THE ROMAN CATHOLIC LECTIONARY WEBSITE
tables compiled by Felix Just, S.J., Ph.D.

The Lectionary for Mass - Second USA Edition
(Sunday Volume, 1998; Weekday Volumes, 2002)

Common Responsorial Psalms and Gospel Acclamations

For the main biblical texts read at Mass (the First Reading, Responsorial Psalm, Second Reading, and Gospel), the Ordo Lectionum Missae, editio typica altera (the second edition of the official Latin Lectionary) does not actually print the full texts to be read, but only gives the appropriate biblical references from the Neo-Vulgate Bible, along with an "incipit" (a brief annotation specifying how the reading is to begin, especially when it is in the middle of a biblical verse).

In contrast, the Latin Lectionary does include the full texts to be used at each Mass for the Refrain of the Responsorial Psalm and the Acclamation before the Gospel (called the "Alleluia Verse" outside of Lent, or the "Verse before the Gospel" during Lent). Most of these Psalm refrains and Gospel acclamations are direct quotations from the Neo-Vulgate Bible, but sometimes they are slightly adapted or based more loosely on biblical texts; the appropriate biblical reference is usually listed, but sometimes not.

While basically the same Lectionary is used in the Catholic Church throughout the world, the various language editions used in different countries normally draw upon an already approved local translation of the Bible to supply the full texts of the readings. In the case of the Psalm refrains and the Gospel acclamations, however, the local Lectionaries contain direct translations of the Latin texts as printed in the Ordo Lectionum Missae, rather than using the local translations of the equivalent biblical verses. A few of the Latin texts and English translations are provided below, for comparative purposes. [For more background, see my overview of the Various Editions of the Lectionary for Mass.]

Overview & Contents:

Lect. #

Section Title

173*

Common Texts for Sung Responsorial Psalms: Responses

174*

Common Texts for Sung Responsorial Psalms: Psalms

163*

Alleluia Verses for Sundays in Ordinary Time

192*

Alleluia Verses for Weekdays of Advent up to December 16

201*

Alleluia Verses for Weekdays of Advent from December 17 to December 24

211*

Alleluia Verses for Weekdays (of the Season of Christmas) before Epiphany

223*

Verses before the Gospel for Weekdays of Lent

303

Alleluia Verses for Weekdays of the Season of Easter up to the Ascension

304

Alleluia Verses for Weekdays of the Season of Easter after the Ascension

509**

Alleluia Verses for Weekdays in Ordinary Time

Notes:
* A small change between the first and second editions of the Lectionary caused a slight shift in the numbers used to identify all the readings between #39 and #260. Thus, the numbers of most of the sections containing the Common Psalms and Gospel Acclamations in the current editions (1981 Latin / 1998-2002 USA) are one less than the corresponding sections of the first editions (1969 Latin / 1970 USA) of the Lectionary.
** The full text of #509 is also printed after #163 in the Sunday volume of the current USA Lectionary with an annotation: "The following texts for weekdays in Ordinary Time may also be used in place of the texts proposed for each Sunday."

Common Texts for Sung Responsorial Psalms

Lectionary Note:
"The psalm as a rule is drawn from the Lectionary because the individual psalm texts are directly connected with the individual readings: the choice of psalm depends therefore on the readings."
"Nevertheless, in order that the people may be able to join in the responsorial psalm more readily, some texts of responses and psalms have been chosen, according to the different seasons of the years and classes of saints, for optional use, whenever the psalm is sung, in place of the text corresponding to the reading (cf. General Instruction of the Roman Missal, n. 36)."

#173: Responses

Liturgical Season Proposed Refrain
Season of Advent:

Come, O Lord, and set us free.

Season of Christmas:

Lord, today we have seen your glory.

Season of Lent:

Remember, O Lord, your faithfulness and love.

Season of Easter:

Alleluia (two or three times)

Ordinary Time: a) Psalm of praise:

 Praise the Lord for he is good.
or:  We praise you, O God, for all your works are wonderful.
or:  Sing to the Lord a new song.

Ordinary Time: b) Psalm of petition:

The Lord is near to all who call on him.
or: Hear us, Lord, and save us.
or: The Lord is kind and merciful.

#174: Psalms

Liturgical Season or Feast

Biblical Reference

Proposed Refrain (bibl. ref.)

