The Mass: Liturgy of the Word - Part III

We are still exploring the second section of the Mass, The Liturgy of the Word. After the First Reading, we then enter into the Responsorial Psalm. Liturgically, the Psalms are usually chosen for each Mass based on a connection to and a continuation of the theme of the First Reading.

The Psalms, part of the Old Testament, have much relevance in our lives today. They reflect the gamut of human emotion, ranging from joy to sorrow. They ultimately form our response to God as we live our daily lives. They always were intended to be sung, and in most Masses, the cantor will sing the strophes and the assembly sings back a reply, which is repeated after each strophe. If they are not sung, then at least they are recited, and the assembly always participates.

Something we might forget about the Psalms is that they have been part of the Jewish tradition for thousands of years. Jesus himself would have prayed these very same Psalms. By the time we complete the three year Lectionary cycle, we will have participated in nearly every Psalm in the Bible at Mass.

It’s therefore fitting that the Church desires a Responsorial Psalm to be celebrated at every Mass. In the Psalms, we have a connection to the Eucharist, because they give us a connection to Jesus. This connection is historical as well as actual. The more we enter into the Psalms at each Mass, the more we are immersing ourselves into Sacred Scripture, when God speaks directly to each of us. And therefore, we also are preparing ourselves to encounter Jesus, truly and completely, in the Eucharist.

May each of us focus our hearts and minds on the words of the Psalm at every Mass, both in those that are are proclaimed and in the responses we offer, so that we may more completely receive Jesus.

“The Responsorial Psalm (…) is an integral part of the Liturgy of the Word and which has great liturgical and pastoral importance, since it fosters meditation on the Word of God.” - General Instruction of the Roman Missal, no. 61

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