Singing the Mass, part 2 — Liturgy of the Word

During the Liturgy of the Word on Sundays, solemnities, and feasts of the Lord there are actually five selections from Sacred Scripture: First Reading, Responsorial (Psalm), Second Reading, Gospel Acclamation verse, and Gospel.* For each day, all five are contained in the Lectionary, the liturgical book that contains the biblical texts for the Liturgy of the Word. The First Reading, Second Reading, and Gospel are normally spoken; the Responsorial and Gospel Acclamation are to be sung, and as with all singing at the Mass, the intention is that the assembly participates in singing them. The reason for this is to give evidence to the full, conscious, and active participation of the assembly. As mentioned in the previous post, the Mass is intended to be sung! It doesn't take full, conscious, and active participation to mumble some words by rote, but it thoroughly engages the mind and the body to tune up one's voice to sing in communion with others, even if it is only a brief acclamation.

______________

*On other days, there is no Second Reading.