November 27th, 2022

First Sunday of Advent

by Fr. Boniface Endorf, O.P.

Dear St. Joseph Parish Family,

Advent begins! This season is one of watchfulness, vigilance, and prayer, as we await the coming of our Lord on Christmas. Let us spend this special time in spiritual practices—let us be spiritually watchful and vigilant. We won’t notice Christ’s coming if we aren’t paying attention! Just as the three magi of Epiphany knew of Christ’s coming only through diligently watching for signs in the heavens, so we too should keep our eyes on God to discern His coming. Let us be prepared with our lamps alight as Christ comes to call us to Himself—to bring us with Him to our true homeland in heaven.

Mass Tidbit

The proclamation of the Gospel is surrounded with much symbolism in the Mass. First, because the Gospel comes from Jesus, it is only ever proclaimed by the priest, who acts in persona Christi, in the person of Christ Himself, proclaiming His Gospel to us. We all stand for the proclamation of the Gospel to show the dignity and importance of the Gospel.

While processing, sometimes with the incense and candle bearers, towards the ambo where the Gospel is proclaimed, the priest prays quietly this prayer: “Cleanse my heart and my lips, almighty God, that I may worthily proclaim your holy Gospel.” The priest is preparing himself for the holy act he is about to undertake.

When at the ambo, the priest then says to the people “The Lord be with you” and they respond: “And with your spirit.” As at the beginning of Mass, the people are requesting that the gifts of God that the priest received through the sacrament of Holy Orders, the sacrament that makes one a priest, will be active while he proclaims the Gospel, that he will proclaim it in persona Christi. In other words, we recognize the work of God especially present at this point in the Mass.

The priest then says: “A reading from the holy Gospel according to…” The Gospel is God’s work of revelation, His book, and so it’s always referred to as “the holy Gospel according to” Matthew, Mark, Luke, or John, rather than “Mark’s Gospel.” The people then respond “Glory to you, O Lord.”

While introducing the Gospel, the priest makes the Sign of the Cross on the Gospel book and on his forehead, lips, and breast. The people do likewise on themselves. This links the Gospel in the book to our minds, mouths, and hearts, that it may dwell therein. The priest then incenses the book of the Gospels, marking its holiness and praying that our pious acts here may rise to heaven.

After proclaiming the Gospel, the priest states “The Gospel of the Lord” and the people reply “Praise to you, Lord Jesus Christ.” The priest then kisses the book of the Gospels and prays quietly “Through the words of the Gospel may our sins be wiped away.” Our salvation from sin and death rests on Word of God, the source of the Gospels, Jesus Christ.

God Bless,

Fr. Boniface