Saturday, June 6, 2020 –
Today we are continuing on with our walk through of the Novus Ordo (NO). Yesterday we covered the Introductory Rites, now we are going to cover the Liturgy of the Word. This section can be compared to the “Instruction” part of the Mass of Catechumens in the Traditional Latin Mass. Again, however, there are some stark differences between the old and new Masses.
The Liturgy of the Word
“The main part of the Liturgy of the Word is made up of the readings from Sacred Scripture together with the chants occurring between them. As for the Homily, the Profession of Faith, and the Universal Prayer, they develop and conclude it.” (GIRM, 55).
Remember in the TLM there are only two readings (Epistle and Gospel), and there is no responsorial psalm said or sung by the congregation between (instead there is a Gradual between, which now loosely corresponds to the Gospel Acclamation). These readings are the same every year. “Epistle” means “letter,” and it usually comes from one of the many letters written by Saint Paul.
Contrast that with the NO readings. Now we have a somewhat confusing system, BUT it does allow for more readings from various parts of the Bible. For Daily Mass (AKA “Weekday Mass”), there is a Year I / Year II schedule, which means you hear the FIRST reading every other year, while the Gospel remains the same every year. You can figure out which year you are on based on if it is an odd or even year. Odd years are on Year I (which is an odd number!), and even years are on Year II (which is an even year). So, for 2020 you are on Year II readings for Daily Mass.
For Sundays and Holy Days, there is a Year A, B, or C schedule, which means you hear those readings every three years. The ABC calendar (my term) is a lot more complicated, and I will try to explain it at a later date. Just know that we are currently in Year A.
Last note: the cycles do NOT change on January 1st. Rather, they change on the First Sunday of Advent.
Last, last note: this is going to be super confusing today. Sorry…
First Reading – this can come from either the Old Testament or the New Testament, but very generally speaking this reading comes from the Old Testament or the Acts of the Apostles (1st book in the New Testament). However, do not be surprised when you see other New Testament readings. Did I mention this was confusing?
Responsorial Psalm – this comes from the Book of Psalms. There will be a series of lines read (or sung), called a “psalm.” In between each set you say (or sing) the “responsorial psalm,” which is a short line also taken from the Book of Psalms.
Second Reading – at Daily Mass, you will only have a first reading and Gospel. On Sundays and Holy Days you will have a first and second reading, as well as a Gospel reading. Usually this comes from the New Testament.
Gospel Acclamation – the General Instruction of the Roman Missal (GIRM) goes into great detail of what is said/sung right here (GIRM, 62-64). The bare-bones basics are: 1) Alleluia outside of Lent, or a Psalm; 2) during Lent there is NO Alleluia, but there is a Verse or a different Psalm, but know you will probably hear, “Praise and honor to You, Lord Jesus Christ.”
Gospel – THIS is the easy part! The Gospels are taken from the Gospels. WOOHOO! Read by a Deacon, if present. If there is no Deacon, then a Priest reads the Gospel.
Homily – the homily is given (only) by the Priest or Deacon. “It should be an explanation of some aspect of the readings from Sacred Scripture or of another text from the Ordinary or the Proper of the Mass of the day and should take into account both the mystery being celebrated and the particular needs of the listeners.” (GIRM, 65) The homily is used to TEACH us. The Priest will typically explain the readings.
Profession of Faith – on Sundays and Holy Days we profess our faith. This is the Creed (Credo); this is what we believe! The Nicene Creed comes from the Council of Nicea (325 AD) and was amended to the current state at the Council of Constantinople (381 AD).
Universal Prayer – also known as the “Prayers of the Faithful” or “Prayers of the People.” This is a series of intentions (prayers) for the needs of the Church, public authority, the salvation of the world, people in need, the dead, and the local community. (GIRM, 69) After each prayer we respond, “Lord, hear our prayer.”
Okay! Whew! Are you thoroughly confused yet? Do not worry. It gets somewhat easier from this point forward…somewhat.
Saint Chrysogonus, pray for us!
