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

Main Differences between the 1992 Canadian Edition 
and the 1998 USA Edition of the Lectionary for Mass

INTRODUCTION
OVERALL DIFFERENCES IN TRANSLATION AND FORMAT
DETAILED DIFFERENCES IN READING SELECTIONS


INTRODUCTION

Many people are aware that the Lectionaries used in Canada and in the United States are based on different modern English translations of the Bible, and thus are significantly different in the wording of most of the scriptural readings. Most people do not realize, however, that there are also very many detailed differences in the verses included in particular readings.

It is generally thought that the Roman Catholic Lectionary is exactly the same throughout the world. Since the Canadian Lectionary uses language that is much more "inclusive" than the United States Lectionary (not only the 1970 edition and but also the 1998 edition), some parishes and individuals in the United States have used CL instead of USL in recent years. This choice can lead to confusion during the liturgy if people hear proclaimed aloud a version of the scriptures that is noticeably different from the one printed in the "missalettes" available in the pews of many parishes. Moreover, preachers who use the CL to prepare a homily may accidentally focus on a word or a verse not found in the corresponding readings of the USL.

The following sections first highlight the major differences between these two Lectionaries in their overall translation and format, and then explain in detail almost one hundred and fifty minor differences in the biblical readings actually printed in the CL and the USL. The purpose of this analysis is not to argue that one Lectionary is better than the other, but rather to show the differences between the two versions objectively. Future editions of both Lectionaries might be improved by a careful consideration of the current discrepancies.

Abbreviations:


OVERALL DIFFERENCES IN TRANSLATION AND FORMAT

1) Edition and Biblical Translation:

The current editions of the Canadian and United States Lectionaries are both ultimately based on OLM81, the second edition of the official "Order of Readings for Mass", as required by the "Decree Regarding the Second Typical Edition", promulgated 21 January 1981 by the "Sacred Congregation for the Sacraments and Divine Worship" (Prot. CD 240/81). This decree, reprinted in the front of all Lectionaries, specifies that "the text of the Neo-Vulgate must be adopted as the typical edition for liturgical use." Yet the expanded "Introduction" to this new "Order of Readings for Mass" also permits the use of "vernacular translations approved for liturgical use" (par. 111) and allows for certain adaptations to be made in the wording (par. 124). The Congregation's "Decree" also says that "the Neo-Vulgate edition of the Sacred Scriptures has been used in indicating the biblical references," although the "Introduction" again allows the versification of other approved translations of the Bible to be used (par. 119).

The 1998 United States edition of the Sunday Lectionary is based primarily on the New American Bible translation (NAB: 1970 edition of the OT, 1986 revision of the NT). However, many detailed changes were made in the wording, due partly to inclusive-language concerns and partly to differences from the text and the versification of the Neo-Vulgate Bible.

The 1992 Canadian edition is based mostly on the translation and versification of the New Revised Standard Version of the Bible (NRSV), with some adaptations. Thus, most of the differences between the USL and CL, both in wording and in reference numbers, are due to discrepancies between the NAB and the NRSV, respectively.

2) Overall Arrangement of Readings:

Both editions generally follow the order of the liturgical year, but there are several major differences in the arrangement of the contents in the Canadian and United States Lectionaries:

a) Three-Year Cycle of Readings: For each liturgical season the CL prints the readings for Years A, B, and C in separate sub-sections, while the USL intersperses the three annual cycles. For example, for the Season of Advent the CL prints the readings for all four Sundays of Year A first, then the four Sundays of Year B, and then Year C. In contrast, the USL follows the order of OLM81 by first printing the readings for all three years of the First Sunday of Advent, then all three years of the Second Sunday of Advent, and so on. Thus, the CL arranges the readings 1A, 4A, 7A, 10A, 2B, 5B, 8B, 11B, 3C, 6C, 9C, 12C, while the USL prints 1A, 2B, 3C, 4A, 5B, 6C, etc.

b) Tables of Readings: At the beginning of each section, the CL includes a comprehensive table of scripture references for all the readings in that liturgical season (pp. 2, 50, 106, etc.). While these tables provide very convenient overviews and comparisons of the readings in Years A, B, and C, they must be used with caution, since they unfortunately also contain a large number of typographical errors. The USL provides no charts of detailed scriptural references, but only one very general table showing the "Order of the Second Reading for Sundays in Ordinary Time."

c) Common Sung Texts: At the beginning of the sections for Advent, Christmas, Lent, Easter, and Ordinary Time, the CL also collects the optional "Common Responses," "Common Responsorial Psalms," and "Gospel Acclamations" for that liturgical season (pp. 3-4, 51-52, etc.). In contrast, the USL only contains one section of "Alleluia Verses for Sundays in Ordinary Time" (#163 and 509), and one section of "Common Texts for Sung Responsorial Psalms" (#173-174), containing the optional Psalm texts for all liturgical seasons together.

