So far so normal.
However, that is where normal ends.
After the parish priest had read the opening prayers, I left my seat and made my way to the ambo. I looked ahead. Where was the second reader? They should have been making their way from the pews to sanctuary. But of them there was no sight.
Oh dear, I thought, it looks like I'll be doing both readings today.
Now, as far as the first reading was concerned, that was fine. I read the daily readings every day when I read or say Lauds at home. I also had another look at the first reading before Mass started. I hadn't bothered to look at the second reading, though. No need, or so I thought!
To make matters worse, the second reading today was from St. Paul's Letter to the Romans. Paul likes his long sentences and you need to get at least a little familiar with the text to avoid making a mess of the words - putting the stress in the wrong place, ending a sentence in the wrong place, etc.
I did the best I could: read slowly (though you can always go more slowly), reading two or three words ahead of what I was reading so that I know what was coming. It took me to about half way through the reading before I got comfortable and started reading properly, or, let's say, confidently.
In our parish, the second reader returns to the ambo after the Creed to read the bidding prayers. Fortunately, they are shorter and always clear so much easier to read.
One thing I notice about myself is that I always read the bidding prayers in a much softer voice than the one I use for the first or second reading. I guess it feels more appropriate to do this as they are prayers.
Speaking of different types of voice, when doing the first reading, I try not to read in a flat 'this happened, that happened' voice. Without going overboard I try to give at least a sense of the drama that is unfolding. With the second reading, because it is usually a letter, I try to read it as if I was a teacher in front of a classroom.
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Apostles of the Interior Life
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