In this year of Eucharistic Revival, I think it is important to remember that the first part of the Mass, called the Liturgy of the Word, is an essential part of the celebration. It’s more than, so to speak, a bunch of “stuff” that reads to us. What is proclaimed is the Holy Word of God. It’s true that in these days of 30-second animated spots it’s hard to hear. It can be helpful to follow the Sunday readings in the books found in the pews. For the daily Mass, it might be worth the investment to subscribe to one of the several booklets available.
Readers also need to be aware that they are doing more than just reading something. They are proclaiming the very Word of God. It should be done clearly, reverently, and not too quickly. They need to prepare the readings beforehand and even pray for them.
The website of the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops teaches us: “In the Liturgy of the Word, the Church feeds the people of God with the table of her Word (cf. Sacrosanctum Concilium, n. 51). The Scriptures are the word of God, written under the inspiration of the Holy Spirit. In Scripture, God speaks to us, leading us on the path of salvation.
Between the readings, the responsorial psalm is sung. The psalm helps us to meditate on God’s Word. The culminating point of the Liturgy of the Word is the reading of the Gospel.
Because the Gospels speak of Christ’s life, ministry, and preaching, he receives several special signs of honor and reverence. The assembled assembly stands to hear the Gospel and is introduced by an acclamation of praise. Apart from Lent, that acclamation is “Hallelujah,” derived from a Hebrew phrase meaning “Praise the Lord!” A deacon (or, if no deacon is present, a priest) reads the Gospel.
After the Scripture readings, the celebrant preaches the homily. In the homily, the preacher focuses on the texts of Scripture or some other texts of the liturgy, drawing from them lessons that can help us live better, more faithful to Christ’s call to grow in holiness.
At many Masses, the Profession of Faith follows the homily, whether it is the Nicene Creed or the Apostles’ Creed. The Nicene Creed is a statement of faith dating back to the fourth century, while the Apostles’ Creed is the ancient baptismal creed of the Church in Rome. If baptismal promises are renewed, starting from a formula based on the Apostles’ Creed, this takes the place of the Creed.
The Liturgy of the Word concludes with the Universal Prayer, also called the Prayer of the Faithful. The assembled assembly intercedes with God on behalf of the Church, of the world and of itself, entrusting its needs to the faithful and loving God.”
Saint James Catholic Church 