The End of the Liturgy of the Word
The Liturgy of the Word ends with a litany [19-21] and a prayer [21-22].
The closing prayer is specifically for those who are not yet baptized members
of the Church. Since they are not yet permitted to receive the sacrament
of Holy Communion, the unbaptized were originally dismissed at the end of
the Liturgy of the Word. Speaking on their behalf, the priest prays,
"Make us equal to your true worshipers, who worship you in spirit and
in truth." This quotation from the Gospel according to St. John
reminds us it that being a baptized Christian is a privilege, not a right:
"But the hour is coming, and now is, when the true worshipers will
worship the Father in spirit and truth, for such the Father seeks to worship
him" [John 4:23].
The Liturgy of the Word concludes with the priest's blessing over the people
and is sealed with their acclamation, "Amen" [22].
>> The Liturgy of the Eucharist
