Why is the Gospel read among the people?

Q: Why is the Gospel read among the people?

A: John 1:14 declares, "And the Word became flesh and dwelt among us...." When we process the Gospel from the altar, following the cross, out into the nave and read it among the people, we are symbolically recalling John 1:14 and declaring that God does not stand far off from us, but he came from heaven to earth to dwell among us. See also Hebrews 2:14-18 for further study.

Bonus: As the Gospel is announced, you will see people making the sign of the cross over their foreheads, lips, and heart, indicating Christ be in my mind, Christ be on my lips, andChrist be in my heart, respectively.

Thanks for asking!