The Lectionary

[DeniseWhittaker]

Is it mandted that the priest read the Gospel from the Lectionary or may he read it from monthly mass readings booklet?

 

[benedictgal]

Is it mandted that the priest read the Gospel from the Lectionary or may he read it from monthly mass readings booklet?

Unless something happened to the Lectionary/Book of the Gospels, he should proclaim the Gospel from the proper liturgical book rather than something that is disposable. Proper respect should be given to the Word of God, most especially the Gospel.

Here are the references from the GIRM:

1. After the Collect, all sit. The priest may, very briefly, introduce the faithful to the Liturgy of the Word. Then the lector goes to the ambo and, from the Lectionary already placed there before Mass, proclaims the first reading, to which all listen. At the end, the lector says the acclamation Verbum Domini (The word of the Lord), and all respond, Deo gratias (Thanks be to God).

1. If the Book of the Gospels is on the altar, the priest then takes it and goes to the ambo, carrying the Book of the Gospels slightly elevated and preceded by the lay ministers, who may carry the thurible and the candles. Those present turn towards the ambo as a sign of special reverence to the Gospel of Christ.

1. At the ambo, the priest opens the book and, with hands joined, says, Dominus vobiscum (The Lord be with you), and the people respond, Et cum spiritu tuo (And also with you). Then he says, Lectio sancti Evangelii (A reading from the holy gospel), making the sign of the cross with his thumb on the book and on his forehead, mouth, and breast, which everyone else does as well. The people say the acclamation Gloria tibi, Domine (Glory to you, Lord). The priest incenses the book, if incense is used (cf. below, nos. 276-277). Then he proclaims the Gospel and at the end says the acclamation Verbum Domini (The gospel of the Lord), to which all respond, Laus tibi, Christe (Praise to you, Lord Jesus Christ). The priest kisses the book, saying quietly, Per evangelica dicta (May the words of the gospel).

I hope this helps.

 

[Phemie]

Is it mandted that the priest read the Gospel from the Lectionary or may he read it from monthly mass readings booklet?

“The Introduction to the Lectionary for Mass” # 37. says “Because of the dignity of the word of God, the books of readings used in the celebration are not to be replaced by other pastoral aids, for example, by leaflets printed for the faithful’s preparation of the readings or for their personal meditation.”

 

[rick43235]

I’ve often wondered - rather than proclaiming the readings from the Lectionary/Book of Gospels, why isn’t an actual bible used?

Just curious.

 

[Phemie]

I’ve often wondered - rather than proclaiming the readings from the Lectionary/Book of Gospels, why isn’t an actual bible used?

Just curious.

One reason would be ease, since the readings are all laid out in order.

Another reason, at least for Canada, is that our Lectionary is a revised NRSV. No such Bible translation exists at the moment.

 

[Joe_5859]

Another reason, at least for Canada, is that our Lectionary is a revised NRSV. No such Bible translation exists at the moment.

In the U.S., it’s a revised NAB that also does not exist anywhere else at the moment.

 

[tee_eff_em]

I’ve often wondered - rather than proclaiming the readings from the Lectionary/Book of Gospels, why isn’t an actual bible used?

Just curious.

In addition to what has been noted:

• 
  *]The prescribed readings may elide some verse(s), which one reading from a bible would need remember to do.
  *]The Lectionary readings often have added an opening and or concluding phrase, so the reading will no longer appear to start or end in the middle of the action.
  
  tee