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The major difference between “reading” and “proclamation” in liturgy involves the degree to which the person proclaiming a Scripture passage is involved with the passage.  By that we mean how much lectors are investing who they are, what they believe, and how they understand the passage into their effort to proclaim the message in the passage – in short, the significance the passage has for the lector as a person is reflected in the way the lector “proclaims” the passage.

Many people with an interest in being a lector are intimidated by having to get up in front of their fellow-disciples to proclaim the Scriptures.  If you will keep in mind that giving yourself over to Jesus and the Holy Spirit to do as they see fit (not as you think is fitting), will help you to realize very quickly that your fears are most often self-imposed and have little or nothing to do with your efforts to minister to your fellows.  Of course, if you do not prepare much before you get up to proclaim you’ll have the guilt-feelings (and stumbles) normally associated with being unprepared and they will be reflected in the proclamation (and shame on you!).

An emphasis on understanding who “YOU” are is important.  Good proclamation involves the YOU of who you are -- what you believe and the depth of your faith in what you believe.  The better you know who “YOU” are the more effective you will be as a lector.  Taking time to look at your self honestly (warts and all!) while having a talk with your Brother, Jesus, about who you are is very helpful.  In a simple conversation with Him you can share with Him all your fears and apprehensions, your worries, what you see as your shortcomings, etc.  Do your talking to Him out loud so you can hear yourself.  And He’ll talk to you through the silence of your meditation and contemplation after you stop talking.  If you’re not used to doing this, give it a try.  You’ll be surprised at how genuinely good you begin to feel about yourself as time goes bye!

Appreciation for the content of the Scriptures is important and a lifelong pursuit. Take to heart the notion that to be truly a Minister of the Word you must accept the responsibility to spend time with the Scriptures.  Otherwise, you’re merely an oral reader of the Scriptures.  Finding and using a good Bible Commentary and being alert to other Scripture study aids is invaluable (some of the suggestions on the “Resources & Links” button to the left [<<<<] may be helpful).  Don’t be concerned that you’re not an “expert” right now; commit to spending time, frequently, with the Scriptures.  One good technique is to thoughtfully read the entire chapter from the Book of the Old or New Testament you will proclaim a “reading” from as part of your preparation effort (most readings are just a few verses from only one chapter, let alone the entire book!).  Try to determine what the author was attempting to say or do. Check out the history surrounding the time in which the passage takes place (particularly in the Old Testament).  Look up any words in the chapter that are unfamiliar to you.  You’ll be surprised how much you learn (and remember!) from this simple methodology.

The use of “emotion” in your proclamation must not be confused with “dramatics” -- nothing is further from the truth.  If you approach your ministry with the idea that you are sharing your faith as you understand it and are living it, you will find that natural emotions come easily to you as you proclaim.  If you don’t feel anything, don’t try to make up what you think the emotion should be.  This is the difference between using emotion/feelings in proclamation and merely being dramatic.  Involving yourself with the passage emotionally assumes that you will spend time thinking about what the passage means to you, what it awakens in your feelings, and how best to express those feelings using only your voice.  The honesty with which you accept your responsibility here is a huge step toward making sure you are proclaiming and not just reading or acting!  Keep in mind who the author of the passage is -- in your mind, become that person!  The same is usually true when more than one character is speaking in the passage. Make an effort to appreciate where that character is coming from as a person; how he or she may feel or think. Finally, practice proclaiming the passage over and over, but listen to yourself!  Does it sound “right” to you?  Why?  Why not?  If you trust another person well enough by all means ask him or her to tell you how you sound.  You may even want to record your practice. Sometimes you’ll be amazed at some of the sounds that come out of your mouth!
 

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