Season of Advent:

1) Ps 25:4-5ab, 8-9, 10+14

To you, O Lord, I lift my soul. (v. 1)

2) Ps 85:9ab+10, 11-12, 13-14

Lord, show us your mercy and love. (v. 8a)

Season of Christmas:

3) Ps 98:1, 2-3ab, 3cd-4, 5-6

All the ends of the earth have seen the saving power of God. (v. 3cd)

Epiphany:

4) Ps 72:1b-2, 7-8, 10-11, 12-13

Lord, every nation on earth will adore you. (cf. v. 11)

Season of Lent:

5) Ps 51:3-4, 5-6a, 12-13, 14+17

Be merciful, O Lord, for we have sinned. (cf. v. 3a)

6) Ps 91:1-2, 10-11, 12-13, 14-15

Be with me, Lord, when I am in trouble. (cf. v. 15b)

7) Ps 130:1-2, 3-4, 5-6ab, 7bc-8

With the Lord there is mercy, and fullness of redemption. (v. 7bc)

Holy Week:

8) Ps 22:8-9, 17-18a, 19-20, 23-24

My God, my God, why have you abandoned me? (v. 2a)

Easter Vigil:

9a) Ps 136:1-3, 4-6, 7-9, 24-26

God's love is everlasting. (v. not given)

9b) Ps 136:1+3+16, 21-23, 24-26

God's love is everlasting. (v. not given)

Season of Easter:

10) Ps 118:1-2, 16-17, 22-23

This is the day the Lord has made; let us rejoice and be glad. (v. 24)

11) Ps 66:1b-3a, 4-5, 6-7a, 16+20

Let all the earth cry out to God with joy, alleluia. (v. 1)

Ascension:

12) Ps 47:2-3, 6-7, 8-9

God mounts his throne to shouts of joy. (v. 6a)

Pentecost:

13) Ps 104:1ab+24ac, 29bc-30, 31+34

Lord, send out your Spirit, and renew the face of the earth. (cf. v. 30)

Ordinary Time:

14) Ps 19:8, 9, 10, 11

Lord, you have the words of everlasting life. (John 6:68c)
or: Your words, Lord, are Spirit and life. (John 6:63c)

15) Ps 27:1, 4, 13-14

The Lord is my light and my salvation. (v. 1a)

16) Ps 34:2-3, 4-5, 6-7, 8-9

I will bless the Lord at all times. (v. 2)
or: Taste and see the goodness of the Lord. (v. 9a)

17) Ps 63:2, 3-4, 5-6, 8-9

My soul is thirsting for you, O Lord my God. (v. 2b)

18) Ps 95:1-2, 6-7, 8-9

If today you hear his voice, harden not your hearts. (v. 8)

19) Ps 100:2, 3, 5

We are his people: the sheep of his flock. (v. 3c)

20) Ps 103:1-2, 3-4, 8+10, 12-13

The Lord is kind and merciful. (v. 8a)

21) Ps 145:1-2, 8-9, 10-11, 13cd-14

I will praise your name forever, my king and my God. (cf. v. 1)

Last Weeks in Ordinary Time:

22) Ps 122:1b-2, 3-4ab, 4cd-5, 6-7, 8-9

Let us go rejoicing to the house of the Lord. (cf. v. 1)

Note: The USA Lectionary helpfully adds sequential numbers, which are not specified in the Ordo Lectionum Missae, to all the Psalms listed above; however, in this section the USA Lectionary curiously omits the small letters that are specified in the Latin Lectionary to identify partial verses in the biblical references (the missing letters are supplied in the table above).

Gospel Acclamations

Lectionary Note at the beginning of #163 (Sunday volume) and ##192, 201, 211, 223, 303, 304, and 509 (Weekday volumes):
“These texts may be used in place of the texts proposed for each day.”

#163: Alleluia Verses for Sundays in Ordinary Time:

Lect. # Biblical Ref. Lectionary Translation
163-1

1 Sam 3:9; John 6:68c

Speak, Lord, your servant is listening; you have the words of everlasting life.

163-2

cf. Matt 11:25

Blessed are you, Father, Lord of heaven and earth; you have revealed to little ones the mysteries of the kingdom.

163-3

cf. Luke 19:38; 2:14

Blessed is the king who comes in the name of the Lord: glory to God in the highest and peace to God's people on earth.

163-4

John 1:14a, 12b

The Word of God became flesh and made his dwelling among us. To those who accepted him, he gave power to become children of God.

163-5

cf. John 6:63c, 68c

Your words, Lord, are Spirit and life; you have the words of everlasting life.

163-6

John 8:12

I am the light of the world, says the Lord; whoever follows me will have the light of life.

163-7

John 10:27

My sheep hear my voice, says the Lord; I know them, and they follow me.

163-8

John 14:6

I am the way, the truth, and the life, says the Lord; no one comes to the Father, except through me.

