Reverence for the Gospel

Lenten Gospel Reading with Bp. Joseph 

By Bp. Joseph (Ancient Church of the West)

“Lighten our darkness, we beseech thee, O Lord;

and by thy great mercy defend us from all perils and dangers of both soul and body; for the love of thy only Son, our Savior Jesus Christ. Amen.” 

Why do we stand, bow, hold candles, cense and kiss the Gospel when we read it in Liturgy? 

We treat the Gospels coming into our midst like we would greet the King of Kings and Lord of Lords returning to rule and reign forever. The Word became flesh and dwelt among us, restoring us to God, reconciling our relationship with God, and giving us the “scent of holiness.” 

The Gospels are not just an icon of this Presence and Power, they are God’s Word written and preserved by the Holy Spirit within the Church. 

“Thy word is a lamp unto my feet, and a light unto my path.” Psalm 119:105

When we bring the Gospel Book into the midst of the congregation to read God’s Holy Words, we remember that His Word is Christ, Our Savior and Lord, and we treat it with the same reverence and respect that we afford to Him! 

Let us stand at attention, bow in respect, cense with costly frankincense, and kiss the Gospel as we would venerate the Face of the Word of Life! 

Wisdom! Let us hear the Words of the Holy Gospel! Peace be to all!

“Then spake Jesus again unto them, saying, I am the light of the world: he that followeth me shall not walk in darkness, but shall have the light of life.” John 8:12