You probably noticed some time ago that the readers were no longer saying ‘This is the Word of the Lord’ at the end of the readings, and now simply say ‘The Word of the Lord’. This change was made so that ‘The Word of the Lord’ would be in a form parallel with the words ‘The Body of Christ’, ‘The Blood of Christ’ and ‘The mystery of faith’ (in the Eucharistic Prayer). The Mass readings are the word of the Lord proclaimed – not just in written form, but as they are spoken. God is present to us in the speaking of the Word; in its proclamation. This is why we should listen and not switch off and simply read from our Missals – and why our readers need to practice well, and to proclaim, with faith and love, the Word of the Lord.
The Word is "alive and active" and readers should be able to stand before the congregation, confident in the Lord, and read powerfully and convincingly. For Readers to understand their ministry is to understand that God speaks through them; that God actually uses the reader's voice to communicate with his gathered people. Contact Margaret Blackie:
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Our Role as Ministers of the Word as outlined by the DVD "Become One Body One Spirit In Christ"
Comments from Ministers of the Word about the above video clip:
"the video clip is excellent, if a bit daunting…!!"
Gavin Smith
"I decided to watch the video again and it really is a truly beautiful video. It really helps to create a greater understanding of our ministry. "