3) Placement of Certain Feasts:

Although the numbers assigned to all the readings are the same in the Canadian and United States Lectionaries, following the official numbers of the Latin edition, a few Feast Days are found in different locations in the Canadian edition. While the USL prints the readings in the same order as OLM81, the CL has the following feasts in roughly chronological order:

a) Ash Wednesday (#220): The CL volume for "Sundays and Solemnities" includes the readings for Ash Wednesday at the beginning of its section for the "Season of Lent" (i.e. just before reading #22A). The inclusion is most likely due to the popularity of this feast day, although it is technically not a "Solemnity." The first volume of the USL does not contain Ash Wednesday at all.

b) Chrism Mass (#260ABC): The CL places this special liturgy at the end of the "Season of Lent" (just after reading #38C, but before the section with the "Easter Triduum"), while the USL places the Chrism Mass near the end of Volume 1, just after the "Common Texts for Sung Responsorial Psalms." This discrepancy reflects a change in the placement (and numbering) of the Chrism Mass in OLM81 as opposed to OLM69.

c) Easter Triduum (#39-42ABC): The CL contains one section for the "Easter Triduum" with all the liturgies from Holy Thursday to Easter Sunday, so the next section, the "Easter Season," begins with the Second Sunday of Easter (#43A). In contrast, the USL has a combined section: "Easter Triduum and Season of Easter." Its "Easter Triduum" subsection contains only the liturgies for Holy Thursday and Good Friday, however, while Easter Vigil and Easter Sunday are placed at the beginning of the "Season of Easter" subsection.

d) Octave of Easter (#261-266): The readings for the Octave of Easter are included in Volume I of the 1998 United States edition, but are only in the Weekday volumes of the 1992 Canadian edition, as indicated in a rubric (CL, pp. 296, 298).

e) Trinity Sunday, Body and Blood, Sacred Heart (#164A-172C): The CL includes these Feasts between the Seasons of Easter and Ordinary Time (i.e. between readings #63C and 64A), while the USL and OLM81 place them after Ordinary Time.

4) Detailed Rubrics:

The Canadian Lectionary repeatedly prints several explicit rubrics (instructions for the readers in red type) within the text, while the United States Lectionary generally contains the same instructions only in the Introduction, but not in the text itself:

5) Titles of Readings, Seasons, Feast Days, and Masses:

While most of the categories of texts have the same titles in both Lectionaries (First Reading, Responsorial Psalm, Second Reading, Gospel), what is called the "Gospel Acclamation" in the CL is simply called the "Alleluia" (outside of Lent) or the "Verse Before the Gospel" (during Lent) in the USL. Also, what the CL entitles "Feasts of the Lord and Solemnities of the Saints" are named "Solemnities and Feasts of the Lord and the Saints" in the USL, both of which can easily be confused with the "Solemnities of the Lord during Ordinary Time" (i.e. Trinity Sunday, Body and Blood of Christ, Sacred Heart: readings #164A-172C).

There are also some slight but interesting variations in the exact titles used for the feast days during the Christmas Season, for the Easter Triduum, and for the Solemnities of the Lord. Overall the titles in the USL are more formal than those of the CL and closer to the Latin titles given in OLM81. This is especially true of the other Solemnities and Feasts at the end of the following table:
 

Lect. # 1992 Canada 1998 USA
13 Vigil of Christmas (December 24) December 25: The Nativity of the Lord (Christmas)
Vigil Mass
14 Christmas: During the Night (December 25) Christmas, Mass at Midnight 
15 Christmas: At Dawn (December 25) Christmas, Mass at Dawn
16 Christmas: During the Day (December 25) Christmas, Mass during the Day
17 Holy Family: Sunday within the Octave of Christmas Sunday within the Octave of Christmas
The Holy Family of Jesus, Mary and Joseph
18 Mary, Mother of God: Octave of Christmas (January 1) January 1: Octave Day of Christmas
Solemnity of the Blessed Virgin Mary, The Mother of God
19 Second Sunday after Christmas Second Sunday after Christmas
20 Epiphany of the Lord January 6: The Epiphany of the Lord
21 Baptism of the Lord: Sunday after Epiphany Sunday after January 6: The Baptism of the Lord
37

