How are the readings at Mass selected?

A: The readings are predetermined by a cycle of readings within the Catholic Liturgical Calendar established by the Church. They are compiled in a Lectionary book. Our current Lectionary was determined by the Second Vatican Council. The Church’s calendar walks through our Lord’s life and salvation history as it points to Christ through the daily and weekend Mass readings and the liturgical calendar of events celebrated, including feasts, solemnities and memorials. This helps us relive Christ’s life in our own lives as we listen to the daily and Sunday Mass readings.

The Church’s Sunday Mass readings cycle follows the synoptic Gospels every 3 years: Years A (Matthew), B (Mark), C (Luke) with the Gospel of John used during Easter Season. The weekday reading cycle is divided into odd or even years: Year I is for odd years, II for even years. 2025 is Year I for weekday readings and year C for Sunday readings; 2026 is Year II for weekdays and C for Sundays. The Church’s liturgical calendar year starts on the first Sunday of Advent. The daily Mass readings point to the Sunday Mass readings as its summary and high point.

During the Sundays in Ordinary Time, the Gospel appointed for the year is read more or less continuously. The first reading and Psalm are chosen in harmony with the Gospel reading. The first reading is typically from the Old Testament, except at Easter when it is chosen from the  book of Acts. The Old Testament first reading brings in Salvation History, which draws us to see the fulfillment in Christ. The second reading is chosen from the New Testament, principally from St. Paul’s letters, and it is also read semi-continuously. The second reading in Ordinary Time is not intended to coordinate with the Gospel or the first reading, but there are some pairings.

There are optional readings for Saints (Sanctoral Cycle) that pair with the Seasonal Cycle. They are called the Proper of Saints and the Proper of Tiime, respectively. Both are organized and published in the liturgical calendar. Each year of the Liturgical Calendar also has a theme. 2025’s theme is “Jubilee Year, Pilgrims of Hope”; 2026 will be “Year of Grace”.

 

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