The Role of the Deacons in the Service
WHY DOES THE PRIEST OR BISHOP BLESS THE DEACON BEFORE HE PROCLAIMS THE GOSPEL?
During the sacred celebration of the Mass, there exists a moment that often goes unnoticed by many: as the deacon approaches the priest or bishop with a respectful demeanour and softly says, “Your blessing, Father.” In response, the celebrant offers a prayer over him, invoking God’s grace. Only after this solemn blessing does the deacon proceed to the altar, lift the Book of the Gospels, and make his way to the ambo to proclaim the Word of God to the congregation.
But why is this blessing significant? Is it merely a ceremonial formality, or does it hold more profound theological implications? Let us delve into the meaning behind this sacred act.
THE GOSPEL IS NOT JUST READ; IT IS PROCLAIMED.
The Gospel represents the living voice of Christ, transcending mere words inscribed on paper. It embodies a divine message that is alive and powerful. Thus, the individual chosen to proclaim it, be it a deacon or priest, does not rely on personal strength or eloquence; instead, he looks to God for grace and guidance. This is precisely why the deacon seeks a blessing before undertaking this monumental task. It is not a sign of his unworthiness, but a recognition of the immense responsibility he carries: to articulate the very words of Jesus Christ, to announce the Good News of salvation, and to serve as the voice of the Word made flesh in that sacred moment.
THE BLESSING IS A PRAYER OF ANOINTING.
When the celebrant prays, “May the Lord be in your heart and on your lips, that you may proclaim His Gospel worthily and well,” it is far from a mere routine gesture. This prayer constitutes a profound spiritual preparation. In that moment, the deacon is transformed into a vessel for divine truth, his voice becoming an instrument through which the Holy Spirit can work. The blessing seeks to invoke the presence of the Spirit, akin to the miraculous event of Pentecost, filling the deacon with passion, clarity, and a deep awareness of the significance of his call.
IT RECALLS THE PROPHETS OF OLD.
Historically speaking, we find parallels in the Old Testament, where prophets served not merely as messengers speaking from their own volition but were often anointed and sent by God Himself. Take the example of Isaiah, who, upon receiving his call, lamented, “Woe is me… for I am a man of unclean lips…” His subsequent purification, where God cleansed his lips with a burning coal, serves as a reminder of the necessity of divine sanctification before one can effectively proclaim God’s Word. Similarly, the deacon, before sharing the Gospel, receives a blessing that symbolises a plea for spiritual cleansing: “Cleanse my lips, Lord, that I may speak only You.”
IT’S A MARK OF OBEDIENCE AND MISSION.
Importantly, the deacon does not proclaim the Gospel based on his own authority; he is sent by the Church, which holds the sacred responsibility of disseminating Christ’s teachings. The blessing signifies his obedience to both the bishop or priest who presides over the liturgy and to the liturgy itself. This sacred structure emphasises that no individual takes honour upon themselves, but rather is called to serve within a communal mission. This moment serves as a reminder to all present that the Gospel is not a subjective opinion; it is a sacred message entrusted to the Church, one that is received in faith and proclaimed for the salvation of souls.
So, the next time you witness the deacon bowing and humbly seeking a blessing, take a moment to reflect:
- He is not merely reading words from a book.
- He is being sent forth as an ambassador of Christ.
- He does not rely solely on his own abilities; instead, he draws upon the guidance of the Holy Spirit.
In that sacred moment, we, the Church, are preparing to hear heaven speak through him. The act of receiving a blessing is a powerful reminder of the sacredness and seriousness of the Gospel proclamation, urging us to listen with open hearts and minds to the Good News being shared.
WHY IS THE BOOK OF THE GOSPELS CARRIED IN PROCESSION?
At every solemn Mass, there is a captivating moment that never fails to draw the congregation's eyes: a deacon or priest elevates the beautifully adorned Book of the Gospels, carrying it through the assembly as if bearing a great treasure. This book, rich in symbolism and significance, is not just any book; it is the Book of the Gospels. But why is it carried in such a grand procession? What is the significance of the accompanying incense, the flickering candles, and the careful elevation? Is it merely Scripture?