163-9

John 14:23

Whoever loves me will keep my word, says the Lord, and my Father will love him and we will come to him.

163-10

John 15:15b

I call you my friends, says the Lord, for I have made known to you all that the Father has told me.

163-11

cf. John 17:17b, 17a

Your word, O Lord, is truth; consecrate us in the truth.

163-12

cf. Acts 16:14b

Open our hearts, O Lord, to listen to the words of your Son.

163-13

cf. Eph 1:17-18

May the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ enlighten the eyes of our hearts, that we may know what is the hope that belongs to our call.

Last Sundays in Ordinary Time:

163-14

Matt 24:42a, 44

Be watchful and ready: you know not when the Son of Man is coming.

163-15

Luke 21:36

Be watchful, pray constantly, that you may be worthy to stand before the Son of Man.

163-16

Rev 2:10c

Be faithful until death, says the Lord, and I will give you the crown of life.

Note: The full text of #509 is also printed immediately after #163 in the Sunday volume of the current USA Lectionary with an annotation:
"The following texts for weekdays in Ordinary Time may also be used in place of the texts proposed for each Sunday."

#192: Alleluia Verses for Weekdays of Advent up to December 16

Lect. # Biblical Ref. . Lect. # Biblical Ref. . Lect. # Biblical Ref.
192-1

cf. Ps 80:4

192-4

Isa 40:9cb+10a

192-7

Luke 3:4cd+6

192-2

Ps 85:8

192-5

cf. Isa 45:8

 192-8 (no bibl. ref.)

192-3

Isa 33:22

192-6

Isa 55:6

192-9—192-14

(no bibl. refs.)

#201: Alleluia Verses for Weekdays of Advent from December 17 to December 24

Lect. #

Ordo Lectionum Missae (1981 Latin)

Lectionary for Mass (USA 2002)

 Also in Lect. #193-200:

201-1

Sapientia Altissimi, fortiter suaviterque disponens omnia:
veni ad docendum nos viam prudentiae.

O Wisdom of our God Most High, guiding creation with power and love:
come to teach us the path of knowledge!

 #193: Dec. 17

201-2

Dux domus Israel, qui Moysi in Sina legem dedisti:
veni ad redimendum nos in bracchio extento.

O Leader of the House of Israel, giver of the Law to Moses on Sinai:
come to rescue us with your mighty power!

 #194: Dec. 18

201-3

Radix Iesse, stans in signum populorum:
veni ad liberandum nos, iam noli tardare.

O Root of Jesse’s stem, sign of God's love for all his people:
come to save us without delay!

 #195: Dec. 19

201-4

Clavis David, qui aperis portas aeterni Regni:
veni et educ vinctum de domo carceris sedentem in tenebris.

O Key of David, opening the gates of God's eternal Kingdom:
come and free the prisoners of darkness!

 #196: Dec. 20

201-5

Oriens, splendor lucis aeternae et sol iustitiae:
veni et illumina sedentes in tenebris et umbra mortis.

O Radiant Dawn, splendor of eternal light, sun of justice:
come and shine on those who dwell in darkness and in the shadow of death!

 #200: Dec. 24 morning

201-6

Rex gentium et lapis angularis Ecclesiae:
veni et salva hominem quem de limo formasti.

O King of all nations and keystone of the Church:
come and save man, whom you formed from the dust!

 #198: Dec. 22 and
#199: Dec. 23

201-7

Emmanuel, rex et legifer noster:
veni ad salvandum nos, Domine, Deus noster.

O Emmanuel, our King, and Giver of Law:
come to save us, Lord our God!

 #197: Dec. 21
Note: No biblical references are provided for these seven verses, but they are similar to the traditional “O Antiphons” used in the Evening Prayer of the Liturgy of the Hours the week before Christmas.

#211: Alleluia Verses for Weekdays (of the Season of Christmas) before Epiphany

Lect. # Biblical Ref.
211-1

John 1:14a+12a

211-2

Heb 1:1-2a

211-3

(no bibl. ref.)

#223: Verses before the Gospel for Weekdays of Lent

Lect. # Biblical Ref. . Lect. # Biblical Ref. . Lect. # Biblical Ref.
223-1

Ps 51:12a+14a

223-7

See Amos 5:14

223-13

See John 6:63c, 68c

223-2

See Ps 95:8ab

223-8

Matt 4:4b

223-14

John 8:12

223-3

Ps 130:5+7bc

223-9

Matt 4:17

223-15

John 11:25a+26

223-4

Ezek 18:31ab

223-10

See Luke 8:15

223-16

2 Cor 6:2b

223-5

See Ezek 33:11

223-11

Luke 15:18

223-17

(no bibl. ref.)

