Why does
the congregation sit for a lesson from the Gospels during Morning and Evening
Prayer and stand for the Gospel during the Eucharist? The congregation is
seated when the biblical lessons are being read in Morning and Evening Prayer
as this posture is conducive to reflection and meditation on the lessons.
Contrary to this custom, it is an established ceremony, observed in every part
of historic Christendom from the most ancient times, that the whole
congregation and ministers stand while the Gospel is read during the Holy
Eucharist. By this ceremony, we express honor and reverence to Christ who
speaks to us as his Gospel is proclaimed. Bound up with this ceremony is the
use of lights and (in some churches, incense) as the Gospel is read, since the
Savior himself is proclaiming to his people the words of everlasting life.
Standing also indicates a readiness to hear and obey. Perhaps it can be said
that in Morning and Evening Prayer a Gospel lesson (heard seated) is included
for reflection and meditation, while at the Eucharist the Gospel (heard
standing) entails an added dimension of awesome regard for the royal Word.
[paraphrased from P. Dearmer, rv. by Pocknee, The Parson's Handbook,
13th ed., 1965, p.2 and from "Posture" in The New Westminster Dictionary of
Liturgy and Worship, p. 440]
However,
people who do not feel well, worshippers with disabilities, and individuals who
simply prefer other postures are welcome to choose whichever is comfortable.