The Mass - Part II

In last week’s column I discussed the introductory rites of the Mass that prepare us to hear the Word of God and to receive the Eucharist. This week, I will discuss the Liturgy of the Word which consists of the following parts:


The First Reading: On most Sundays, although not on all, the first reading is taken from the Old Testament. The choice of a reading from the Old Testament reminds us how important the Old Testament remains for us today and it highlights the continuity between the Old and New Testament. If you listen carefully, you will note that this reading always prepares for the Gospel, the Old Testament foreshadowing what the Gospel will proclaim. As you listen to the Old Testament reading, remind yourself that you are hearing God’s Word, not a human word.

The Responsorial Psalm: After we have listened to God’s Word as proclaimed in the Old Testament, we respond to the Word that we have heard. This response takes the form of a responsorial psalm that is closely related to the reading that we have just heard. Having heard God’s Word, we respond in thanksgiving by using God’s own words as found in the Psalms. As you sing the response each week, remind yourself that you are speaking to God in God’s own words.

The Second Reading: The second reading is usually taken from the letters of Saint Paul, and it normally provides us with a continuous reading of a particular reading. For example, this summer we will be reading from Paul’s great letter to the Romans. This reading tends to be short and may be difficult to understand at times. But it is a rich reading that communicates God’s Word to us.

The Gospel Acclamation: Before the Gospel is proclaimed, there is a Gospel Acclamation that is usually introduced and concluded by Alleluia. You will notice that the verse in between prepares us to hear the Gospel. The “alleluia” that we sing is a Hebrew word which means “praise God.” So before we proclaim the Gospel, we praise God.

The Gospel: The highpoint of the Liturgy of the Word is the proclamation of the Gospel. Although the priest or deacon proclaims the words, it is Christ—the risen Lord—who is present to us and proclaiming the Gospel. At the beginning of the Gospel, we make a cross over our forehead, lips, and heart so that we will understand these words, proclaim these words, and place them in our heart. During the year, we read from a particular Gospel. For example, this year we are reading from the Gospel according to Matthew. Next year we will read from the Gospel of Mark, and the following year from the Gospel of Luke. During Lent and Easter, we tend to read from the Gospel of John.

The Homily: The homily is a brief exhortation based on the scriptures of the day, which explains the mystery of our salvation and how it can be lived in our daily lives.

The Prayers of the Faithful: After the Gospel, we pray for the church and the world, for our parish community, for the sick, the deceased, and for special needs. These petitions are made as a parish community, showing the world how the church prays for the needs of all.

The Creed: At the close of the Liturgy of the Word, we profess our faith by reciting the Nicene Creed, a creed that goes back to the fourth century. Notice the Trinitarian nature of this creed: I believe in God, I believe in Jesus Christ, I believe in the Holy Spirit. Having heard God’s Word, prayed for the church and the world, and professed our faith, we are ready to begin the Liturgy of the Eucharist.