Last week I spoke about the Roman Missal as the primary book used by the priest during Catholic Mass and this week I want to take a moment to look at the other main book used during Mass, which is the Lectionary. The word Lectionary comes from the Latin word lectio, which means “to read”.    The Church has always had a Lectionary, although it has taken different forms throughout history. Before Vatican II, the Roman Lectionary followed a one-year cycle, repeating the same readings annually. The Council (1963) called for “opening the treasures of the Bible more lavishly,” leading to a three-year cycle (A: Matthew; B: Mark with John; C: Luke; with John included each year). This reform greatly expanded exposure to both Old and New Testament texts, allowing the faithful to encounter a fuller range of Scripture.   At Sunday Mass, the structure is: First Reading – usually from the Old Testament (Acts of the Apostles during Easter). Responsorial Psalm – sung/recited response. Second Reading – writings of the Apostles from the New Testament, especially St. Paul. Gospel – high point of the Word, proclaiming Christ’s life and teaching. The principles guiding selection of readings are: Harmony: Old Testament foreshadows and New fulfills. Semi-continuous reading: Books (esp. Gospels and Epistles) are read progressively across weeks. Christ-centered: The liturgical year unfolds the mysteries of Christ’s life, death, resurrection, and ascension.   The roots of a lectionary come from Judaism, where synagogue worship included fixed readings from the Law and Prophets (cf. Luke 4; Acts 13). Early Christianity continued this tradition—St. Paul urged public Scripture reading, and St. Justin Martyr (2nd c.) described Sunday worship with Old Testament and Gospel readings followed by a homily. Over centuries, the Roman Church often reduced readings to Epistle and Gospel only, but Vatican II restored the more ancient three-reading pattern.   I’ve mentioned this before, but a point worth making again is that, during Ordinary Time, the Old Testament reading, the Psalm, and the Gospel are meant to connect with each other. Sometimes that connection is obvious - for example, last week’s First Reading and Gospel both clearly speak about the value of humility - and sometimes that connection needs a little further exploration to find. The same pattern is not necessarily meant to be followed during the special seasons of the year, such as Lent and Advent.   The readings from the Bible come to us during the Mass and so even reading and listening to them contributes to our worship. At the same time, our souls can be fed by them as we hear God speak to His people. This is incredible nourishment that prepares us to love God better and follow Jesus more closely as His disciples.