Catholic Mass and Scripture

The Catholic Mass and Scripture

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Below is a detailed breakdown of the Catholic Mass, specifically the Ordinary Form of the Roman Rite as found in the Roman Missal (Third Edition, implemented in 2011), using only authoritative Catholic sources. The structure follows the General Instruction of the Roman Missal (GIRM) and the Roman Missal itself, as published by the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops (USCCB) and other Catholic liturgical resources. For each part of the Mass, I will identify words or phrases directly taken from Scripture, provide their exact biblical references, and note where they appear in the Missal. If a phrase is not a direct scriptural quote, I will indicate it as derived from tradition or liturgical composition, based on Catholic sources such as the USCCB, the Catechism of the Catholic Church (CCC), and Catholic liturgical scholarship (e.g., Felix Just, S.J., from catholic-resources.org).

This breakdown focuses on the Ordinary of the Mass (texts that remain constant) and includes key Proper texts (e.g., Collects, Prefaces) where applicable, emphasizing scriptural origins. Due to the length and complexity, I will cover the main parts of the Mass comprehensively but concisely, focusing on the most prominent scriptural references. Don’t miss our article on what you might be missing when attending Mass here.

Sources

  • Roman Missal, Third Edition (2011), USCCB: Primary source for Mass texts.
  • General Instruction of the Roman Missal (GIRM), USCCB: Guides structure and rubrics.
  • Catechism of the Catholic Church (CCC): Provides theological context.
  • Catholic-resources.org by Felix Just, S.J.: For scriptural references in the Mass.
  • USCCB website (www.usccb.org) (www.usccb.org): For liturgical explanations and Lectionary details.
  • Catholic Answers and The Catholic Company: For missal descriptions and context.

Structure of the Catholic Mass

The Mass consists of two principal parts: the Liturgy of the Word and the Liturgy of the Eucharist, preceded by the Introductory Rites and followed by the Concluding Rites (GIRM, no. 27). The Missal organizes these into the Ordinary (fixed texts) and Proper (texts that vary by day or feast). Below, each section is broken down with scriptural references.

I. Introductory Rites

Purpose: To unite the faithful as a community and prepare them to hear God’s Word and celebrate the Eucharist (GIRM, no. 46).

1. Entrance Chant

  • Missal Text: The antiphon and psalm from the Roman Missal or Graduale Romanum (GIRM, no. 48).
  • Scriptural Connection: Varies by day. For example, on the First Sunday of Advent, the antiphon is: “To you, I lift up my soul, O my God. In you, I have trusted; let me not be put to shame” (Roman Missal, First Sunday of Advent).
    • Source: Psalm 25:1–3 (exact quote, Douay-Rheims/NAB).
  • Note: The Entrance Antiphon is often drawn directly from Psalms or other Old Testament texts, specific to the liturgical day (e.g., Isaiah for Advent/Christmas).

2. Sign of the Cross

  • Missal Text: Priest: “In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit.” People: “Amen.”
  • Scriptural Connection:
    • “In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit”: Matthew 28:19 (“Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit”).
    • “Amen”: 1 Chronicles 16:36 (“Blessed be the Lord, the God of Israel, from everlasting to everlasting! And let all the people say, ‘Amen!’”).
  • Source: Roman Missal, Order of Mass, no. 1; catholic-resources.org.

3. Greeting

  • Missal Text: Priest (option A): “The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, and the love of God, and the communion of the Holy Spirit be with you all.” People: “And with your spirit.”
  • Scriptural Connection:
    • “The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, and the love of God, and the communion of the Holy Spirit be with you all”: 2 Corinthians 13:13 (exact quote, NAB).
    • “And with your spirit”: Galatians 6:18, Philippians 4:23, 2 Timothy 4:22 (e.g., “The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with your spirit”).
  • Source: Roman Missal, Order of Mass, no. 2; catholic-resources.org.
  • Note: Other greeting options (e.g., “The Lord be with you,” from Ruth 2:4, 2 Chronicles 15:2) are also scriptural.

