Living Liturgically Part 3: Living the Mass Readings

For several years, I've been reading and praying with the daily Mass readings everyday first thing in the morning after I pray the morning Liturgy of the Hours. Usually, there's a word, phrase or challenge that speaks to me which I pray with and reflect on its meaning in my life.

I usually read at least 2 reflections on those readings which help me understand them further and give me new insight. Then, I make some final prayer or resolution with those readings -- What will I try to focus on or do differently? What should I pray or ponder more? What do I need God's help and grace with? 

As the years have passed and this practice has become more engrained in my prayer life, I notice each day how something in those Mass readings comes to life or is "food" that feeds me that day which I need to keep sustaining my faith. The fruit of this practice has truly been abundant.

It might be words of strength or comfort. It might be a challenge or a question. It might be a new way of looking at God or Jesus. It might be a psalm that resonates. It might be a new understanding. Or it might just be a tiny word that speaks something to your soul.

And that's the next part of liturgical living: Letting the daily Mass readings come to life in your own life. There's beauty and wisdom in the Church's choice of readings each day. Reading them, praying with them, and then seeing how God is moving and working through the words that speak to you each day is part of living our Catholic liturgy day in and day out.