liturgy of the word

[billcu1]

The part of the Mass when the NT is spoken and the congregation says, “Thy word is in my mind, and on my lips, and in my heart.” At least that’s what they do at my Parish. Where did that come from ? The Apostles’ day or later, in the catacombs? It is quite ancient.

 

[mperdiguerra]

Are you talking about the part when the everyone traces the sign of the cross over their foreheads, lips, and heart? I don’t remember ever having to say anything while doing it but it is very old.

 

[TruthSeeker319]

All the parishes I’ve ever been to trace a cross over their forehead, mouth, and heart. The prayer that accompanies this is something along the lines of, “May the Word live in my mind, mouth, and heart (or soul).”

As for its origins. I have no clue.

 

[Vico]

The part of the Mass when the NT is spoken and the congregation says, “Thy word is in my mind, and on my lips, and in my heart.” At least that’s what they do at my Parish. Where did that come from ? The Apostles’ day or later, in the catacombs? It is quite ancient.

Father Edward McNamara, LC, writes:

The origin of the sign of the cross on the forehead and the heart is Frankish or German, and it probably entered into the Roman liturgy sometime between the years 800 and 1000. The sign of the cross on the lips was added rather later, but it is not clear when it became standard practice.

ewtn.com/library/Liturgy/zlitur502.htm

 

[Dorothy]

I was taught as a child to say interiorly:

(forehead) "May the word of the Lord always be in my mind,…

(lips) "on my lips…

(heart) “and in my heart.”

while tracing a small sign of the cross 3x.

 

[Todd977]

Though the Liturgy of the Word is not explicitly mentioned, about the year 211, Tertullian wrote of “ancient custom” of Christians often tracing the sign on their foreheads in the ordinary actions of their daily life:
At every forward step and movement, at every going in and out, when we put on our clothes and shoes, when we bathe, when we sit at table, when we light the lamps, on couch, on seat, in all the ordinary actions of daily life, we trace upon the forehead the sign. ( chap. 3De Corona,)

 

[billcu1]

Are you talking about the part when the everyone traces the sign of the cross over their foreheads, lips, and heart? I don’t remember ever having to say anything while doing it but it is very old.

Yeah that’s it!

 

[billcu1]

Though the Liturgy of the Word is not explicitly mentioned, about the year 211, Tertullian wrote of “ancient custom” of Christians often tracing the sign on their foreheads in the ordinary actions of their daily life:
At every forward step and movement, at every going in and out, when we put on our clothes and shoes, when we bathe, when we sit at table, when we light the lamps, on couch, on seat, in all the ordinary actions of daily life, we trace upon the forehead the sign. (Tertullian, De Corona, chap. 3)

Yeah but I don’t think it was long that the Jewish tossed out the Christians from the Synagogues. Then I am guessing they met in homes then the catacombs. Or maybe catacombs then homes.

 

[ProVobis]

Father Edward McNamara, LC, writes:

The origin of the sign of the cross on the forehead and the heart is Frankish or German, and it probably entered into the Roman liturgy sometime between the years 800 and 1000. The sign of the cross on the lips was added rather later, but it is not clear when it became standard practice.

ewtn.com/library/Liturgy/zlitur502.htm

FWIW, in the older rite, the priest says silently: (with linear translation)

Munda cor meum, ac labia mea, omnipotens Deus,
(Clean heart my, and lips my, almighty God,)

qui labia Isaiæ Prophetæ calculo mundasti ignito:
(Who lips of Isaiah Prophet stone you cleaned burning )

ita me tua grata miseratione dignare mundare,
(also me through Your gracious mercy grant to clean,)

ut sanctum Evangelium tuum
(that holy Gospel Your)

digne valeam nuntiare.
(worthily I may be strong to announce.)

 

[Vico]

FWIW, in the older rite, the priest says silently: (with linear translation)

In the Byzantine tradition, the celebrant says before the Gospel reading (aloud):

Loving Master, let the pure light of your divine knowledge shine brightly in our hearts and open the eyes of our minds that we may understand the proclamation of your Gospel. …