The Last Gospel

The Priest may recite the Last Gospel immediately after the Dismissal. This is especially appropriate in Christmastide, until the Baptism of the Lord or until Candlemas. On Christmas Day, when this is the Gospel of the Mass, the Gospel for the Epiphany (Matthew 2:1-12) may be read. The Last Gospel Is omitted on Palm Sunday, at the Mass of the Lord's Supper on Maundy Thursday, at the Easter Vigil, and whenever Mass is followed immediately by a procession.

After the Blessing and Dismissal the Priest goes to the left-hand side of the altar and reads the Last Gospel as follows, all standing. Having said The Lord be with you, he makes the Sign of the Cross with his right thumb on the altar table or on the book, and then on his own forehaed, lips, and breast. Everyone genuflects at the words, And the Word was made flesh (or, on Christmas Day, at the words, and fell down and worshipped him).

V. The Lord be with you.

R. nd with thy spirit.

+ The Beginning of the Holy Gospel according to Saint John.

R. Glory be to thee, O Lord.

In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. The same was in the beginning with God. All things were made by him: and without him was not any thing made that was made: in him was life, and the life was the light of men: and the light shineth in darkness, and the darkness comprehended it not. There was a man sent from God, whose name was John. The same came for a witness, to bear witness of the light, that all men through him might believe. He was not that light, but was sent to bear witness of that light. That was the true light, which lighteth every man that cometh into the world. He was in the world, and the world was made by him, and the world knew him not. He came unto his own, and his own received him not. But as many as received him, to them gave he power to become the sons of God, even to them that believe on his Name: which were born, not of blood, nor of the will of the flesh, nor of the will of man, but of God. [Genuflect] And the Word was made flesh, [Rise] and dwelt among us: and we beheld his glory, the glory as of the only begotten of the Father, full of grace and truth.

The People respond: Thanks be to God