The homily that follows the readings, given by either a priest or deacon, is meant to apply the meaning of these ancient texts to our present age and life circumstances. Paragraphs 65 and 66 of The General Instruction on the Roman Missal give these directives regarding the homily: that it should be an explanation of some aspect of the readings from Sacred Scripture or of another text from the Mass of the day, “taking into account both the mystery being celebrated and the particular needs of the listeners.” Click the title to read more.
The Liturgy of the Word is comprised of several readings from Scripture, a homily to unpack the meaning of these scriptures, a recommitment to our core beliefs through our recitation of the Creed and general prayers for the needs of our world. The Scriptures which are read on any given Sunday are proscribed by a Lectionary which was developed in the wake of the Second Vatican Council to provide “a richer fare for the faithful at the table of God’s word,” (Constitution on the Sacred Liturgy, 51). Click the title to read more.
Once we have completed the Opening Rites of Mass, we sit for the beginning of the Liturgy of the Word, which may lead us to ask, “Why do we do all this standing, sitting and kneeling during the Mass?” The various postures at Mass are all very meaningful. Sitting is a posture of receiving. We sit to watch a movie or a sporting event. We sit in class to absorb a teacher’s lecture. And so we sit to listen or receive God’s Word.
The Liturgy of the Word provides the opportunity for the assembly to hear the Word of God proclaimed. The Second Vatican Council tells us that Christ is present in his word, “since it is he himself who speaks when the holy scriptures are read in the Church,” (Constitution on the Sacred Liturgy, par. 7). Therefore when the readings are proclaimed at Mass, Christ becomes truly present in this spoken word. The scriptures are no longer words on a page, but come alive for us in their proclamation! Click title to read more.
When we gather for a special meal that includes extended family such as at Thanksgiving or Christmas, we typically share family stories from the past, including those family members who have died. We reminisce about the good old days and the people who helped shape our family. In the Mass, the Liturgy of the Word creates a similar environment for us. Reading from both the Old and New Testaments, we share the collective memories of our past, stories of our spiritual ancestors and faith heroes, most especially Jesus. Click the title to read more.