JourneyOnline
The Columbia Press
RRP $39.95
Published in 2007 in Dublin, Liturgical Resources for the Year of Matthew is written for the Roman Catholic Lectionary which often differs from our Revised Common Lectionary. It is also to be noted that it relates only to Ordinary Sundays in the cycle so, from a Protestant preacher’s point of view, is somewhat frustrating to follow. Having said that, it is another excellent resource for worship leaders and preachers.
The author places great emphases on the liturgy surrounding the preaching and chooses to educate while providing service outlines. The Ordinary Sundays are divided into Lectionary Units 1-7, each unit following common themes. O’Loughlin sees the core of the Year of Matthew as following five great sermons:
The Sermon on the Mount (Sundays 4-7)
The Mission Sermon (Sundays 11-13)
The Parable Sermon (Sundays 15-17)
The Community Sermon (Sundays 23-24)
The Final Sermon (Sundays 32-33).
The first unit of just two Sundays focuses on The Figure of Jesus the Messiah. At intervals through the units are informative articles of teaching, such as Sacred Vessels, Liturgy and Accountability, and An Alternative to Preaching.
Each Sunday the reader is provided with a Celebrant’s guide, Rite of Penance, Prayer of the faithful, Invitation to the Eucharist and sometimes a reflection on this sacrament, short commentary on the readings, a Homily and general notes. In this publication of 332 pages, each Sunday covers eight to ten pages.
I believe much thought has been given to the material, the layout and explanations as well as the creativity and authenticity of the liturgy.
Liturgical Resources for the Year of Matthew would be a valuable asset to any library.
Reviewed by Rev Barbara Bailey, Caloundra
