Q: I am writing about your blog post of 23 January, “Introductions to the readings”.
I posted on 16 January at https://forums.catholic.com/t/commentary-before-each-of-the-readings-allowable/586126/5 : “The General Introduction to the Lectionary” has: “42. The one presiding is responsible for preparing the faithful for the liturgy of the word on occasion by means of introductions before the readings.70 These comments can help the gathered assembly toward a better hearing of the word of God, because they enliven the people’s faith and their desire for good. He may also carry out this responsibility through other persons, the deacon, for example, or a commentator.71”
So a lay person can give an introduction before each reading.
Another part of the General Introduction to the Lectionary that supports this comes under the heading “3. MINISTRIES IN THE LITURGY OF THE WORD”: “57. The commentator also fulfills a genuine liturgical ministry, which consists in present to the assembly of the faithful, from a suitable place, relevant explanations and comments that are clear, of marked simplicity, meticulously prepared, as a rule written out, and approved beforehand by the celebrant.”
The 2010 General Instruction of the Roman Missal has in n. 105:“In performing this function the commentator stands in a suitable place within sight of the faithful, but not at the ambo.”
The General Introduction to the Lectionary is at https://www.liturgyoffice.org.uk/Resources/Rites/Lectionary.pdf.
[Excerpts from the English translation of the Lectionary for Mass, © 1969, 1981 International Commission on English in the Liturgy Corporation. Excerpt from the English translation of the Roman Missal, © 2010 International Commission on English in the Liturgy Corporation. All rights reserved.]”
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A: You are correct. If I had checked my own book, Let Us Pray, I would have reached the same conclusion.
Lay people may give introductions to each of the scripture readings.