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.
