Getting ready for Sunday (Bread for the Journey 8)

 

The liturgy of the Word is a crucial part of the celebration of the mass. In the first part of the mass we are prepared for what follows by feeding on the Word of God.  Typically, there are three or four short readings: the first reading (usually from the Old Testament) is followed by a responsorial psalm and then the Gospel. On Sundays there is a second reading and it comes from the New Testament other than the gospel.  It used to be referred to as the ‘lesson’.  The Gospel of the day is an important point of reference and may match the first reading from the Old Testament in theme.

It is a good practice to prepare carefully for the coming Sunday’s mass by reading, digesting, and pondering the readings well in advance.  This is not the same thing as bible study. There is a time and a place for study. A slow, intentional, prayerful pondering of the readings and particular sentences or parts of sentences is an act of preparation.  It attunes our minds and hearts to the work of the Holy Spirit.  The inspirations of the Holy Spirit are at work even when we sleep.  A phrase, a feeling or an insight can await us in the most ordinary things of our daily life.