THE DIVINE WORD: A Liturgical Weekly Bible Study on the Sunday Mass Readings for Year A

Rev. Leon Ngandu has observed that many believers do not fully understand the Scriptures proclaimed at Mass and the homilies that explain them. As a result, they do not participate in Mass actively, intentionally, and prayerfully. Therefore, he recognized a critical need to evangelize God’s people about the prayerful character of the fi rst part of the Mass, the liturgy of the Word of God. He strongly emphasizes that both parts of the Mass—the liturgy of the Word of God and the liturgy of the Eucharist—are deeply connected. We cannot fully engage in one without the other. This means we cannot truly participate with Jesus at the Eucharistic Table if we do not listen to and understand him at the table of the Word of God. The liturgy of the Word is not just a part of the Mass; it is a prayerful encounter with God. Therefore, a deep understanding of the liturgical Scriptures is essential for the faithful to participate reverently in the Mass. This Liturgical Weekly Bible Study Workbook serves as a helpful tool, aiming to assist the faithful in becoming familiar with the liturgical scripture readings before attending each Sunday Mass.