July 8, 2012
Reflection on Lectoring
God has high expectations for his lectors and for the words they proclaim.
After all, he said to the prophet Isaiah, “So shall my word be that goes forth from my mouth; It shall not return to me void, but shall do my will, achieving the end for which I sent it” (Isaiah 55:11).
It is important to ask to what end does God send his words, especially if you are the person who is proclaiming those words.
The most immediate answer comes from the Scripture passages themselves. Some passages provide instruction, some encourage holiness, some relate historical events, and some give comfort and reassurance.
In addition, there is another end that spirit-filled proclamations can accomplish. They can remind us of our mutual interdependence as members of a worshipping community. Our sharing of God’s word unites us as a people who need God and each other.
The openness to receive help and the willingness to serve others are complementary aspects of every human relationship. They are values we celebrate whenever we share the Scriptures at Mass. They are an essential foundation of every parish family that honors God, worships together, and cares for each other.
God’s words are effective. And he has a high expectation for his lectors who share them.
Next Week: Spirit-filled Parish, Spirit-filled Lectors
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“And his commandment is this: we should believe in the name of his Son, Jesus Christ, and love one another just as he commanded us.”
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1 John 3:23
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First Reading - Ezekiel 2:2-5
750 Miles from Home
It is hard to be 750 miles away from home and risk the loss of the few friends you have left.
The prophet Ezekiel was among the first of his countrymen to be exiled to Babylonia. The scene in today’s first reading takes place by the side of the river Chebar. While sitting there with a group of his fellow exiles, Ezekiel witnesses a fantastic vision of four-headed creatures making an horrific amount of noise. Understandably, he falls flat on his face in fear.
God tells Ezekiel to stand up because there is some bad news he must tell his fellow deportees. There is soon going to be a second deportation, and the city of Jerusalem will be totally destroyed. And it is all their fault. They are being punished for their rebelliousness.
You have to empathize with Ezekiel. He is living against his will in an alien culture, and now must risk alienating his few friends. Fortunately in Chapter 37, in the famous vision of the dry bones, God allows Ezekiel to prophesy the restoration of Israel.
Perhaps your hearers might feel admiration for Ezekiel’s courage. They might also recognize in this Scripture passage that even in difficult circumstances things are better when people stick together in harmony and in obedience to God.
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Second
Reading - 2 Corinthians 12:7-10
Powerful Paradox
“When I am weak, then I am strong.”
These are the words you will speak to hundreds of people this weekend at Mass. If someone were to ask you if you really believe what you read from the ambo, what would your answer be? Can you say “no”? Must you say “yes”?
Would people in the assembly think they know what you believe even without directly asking you? Or would they think the answer doesn’t really matter to you anyway?
Part of your preparation for proclaiming this Scripture should involve deciding for yourself how you personally feel. Are there circumstances where your feelings of weakness produce feelings of strength?
This Scripture passage invites the assembly to consider how Paul’s feelings about strength and weakness apply to them. Only lectors who have honestly considered this question for themselves can proclaim this Scripture with genuine understanding.
Powerful Paradox
“When I am weak, then I am strong.”
These are the words you will speak to hundreds of people this weekend at Mass. If someone were to ask you if you really believe what you read from the ambo, what would your answer be? Can you say “no”? Must you say “yes”?
Would people in the assembly think they know what you believe even without directly asking you? Or would they think the answer doesn’t really matter to you anyway?
Part of your preparation for proclaiming this Scripture should involve deciding for yourself how you personally feel. Are there circumstances where your feelings of weakness produce feelings of strength?
This Scripture passage invites the assembly to consider how Paul’s feelings about strength and weakness apply to them. Only lectors who have honestly considered this question for themselves can proclaim this Scripture with genuine understanding.
