Proclaiming Faith - the Lectionary

The Lectionary

The lectionary contains the complete texts of the biblical readings and chants for use during the liturgy of the word. It is not the complete Bible, but selections from the Bible. Readings from scripture and the chants between the readings make up the main part of the liturgy of the word. The homily, the profession of faith, and the prayer of the faithful complete and develop it.

The readings present the central events of the history of salvation contained in sacred scripture. Having this proclaimed during the liturgy of the word continues this history in the present through the celebration of Christ's passion, death, and resurrection in the liturgy of the Eucharist. This sequence follows the example set by Jesus, who read and explained scripture.

The liturgies for Sundays and feasts have three readings. The first is from the Old Testament, except during the Easter season when the selection is from the Acts of the Apostles. The second reading is from the writings of the apostles found in the New Testament. The third is always from one of the four gospels. This arrangement illustrates the unity of the Old and New Testaments and of the history of salvation.

The responsorial psalm, which follows the first reading, relates to the other readings and is an important part of the Liturgy of the Word.

The alleluia or the verse before the gospel serves as an expression of faith and a greeting of welcome by the assembly to the Lord who is about to speak to them.

Following the gospel, the priest or deacon explains and unfolds the readings in the homily. After this the members of the congregation show their acceptance of God's word through the profession of faith. Then, nourished by the word of God all present pray for the needs of the Church, for civil authorities, for those who are oppressed by various needs, for all people, and for the salvation world through the prayer of the faithful.

Selection of the Readings
The selections from scripture for Sundays and feasts are arranged according to two principles called "semi-continuous" or "thematic." The different seasons of the year and the themes of each liturgical season determine which principle applies. For example, the seasons of Advent, Lent, and Easter each has its own spirit and message, and so the readings for each Mass have a common theme.

In the season of Ordinary Time, the second readings and the gospels are arranged semi-continuously, in other words, sequentially, in order to relate the ongoing history of salvation as it unfolded. The readings from the Old Testament were chosen because of their relation to the New Testament selections, especially the gospel.

In addition, some books of the Bible are set aside for particular liturgical seasons due both to the intrinsic importance of subject matter and to liturgical tradition. Some examples are reading the Acts of the Apostles during the Easter season, reading the gospel of John in the latter weeks of Lent and in the Easter season, and reading Isaiah in Advent as well as during the Christmas season.