We have all been given many diverse gifts in baptism. Discovering the gift of our talents and how to use them is part of our Christian vocation. I wish to reflect upon the specific ministry of lector. It is an important and foundational gift necessary for shared worship.
Several years ago, Pope Francis declared that this ministry is “based on the Sacrament of Baptism and may be entrusted to all suitable faithful, whether male or female.” Lector is no longer a ministry reserved for those preparing for the priesthood, which thereby identified all other ministers as “extraordinary.”
This decision by Pope Francis raises the liturgical status of a lector. She or he is now an ordinary minister in the Liturgy of the Word. I have been a lector for 50 years in 10 different parishes throughout the Midwest. One of the overwhelming things I have learned is that exposure to the Scriptures, for a substantial number, or even most Catholics, is limited to what is heard at Sunday Mass. If this is true, it highlights the importance of effective lectors. If the proclamation of the reading is to impact our fellow parishioners, it must be “Game On” when the lector arrives at the ambo.
When it comes to the Liturgy of the Word, the lector’s role is significant. We believe Christ is present to us when we gather as Church, His Mystical Body. When the Word is proclaimed, it is Christ who speaks to us. When the Eucharistic Prayer is prayed, Christ is present to us drawing us with him into the sacrifice of His Passover to the Father.
The lector must proclaim, not simply read. A lector must do homework. She or he must understand what the scripture is about and grasp the context from where the reading is found. Certainly, the type of reading, as well as the proper pace and tone that is needed to clearly communicate its meaning, must be discerned. Is the scripture telling a story (Creation)? Or is it a poem (Isaiah)? Or is it teaching a lesson (St. Paul)? These are all proclaimed differently. Yet all these different formats communicate the presence of God’s relationship and love for His people. It is essential to attend to these diverse nuances.
The importance of coming together on the Lord’s Day cannot be understated. Yes. There are other churches, prayer groups, soup kitchens, bible studies, youth groups, and many other things. For Catholics, however, unless these good actions flow into and out of the presence of Christ in the Eucharist, they can lose their depth and even end up unsustainable. Having said that, I ask must we not participate actively as Greeters, Servers/Acolytes, Sacristans, Music Ministers, Cantors, Ushers, Lectors, Priest, Eucharistic Ministers, and as active participants in the pews? How else can we find depth of Spirit in our community and keep our parish life centered on Christ?
