Ask Fr Francis

It is quite optional when you are reading the bible in private. The practice of saying that at the end of the reading is liturgical. Whenever the Word of God is proclaimed in public, it takes on a different character. It is no longer me reading a text, but the Body of Christ gathered together, and Christ Himself proclaiming the Word, who is Christ the Word Himself. So it is Christ the Head proclaihrist the Word to Christ the Body, so that Body by receiving the Word may be transformed to be more like Christ the Head. Hence, proclaiming “The Word of the Lord” at the end solemnizes that reality, and our “Thanks be to God” or “Praise to you Lord, Jesus Christ” signifies that we received it as Christ speaking His Word to us.