4. Penitential Act

  • Missal Text (Form A, Confiteor): “I confess to almighty God and to you, my brothers and sisters, that I have greatly sinned, in my thoughts and in my words, in what I have done and in what I have failed to do, through my fault, through my fault, through my most grievous fault…”
  • Scriptural Connection:
    • “I confess… to you, my brothers and sisters”: James 5:16 (“Therefore confess your sins to one another”).
    • “In my thoughts and in my words”: Romans 12:16 (general sense of thoughts aligning with God’s will).
    • “In what I have done and what I have failed to do”: James 3:2 (“For all of us make many mistakes”).
  • Source: Roman Missal, Order of Mass, no. 4; catholic-resources.org.
  • Note: The Confiteor is primarily liturgical but incorporates scriptural themes of confession and repentance.
  • Missal Text (Kyrie): “Lord, have mercy. Christ, have mercy. Lord, have mercy.”
  • Scriptural Connection:
    • “Lord, have mercy”: Matthew 15:22, Mark 10:47, Luke 17:13 (e.g., “Have mercy on me, Lord, Son of David”).
  • Source: Roman Missal, Order of Mass, no. 6; catholic-resources.org.

5. Gloria

  • Missal Text: “Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace to people of good will. We praise you, we bless you, we adore you, we glorify you… Lord Jesus Christ, Only Begotten Son, Lord God, Lamb of God, Son of the Father… Holy One… you alone are the Lord…”
  • Scriptural Connection:
    • “Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace to people of good will”: Luke 2:14 (exact quote, Douay-Rheims).
    • “Lord Jesus Christ, Only Begotten Son”: John 3:16 (“For God so loved the world that he gave his only Son”).
    • “Lamb of God”: John 1:29 (“Behold, the Lamb of God, who takes away the sin of the world”).
    • “Holy One”: Revelation 3:7, 16:5 (“These are the words of the Holy One, the True One”).
    • “You alone are the Lord”: 1 Corinthians 8:6, Philippians 2:11 (“Jesus Christ is Lord”).
  • Source: Roman Missal, Order of Mass, no. 7; catholic-resources.org.
  • Note: The Gloria is a hymn with direct quotes from Luke and titles for Christ rooted in New Testament texts.

6. Collect

  • Missal Text: Varies by day. Example (First Sunday of Advent): “Grant your faithful, we pray, almighty God, the resolve to run forth to meet your Christ with righteous deeds at his coming…”
  • Scriptural Connection: Collects are typically liturgical compositions but often allude to Scripture. For this example:
    • “Run forth to meet your Christ”: 1 Thessalonians 5:23–24 (general theme of preparing for Christ’s coming).
  • Source: Roman Missal, Proper of Time, First Sunday of Advent.
  • Note: Collects rarely quote Scripture directly but reflect biblical themes.

II. Liturgy of the Word

Purpose: To proclaim God’s Word through Scripture and reflect on it in the Homily (GIRM, no. 55).

1. First Reading

  • Missal Text: From the Lectionary for Mass, typically Old Testament (weekdays may include New Testament).
  • Scriptural Connection: Direct Scripture, e.g., Isaiah 2:1–5 for First Sunday of Advent, Year A.
  • Source: Lectionary for Mass, USCCB.
  • Note: Readings follow a three-year cycle (A, B, C) for Sundays and a two-year cycle for weekdays (GIRM, no. 357).

2. Responsorial Psalm

  • Missal Text: From the Psalms, e.g., Psalm 122:1–9 for First Sunday of Advent, Year A: “Let us go rejoicing to the house of the Lord.”
  • Scriptural Connection: Direct quote from Psalm 122:1.
  • Source: Lectionary for Mass, USCCB.

3. Second Reading (Sundays and Solemnities)

  • Missal Text: From the New Testament (e.g., Romans 13:11–14 for First Sunday of Advent, Year A).
  • Scriptural Connection: Direct Scripture.
  • Source: Lectionary for Mass.

