In the Catholic Mass, the Bible is profoundly intertwined throughout both the Liturgy of the Word and the Liturgy of the Eucharist, forming the core of the celebration.
In the Liturgy of the Word, several readings from the Old and New Testaments are proclaimed aloud. This includes a reading from the Old Testament, a Psalm, a reading from one of the Epistles or Letters of the New Testament, and finally, the Gospel proclamation. Each reading is carefully selected according to the Lectionary, which provides a structured plan of readings for each day of the liturgical year. These readings are chosen to reflect the themes of the liturgical season or feast and to provide spiritual nourishment for the faithful.
Following the readings, the priest or deacon often offers a homily, delving deeper into the meaning and relevance of the Scriptures for the lives of the congregation. This helps to illuminate the Word of God and its application to contemporary circumstances.
In the Liturgy of the Eucharist, biblical references continue to abound. For instance, during the Preparation of the Gifts, the priest often recites prayers that allude to passages from the Bible, such as the Psalms or the words of Jesus at the Last Supper. Additionally, the Eucharistic Prayer, the central prayer of the Mass, contains numerous biblical allusions, particularly to the accounts of the Last Supper found in the Gospels.
Furthermore, the words of consecration, where the bread and wine become the body and blood of Christ, echo the language used by Jesus himself during the Last Supper as recorded in the Gospels.
In sum, the Catholic Mass is saturated with references to the Bible, both in the Liturgy of the Word and the Liturgy of the Eucharist, highlighting the central role that Scripture plays in the life and worship of the Church.