38

Passion (Palm) Sunday 
Procession with Palms
Eucharist
Palm Sunday of the Lord's Passion
At the Procession with Palms
At the Mass
260 The Mass of Chrism  Thursday of Holy Week: Chrism Mass
39 Mass of the Lord's Supper Holy Thursday: Evening Mass of the Lord's Supper
40 Celebration of the Lord's Passion  Good Friday of the Lord's Passion
41 Resurrection of the Lord 
Easter Vigil During the Night
The Resurrection of the Lord:
At the Easter Vigil in the Holy Night of Easter
42 Resurrection of the Lord - Easter Sunday
During the Day
Easter Sunday: The Resurrection of the Lord
The Mass of Easter Day
160-162 Thirty-Fourth Sunday in Ordinary Time
Christ the King
Thirty-Fourth or Last Sunday in Ordinary Time
The Solemnity of Our Lord Jesus Christ the King
164-166 Trinity Sunday Sunday after Pentecost:
The Solemnity of the Most Holy Trinity
167-169 The Body & Blood of Christ Sunday after Trinity Sunday:
The Solemnity of the Most Holy Body and Blood of Christ
170-172 The Sacred Heart of Jesus Friday after the Second Sunday after Pentecost: 
The Solemnity of the Most Sacred Heart of Jesus
524 Presentation of the Lord (February 2) February 2: The Presentation of the Lord
543 Joseph, Husband of Mary: Patron of Canada (March 19) March 19: St. Joseph, Husband of the Blessed Virgin Mary
545 Annunciation of the Lord (March 25) March 25: The Annunciation of the Lord
586 Birth of John the Baptist: Vigil (June 23) June 24: The Nativity of St. John the Baptist: At the Vigil Mass
587 Birth of John the Baptist: During the Day (June 24) June 24: The Nativity of St. John the Baptist: Mass During the Day
590 Peter and Paul, Apostles: Vigil (June 28) June 29: SS. Peter and Paul, Apostles: At the Vigil Mass
591 Peter and Paul, Apostles: During the Day (June 29) June 29: SS. Peter and Paul, Apostles: Mass During the Day
614 Transfiguration of the Lord (August 6) August 6: The Transfiguration of the Lord
621 Assumption of Mary: Vigil (August 14) August 15: The Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary: At the Vigil Mass
622 Assumption of Mary: During the Day (August 15) August 15: The Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary: Mass During the Day
638 Triumph of the Cross (September 14) September 14: The Exaltation of the Holy Cross
667 All Saints (November 1) November 1: All Saints
668 All Souls (November 2) November 2: The Commemoration of All the Faithful Departed (All Souls)
671 Dedication of Saint John Lateran (November 9) November 9: The Dedication of the Lateran Basilica
689 Immaculate Conception of Mary (December 8) December 8: The Immaculate Conception of the Blessed Virgin Mary


DETAILED DIFFERENCES IN READING SELECTIONS

1) Optional Readings:

For certain Sundays and Feast Days, optional readings are provided in one edition but not in the other. In other cases, readings indicated as optional in the United States Lectionary are the only ones prescribed for that day in the Canadian Lectionary:

a) Holy Family (17ABC) and Baptism of the Lord (21ABC): The CL prints the readings of these feasts separately for Years A, B, and C without explicitly indicating that the readings for Years B and C are officially "optional" for both days. In contrast, the USL prints the First Reading, Responsorial Psalm, Second Reading, and Alleluia of Year A, followed by all of the Gospels for Years A, B, and C. In the next subsection it prints all of the readings for Year B, and then does the same for Year C. This arrangement not only results in the duplicate printing of the Gospels for Years B and C, but it unfortunately also de-emphasizes the optional readings for these years. Moreover, it is very confusing for the Feast of the Holy Family, due to the duplicate use of the capital letters A and B (although in contrasting black type) for the longer and shorter forms of several of the readings!

b) Palm Sunday (37-38ABC): The CL arranges all the readings (for the Procession with Palms and for the Mass) in separate blocks for Years A, B, and C, thus printing the common First Reading, Responsorial Psalm, and Second Reading three times each. The CL also prints each of the Passion Proclamations twice, the second time in a convenient format designed for several readers. In contrast, the USL first prints the Processional Gospels for all three years (37A, B, C), and then has one block for the readings used at the Mass (38ABC together). The USL also mentions the option of omitting one or both of the first two readings, a rubric not explict in the CL.

c) Easter Sunday (42ABC): As an optional Gospel for an afternoon Mass, the CL prints the full text of Luke 24:13-35, while the USL only mentions this option in a rubric. Both Lectionaries also have a rubric indicating that the Gospel from the Easter Vigil may be read in place of the regular Easter Sunday reading from John 20.

d) Ascension (58A, 58B, 58C): Again the CL prints the readings of this day separately for Years A, B, and C without explicitly indicating that the Second Readings for Years B and C are officially "optional" (the First Reading and Responsorial Psalm remain the same, but a different Gospel is prescribed for each year). However, for this feast the USL follows a pattern different from before. It prints Years A, B, and C in three separate blocks, but for the Second Readings of Years B and C, it first prints the Year A text (Eph 1:17-23) before adding the optional texts from Years B or C, respectively. Thus, the A reading is again emphasized more than the B and C options.

e) Pentecost Vigil (62ABC): In addition to the regular number of readings for the Vigil of Pentecost in the USL, the CL also adds a complete set of seven readings for an "Extended Vigil of Pentecost", which is not in the USA edition.

f) Pentecost Sunday (63A, 63B, 63C): The CL and the USL respectively handle this Solemnity in much the same way as they did the Feast of the Ascension, although for Pentecost both the Second Reading and the Gospel have "optional" choices for Years B and C.

g) All Souls: Novermber 2 (668): The CL prints specific readings for Years A, B, and C separately, in addition to saying that any of the readings recommended for Masses for the Dead may be used. In contrast, the new USL prints thirty-one different reading options from the list of Masses for the Dead.

