Why would we chant the Gospel at Mass

CLICK HERE TO LISTEN TO DEACON DOMINIC CHANT THE GOSPEL OF MATTHEW 13:24-43
Joyful alleluias, rising incense, brightly-burning candles, elaborate processions, ornate books, and solemn chanting. All of these symbols assist our understanding of what’s important in the liturgy, and each of the above examples happen specifically for the Gospel. The Gospel is of preeminent importance in the Liturgy of the Word, for in the Gospels we hear the Word Himself, the voice of Jesus Christ, the Bridegroom of the Church, proclaimed to us (Book of the Gospels, 4, 8). All of Sacred Scripture is properly understood to be the word of God, which makes it all profitable to teach and worthy of veneration, but because the Gospels contain the very words of the Word made flesh and recount the very life of God incarnate, they are given special importance, especially at Mass.

To give the Gospel the dignity it deserves requires us to fully enter into worship of God within this part of the Mass. This is primarily an interior act, listening attentively to the words of Christ and letting them penetrate our hearts, bringing us to a deeper conversion. However, we are not purely spirits, and as creatures of both soul and body, we need to physically engage in actions conducive to worship as well, using all our senses to assist us. This is why we stand for the procession and proclamation of the Gospels, giving the Lord present in the Word the honor he deserves as King. This is why we use incense and candles, using our sight and smell to reveal the presence of the God of Israel who came to His people in fire and in cloud. This is why the deacon or priest kisses the Book of the Gospels after its proclamation, giving it due reverence as a symbol of Christ, just as he does for the altar.

This is also why we fittingly chant the Gospels. The Second Vatican Council emphasizes the importance of sung liturgy, stating that “liturgical worship is given a more noble form when it is celebrated in song” (Musicam Sacram, 5). In regards to Mass, the highest liturgy we have as a Church, this is especially pertinent. The conciliar documents reinforce this stating, “for the celebration of the Eucharist with the people, especially on Sundays and feast days, a form of sung Mass (Missa in cantu) is to be preferred as much as possible” (Musicam Sacram, 27). Since the Gospel is such a key element of the Mass, it is especially fitting to be proclaimed in song, bringing out the importance of the Gospel reading, stirring up faith in the hearts of those who hear it, and striving to enhance the meaning of the text (Lectionary, 17; Book of the Gospels, 19).

Through Sacred Scripture, especially the Gospels, united with the celebration of the Eucharist, we receive “the eternal Word of divine Truth [...] as from a twofold table, as a participation in the one sacrifice of praise” (Book of the Gospels, 8). The Gospel must therefore be honored at Mass with special importance, deserving the best we can muster as we strive through the rich liturgical life of the Church to offer greater praise to our creator and redeemer. So if you hear some chanting coming from your friendly neighborhood deacon, may it be for the glory of God.