No, it is far more than just written text. It embodies the voice of the Word made flesh. It represents Christ Himself, who comes to speak directly to His people through the Gospels.
OLD TESTAMENT ROOTS
To understand the importance of this procession, we look back to the Old Covenant. When God entrusted the Law to Moses, it was not conveyed quietly or shared in private whisperings. Instead, it was carried out in a vibrant public display, proclaimed loud and clear before all of Israel. As we read in Exodus 24:7, “Then he took the book of the covenant and read it aloud to the people.” This act was not merely a reading; it was a covenantal declaration from God Himself. It was as if God was speaking directly to His people.
In Deuteronomy 31: 9–13, Moses further instructed that this Law should be read aloud every seven years before the entire community of Israel, encompassing not only men and women but also children, ensuring that all would hear and reverently acknowledge the Lord. In this way, the Word of God actively walked among them, moving from the sacred Tent of Meeting to the gathering of the entire assembly.
THE ARK OF THE COVENANT AND THE WORD
In the sacred spaces of the Tabernacle and later the Temple, the Ark of the Covenant was treated with great reverence, carried with solemnity and incense because it housed the Word of God engraved upon stone tablets. Analogously, during Mass, the Book of the Gospels is carried in procession to signify that it contains the Living Word, Jesus Christ Himself, who speaks to us through the Scriptures.
While the Old Ark contained stone tablets, this book carries the Spirit of God, full of life and dynamism. It is not merely a physical object; it is a conduit of divine communication.
NEW TESTAMENT FULFILLMENT
The fulfilment of the Old Testament prophecies in the New Testament becomes evident when we consider the moment in Luke 4:17 21, where Jesus stands in the synagogue to read from the scroll of the prophet Isaiah. However, His reading transcends the act of vocalising words; He brings those scriptures to fulfilment, declaring, “Today this Scripture is fulfilled in your hearing.” At Mass, the Gospel is not simply read; it is proclaimed, echoing the authoritative voice of Jesus Himself, who speaks directly to us through His sacred texts. This is precisely why we rise from our seats and light the candles during the Gospel reading. It symbolises the truth that Christ is present among us once more, making His entrance into our midst.
THE PROCESSION IS A ROYAL ENTRANCE
The act of carrying the Book of the Gospels in procession must be viewed not merely as a symbol, but as a profound reenactment of the Incarnation itself. As stated in John 1:14, “And the Word became flesh, and dwelt among us.” This signifies that the Word of God is not a figure confined to the heavens; instead, He is active, moving, walking, and speaking among us.
THE BOOK IS LIFTED BECAUSE THE WORD IS ALIVE
To honour this sacred moment, we incense the Book of the Gospels, just as we would incense Christ Himself. We rise to our feet, acknowledging that royalty has entered our assembly. We actively listen, because God is once again speaking to us through the Scriptures. This experience is not akin to a classroom reading; it is a liturgical proclamation infused with power and purpose.
Before the deacon proclaims the Gospel, he bows before the priest and requests a blessing. This moment is filled with meaning, as he is about to become the voice of Christ, speaking words that are not merely his own but are the living, active, and present Word of God.
SO NEXT TIME YOU SEE THE GOSPEL PROCESSION…
Keep in mind the lessons from the book of Exodus. Remember the reverence afforded to the Ark of the Covenant. Recall Jesus standing to read in the synagogue. Understand that this is not merely a performance for the congregation; it is a moment of divine revelation. God is about to speak, and the Church prepares to listen, stand, and receive with open hearts.
The Gospel is carried in procession because the Word of God is always in motion. The Gospel does not remain static; The Gospel walks among us, speaks to us, and ultimately saves us.
References:
1.
2. Liturgical instructions issued by the Vatican Liturgical Commission
3. Document Sacrosanctum Concilium
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