The Mass: Liturgy of the Word Part I

Let us return to our examination of the Mass and begin to take a look at the second of its four sections, The Liturgy of the Word. You’ll recall that the first section of the Mass, which we recently looked at, is called the Introductory Rites. At the conclusion of that section, the assembly is seated, and we begin to listen to God’s Word.

At virtually all Masses, you’ll notice a lay person will come forward from his/her seat, bow to the altar, and then approach the ambo, the place where the Word is read. This person, known as a lector, has been trained in and entrusted with a critical task: the proclamation of sacred Scripture. Before Vatican II, only those men who were in the process of becoming priests were instituted as lectors, and only they could read Scripture at Mass. However, after Vatican II and the subsequent apostolic letter Ministeria Quaedam (August 15, 1972) the possibility of lay persons being commissioned as lectors became a reality. For many of us (myself included) this was our first opportunity to serve as a minister at Mass.

The proclamation of Scripture is critical because this is one of the ways Christ is made present during Mass. Jesus wishes to speak directly to us in all the readings we hear. The Liturgy of the Word prepares our minds, hearts and souls to receive Jesus further in the Eucharist later in Mass, and also helps us on our journey in life.

As for the readings themselves, they are arranged in a book called the Lectionary. The Sunday readings follow a three-year cycle that begins on the First Sunday of Advent and concludes on the Feast of Christ the King. We are currently in Cycle A. The daily Mass follows a two-year cycle based on the calendar year; we are currently in Cycle I.

Let us all renew our commitment to the Lord by truly opening our ears attentively to what he says to us through his Word at every Mass. “In the readings … God speaks to his people, opening up to them the mystery of redemption and salvation … and Christ himself is present in his word” – General Instruction of the Roman Missal, no. 55.

Questions? Comments? Suggestions? Contact me at eucharist@stmli.org.