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If we but paused for a moment to consider attentively what takes place in this Sacrament, I am sure that the thought of Christ’s love for us would transform the coldness of our hearts into a fire of love and gratitude.

– St. Angela of Foligno

The first reading is taken from the Old Testament, except during the Easter season when we hear passages from the Acts of the Apostles, and is most closely connected to the Gospel by theme or imagery. The First reading is like a stepping stone, leading us to the risen Lord in the Gospel. The psalms are “the heart of the Bible” (Cardinal Lustiger), the ancient hymnal of the Hebrew people. They have a close connection to the First Reading and often serve as a link to the Gospel. The psalms “continue to teach us how to pray” (Catechism of the Catholic Church #2587) and are prayers of rejoicing, suffering, praising, trusting, glorifying, prophesying. (Believe Celebrate Life The Eucharist) The second reading is often not related to the Gospel except during major seasons of the Church year (Advent, Christmas, Lent, Easter). During Ordinary Time, the second reading is usually drawn from the letters of St. Paul or one of the other apostles, and are read in sequence. The readings focus on Christian communities struggling to understand the mysteries of their faith and to live out their baptism in Christ during trying circumstances.

Copyright © 2008, World Library Publications, the music and liturgy division of J.S. Paluch Co., Inc. Used with permission.