Description:
The constitution on the Sacred Liturgy, Sacrosanctum Concilium ( SC) repeatedly affi rms the close relationship between liturgy and the Bible: the crown of both is the memory of the Easter mystery (SC 5. 6). In liturgy God speaks to his people, Christ is present in a special way and once again announces his gospel (SC 7. 33). Consequently the Council desires that in the liturgical celebrations the reading of God’s word be more abundant and varied (SC 35), that it be made in the vulgar language (SC 36. 54. 63. 101) and that the most important parts of the whole Bible be read over the period of a few years (SC 51; the Old Testament was rarely read and seldom compared to the New Testament). Moreover, to encourage the active participation of the faithful (SC 11. 14. 19) and to give them the possibility of feeding at the altar of the word of God (SC 51) the Council introduces the obligation of the sermon at Sunday and holyday masses and desires that it draws especially on the sources of the Bible (SC 35. 52). The liturgical book for the celebration of the Divine Offi ce also needs to be revised, so that the treasures of the divine word become accessible to everyone and that it may become nourishment for the spiritual life; to this end the Council urges priests to acquire a better liturgical and biblical instruction, especially with regard to the psalms (SC 90. 92).