Non canonical books in Liturgy

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I was actually surprised to see a non Canonical book cited in the Missal and did some research and this isn’t that uncommon actually.

3 Esdras is cited in the Extraordinary form as the offertory in the votive mass for the election of a pope.

4 Esdras is cited in the Ordinary form on the Entrance antiphon on the second Sunday of Easter. And also at the mass for the dead as the Entrance and Communion antiphon. In the Extraordinary form it is cited on the Tuesday following Pentecost as the Entrance antiphon and also cited for the masses for the dead.

The Prayer of Mannaseh is cited in a responsory on the 15th Sunday of ordinary time in the Liturgy of the Hours.

Found this interesting. I’m sure there is historical reasons. 3 and 4 Esdras ( better known as 1 and 2 Esdras in the modern day but are 3 and 4 in the Vulgate as Ezra and Nehemiah are 1 and 2 Esdras) and also the Prayer of Mannaseh all were moved from the Old Testament to an appendix of the Clementine Vulgate I believe following the Council of Trent. Thus these three texts although not considered Inspired by the Church ( though all three are to some extent in Orthodox Churches) were a part of the Church for 1500 years. I believe old D R bibles to include them in an appendix as well. I found it interesting. I always thought only canonical books could be used in Liturgy.
 
Well, then, it seems you’re wrong. I cannot speak to the EF but the LotH uses a lot of non-canonical writings, everyday in fact, a lengthy piece is read in the Office of Readings. The Responsories are not necessarily canonical, the Psalm-prayers are not, neither are the intercessions nor the closing prayer.

Be at peace.
 
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