The Lectionary

When the "new" Lectionary, the book we use at Mass which contains the readings proclaimed, was published in 1970, it was a huge step forward for us as Catholics. Within its pages and ready to be presented to the faithful who sought the voice of God in their daily life, was just about every book of the Bible. Designed around a cyclical pattern, three years for Sundays and two for weekday masses, we were assured that repetition of passages would be held to a minimum, and that we would hear from all of the Scriptures.

While the translation of our English language Scriptures has changed a bit over the years, the format for the Lectionary has stayed the same. For some thirty-six years we have been enjoying a newfound love of the Scriptures as Catholics, and have probably heard from every book there is in the Bible, perhaps without realizing it. Carefully chosen for us these passages are rich with teaching and renewal. They are truly a living Word from our God and form a strong foundation and source of our lived faith.

In Ordinary time this year, we have been reading from Mark's Gospel every Sunday. For those who pay close attention, what we hear this week in the Gospel is a continuation of last week's selection, presenting the conclusion of Mark's presentation as Jesus the Good Shepherd. What we will read next week will continue Mark right from where we leave off today.

Perhaps you even noticed that the image of the shepherd in the Gospel is the very image found in the first reading from the Book of Jeremiah and for that matter, even the responsorial psalm slated for today. Coincidence? Not at all. This is precisely the way in which the Scriptures are prepared and chosen, and in just this way, act as reinforcement and explanation for God's Word in our own day and age.