ABOUT THE MASS SERIES
 |
THE MASS: ABOUT THE MASS SERIES ICON. |
Liturgy of the Word: Responsorial Psalm Part 2.
Continuing the Jewish Synagogue
practice, Christians traditionally sang a psalm or biblical canticle after the
first reading. The cantor began the chant and the soloist/cantor sang the
verses. The congregation responded with a short refrain which was
frequently taken from the psalm itself. As more florid melodies evolved, the
psalm text was abbreviated and the choir sang the psalm on behalf of the
people.
With the aftermath
of Vatican 11 and Mass being celebrated in the vernacular, the
structure of the Mass was ‘revised’. The responsorial psalm was restored
to its important place. Since that time, the whole congregation participate by
singing of the psalm response (hopefully including those of us who say we can’t
sing). As St Augustine reminds us, ‘those who sing pray twice’.
There are two established ways of
singing the Responsorial psalm: (1) Responsorially and (2) Directly.
In responsorial singing, (which is to
be given preference) the psalmist or cantor sings the psalm verse, and whole
congregation joins in by singing the response.
In direct singing of the psalm, there
is no intervening response by the congregation; rather, we all sing it
together. Singing the psalm is meant to be a help and foster understanding and
meditation of the psalm’s spiritual meaning. Singing a hymn that is unrelated
to the psalm chosen lessens this opportunity for the congregation.
When the responsorial psalm is NOT
sung, the responsorial psalm is meant to be recited in a manner conducive to
meditation on the Word of God. The responsorial psalm is not just a response to
the First reading. It helps us as the congregation to create an
atmosphere of prayer, one in which all can recall what God has done and continues
to do. It serves as a meditative prolongation of the First reading.
Whether it is ‘responsorially’ or
directly sung or recited, Jesus speaks to us in the Psalms. Every Sunday,
(weekdays too) we are invited to read a page of Jesus’ story, and to discover
an aspect of His face.
How will Jesus
speak to YOU in the Responsorial Psalm each week?
P
No comments:
Post a Comment