body language. It reflects a care for the hearers of this Word. Among other things it is a sign that we are pilgrims together in receiving it. Eye contact is made possible when the lector is thoroughly familiar with the reading and doesn’t need to see the lectionary for every word. The beginning lector has a fear, I think, that they would “take too long” if they purposively looked up now and then. Rather, by looking up now and then throughout the reading, they are making possible the necessary pacing that gives the reading meaning and enables it to be remembered.”

I think this advice is solid, especially for public speakers, but it really doesn’t work for most lectors. Many who use this method sound as if they are telling a dramatic campfire story or recording an audiobook rather than proclaiming the Word of God.

Too many lectors try to be actors; they perform words rather than proclaim the Word.

 

[jenkiedad]

[BIBLEDRB]Luke 4: 16-20[/BIBLEDRB]

If reading the Scripture was good enough for Jesus…

So, are you saying that Jesus read from Scripture without looking up at the assembled?

The passage indicates that the “eyes of all were fixed upon him”. No where does it say what Jesus’ eyes were doing. “Reading” does not mean you can only look at the text and never look up.

 

[DCNBILL]

So, are you saying that Jesus read from Scripture without looking up at the assembled?

The passage indicates that the “eyes of all were fixed upon him”. No where does it say what Jesus’ eyes were doing. “Reading” does not mean you can only look at the text and never look up.

No I am saying that Jesus could have just stated the text from memorization and not actually read the text but He chose to read it from the scroll. I have no idea how much eye contact He had with the crowd.

 

[Splagchnizomai]

No I am saying that Jesus could have just stated the text from memorization and not actually read the text but He chose to read it from the scroll. I have no idea how much eye contact He had with the crowd.

I don’t think eye contact with a congregation is stressed when reading from Torah. I haven’t been to Temple too often – but the few times I’ve gone I recall that the reader kept his eyes on the Torah and not on the congregation.

I think eye contact is some kind of Dale Carnegie/Toastmasters thing. Perhaps this style of “lectoring” works better in Protestant churches?

 

[jenkiedad]

I don’t think eye contact with a congregation is stressed when reading from Torah. I haven’t been to Temple too often – but the few times I’ve gone I recall that the reader kept his eyes on the Torah and not on the congregation.

I think eye contact is some kind of Dale Carnegie/Toastmasters thing. Perhaps this style of “lectoring” works better in Protestant churches?

Well, I haven’t been to a Protestant Church lately, but I have been a Lector/Reader for a number of years in a Catholic Church. Over that time, I’ve collected numerous Lector Workbooks, Lector Guides, and other publications, all of which stress that to have effective communication of the written Word, “eye contact” is an effective use of body language. You are welcome to look at the links posted earlier.

I would be interested in your sources that say to keep your nose down and “read” and never look up from the text.

 

[Splagchnizomai]

Well, I haven’t been to a Protestant Church lately, but I have been a Lector/Reader for a number of years in a Catholic Church. Over that time, I’ve collected numerous Lector Workbooks, Lector Guides, and other publications, all of which stress that to have effective communication of the written Word, “eye contact” is an effective use of body language. You are welcome to look at the links posted earlier.

I would be interested in your sources that say to keep your nose down and “read” and never look up from the text.

I’d recommend reading Fr Z on this, Reading at Mass and “eye contact.” Probably not as authoritative as your experience and your resources, but perhaps worthy of your consideration?

Here’s my view. There is a thin line between reading the Word of God in an articulate, intelligible, thoughtful way, and a performance. While Holy Mass is the greatest drama even in earthly terms, our roles are not dramatic roles.

I was an actor in a former life. I know the temptation to “play” the crowd. Keeping eye-contact, for most people, will lead them into problems, in my opinion. Unless they are quite disciplined, they will lend to their reading the overtone that that reading is about the reader and not the Word. In all our reading in Scripture, the Word is both speaking and being spoken, raised to the Father.

“Keeping eye-contact” is not something that I would push. I would push proper pronunciation of the words, the phrasing, the meaning.

And a comment that you may find interesting in case you are lector at a Papal Mass …

A seminarian in Rome recently told me of his experience as a Lector at the Papal Mass earlier this year. The Papal MC, Mgr Marini instructed him that he was not to worry about making eye contact with the congregation but to focus on the sacred text – on which he was told to meditate prayerfully beforehand. So your advice is supported at the highest level.