What To Say Before And After Reading The Gospel

Okay, let’s be real for a second. You’re standing in church, the pew is a little hard, and the lector just announced the Gospel from Matthew, Mark, Luke, or John. Suddenly, your brain goes blank. What do I even say?

Don’t panic! I’ve got you covered. The words before and after the Gospel are like the bun on a hamburger—they hold everything together and make the whole experience less messy.

Let’s break this down with a little humor and a lot of heart. Think of me as your friendly liturgical GPS.

Before the Gospel: The "Big Moment" Warm-Up

First things first: the priest or deacon announces the specific Gospel. He might say, “A reading from the Holy Gospel according to Mark.”

Your job? You don’t just grunt. You respond. The classic line is: “Glory to You, O Lord.”

But wait—there's a secret sauce here. As you say it, make a tiny sign of the cross on your forehead, lips, and heart. Why? You’re literally asking God to put His Word in your mind, on your lips, and deep in your heart. It’s like a spiritual three-point shot.

Pro tip: Say it with confidence. Not like you’re mumbling an apology. You’re greeting the King of the Universe, not ordering a coffee. (Though if you want to mentally shout, “Extra grace, please!” I won’t judge.)

What About the Preliminaries?

Before that big moment, you also get a little preface: “The Lord be with you.” And you bounce back with: “And with your spirit.”

See? It’s a divine tennis match. You serve, I return. Just don’t try to do a victory dance after. Wait for the final hymn for that.

During the Gospel: Shut Your Mouth and Open Your Ears

Okay, this isn’t a line you say, but it’s the most important part. Listen.

I know, I know—your coffee hasn’t kicked in. Maybe you’re thinking about lunch. But the Gospel is the highlight reel of Jesus’ life. If you zone out, you might miss the part where He walks on water or turns water into wine. Totally worth paying attention.

If you get distracted, just silently whisper, “Lord, help me focus.” It counts. I promise.

After the Gospel: The Grand Finale

The priest finishes reading. He looks up. He says: “The Gospel of the Lord.”

And here comes your big line: “Praise to You, Lord Jesus Christ.”

Say it loud enough for the people next to you to hear—but not so loud you wake up the guy snoring in the third row. Balance is key.

This phrase is a declaration. You’re not just acknowledging a book; you’re saying, “Yes! That’s my King! That’s the Good News!” It’s like when your favorite team scores a goal, but with more eternal significance and less face paint.

A Quick Laugh Break

Sometimes, after the Gospel, the priest will kiss the book and mumble a little prayer. Don’t worry if you don’t hear it. It’s his private moment. Kind of like when you kiss a photo of your grandma. Weird? A little. Sweet? Absolutely.

Just smile and think, “That Bible just got a holy smooch.” You’ll never forget it now, will you?

What If You Forget the Words?

Relax. You’re human. Your brain might say, “Glory be to Fred” instead of “Glory to You, O Lord.” It happens.

Here’s the cheat code: just mouth something holy. Or smile. Or nod. God knows your heart. And trust me, the person next to you forgot too—they’re just better at faking it.

The early Church didn’t have microphones or pews. They met in caves and whispered. If they could get it right, you can too. Just breathe.

Why This Matters (Even When It Feels Weird)

These little phrases aren’t magic spells. They’re anchors. They remind you that you’re part of a giant family stretching back 2,000 years. Every Catholic, Orthodox, and many Protestant Christians say the same words. You are not alone.

When you say, “Glory to You, O Lord,” you’re connecting with your grandmother who prayed in a little village chapel, and with that saint in a Roman catacomb, and with the person next to you who just stepped on your toe. It’s community in a nutshell.

Also, it’s a great way to get your kids involved. Teach them the words as a game. “Okay, when Daddy says ‘The Gospel of the Lord,’ you shout—quietly—‘Praise to You, Lord Jesus!’ Winner gets an extra cookie.” Boom. Discipline and dessert combined.

The Uplifting Conclusion That Makes You Smile

So there you have it. Before the Gospel: “Glory to You, O Lord.” After: “Praise to You, Lord Jesus Christ.” Plus a tiny cross on your face. Easy peasy.

But here’s the beautiful part: these words are a conversation starter, not a checklist. Every time you say them, you’re opening the door for God to speak to you. And He loves a good chat.

Think about it—the Creator of the universe listens when you mumble those sleepy syllables on a Sunday morning. That’s not just cool; that’s mind-blowing.

So next time you’re at Mass, don’t stress. Say the lines, make the cross, and smile. You’re not in a courtroom; you’re in a loving home. And the Gospel? It’s the best story you’ll ever hear—with the happiest ending.

Now go forth, say the words, and maybe treat yourself to a donut after. You earned it, champ. 🙌