from Gert’s Catholic Library
The Mass is structured into 4 parts. We have touched on things to know for the Introductory Rites, which is the first part of Mass. The next two are the largest and most important parts of the Mass; The Liturgy of the Word and The Liturgy of the Eucharist. Following these there is the brief Concluding Rites that complete our worship service.
The readings for the Liturgy of the Word are taken from a sacred book called the Lectionary, and read by the Lector from the Ambo (this is also called the lectern or pulpit). The Lectionary is a book containing the words of the Holy Bible. Each reading is followed by the Lector proclaiming what we have been listening to is “the Word of the Lord.” Our response each time is “Thanks be to God!”
The Liturgy of the Word includes a scripture reading from the Old Testament (except during the Easter season when they are taken from the Acts of the Apostles). A little known fact about the first reading is that it has been chosen because it relates to the Gospel Reading for the Day.
The first reading is followed by a reading from one of the Old Testament psalms, which is done in responsorial style with the cantor singing one part and the congregation responding with the refrain. The Responsorial Psalm is taken from the Book of Psalms in the Old Testament. It is chosen especially to draw out the meaning of the First Reading and is also the prayer of Jesus and His Body, the Church. It is a great time for reflection as we listen and respond to the Psalm.
The second reading is taken from any book in the second part of the New Testament. The first part is made up of the four books of the Gospel (a word that means “good news”). The second part is made up of the Acts of the Apostles, the letters of SS. Paul, Peter, John, and James to various churches, and the Book of Revelation. The Second Reading is usually from the same book of the New Testament several Sundays in a row, and may not be in concert with the Gospel Reading but a continuation of the previous Sunday’s reading. This should be an added motivation to read and study these readings in our Bible at home.