8.194. Why is the Last Gospel read at the end of the Latin Mass? Isn’t that redundant? (Copy)
1. Sacred Repetition or Redundant Ritual?
At first glance, the reading of the Last Gospel — traditionally the Prologue of St. John’s Gospel (John 1:1–14) — at the conclusion of the Traditional Latin Mass may seem like an unnecessary repetition. After all, the Mass has already included readings from Scripture, and the faithful have just received (or witnessed the offering of) the Holy Eucharist. Why then include another Gospel reading after the final blessing?
The answer lies not in redundancy but in sacramental symbolism, reverence, and catechesis. The Last Gospel is a devotional, mystical, and liturgical expression that seals the sacred action with the profound truth of the Incarnation.
2. The Mystery of the Word Made Flesh
The Last Gospel — “In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God…” — is one of the most theologically profound texts in all of Scripture. It proclaims:
“And the Word was made flesh, and dwelt among us.”
This verse is the very foundation of the Christian Faith: that the Second Person of the Blessed Trinity took on human nature for our redemption. It is the mystery just made present in the Holy Sacrifice of the Mass.
In the Traditional Latin Mass, the Last Gospel:
Reaffirms the mystery of the Incarnation and links it to the Eucharistic Sacrifice.
Declares to the faithful once more the identity of Jesus Christ: Eternal God and Word made flesh.
Blesses the people a final time with the truth of the Gospel as they depart from the altar.
This is not mere redundancy — it is reverent repetition, a final act of meditation and instruction.
3. Origins of the Last Gospel
Historically, the Last Gospel developed as a private devotional practice of priests in the early centuries. After Mass, many priests would recite the Prologue of St. John in thanksgiving and to meditate on Christ’s divinity.
Over time, this became codified into the rubrics of the Roman Rite. By the 13th century, it was universally adopted in the Roman Missal and prescribed as part of the Mass.
It was so cherished that even though it is technically “outside” the liturgical structure of the Mass proper (hence read at the side of the altar), it became a beloved conclusion to the solemnity of the Sacrifice.
4. A Final Blessing Before Re-Entering the World
The Mass is the source and summit of Catholic life — but the faithful must return to the world after it ends. The Last Gospel is a bridge between the altar and the world outside.
It reminds us that:
The Word became flesh not only on the altar, but also in our daily lives.
Christ came into a world that rejected Him, yet He remains with us.
We must carry the light of the Gospel into the darkness of our age.
Thus, the Last Gospel serves as both a blessing and a commission. It sends us forth, fortified by the Mass, to live as witnesses of the Incarnate Word.
| Category | Traditional Catholic View | Novus Ordo View | Remarks |
|---|---|---|---|
| Last Gospel | John 1:1–14 recited after every Mass | Omitted entirely | Loss of powerful meditation on the Incarnation |
| Purpose | Seals the Mass with the truth of the Word Made Flesh | No concluding Scripture reading | Symbolic closure and meditation removed |
| Liturgical Role | Final devotional proclamation by the priest | Replaced by modern “closing songs” or announcements | Emphasis on Scripture and tradition is lost |
| Spiritual Effect | Encourages post-Mass reflection and gratitude | Often casual dismissal, loss of reverence | Contrast in tone and reverence is striking |
| Connection to Eucharist | Reinforces the reality of Christ’s presence | Disconnected from Incarnational theology | John 1:14 reflects exactly what just occurred |
Summary:
The Last Gospel is a powerful and meaningful conclusion to the Traditional Latin Mass. Though technically outside the central parts of the Mass, it is filled with deep theological, liturgical, and symbolic meaning. It is not redundant but a final meditation on what just occurred on the altar.
The reading of John 1:1–14 reaffirms the reality of the Incarnation, which is the very foundation of the Eucharistic Sacrifice. It reminds us that the Word was made flesh — and that same Word, Jesus Christ, has just been offered to the Father and given to the faithful in Holy Communion.
Historically, this reading emerged from the priest’s private prayers of thanksgiving and contemplation after Mass. It became a universal custom in the Church and was included in the Roman Missal. Its endurance across centuries shows its spiritual and theological value.
In contrast, the Novus Ordo “mass” completely omits this practice. Post-conciliar liturgists claimed that it was superfluous. Instead, the modern “mass” often ends with casual announcements, a closing hymn, or clapping. The contrast in tone is stark.
This omission is emblematic of a broader loss of mystery, reverence, and Christocentrism in the post-Vatican II liturgical changes. It removes a final moment of reflection, thanksgiving, and adoration — replacing it with a shallow sense of closure.
Traditional Catholics cherish the Last Gospel not as a rule or obligation, but as a beloved farewell to the altar and a solemn commission to carry Christ’s light into the world. The faithful bow their heads at “Et Verbum caro factum est” — “And the Word was made flesh” — because they recognize in these words the heart of their faith.
This moment is also deeply evangelical in the truest sense: not in the Protestant sense of clapping or sharing personal stories, but by repeating the eternal Word of God, the very message of salvation.
In a world increasingly hostile to Christ and His Church, we need reminders of who He is: the Word made flesh, the light that shineth in darkness. The Last Gospel proclaims this. It reminds us that no matter how corrupt the world becomes, Christ remains the Light — and we must carry Him in our hearts as we leave the sanctuary.
In summary, the Last Gospel is a final hymn of doctrine, worship, and mission. Its removal in the Novus Ordo is not progress, but a great loss. Its restoration, like the Traditional Latin Mass itself, helps rekindle the faith, reverence, and Catholic identity of the faithful.