4. Gospel Acclamation

  • Missal Text: “Alleluia” (except in Lent, when “Praise to you, Lord Jesus Christ” is used). Example: “Show us, Lord, your love; and grant us your salvation” (First Sunday of Advent).
  • Scriptural Connection:
    • “Alleluia”: Revelation 19:1, 3, 6 (“Alleluia! Salvation and glory and power to our God”).
    • “Show us, Lord, your love…”: Psalm 85:8 (exact quote).
  • Source: Roman Missal, Order of Mass, no. 9.

5. Gospel

  • Missal Text: From Matthew, Mark, Luke, or John (e.g., Matthew 24:37–44 for First Sunday of Advent, Year A).
  • Scriptural Connection: Direct Scripture.
  • Source: Lectionary for Mass.

6. Creed (Nicene Creed)

  • Missal Text: “I believe in one God, the Father almighty… and in one Lord Jesus Christ… consubstantial with the Father… he came down from heaven… by the Holy Spirit was incarnate of the Virgin Mary… he suffered death and was buried, and rose again on the third day in accordance with the Scriptures… I believe in one, holy, catholic and apostolic Church…”
  • Scriptural Connection:
    • “He came down from heaven”: John 3:13 (“No one has ascended into heaven except the one who descended from heaven”).
    • “By the Holy Spirit was incarnate of the Virgin Mary”: Matthew 1:18 (“She was found to be with child from the Holy Spirit”).
    • “He suffered death and was buried, and rose again on the third day in accordance with the Scriptures”: 1 Corinthians 15:3–4 (“Christ died for our sins in accordance with the scriptures… he was raised on the third day”).
    • “One, holy, catholic and apostolic Church”: Ephesians 4:4–6 (unity of the Church); Acts 2:42 (apostolic foundation).
  • Source: Roman Missal, Order of Mass, no. 11; catholic-resources.org.
  • Note: The Creed is a doctrinal statement but incorporates direct scriptural phrases.

7. Universal Prayer (Prayer of the Faithful)

  • Missal Text: Varies, e.g., “For the Church… Lord, in your mercy. Hear our prayer.”
  • Scriptural Connection: General theme of intercession, e.g., 1 Timothy 2:1–2 (“I urge that supplications, prayers, intercessions… be made for everyone”).
  • Source: Roman Missal, Order of Mass, no. 12.

III. Liturgy of the Eucharist

Purpose: To offer the sacrifice of Christ through the consecration of bread and wine and share in Communion (GIRM, no. 72).

1. Preparation of the Gifts (Offertory)

  • Missal Text: Priest: “Blessed are you, Lord God of all creation, for through your goodness we have received the bread we offer you…”
  • Scriptural Connection:
    • “Lord God of all creation”: Psalm 24:1 (“The earth is the Lord’s and all that is in it”).
    • “Through your goodness”: 1 Chronicles 29:14 (“All things come from you, and of your own have we given you”).
  • Source: Roman Missal, Order of Mass, no. 14;.
  • Note: The bread and wine recall Melchizedek’s offering (Genesis 14:18–20), fulfilled in Christ (Hebrews 5:10).

2. Prayer over the Offerings

  • Missal Text: Varies by day, e.g., “Be pleased, O Lord, with our humble prayers and offerings…” (First Sunday of Advent).
  • Scriptural Connection: General theme of offering, e.g., Daniel 3:39–40 (“With contrite heart and humble spirit let us be received”).
  • Source: Roman Missal, Proper of Time.