223-6

Joel 2:12ab+13c

223-12

John 3:16

    

Gospel Acclamations for Lent:
1) Glory and praise to you, Lord Jesus Christ!
2) Glory to you, Lord Jesus Christ, Wisdom of God the Father!
3) Glory to you, Word of God, Lord Jesus Christ!
4) Glory to you, Lord Jesus Christ, Son of the Living God!
5) Praise and honor to you, Lord Jesus Christ!
6) Praise to your, Lord Jesus Christ, King of endless glory!
7) Marvelous and great are your works, O Lord!
8) Salvation, glory, and power to the Lord Jesus Christ!

#303: Alleluia Verses for Weekdays of the Season of Easter up to the Ascension

Lect. # Biblical Ref. . Lect. # Biblical Ref. . Lect. # Biblical Ref.
303-1

Matt 4:4b

303-9

See John 6:63c, 68c

303-17

John 20:29

303-2

See Luke 24:46, 26

303-10

John 8:12

303-18

Rom 6:9

303-3

John 3:14b-15

303-11

John 8:31b-32

303-19

Col 3:1

303-4

John 3:16

303-12

John 10:14

303-20

See Rev 1:5ab

303-5

John 6:35ab

303-13

John 10:27

303-21

(no bibl. ref.)

303-6

See John 6:40

303-14

John 14:6

 303-22 (no bibl. ref.)

303-7

John 6:51

303-15

John 15:4a+5b

 303-23 (no bibl. ref.)

303-8

John 6:56

303-16

John 15:15b

 303-24 (no bibl. ref.)

#304: Alleluia Verses for Weekdays of the Season of Easter after the Ascension

Lect. # Biblical Ref. . Lect. # Biblical Ref.
304-1

Matt 28:19a+20b

304-6

See John 16:7, 13

304-2

John 14:16

304-7

John 16:28

304-3

See John 14:18

304-8

See John 17:17b, 17a

304-4

John 14:26

304-9

John 17:21

304-5

John 15:26b-27a

304-10

Col 3:1

#509: Alleluia Verses for Weekdays in Ordinary Time:

Lect. # Biblical Ref. . Lect. # Biblical Ref. . Lect. # Biblical Ref.
509-1

1 Sam 3:9; John 6:68c

509-16

Ps 147:12a, 15a

509-31

See Col 3:16a, 17c

509-2

See Ps 19:9

509-17

Matt 4:4b

509-32

See 1 Thess 2:13

509-3

Ps 25:4b, 5a

509-18

See Matt 11:25

509-33

See 2 Thess 2:14

509-4

See Ps 27:11

509-19

See Luke 8:15

509-34

See 2 Tim 1:10

509-5

Ps 95:7d-8a

509-20

See John 6:63c, 68c

509-35

Heb 4:12

509-6

Ps 111:7b-8a

509-21

John 8:12

509-36

Jas 1:18

509-7

Ps 119:18

509-22

John 10:27

509-37

Jas 1:21bc

509-8

Ps 119:27

509-23

John 14:6

509-38

1 Pet 1:25

509-9

Ps 119:34

509-24

John 14:23

509-39

1 John 2:5

509-10

Ps 119:36a, 29b

509-25

John 15:15b

 The Last Week in Ordinary Time:

509-11

Ps 119:88

509-26

See John 17:17b, 17a

509-12

Ps 119:105

509-27

See Acts 16:14b

509-1

Matt 24:42a, 44

509-13

Ps 119:135

509-28

2 Cor 5:19

509-2

Luke 21:28

509-14

See Ps 130:5

509-29

See Eph 1:17-18

509-3

Luke 21:36

509-15

Ps 145:13cd

509-30

Phil 2:15d-16a

509-4

Rev 2:10c

Note: The full text of #509 is also printed immediately after #163 in the Sunday volume of the current USA Lectionary with an annotation:
"The following texts for weekdays in Ordinary Time may also be used in place of the texts proposed for each Sunday."

For more details on all the above material, see my Comparison Charts of Psalms and Alleluias in various editions of the Lectionary for Mass.

For explanation of the abbreviations used above, see my oveview of the Various Editions of the Lectionary for Mass.

Main Lectionary Page 1998/2002 USA Edition 1992 Canadian Edition
Links to Other Websites 1970 USA Edition Pre-Vatican II Edition
Return to the HOME PAGE of Felix Just, S.J.
This page was last updated on April 7, 2007
Web Version Copyright © 2006