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6 LITURGY OF THE WORD (iii)
As we know, the Liturgy of the word consists of a number of parts: the scripture readings, the homily,
the creed and the general intercessions. The readings are not so much readings as proclamations and
opportunities for dynamic encounter with the living God. The first reading is usually from the Old
Testament. Clearly, this ancient body of writing pre-dates Jesus. In the Old Testament we see God's
saving hand at work: from the creation of the world in Genesis through all the prophets and other
literature, God's purpose to save and set free his people is manifest. Occasionally, and for special
reason (such as the great season of Easter) a reading from the New Testament replaces the Old
Testament reading but this is relatively rare. God speaks really and truly through the Old Testament. The
first five books, so beloved of the Jews, are also loved by Christians for they (and the whole of the Old
Testament) reveal something of the true nature of God and prepare the way for the Messiah. On
Sundays the Old Testament reading is carefully chosen by the Church to support the Gospel of the day
and provide a context for it. This continually emphasises the joined-up thinking that reveals Jesus as the
fulfillment of the Law and the Prophets. Listen today to the Old Testament reading. How does it prepare
the way for the Gospel? What does God want to say to you through this reading? What does it mean to
say 'Thanks be to God' at the end of this reading?
the creed and the general intercessions. The readings are not so much readings as proclamations and
opportunities for dynamic encounter with the living God. The first reading is usually from the Old
Testament. Clearly, this ancient body of writing pre-dates Jesus. In the Old Testament we see God's
saving hand at work: from the creation of the world in Genesis through all the prophets and other
literature, God's purpose to save and set free his people is manifest. Occasionally, and for special
reason (such as the great season of Easter) a reading from the New Testament replaces the Old
Testament reading but this is relatively rare. God speaks really and truly through the Old Testament. The
first five books, so beloved of the Jews, are also loved by Christians for they (and the whole of the Old
Testament) reveal something of the true nature of God and prepare the way for the Messiah. On
Sundays the Old Testament reading is carefully chosen by the Church to support the Gospel of the day
and provide a context for it. This continually emphasises the joined-up thinking that reveals Jesus as the
fulfillment of the Law and the Prophets. Listen today to the Old Testament reading. How does it prepare
the way for the Gospel? What does God want to say to you through this reading? What does it mean to
say 'Thanks be to God' at the end of this reading?
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