The Mass: Liturgy of the Word Part IV

Welcome back to our continuing exploration of The Liturgy of the Word at Mass. Last week, we discussed the Responsorial Psalm. Directly after the Psalm, at Sunday Masses and Solemnities, we hear the Second Reading proclaimed.

The Second Reading is a bit unusual because it will often feel “out of place” when compared to the First Reading, Psalm and Gospel. This is because those other three elements are chosen in liturgical harmony (they all have a connection). However, after Vatican II, the Church decided to put a greater emphasis on the epistles and letters of the New Test ament, as well as the Book of Revelation. These selections do not always fall in line with the other readings at each Mass in an obvious way.

All the New Testament readings come from a period of time when the Church was struggling to form and grow. There certainly was oppression, condemnation and even martyrdom that befell early Christians. As we hear these readings, we can put ourselves in the place of those who live in countries without freedom of religion, who hunger for Christ. We can see our own difficulties we may face in our struggles with faith, and with a world that doesn’t put God first.

And yet in these readings we find such a rich explanation of our faith: how we are meant to be one Body in Christ, to love, and to worship the One who gave his life for all who would believe. The Second Reading articulates what it means to be a Catholic, most especially in our belief in the Real Presence of Jesus in the Eucharist, and the graces that flow from experiencing our Savior in this way.

“Although you have not seen [Jesus Christ] you love him; even though you do not see him now yet believe in him, you rejoice with an indescribable and glorious joy, as you attain the goal of your faith, the salvation of your souls.” (1 Peter 1:8, from the Second Reading on the Second Sunday of Easter, Cycle A)

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