3. Eucharistic Prayer

  • Missal Text (Preface): Example (Advent I): “It is truly right and just, our duty and our salvation, always and everywhere to give you thanks, Lord, holy Father, almighty and eternal God, through Christ our Lord.”
  • Scriptural Connection:
    • “Always and everywhere to give you thanks”: 1 Thessalonians 5:18 (“Give thanks in all circumstances”).
  • Source: Roman Missal, Order of Mass, no. 17.
  • Missal Text (Sanctus): “Holy, Holy, Holy Lord God of hosts. Heaven and earth are full of your glory. Hosanna in the highest. Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord. Hosanna in the highest.”
  • Scriptural Connection:
    • “Holy, Holy, Holy Lord God of hosts”: Isaiah 6:3 (“Holy, holy, holy is the Lord of hosts”).
    • “Heaven and earth are full of your glory”: Psalm 72:19 (“Blessed be his glorious name forever; may his glory fill the whole earth”).
    • “Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord”: Matthew 21:9 (quoting Psalm 118:26).
    • “Hosanna in the highest”: Mark 11:10 (crowd’s acclamation at Jesus’ entry).
  • Source: Roman Missal, Order of Mass, no. 18; catholic-resources.org.
  • Missal Text (Institution Narrative, Eucharistic Prayer II): “Take this, all of you, and eat of it, for this is my Body… Take this, all of you, and drink from it, for this is the chalice of my Blood… which will be poured out for you and for many for the forgiveness of sins.”
  • Scriptural Connection:
    • “Take this, all of you, and eat of it… this is my Body”: Matthew 26:26, Mark 14:22, Luke 22:19, 1 Corinthians 11:23–24.
    • “This is the chalice of my Blood… poured out for you and for many”: Matthew 26:28, Mark 14:24, Luke 22:20, 1 Corinthians 11:25.
  • Source: Roman Missal, Eucharistic Prayer II;.
  • Missal Text (Memorial Acclamation): Option A: “We proclaim your Death, O Lord, and profess your Resurrection until you come again.”
  • Scriptural Connection:
    • “We proclaim your Death… Resurrection”: 1 Corinthians 11:26 (“For as often as you eat this bread and drink the cup, you proclaim the Lord’s death until he comes”).
  • Source: Roman Missal, Order of Mass, no. 19.
  • Missal Text (Doxology): “Through him, and with him, and in him, O God, almighty Father, in the unity of the Holy Spirit, all glory and honor is yours, for ever and ever.” People: “Amen.”
  • Scriptural Connection:
    • “Through him… all glory and honor”: Hebrews 1:3 (“He is the reflection of God’s glory”); Romans 11:36 (“To him be glory forever. Amen”).
    • “Amen”: 1 Chronicles 16:36.
  • Source: Roman Missal, Order of Mass, no. 20.

4. Communion Rite

  • Missal Text (Lord’s Prayer): “Our Father, who art in heaven, hallowed be thy name; thy kingdom come, thy will be done on earth as it is in heaven…”
  • Scriptural Connection:
    • Entire prayer: Matthew 6:9–13, Luke 11:2–4 (exact quote, with minor liturgical adaptation).
  • Source: Roman Missal, Order of Mass, no. 21.
  • Missal Text (Embolism): “Deliver us, Lord, we pray, from every evil… as we await the blessed hope and the coming of our Savior, Jesus Christ.”
  • Scriptural Connection:
    • “Blessed hope… coming of our Savior”: Titus 2:13 (“Awaiting our blessed hope, the appearing of the glory of our great God and Savior Jesus Christ”).
  • Source: Roman Missal, Order of Mass, no. 22.
  • Missal Text (Sign of Peace): Priest: “The peace of the Lord be with you always.” People: “And with your spirit.”
  • Scriptural Connection:
    • “The peace of the Lord be with you always”: John 20:19 (“Peace be with you”).
  • Source: Roman Missal, Order of Mass, no. 23.
  • Missal Text (Agnus Dei): “Lamb of God, you take away the sins of the world, have mercy on us… grant us peace.”
  • Scriptural Connection:
    • “Lamb of God, you take away the sins of the world”: John 1:29 (“Behold, the Lamb of God, who takes away the sin of the world”).
  • Source: Roman Missal, Order of Mass, no. 24.
  • Missal Text (Invitation to Communion): Priest: “Behold the Lamb of God, behold him who takes away the sins of the world. Blessed are those called to the supper of the Lamb.” People: “Lord, I am not worthy that you should enter under my roof, but only say the word and my soul shall be healed.”
  • Scriptural Connection:
    • “Behold the Lamb of God… sins of the world”: John 1:29.
    • “Blessed are those called to the supper of the Lamb”: Revelation 19:9 (“Blessed are those who are invited to the marriage supper of the Lamb”).
    • “Lord, I am not worthy… under my roof… say the word”: Matthew 8:8 (“Lord, I am not worthy to have you come under my roof; but only speak the word, and my servant will be healed”).
  • Source: Roman Missal, Order of Mass, no. 25; catholic-resources.org.

