Those “deadly seven” sins of Sloth, Envy, Gluttony, Pride, Lust, Anger and Greed can find their way into our lector ministry as easily as other parts of our lives. Though not all neatly listed together anywhere in Scripture, they are referred to throughout God’s book.

Whoever originally penned them is not certain, but it's believed that artists and philosophers of the 14th century ingrained them into the Christian consciousness. They are not direct violations against God’s Commandments, but they are the vices, or stepping stones, that can lead to serious offenses against God.

How do they apply to the lector ministry? The following questions can help us keep ourselves in check against them: You could probably spend hours with your fellow lectors in your parish coming up with many more  questions, but these few are a good start:

SLOTH: Am I dedicating ample time to prepare my readings, or merely doing the minimum to get by?

ENVY: Do I view lectors who proclaim better than me as a model to strive for, or as competition who take me out of the limelight?

GLUTTONY: Am I an "ambo hog" who seizes every chance to proclaim while not giving consideration to other lectors?

PRIDE: Do I ever consider myself a little more "special" than those who serve in other ministries that may not be considered as important? Am I ever disappointed when I don't get compliments after I feel I've "nailed" a particular reading?

LUST: Do I thrive on the exposure, attention and admiration a lector can often get? 

ANGER: Do I ever get rude, cocky or condescending with other liturgical ministers. Do I ever argue with a Sacristan about who to assign as a last-minute sub for a no-show lector.

GREED: If I ask a lector to sub for me, do I insist that we trade slots so I don't lose my turn, or am I content with giving it up for one go-around? 

If you're looking for something new to do at your lector gatherings, give this exercise a try, and you just might get into a flurry of discussion.