January 20, 2013
Reflection on Lectoring
Since most lectors are not bible scholars or theologians,
are they really qualified to share the Scriptures with the assembly at Mass? Perhaps
it would be better for lectors to concentrate solely on good articulation and good
diction, and allow the assembly to find meaning in the Scriptures with the help
of the Holy Spirit.
Perhaps there might also be an additional possibility. Maybe lectors should recognize that theology
is not just for theologians.
Like every one of us, theologians and bible scholars must
also do a lot of soul searching to understand their faith and the message of
their faith. After all, it took until
325 AD before the Council of Nicaea was able to declare formally that Jesus was
“consubstantial with the Father.” A lot
of prayer, a lot of years, and sometimes a lot of heated debate were needed to
better understand this essential article of faith.
The job of the lector is not to declare new articles of
faith. However, lectors should not be
timid about proclaiming the presence of God that they personally experience in the
Scriptures. Lectors should never be
timid about showing the depth of their own faith.
The people in the assembly are much more likely to find
meaning in the readings, when they see the lector has also found meaning. At the end of the reading, they are more
likely to respond with conviction, “Thanks be to God” when they hear the lector
say with genuine belief, “The Word of the Lord.”
That is real sharing.
_________________________
“I
believe in one God . . . ”
- The Nicene Creed _________________________
First Reading - Isaiah 62:1-5
A Big Celebration
Beginning in chapter 60 and continuing through to today’s
reading from chapter 62, there is a high level of unrestrained enthusiasm about
the prospects for a glorious Jerusalem.
After the total destruction of their homeland and years of captivity,
Isaiah says it is now time for the Israelites to celebrate - to really
celebrate.
In today’s first reading, there are images of wedding
celebrations, coronations and ultimate victory.
It is the kind of pep talk that is designed to encourage the Israelites
to reclaim their homeland as well as the covenant made to them by God.
How do Isaiah’s words of encouragement translate to
present day circumstances? When
proclaiming this Scripture, should the lector demonstrate the same level of enthusiasm
as Isaiah did centuries ago? What is the
proper way for the lector to tell the assembly, “I will not be silent”?
___________________________________
Second Reading - 1 Corinthians 12: 4-11
The Essential Ingredient
Paul begins chapter 12 of 1 Corinthians by saying, “Now concerning spiritual gifts, brethren, I would not have you ignorant” (v.1). It seems that the Corinthians had the all-too-common ability to turn a good thing into a source for dissension. So Paul sets out to explain the right way to understand the nature of gifts and what they are for.
By instructing the Corinthians, Paul also presents a helpful way to understand what lectors are called to do today.
Verse 4 talks about different kinds of spiritual gifts. They are the charisms, the manifestations of the energizing power of the Holy Spirit.
Verse 5 talks about different forms of service. They are the ministries, the different expressions of the mission of the Lord which are now carried out by his people.
Verse 6 talks about different workings. They are the results of service, the kind of positive results that rely on “the same God who produces all of them in everyone.”
What is the essential ingredient that unites and perfects these gifts, service and workings? You are invited to read chapter 13 to find out.
© 2013, George Fournier