5. Prayer after Communion

  • Missal Text: Varies, e.g., “Grant us, we pray, O Lord our God, that we, who in this great Sacrament have devoutly celebrated, may be filled with your life…” (First Sunday of Advent).
  • Scriptural Connection: General theme of spiritual nourishment, e.g., John 6:57 (“Whoever eats me will live because of me”).
  • Source: Roman Missal, Proper of Time.

IV. Concluding Rites

Purpose: To send the faithful forth to live out the Gospel (GIRM, no. 90).

1. Final Blessing

  • Missal Text: Priest: “The Lord be with you.” People: “And with your spirit.” Priest: “May almighty God bless you, the Father, and the Son, and the Holy Spirit.” People: “Amen.”
  • Scriptural Connection:
    • “The Lord be with you”: Ruth 2:4, 2 Chronicles 15:2.
    • “The Father, and the Son, and the Holy Spirit”: Matthew 28:19.
    • “Amen”: 1 Chronicles 16:36.
  • Source: Roman Missal, Order of Mass, no. 27.

2. Dismissal

  • Missal Text: Deacon/Priest: “Go forth, the Mass is ended.” People: “Thanks be to God.”
  • Scriptural Connection:
    • “Thanks be to God”: 2 Corinthians 9:15 (“Thanks be to God for his indescribable gift”).
  • Source: Roman Missal, Order of Mass, no. 28.
  • Note: The phrase “Ite, missa est” (Latin for “Go, it is sent”) is liturgical, reflecting the mission to spread the Gospel (Mark 16:15).

Notes on the Missal and Scriptural Integration

  • The Roman Missal (Third Edition, 2011) is the authoritative text for the Ordinary Form of the Mass, containing the Order of Mass, Proper texts, and rubrics (GIRM, no. 1). It integrates Scripture extensively, with nearly every major prayer or response rooted in biblical texts, as outlined above.
  • The Lectionary for Mass complements the Missal, providing readings in a three-year Sunday cycle (A: Matthew, B: Mark, C: Luke, with John in Easter) and a two-year weekday cycle. All readings are direct Scripture, covering 15% of the Old Testament and 71% of the New Testament over three years.
  • Many Mass texts not directly quoted from Scripture (e.g., Collects, Prefaces) are liturgical compositions that reflect biblical themes, as noted in the Catechism (CCC 1096: “The liturgy… is imbued with the Word of God”).
  • The Mass is “profoundly biblical,” with its structure, prayers, and gestures drawing from both Old and New Testaments, as emphasized by Catholic scholars (e.g., Catholic Answers).

Limitations

  • Due to the variability of Proper texts (e.g., Collects, Prefaces, Readings), I provided examples from the First Sunday of Advent, Year A, as representative. If you want specific texts for another day or feast, please specify.
  • Some minor prayers (e.g., priest’s private prayers before Communion) are not included in this breakdown, as they are not part of the public dialogue in the Missal (GIRM, no. 33).
  • The Extraordinary Form (1962 Missal) or other rites (e.g., Byzantine) have different texts and scriptural references; this focuses solely on the Ordinary Form per your request.

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