The first part of the Mass, the Liturgy of the Word, focuses on the scriptures. The lector is the minister who brings them to life for all to hear. To be able to do this, the lector must first understand the scripture passages and then successfully communicate them to the assembly. Here are some practical thoughts for the lector on how to bring this about.
Scripture is fundamentally oral and aural.
It is spoken and heard. The lector proclaims it, the assembly listens. This is the mechanism which brings the Word of God to life. The lector must be skilled in this form of public speaking and must have mastered the specific reading to play his or her part in this essential process. If the Missalettes are used by the Assembly, people should put the them down and listen attentively during the readings so that this essential dynamic of speaking and hearing can occur.