Stations of the Cross - Fridays of Lent - Noon at St. Mary, 5:00pm at Sacred Heart
From the Desk of Father John
CELEBRATION OF THE EUCHARIST: PART 2—LITURGY OF THE WORD
"When the Sacred Scriptures are read in the Church, God himself speaks to his people, and Christ, present in his word, proclaims the Gospel." (GIRM, no. 29) These words from the General Instruction of the Roman Missal (GIRM) challenge us with a profound truth that we need to reflect on and take to heart. The words of Sacred Scripture are the way God reveals himself to us. Through the scripture, we come to know of God's unconditional love for us and we also learn about the responsibilities involved in being true disciples. The Word of God proclaimed in the liturgy has a special sacramental power to bring about in us what it proclaims. It not only tells us of God and God's desires for us, but it also helps us to renew our own commitment to live the gospel every day. The Liturgy of the Word is a central component of the Catholic Mass, inviting us to encounter the living Word of God through the proclamation of Sacred Scripture. Therefore, a seasoned parishioner, understanding the Liturgy of the Word can deepen your appreciation and participation in the Mass.
Liturgy of the Word:
First Reading (Old Testament): Prepares us for the Gospel by providing historical context and foreshadowing.
Responsorial Psalm: A communal response to the first reading, allowing us to express our praise and petition through prayerful song.
Second Reading (New Testament Letter): Deepens our understanding of Christian teachings and living.
Gospel Acclamation: A special moment of reverence for the Gospel as the heart of the liturgy.
Homily: The priest's reflection on the Scripture readings, applying them to our lives today.
Creed: The recitation of the Nicene or Apostles' Creed, affirming our shared beliefs: reaffirming the core beliefs of the Church.
Universal Prayer (Prayer of the Faithful): Intercessory prayers for the Church, the world, and the needs of the community
During the Liturgy of the Word, specific Bible passages are read aloud. Typically, the structure includes a reading from the Old Testament, a responsorial Psalm, a reading from the New Testament, and a Gospel reading. The readings are cyclical, spanning three years (A, B, and C) for Sundays and two years for weekdays, ensuring that the faithful are exposed to the breadth of God’s Word. The Church feeds the people of God from the table of his Word (cf. Constitution on the Sacred Liturgy, no. 51). The Scriptures are the word of God, written under the inspiration of the Holy Spirit. In the Scriptures, God speaks to us, leading us along the path to salvation. The Liturgy of the Word, therefore, is not a passive event but an active engagement with the Word of God. As Catholics, we are called to immerse ourselves fully in this divine dialogue, allowing it to shape our thoughts, transform our hearts, and guide our lives. The Scripture speaks to us about God’s involvement with his people, his love for them, humanity’s sin, man’s redemption, and God’s constant desire to draw his people closer to himself.
The high point of the Liturgy of the Word is the reading of the Gospel. Because the Gospels tell of the life, ministry, and preaching of Christ, it receives several special signs of honor and reverence. The gathered assembly stands to hear the Gospel, and it is introduced by an acclamation of praise. During most of the year, that acclamation is "Alleluia!" derived from a Hebrew phrase meaning "Praise the Lord
We believe that all Scripture is inspired by the Holy Spirit, but the Church has always given special honor to the Gospel: we have the words and deeds of Christ himself. The proclamation of the Gospel is marked with signs of respect and honor. The Book of the Gospels is carried high in the entrance procession and placed on the altar until the Gospel reading to show the unity of Scripture and Eucharist. All stand for the proclamation of the Gospel, a posture that pays homage to Christ who is present in the Word. Just before the proclamation of the Gospel, the Gospel book is carried in procession to the ambo accompanied by a sung acclamation. The book may be incensed before the reading and is kissed at its conclusion.
After the Scripture readings, the celebrant preaches homily. In the homily, the preacher focuses on the Scripture texts or some other texts from the liturgy, drawing from them lessons that may help us to live better lives, more faithful to Christ's call to grow in holiness. Just as a large piece of bread is broken to feed individual persons, the word of God must be broken open so it can be received and digested by the congregation.
In many Masses, the Nicene Creed follows homily. The Nicene Creed is a statement of faith dating from the fourth century: profession of the central tenets of our faith. This is a powerful act of unity, where the entire assembly reaffirms their commitment to the core beliefs of the Catholic faith, thereby standing together as one Church. In certain instances, the Nicene Creed may be replaced by the Apostles' Creed (the ancient baptismal creed of the Church in Rome) or by a renewal of baptismal promises, based on the Apostles' Creed.
Prayer of the Faithful or the General Intercessions. The petitions offered are not prayers for any one person. The gathered assembly intercedes with God on behalf of the Church, the world, and themselves, entrusting their needs to the faithful and loving God. As a rule, the series of intentions; we pray for the needs of the church, for nations and their leaders, for the sick, for the dying, and for needs representing what is going on in the world, and for our own local community.
Let us remember that our manner of receiving Holy Communion is not merely a personal preference but a visible sign of our reverence, faith and devotion to the Sacred Eucharist. May our actions during this intimate sacred moment reflect the profound love and reverence we hold for Christ truly and really present in the Eucharist.
God bless and l love you all, Fr. John