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chinie19
Guest
What is the reason that only a priest or deacon can read the Gospel during Mass?
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dmelosi
Guest
In the liturgical setting, only the priest or deacon can proclaim the Gospel. At his ordination, a priest or deacon is given the privilege to officially proclaim the Gospel during the liturgy. In our Catholic tradition, we believe that the words of the Gospel are not just read, but that through the proclamation of the words and the ministry of the priesthood and diaconate, Christ actually becomes present in his Word.
from this website
clarionherald.info/clarion/index.php/special-sections/year-of-renewal-the-mass/897-the-proclamation-of-the-gospel
from this website
clarionherald.info/clarion/index.php/special-sections/year-of-renewal-the-mass/897-the-proclamation-of-the-gospel
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MaryT777
Guest
Good question, I never really thought about the reason for this before now.
Mary.
Mary.
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Draper
Guest
That is a wonderful question! Laypersons are allowed to read from the OT and the NT epistles during the Mass. In fact it’s preferred – even if extra clerics are available.
Yet when it comes to the Gospel proclamation it MUST be a cleric. That makes very little sense to me, particularly when the cleric has difficulty reading in a specific language or has other difficulties reading.
I don’t think there really is a logical or theological reason for the requirement. It’s more of a “because the Church says so” thing.
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Draper
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The question was why?
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eightydeuce82
Guest
Because they were sent to proclaim the word by Jesus himself. Apostolic succession is ONLY applies to those ordained. Here is what that means. This is important so protestants pay attention.
Jesus ordained the Apostles and commissioned them to proclaim the gospel and baptize ALL nations. They did so and when their time on earth had passed they had elected by ordination the next leaders of the church (bishops) of which they passed on all that they taught (the word and tradition). Through a constant UNBROKEN line of ordination to this very day.
This line and that tradition is how we even have a bible today. (Catholics should know that)
The church has consistently taught for 2000 years (plenty of evidence to support this) that this commission was contained with the apostles and the apostles ONLY and they passed it on to their choice person ONLY and so on. Similarly that Peter was Chosen by Jesus to lead and build His church (Pope). He was not equal he was given the keys period and told to feed his sheep and this has not expired. Just like the verse where we are to obey those appointed over us…this never expired and certainly not in 1517…
So they are sent by Christ through his apostles. Protestants do not hold this line and have sent themselves. Lay people are also not commissioned and do not enjoy this line of apostolic succession. This is why they present the gospel to us because they are sent.
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eightydeuce82
Guest
So really its not a “the church says so” issue. Its a Jesus says so issue. Were just following what Jesus told us to do using the means Jesus gave us to hear the Gospel proclaimed by successors of the people Jesus entrusted to proclaim it. Because we know that didn’t die with the last apostle and if it was everyone’s job to do so we would have had a huge issue from the beginning.
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dmelosi
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eightydeuce82
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Deacon what did you think of what I posted? Pittsburg huh! My family hails from there!
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Todd977
Guest
The Catholic Church recognizes that a hierarchy exists among the inspired Sacred Scriptures and that the highest place of honor goes to the Gospels. This is one of the reasons why Catholics stand for the reading of Gospel but sit for the other readings. It likewise recognizes that a hierarchy exists among the members of the Body of Christ, that “God has appointed in the church first apostles, second prophets, third teachers…” (1 Cor 12:28) The Catholic Church sees the fittingness of entrusting the public reading of the Gospels in its sacred assemblies to those to whom “the Holy Spirit has made … guardians, to feed the church of the Lord,” i.e., its bishops, priests and deacons, and eventually enshrined the practice by making it a church law.
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Neofight
Guest
While deacons and priests are the only one’s authorized to proclaim the gospel in a liturgical setting, we are all called to proclaim the word, and should never (outside the liturgical setting) pass up the opportunity!
Peace and all Good!
Peace and all Good!
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CB_Catholic
Guest
Correction: Priests and Deacons (and Bishops) are the only ones authorized to read the Gospel at Mass. There are other Liturgies at which lay persons may read the Gospels, such as a Liturgy of the Word or Sunday Celebrations in the Absence of a Priest. Mass is not the only liturgical setting the Church has, as I am sure you know.
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Usige
Guest
That does bring up a question I’ve pondered.
If we stand at the Gospel because the Word becomes flesh as it is proclaimed by a cleric, should we stand when a member of the laity reads the Gospel in other instances? This has come up occasionally when certain classes have started with a reading from the gospels.
Just an idle though about the difference between reading and proclaiming the Gospel and it’s relationship to the laity and clergy.
If we stand at the Gospel because the Word becomes flesh as it is proclaimed by a cleric, should we stand when a member of the laity reads the Gospel in other instances? This has come up occasionally when certain classes have started with a reading from the gospels.
Just an idle though about the difference between reading and proclaiming the Gospel and it’s relationship to the laity and clergy.
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PJM
Guest
Because the Gospels are considered to BE, what Christ actually taught to His Apostles; and then commanded THEM to cf. God and “Teach it to the entire world” [Mt. 28:16-20]
[16] And the eleven disciples went into Galilee, unto the mountain where Jesus had appointed THEM.[18] And Jesus coming, spoke to them, saying: All power is given to me in heaven and in earth. [19] Going therefore, teach YOU all nations; baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost. [20] ***Teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded YOU ***and behold I am with you all days, even to the consummation of the world"
While the Epistles “letters”] are the interpreted and HS guided .accounts of the various authors on their Ministries in fulfilling Christ mandate in Mt. 28: above
So both Priest and Deacons are Ordained that is chosen by BY God and appointed for their Ministry; while being guided by the Holy Spirit. John 15: 16 " You did not choose me, but I chose you and appointed you that you should go and bear fruit and that your fruit should abide; so that whatever you ask the Father in my name, he may give it to you."
God Bless you,
Patrick
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G_S
Guest
It all makes a lot of liturgical sense. Look at it this way: If the proverbial man from Mars came to Mass knowing absolutely nothing, he would notice that, when the Gospel was read, that a special song was sung, everybody stood up, a person in the front clothed in robes got up, bowed down before another man dressed about the same, had the man wave his hands over his head while saying something, the first man lifted up a large, ornamented book, went to a special place, made some sort of motion on the book and then, with everybody else, made the same motion on his forehead, lips, and heart, read some words and kissed the book after reading those words… Even the “man” from Mars would realize that what was just read was very important and significant and he would be right for the words and deeds of Jesus Christ had just been proclaimed. Without ever explaining any of this, the person experiencing this Sunday after Sunday cannot help but know that the Gospel has a special significance over and above the rest of the scriptural text.
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Draper
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So when a cleric stumbles and mumbles and struggles through the “proclamation” (not at all uncommon in my parish), it’s still somehow more edifying (even if it cannot be understood) to those listening because of his special “charism”?
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Draper
Guest
One thing I will admit.
If anyone could proclaim the Gospel at Mass it would become a highly coveted, “political” ministry. Almost all the proclaiming would be done by the laity in most parishes, and they would dress just as incorrectly as they already do today.
If anyone could proclaim the Gospel at Mass it would become a highly coveted, “political” ministry. Almost all the proclaiming would be done by the laity in most parishes, and they would dress just as incorrectly as they already do today.
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Hoosier_Daddy
Guest
Nice…
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