Going Deeper into the Liturgy of the Word
The Mass teaches us about how to live a Christian life in our daily actions and attitudes. One of the most obvious ways it does this is through the Scripture readings proclaimed at the Mass. But with three readings, a psalm, a Gospel Acclamation, and a Homily, it can be challenging to uncover a message that impacts daily living. There are so many words, and they take place in less than a half hour during Mass. One way to help these words take root in our hearts is to read and reflect on them outside of Mass in our private prayer time or in discussion with family or other believers.
There are many methods for going deeper into the meaning of Scripture including Bible study and Lectio Divina. In Lectio Divina, the reading is read out loud slowly several times. Center on a word or phrase or image that strikes you. Reflect on that idea and let God speak to you about it. What is this passage from Scripture teaching you? What insight might occur that helps you live as a Christian in day-to-day life?
The important action is to read the readings ahead of Mass so you can give them more time in your heart and mind. Do what you have time for that given week. Start with the Gospel. Don’t be afraid to take it apart line by line and reflect on one verse at a time. Use the psalm as a prayer. There are Catholic Study Bibles and other resources that give background on the readings if you have time to read those too.
There is one more step in making these readings more concrete: read them again one more time after Mass. Consider what you heard in the Homily along with any new insights that you might have now that the readings have been proclaimed or sung within the community gathered to worship God in the Mass.
Readings for the upcoming Sunday can be found in many places. One source is the Daily Readings site on the website for the United States bishops: usccb.org
