An Introduction to the Lectionary
| "The treasures of the Bible are to be opened up more lavishly, so that richer fare may be provided for the faithful at the table of the word." Constitution on the Sacred Liturgy
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The Lectionary is the large red book which contain the Bible passages read at Mass. The Lectionary is not the Bible, but rather selections from the Bible. While the Bible is printed book by book, with each chapter and verse following in order, the Lectionary is printed in week-by-week format, with the Bible passages which are to be read each day printed in order. Taken all together, the Lectionary contains most but not all of the Bible. Because it is the Word of God, the Lectionary is treated with respect and honor; it is lifted high, incensed at certain times, and even kissed.
The beginning of John's Gospel proclaims, "In the beginning was the Word and the Word was with God and the Word was God." Later, Jesus tells us both "I am the bread of life" and "my words are spirit and life." Vatican II envisioned the renewed liturgy as a banquet of Word and the Body of Christ. Christ is present in the liturgy: in the assembly of the faithful, in the person of the priest, in the Word which is proclaimed and in the Eucharist. We recognized and reverence Christ's presence in each of these ways.
Those of us who remember Mass before Vatican II might recall that only two readings were used and the readings were the same year after year. The readings were read in Latin by the priest at the altar. The priest then read the Scriptures to the people in English at the pulpit before beginning the sermon. Often, the sermon had nothing to do with that day's Scripture readings.
The reforms of Vatican II called for greater use of the Bible. In 1964, the bishops met to reflect and created the three-year cycle of readings for Sundays that we use today. This new lectionary was ready for use on the First Sunday of Advent in 1971. It has since been revised three times, most recently in 1998. Catholic Churches all over the world and most mainline Protestant Churches use this lectionary.
Our Sunday readings consist now of three readings and a psalm. The first reading comes from the Old Testament (or the Acts of the Apostles during the Easter Season) and was chosen to complement the Gospel in some way. The responsorial psalm echoes the theme or tone of the first reading. At times, the psalm has a long tradition of being used for a particular season or feast, such as the Easter psalm "This is the day the Lord has made...." The second reading or Epistle is taken from the letters of Paul or one of the other New Testament letters. Generally, these passages are read from the Epistle in order, from the beginning to the end of the letter. Usually, only one section of a "major" Epistle (Romans, Corinthians, Galatians) at a time before moving on to read from another Epistle. Except during the seasons of Advent, Christmas, Lent and Easter, the second reading is not chosen to complement or connect with the other two readings. The Gospel focuses on one of the three Synoptic Gospels (Matthew, Mark or Luke) throughout the entire year of the three-year cycle. The Gospel of John is always read
during the Easter season and also during Ordinary Time during Year B (when the Gospel of Mark, the shortest Gospel, is read).
If we traveled back in time to 1961, we would celebrate this weekend as the 16th Sunday after Pentecost and we would hear the following readings:
Epistle: Ephesians 3:13-21
(I pray that Christ may dwell in you through faith until you reach the fullness of God)
Gospel: Luke 14: 1-11 (healing of man with dropsy; taking the lowest place of honor)
In the year 2001, we observe the 25th Sunday in Ordinary Time and hear the following readings:
Amos 8: 4-7 (Against those who cheat the poor)
Psalm 113 (Praise the Lord who lifts up the poor)
1 Timothy 2:1-8 (I ask that in every place people should pray, especially for those in authority)
Luke 16: 1-13 (Parable of the clever servant about to be dismissed who unjustly reduces what is owed to his master)
In the Eastern rite of the Church and in the Orthodox churches, before the Scripture readings are proclaimed, the priest proclaims to the congregation, "Wisdom! Be attentive!" As we celebrate the Liturgy of the Word this weekend, let us be attentive to the Word of God being proclaimed to us that we may recognize Christ's presence in the Word and learn God's Wisdom. |
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