Responsorial Psalm:
A reading from this ancient Hebrew poetry, which speak so fully of all our human experiences, desires, and emotions but, instead of turning inward, they are referred to God.
Its as if we are opening our hearts to God. In the way we sing or recite them they also teach us about the nature of the heavenly worship and its antiphonal (calling back and forth) structure.
Second reading (NT):
Read only on Sundays and feasts they are not related to the OT or Gospel readings but rather are read in sequence from Sunday to Sunday to teach us about the early Church, its struggles and how it dealt with, and overcame them. Again we respond “Thanks be to God.”
“Wisdom! Stand up!” (Byzantine)
Alleluia: We stand out of respect for, and in anticipation, of the Gospel and sing Alleluia as the Word of God is taken to the ambo. (pulpit)
Gospel: The “Good News” As the reading is announced we make a threefold sign of the cross (on our foreheads, lips and heart) to place our thoughts, words and affections under the cross of Jesus (which is the sign of perfect obedience to the Father’s will). The Gospels of Mathew, Mark, Luke and John, in a unique way, are God speaking directly to us. All of Jesus’ life, his actions and his words were instructions. Jesus is Emmanuel, “God with us”, so his life story is instructional even as its lessons are often difficult. Because it is Jesus himself who is teaching us and his grace will strengthen us to be obedient to his will, therefore our only respond can be, “Praise to you, Lord Jesus Christ”
Homily: Where we are instructed, admonished, encouraged or receive solace based upon the OT and Gospel readings. Ideally the relationship between the two is highlighted.
“Blessed rather are those who hear the word of God and keep it.”
(Lk 1:28)
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