Every Sunday, a letter written to a first-century church is read aloud as "the word of the Lord." Why do St. Paul's epistles belong in the Mass — and who decided they should be read alongside the Gospel?
This session looks at the Second Reading — the epistle read after the Responsorial Psalm on Sundays and major feasts. Dr. Pitre begins with the Roman Missal's simple rubric and then turns to Scripture's own witness that the apostolic letters were meant to be read publicly in the churches: Paul directs that Colossians be read aloud and exchanged with Laodicea, and 2 Peter already ranks Paul's letters with "the other scriptures." From there he traces the ancient practice through the Apostolic Constitutions, which describe the sequence of readings — Law, Prophets, Psalms, Acts and Paul's letters, then the Gospel. Benedict XVI explains how Paul's letters entered the liturgy so early that the prophet–apostle–Gospel structure shaped the Liturgy of the Word itself. What governs which epistles are read, and why is there semi-continuous reading of Paul and James in Ordinary Time?
Key passages & sources examined: Roman Missal, Order of Mass no. 12; Colossians 4:16–18; 2 Peter 3:15–16; Apostolic Constitutions 2.57.5 (with Deut 27:9; Deut 5:31); Ordo Lectionum Missae no. 107; Benedict XVI, General Audience (Feb 4, 2009), Saint Paul
What is the Second Reading in the Catholic Mass? It is the epistle proclaimed after the Psalm on Sundays and solemnities, ending "The word of the Lord." The video explains its place and its scriptural warrant.
Why are St. Paul's letters read at Mass? Dr. Pitre shows from Colossians and 2 Peter that the letters were written to be read aloud in the assembly — the full case is made in the session.
Which readings are chosen for the Second Reading in Ordinary Time and Easter? The video takes up the principles of selection — semi-continuous Paul and James, with Peter and John in Easter and Christmas.
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I told him I do not know what I would do without all the knowledge I have gained from this program. Period. Dr. Grant Pitre is phenomenal and an excellent teacher.
This video series helped me to more deeply enter into Mass. Understanding the biblical and historical context brings me attention back to the altar, even when the kiddos are at their most distracting!
This supported by doctrine study illuminates a personal struggle and provides the necessary coping mechanisms to overcome adversity. Doctor Brant has an exquisite methodology of presenting the material in an informative manner that keeps you engaged in the discussion.
Love this subscription. Dr Pitre’s explanations are so understandable and helpful. Michael in customer service is always available and quickly answers any questions I might have.
I told him I do not know what I would do without all the knowledge I have gained from this program. Period. Dr. Grant Pitre is phenomenal and an excellent teacher.
This video series helped me to more deeply enter into Mass. Understanding the biblical and historical context brings me attention back to the altar, even when the kiddos are at their most distracting!
This supported by doctrine study illuminates a personal struggle and provides the necessary coping mechanisms to overcome adversity. Doctor Brant has an exquisite methodology of presenting the material in an informative manner that keeps you engaged in the discussion.
Love this subscription. Dr Pitre’s explanations are so understandable and helpful. Michael in customer service is always available and quickly answers any questions I might have.
