The Lectionary edition of 1998 gave us a number of new readings. The most prominent additions were for some of the white feasts that pop up during the year, including the observance of the Holy Family on the Sunday between Christmas and January 1st.
The “old” readings, now cycle A, are Sirach 3:2-6, 12-14, Psalm 128, Colossians 3:12-21 (or just through 17), and Luke 2:41-52 (the finding of Jesus in the Temple). The gospel reading is proclaimed every year, but the Lectionary gives options which may be used in years B and C. You might hear Hannah dedicating her son Samuel to the Lord in 1 Samuel 1:20-22, 24-28, plus John’s reflection on love and the relationship between the Father and the Son in 1 John 3:1-2, 21-24. It might be a plus to have Psalm 84 instead of Psalm 128–the musical option for the Liturgy of the Word.
What do you think? Do these new readings offer any additional insight? Or is it better to keep the major white feasts of the year focused with a single set of readings?
