Reading in LOTH

[drforjc]

Quick LOTH question:
In the communal celebration of the office (I’m thinking of Lauds and Vespers particularly but the question extends to the other hours, I suppose), is there to be an introduction and/or a conclusion to the scripture reading, viz

“A reading from the letter of St Paul…” etc

"The Word of the Lord

• Thanks be to God"

or is the reader simply to read the printed text with no other additions?
I don’t see anything specific in the GILH or the Ordinary.

 

[marty1818]

I have wondered that a couple of times. I have seen it both ways and when I have looked I could not find anything in the general instruction.

God Bless,
Matt

 

[porthos11]

One does not. There are no rubrics or texts to be read. So, “do the red, read the black.”

During the Office of Readings, however, there is an introduction. That one should be read.

 

[drforjc]

One does not. There are no rubrics or texts to be read. So, “do the red, read the black.”

During the Office of Readings, however, there is an introduction. That one should be read.

Thanks!
I sort of suspected as much but have seen groups make these additions and wasn’t completely sure.

 

[PhilotheaZ]

When I have participated in LOTH with religious communities (e.g., when I was on retreat), they always introduce the reading with the reference (e.g., “A reading from the first letter of Peter.”}

I don’t recall how it is usually ended.

 

[Joannm]

We always introduce the reading and they do so in our seminary. It is logical so that people will know where the reading comes from.

 

[jbebeau]

The Ordinary of the LotH nor the GILH do not say that it should be done. This is in contrast to Mass where the introduction and conclusion are specifically referred to. The principle of the rubrics is that unless prescribed it is not to be done.

Also the short responsory in Morning and Evening Prayer it the response to the Word of God, it kind of take the place of “The Word of Lord.”

In the seminary we were doing it but out new Director of Liturgy changed the practice saying that it was important for us to be faithful to the rubrics.

 

[porthos11]

We always introduce the reading and they do so in our seminary. It is logical so that people will know where the reading comes from.

Actually, one reason they’re not prescribed for Lauds and Vespers is because people participating are expected to bring their books along. The LOTH is one liturgical celebration wherein everyone participating, not just the presider, needs to have the books on hand.

 

[AJV]

If the longer reading is selected from the Lectionery/OoR (GILH 46), I could see a possible justification for announcing the reading since it is printed in that way.

As for the “Thanks be to God”, that was something that was specifically omitted in the LOTH when it was created. Previously, most breviary ‘short readings’/‘chapters’ ended with “Deo gratias”.