September 1, 2013
Reflection on Lectoring
“At
that time Jesus spoke and said, ‘I praise you, Father, Lord of heaven and earth, for although you have
hidden these things from the wise and the learned, you have revealed them to
the childlike’.” (Matthew 11:25).
Jesus came among us to reveal his Father to all people regardless
of age, academic accomplishments or economic status. No one needed special qualifications to hear
his words. Similarly, today, those who
share their faith with others need not be among the “wise and learned.” In some ways, those who have a simple faith
may make the most effective witnesses.
Lectors can be very effective witnesses. They can make
words written thousands of years ago sound like they were written for people
living today.
Lectors can be effective translators. They can make the stories, instruction, and
exhortations found in the Bible sound less like abstract concepts and more like
the words of a good friend.
Lectors can be messengers of joy. They can show that Christians can find joy in
everyday life because everything in life (including themselves) has a purpose.
Lectors can be connectors. They can proclaim the Scriptures in a way
that shows their relevance and connection to real life. Lectors can also share with their hearers a
common bond of words, ideas and beliefs that strengthen their common identity
as Christians.
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First Reading - Sirach 3:17-18, 28-29
Short and Sweet
Imagine having just the right thing to say for every occasion.
Something short, memorable, and thought provoking. You would be the life of the party.
The Book of Sirach is a treasure trove of witty sayings and
practical advice. Everything from table
etiquette (“Moderate eating ensures sound
slumber” - chapter 3, verse 20), to lending money (“Many borrowers ask for a loan and cause trouble for those who help
them” - chapter 29, verse 4), even to advice concerning women (“Do not dally with a singer, lest you be
captivated by her charms” - chapter 9, verse 4)).
Today’s passage from Sirach offers five aphorisms for
living a better life and finding favor with God. They make connections with everyday life in
order to draw out simple truths with lifelong importance.
Lectors might do well to consider each of the five aphorisms
individually, identify how they connect to their lives, and find a simple truth
that can be proclaimed to the assembly.
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First Reading - Hebrews 12:18-19, 22-24a
A Tale of Two Scenes
There are two scenes described in today’s second reading. In the first scene, the Israelites approach
Mount Sinai, a frightening place where the law and the old covenant were
decreed. In the second scene, Christians
approach Mount Zion, the joyful place of the new covenant which was mediated by
Christ.
Unless the members of the assembly have researched this
passage prior to Mass, it is unlikely they will recognize or identify Mount
Sinai and its “blazing fire and gloomy
darkness.”
However, an effective proclamation will use the harsh
descriptions of the first scene to set off and accentuate the splendor of the
heavenly Jerusalem and the promise of the new covenant.
© George Fournier 2013
