The Presence of Christ in the Word · The proclamation of God’s Word at Mass is central to our Eucharistic celebration: “The Church is nourished spiritually at the twofold table of God’s word and of the Eucharist…The celebration of Mass in which the Word is heard and the Eucharist is offered and received forms but one single act of divine worship” (Introduction to the Lectionary, 10). · When the Scripture readings are proclaimed, it is Jesus Christ himself who speaks to us and invites us into dialogue with Him. The Gospel is the high point of the readings – everyone stands (symbolizing the resurrection) and sings the Alleluia (except during Lent), greeting and welcoming Christ who is present with us. God speaks to the Church, the community at large, and to the individual person. Mass is the privileged place where God speaks to us! · The Church encourages us to prepare for Mass by praying with the Sunday readings throughout the week, so that God’s Word might grow and live within us more deeply – thus enabling us to know his voice and hear Him more clearly at Mass and in our daily lives.