Word of the Lord at Mass Understanding the Lectionary

In The Word of the Lord at Mass: Understanding the Lectionary, Regina Boisclair offers an inviting introduction to the book from which Catholics hear Scripture proclaimed throughout the year. It explains what a Lectionary is, how it is designed, how it developed over time, how our current Lectionary grew out of the Second Vatican Council, and how it differs from previous iterations. Drawing from both a historical and interreligious approach, Boisclair explores the history of lectionaries in both the Catholic and Jewish traditions, outlining the relationship between the two. In addition, this engaging guide outlines the ways in which the Lectionary works in harmony with the rhythms of the liturgical year, presenting selections of the Bible that reveal Christ’s Paschal Mystery to us. Incorporating insights from the introduction to the Lectionary, this accessible book also explores the experiential aspects involved in hearing and proclaiming the word of God from the Lectionary, including an overview of the Mass experience from the vantage point of various liturgical ministries and a look into how one might develop the spiritual skill of attentive listening. Designed with liturgical ministers in mind, this book will enrich prayer and understanding for all those who are interested in the role of the Bible in Catholic life.

“The church has always venerated the divine scriptures as it has venerated the Body of the Lord, in that it never ceases, above all in the sacred liturgy, to partake of the bread of life and to offer it to the faithful from the one table of the word of God and the Body of Christ.”
—Dogmatic Constitution On Divine Revelation, 21

Regina A. Boisclair received her doctorate from Alaska Pacific University, where she is currently a professor of religious studies and the Cardinal Newman Chair of Catholic Theology.

Author:  Regina A. Boisclair, PHD

Format:  Paperback

Pages:  128