3. Liturgy of the Word

The part of the Mass from the First Reading to the close of the Prayers of the Faithful is normally understood as the Liturgy of the Word.  It consists of readings from Scripture, commentary and chants, culminating in the Prayers of the Faithful.

The Origins

The liturgy of the Word clearly shows the link between Christian and Jewish prayer. In the days of the apostles, the liturgy of the synagogue began with readings from the Law and the Prophets. It was followed by some commentary. When Christians developed their own liturgy, distinct from that of the synagogue, they considered these Biblical readings very basic. To these were added testimonies about Jesus, the fulfillment of these Old Testament writings.  

The Function

Having gathered together and purified ourselves through contrition, the congregation sits down ready to listen. It is God Himself speaking to His people through the readings, and Jesus Christ His Word is present in the proclamation of the Gospel. Hearing the Word is also the essential preparation for the Eucharistic liturgy. What has been announced through the Scriptures becomes a reality in the Eucharistic prayer. Only if we receive His message first, shall we be present for His supper. The catechumens are usually dismissed at the end of the Liturgy of the Word since they are not baptized yet.  

Basic Parts

·        First Reading

On Sundays and holy days there are three readings: the first from the Old Testament, the second from the writings of an apostle and the third from a Gospel. These are laid out with a specific plan so that the treasures of the Bible are fully available to the faithful. The congregation assumes a position of sitting, disposed to listening with attention and peace. After each reading there is a brief silence for personal reflection.  

·        Responsorial Psalm

The responsorial psalm corresponds to the readings and is usually taken from the Lectionary. It is preferred that it be sung by a cantor with the congregation singing its response. If not, it is recited meditatively.  Recitation of psalms is a long-standing tradition in the Church, following the custom of the Jewish liturgy.

·        Second Reading

The second reading is from the writings of an apostle of Christ. During a weekday celebration it is omitted. The first two readings conclude with the reader announcing “The word of the Lord” and people responding “Thanks be to God.”

·        Gospel Acclamation

After the second reading the congregation stands up for the Gospel acclamation. It serves as the greeting of the faithful, welcoming the Lord. The word Alleluia is the Judaic expression of Joy (meaning ‘Praise God’) and the verse often refers to the Gospel reading that follows. During Lent, in place of Alleluia, a verse is sung before the Gospel.

·        Gospel

This is the high point of the Liturgy of the Word. Gospels have a pre-eminence among the Scripture readings. It is an ordained minister, priest or deacon, who reads it.  The reading is preceded by a greeting and concluded by an announcement of the minister.

·        Homily

It is a short discourse (homily means ‘explanation’) on the readings by an ordained minister. It brings to light the relevance of the scripture to the faithful assembled.

·        Profession of Faith

It has two forms, the Nicene Creed and the Apostle’s Creed. The recitation of the Creed during Eucharistic liturgy is a later addition in the light of heresies. It is in use only on Sundays and holy days.

·        Prayers of the Faithful

The sequence of intercessory prayers is led by a minister.  The congregation makes it their own with a response “Lord, hear our prayer.”  The celebrant closes it with a concluding prayer. This brings the Liturgy of the Word to a conclusion.

The Changes

The new translation of the Mass will not affect the Scripture readings. They are contained in the Lectionary which will continue to remain in use.  The ordained minister, before reading the Gospel, usually greets the faithful with the words “The Lord be with you” and the congregation’s  new response will be “And with your spirit.” The other responses will not change.

          In this part of the Mass, most changes will be experienced in the Profession of Faith. The Nicene Creed used every Sunday will have a new translation. A few words and phrases will be new; some expressions will be unfamiliar. “I believe” instead of “We believe” and “consubstantial” in the place of “one in being” will be immediately noticed.  Our faith remains the same, though its expression at the Eucharist is going to change a little.
                                                                                                                               Fr. Xavier Thelakkatt