Unit Two: The Word of God in Worship
Liturgical celebration is based primarily on the Word of God (LM §13) 
The treasures of the Bible are to be opened up more lavishly (SC §51)
The Purpose of Scripture in Worship
Scripture recalls major events in our salvation history 
recalls our identity as the body of Christ 
— in liturgy the word becomes new event
1. Call and Response
The pattern of the operation of scripture
•	Call, showing: 
o	the presence of Christ 
o	the action of the Holy Spirit
•	Response: our participation 
o	by positive listening
o	Response in worship
o	Word, leading into Sacrament 
o	Response in life and mission
2. Implications
The word in worship implies or requires
•	Symbols and elements, 
i.e. worthy ambo, Book of Gospels, candles, incense, posture, kissing
•	an attitude of reverence
•	quality of proclamation 
(judged by effectiveness in being heard); including adaptation to needs of particular groups, e.g. CHILDREN, CATECHUMENS
•	Preaching: 
essential link between WORD AND SACRAMENT
Elements of the Liturgy of the Word
Structure of the Liturgy of the Word
There should be a full Liturgy of the Word in every liturgy; consisting of
•	Readings and chants
o	arrangement
o	implications for readers and musicians
•	Homily
o	what it is
o	its function
•	Intercessions
o	purpose
o	structure
o	model content
o	composition
Preparation
1. Spiritual
•	biblical (view of the bible as a whole)
•	liturgical (how Scripture is selected for worship)
2. Technical
•	Reading skills
•	Mechanical aids
•	Gesture and posture
•	Movement ('choreography')
Documentation and Bibliography
Constitution on the Liturgy 24, 35-36, 51-52.
Dogmatic Constitution on Divine Revelation, Second Vatican Council [Dei Verbum ]. (Included in Flannery)
General Instruction on the Roman Missal 8, 9, 33-47.
Lectionary for Mass: Introduction (included in Flannery)
D. A. Withey Catholic Worship Kevin Mayhew 1990, ch.10
Lawrence J. Johnson, The Word and Eucharist Handbook San Jose: Resource Publications, 1986.
Ralph A. Keifer, To Hear and Proclaim Washington: The Pastoral Press. A commentary on the Introduction to the Lectionary for Mass.