The Use of Scripture in the Roman Rite of the Mass

(UPDATED)

I have been working on a project lately that may be of some use to others. I am compiling all of the various Scripture verses used in the Mass. You can look up a particular verse and determine when and where it is used at Mass.

The Use of Scripture in the Roman Rite of the Mass

The site includes the Entrance Antiphon (most priests seem to replace this with a hymn), 1st Reading, Responsorial Psalm, 2nd Reading (if any), Alleluia Verse (called the Verse before the Gospel during Lent), the Gospel, the Communion Antiphon (again, usually replaced with a hymn), and other things such as the addtional Readings of the Easter Vigil.

Right now it covers all of the Sundays and weekdays of the Liturgical Year as well as the Common Masses (Common of Martyrs, Common of Pastors, etc.). Still to be added are the Ritual Masses (Conferral of the Sacrament of Marriage, etc.), the Masses for Various Needs and Occasions, the Votive Masses, and then finally the Feast Days.

I will then go through the Psalms and verify the chapter and verse. I believe that some use the Hebrew numbering and some use the Greek. I will make sure they all use the Hebrew numbering with the Greek following in parenthesis (if different).

When all of that is completed I will begin adding a 3rd column on the right side covering the use of Scripture in the Mass of Extraordinary Form of the Roman Rite (also known as the Tridentine Mass or the Traditional Latin Mass).

There have been multiple times that I have wished for something like this. But, I have been unable to find anything complete. So, I decided to put it together myself. I would be very interested in comments, suggestions, and criticisms.

Catholic Bible Study Resources Updated

It’s not much but I added a link to the Pontifical Biblical Commission’s The Interpretation of the Bible in the Church a week or so ago and forgot to mention it.

The link can be found at the top of the page. Or click here.

Reflections On The Seven Last Words

Over the past several weeks Tim Glass has posted a series of reflections on the Seven Last Words of Christ:

1. “Father, forgive them, they know not what they do.”

2. “Amen, I say to you, today you will be with me in Paradise.”

3. “Woman, behold, your son.”

4. “My God, my God, why have you forsaken me?”

5. “I thirst.”

6. “It is finished.”

7. “Father, into your hands I commend my spirit”.

They are all definitely worth a read.

An 8th Century Tradition

From Paraclete Press:

Christians around the world relive the final days of Christ’s life on earth this week. Our observances of these ancient events are as varied and as personal as each of our relationships with Him, and serve to prepare our hearts for the unspeakable gift of his suffering, his death, and his glorious resurrection.

You are invited to take part in a tradition that dates back to the eighth century, with the chanting of the Passion Narrative according to Saint John on Good Friday. Take half an hour apart from the events of the day, and listen to these sacred words, chanted by monastic members of the Gloriae Dei Cantores Schola in Gregorian chant.

Hear the voices of the Narrator, Christ, and the Synagogue, in this noble narration which brings to life with a dramatic immediacy the events of the Passion, as the Gospel account unfolds. Meditate on the English translation as you listen, and allow the ancient language of the text, and the special Gregorian chant tone reserved especially for this holy season, to add a new depth and solemnity to your understanding of this familiar story.

http://www.paracletepress.com/the-passion-according- to-st-john.html

The Baptism Of The Lord

Why was the Lord baptized? John’s baptism was “a baptism of repentance for the forgiveness of sins” (Luke 3:3) so it could not actually forgive sins. And even if it could forgive sins, Jesus was the lamb of God who takes away sins (John 1:29). He had no need of forgiveness. So, why was Jesus baptized?

The Lord Himself gives us the answer to that question: “to fulfill all righteousness.” (Matthew 3:15).

Righteousness is doing the will of God. Jesus is fulfilling all righteousness by obedience to His role in God’s plan of salvation.

In the Old Covenant is was necessary for the High Priest to wash himself with water:

For ablutions you shall make a bronze laver with a bronze base. Place it between the meeting tent and the altar, and put water in it. Aaron and his sons shall use it in washing their hands and feet. When they are about to enter the meeting tent, they must wash with water, lest they die. Likewise when they approach the altar in their ministry, to offer an oblation to the LORD, they must wash their hands and feet, lest they die. (Exodus 30:18-21)

And likewise in the Old Covenant it was necessary that the High Priest be anointed:

With this sacred anointing oil you shall anoint the meeting tent and the ark of the commandments, the table and all its appurtenances, the lampstand and its appurtenances, the altar of incense and the altar of holocausts with all its appurtenances, and the laver with its base. When you have consecrated them, they shall be most sacred; whatever touches them shall be sacred. Aaron and his sons you shall also anoint and consecrate as my priests. (Exodus 30:26-30)

I believe that these passages from Exodus concerning the High Priest of the Old Covenant help to explain why Jesus was baptized in order to fulfill all righteousness.

Then Jesus came from Galilee to John at the Jordan to be baptized by him. John tried to prevent him, saying, “I need to be baptized by you, and yet you are coming to me?” Jesus said to him in reply, “Allow it now, for thus it is fitting for us to fulfill all righteousness.” Then he allowed him. After Jesus was baptized, he came up from the water and behold, the heavens were opened (for him), and he saw the Spirit of God descending like a dove (and) coming upon him. And a voice came from the heavens, saying, “This is my beloved Son, with whom I am well pleased.” (Matthew 3:13-17)

Jesus, the eternal High Priest (Hebrews 6:20) of the New Covenant (Luke 22:20, 1 Corinthians 11:25), is washed with water and anointed with the Holy Spirit at His Baptism thus becoming the Messiah - the Christ - The Anointed One. In doing so he fulfills all righteousness by doing the Holy will of His Father.

The Heavens Declare

The heavens declare the glory of God, the vault of heaven proclaims his handiwork (Psalm 19:1 NJB)

Astronomy Picture of the Day
Astronomy Picture of the Day Archive

Catholic Bible Study Resources Updated

I have added links to the New Jerusalem Bible and to mp3 Bible Studies on the Gospels by Fr. Al Lauer.

The link can be found at the top of the page. Or click here.

Catholic Bible Study Resources Updated

I have added links to Commentaries, Bible Studies, and Church Documents on the study of Sacred Scripture.

The link can be found at the top of the page. Or click here.

Dialogue With A “Theistic Satanist”

In October, 2006 Fr. Stephanos, O.S.B. posted a homily on the existence of evil spirits. Over a year later a woman calling herself Demensira and claiming to be a “theistic Satanist” responds to that homily asking Fr. Stephanos why one should choose God instead of Satan. Their correspondence can be found here.

Catholic Bible Study Resources

I have added a new page on Catholic Bible Study Resources. Right now it is just some links to online versions of some Catholic Bible translations. But I plan on adding some links to free Bible studies, and other info relevant to studying the Scriptures.

The link can be found at the top of the page. Or click here.