| Question Title | Posted By | Question Date |
|---|---|---|
| Liturgy of the Word | Joseph | Monday, June 4, 2007 |
Question: At he reading of the Gospel, the faithful stand. The priest or deacon begins with: A reading of the Holy Gospel according to Matthew/Mark/Luke/John. We then, using our thumb, make a small sign of the cross on our forehead, lips, and over our heart. 1.) What words should we be saying while making these three signs of the cross? 2.) Why do we use our thumb? 3.) Is it wrong to make this sign with the joined thumb, fore finger, and middle finger? |
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| Question Answered by Mr. Jacob Slavek
Dear Joseph, The GIRM simply states that the minister proclaiming the Gospel signs the book and then himself with his thumb on his forehead, mouth and breast. There is no text given for him to pray at that point. Out of devotion the people can also make a gesture of reverence, as they should whenever they open the Gospel, not just at Mass. Most use their thumbs and pray something like "Christ be on my mind, on my lips and in my heart." One could also simply make and pray the Sign of the Cross as they begin to read the Gospel. As far as I know, the use of the thumb is simply practical so that certain parts of the body can be emphasized, such as the lips for proclaiming Christ. Mr. Slavek Footer Notes: (a) A Eucharistic Minister is clergy (Ordinary Ministers of Holy Communion). Laity are Extraordinary Ministers of Holy Communion and should never be called Eucharistic Ministers. (b) There is no such Mass called the Novus Ordo. The Current Mass is the Roman Missal of 2000, or the Oridinary Form of the Mass. The Tridentine Mass is the Roman Missal of 1962, or the Extraordinary Form of the Mass. Please refrain from using the term, Novus Ordo. Thanks. (c) The titles of Acolyte and Lector belong exclusively to the Installed Offices of Acolyte and Lector, who are men (only) appointed by the Bishop. These roles performed by others are Altar Servers and Readers, respectively. |
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