The Rite Stuff

A brief introduction to each of the readings prior to their proclamation is a practice that is gaining popularity. Proponents of this instruction say that the people in the pews do not understand the readings, so giving them a context will help them listen better. Theoretically I suppose that is true, but in a culture so filled with information already, I don’t think this practice helps much at all. Why? Read on. 

I am continuously struck by the amount of messages regularly bombarded on us. Not only on TV, radio, and the internet, either. If I go grocery shopping I have a mini-billboard in my shopping cart. If I visit the restroom I have the same little billboards inside the stall. Even some clothing retail stores have music videos going. The airport has its own TV news channel. We have a hard enough time with silence and space. Adding introductions to the readings only contributes to that white noise. By the time the introduction is done, I am scrambling to remember what was just said as the reading is being proclaimed. I have a little panic attack as I think: “Now what is it I was supposed to recall? This happened when?” and then the reading is suddenly over. Please listen to me: We don’t need more words in the liturgy.

Just take a moment to think about all the prayer that happens before we hear the readings: We sing an opening song; there is a greeting and sometimes a general introduction from the presider. This is followed by a penitential rite, a Gloria, and an opening prayer. Sometimes the children are dismissed for their own Liturgy of the Word. Then we sit, ready for our Scriptures, and all of sudden — more words, more instructions about what we are to think and pray. It is just too much! Let’s examine this problem in detail. 

First, how are we are gathered to hear? The reading of the word of God in the Catholic liturgy is not a Bible study in which we have to understand the context but an opportunity to be open to the living word — a word that can move our hearts through a single word or phrase. At liturgy we are practicing community lectio divina — holy reading — together. That is part of our great Catholic Tradition. In Bible-based churches, they approach the reading like a Scripture study and expound on its meaning in a detailed way. That is not faithful to our Tradition. When someone tells me that this is what the reading is all about, the reality is I am being told what I ought to hear, not what the Spirit might choose for me to hear. This treats the word as a commodity to control instead of trusting that the context of the reading is not as important as the effect some image may have on us, most likely totally unrelated to its historical significance. If anything is to be said, it should be to remind people that God has something to tell them today in the readings and we should be attentive to a word or a phrase that touches our hearts. 

Second, if we are going to tell people ahead of time about the readings, what then is the purpose of a homily? The preaching should open the word to deeper understanding. Even though there are three readings and we might only hear one small aspect of the Scriptures that day, that’s okay! The mystery of God doesn’t need an exegesis of everything communicated. 

Third, I support some kind of a bulletin insert with a deeper explanation of the readings for later reflection. These rich Scriptures take time to absorb, and it won’t happen if we try to jam explanations into the liturgical prayer. One of my colleagues objects, saying, “People won’t take the time to read it.” I say, if they are interested, they will, and if they aren’t interested, imposing yet another layer of words into the liturgy isn’t going to help. ML

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