E SACRIFICE OF THE MASS

THE GOSPEL. 55
(1) The Gospel is read at the right or more honour
able side of the altar. Right and left on the
altar are indicated by the arms of the cross
over the tabernacle. Consequently the Gospel
is the right, the Epistle the left of the altar.
(2) The congregation stand as a mark of and reverence.
respect
(3) At High Mass two acolytes with lighted candles
and the thurifer with incense accompany the
deacon as he chants the Gospel. The lighted
candles signify the light of faith, the perfume
of incense the good odour of Christ, while the
consuming of the incense itself by fire is suit
able to the idea of destruction involved in the
Sacrifice.
(4) The kiss given by the celebrant to the sacred
volume is a token of homage to and affection for
our Lord s teaching. The words said while he
kisses the Missal, after the first Gospel, May
our sins be blotted out by the words of the
Gospel, are the Church s petition for the pardon
of sin, through those acts of sorrow and love
which the words of the
words excite in the heart.
Gospel above all other