2) Specific Biblical References:

Both the Canadian and the United States Lectionaries always print the scriptural references in red type at the beginning of each reading, but only the CL also prints the individual verse numbers in the margins next to the corresponding lines of the text (a very helpful feature!). In contrast to older editions, both of the new Lectionaries now give biblical references more specifically by using letters to indicate if part of a scriptural verse is omitted from the reading (e.g. 35:1-6a, or 63:16b-17). Although the USL has detailed and accurate references for most of the readings, it often fails to use letters to indicate partial verses in the Responsorial Psalms.

Furthermore, in some cases the biblical text actually printed in the Lectionary does not correspond exactly to the scripture reference in the official "Order of Readings". This is more often the case with the 1992 CL, but sometimes also with the 1998 USL. In other cases, there are simple typographical errors in one or both of the editions. Thus, the published editions of both Lectionaries unfortunately contain many inaccuracies, omissions, and errors in the biblical references given with each reading and/or in the overview tables and indices (see the Typographical Errors pages). In cases of discrepancy, the following tables contain the exact biblical references of the texts as actually printed in the Lectionaries, based on careful comparisons with the appropriate versions of the Bible.

On the other hand, many of the differences in the verse references given in the two Lectionaries for the same readings are due to the discrepancies between the NAB and NRSV translations. This is true especially for the Psalms (not included in the table below), but also for several other readings from the Hebrew Bible. The First Readings in the following chart have different verse references for what are essentially the same biblical texts, although there may also be some differences in the translations due to discrepancies in the underlying Hebrew texts:
 

Sunday (Lect. #) 1998 USA (cf. NAB) 1992 Canada (cf. NRSV)
1st Sunday of Advent (2 B) Isa 63:16b-17, 19b; 64:2-7 Isa 63:16b-17; 64:1, 3-8
4th Sunday of Advent (12C) Mic 5:1-4a Mic 5:2-5a 
Pentecost: Vigil Mass (62ABC - 4th option) Joel 3:1-5 Joel 2:28-32
3rd Sunday in Ordinary Time (67A) Isa 8:23b-9:3 Isa 9:1-4 
8th Sunday in Ordinary Time (83B) Hos 2:16b, 17b, 21-22 Hos 2:14-15, 19-20
24th Sunday in Ordinary Time (131B) Isa 50:4c-9a Isa 50:5-9a
30th Sunday in Ordinary Time (148A) Exod 22:20-26 Exod 22:21-27
33rd Sunday in Ordinary Time (159C) Mal 3:19-20a Mal 4:1-2

3) First Readings from Sirach

The readings taken from the Book of Sirach constitute a special case, since the versifications of the NRSV and NAB are often identical, but different from those of the Neo-Vulgate edition of the Bible. Although several U.S. publishers have retained the old verse numbers from the NAB (except for a few typographical errors), most of the texts as printed in the new United States Lectionary are based more directly on the Neo-Vulgate version of Sirach. Thus, not only are the verse numbers different, but in most cases there are also significant differences in the translation. Moreover, although the verses seem identical for reading 150C, the texts are actually significantly different:
 

Sunday (Lect. #) 1998 USA (cf. NAB) 1979 Neo-Vulgate 1992 Canada (cf. NRSV)
Holy Family (17A) Sirach 3:2-6, 12-14 Sirach 3:3-7, 14-17a Sirach 3:2-6, 12-14
2nd Sunday after Xmas (19ABC) Sirach 24:1-2, 8-12 Sirach 24:1-4, 12-16 Sirach 24:1-4, 8-12
6th Sunday in Ord. Time (76A) Sirach 15:15-20 Sirach 15:16-21 Sirach 15:15-20
8th Sunday in Ord. Time (84C) Sirach 27:4-7 Sirach 27:5-8 Sirach 27:4-7
22nd Sunday in Ord. Time (126C) Sirach 3:17-18, 20, 28-29  Sirach 3:19-21, 30-31 Sirach 3:17-20, 28-29 
24th Sunday in Ord. Time (130A) Sirach 27:30-28:7 Sirach 27:33-28:9 Sirach 27:30-28:7
30th Sunday in Ord. Time (150C) Sirach 35:12-14, 16-18 Sirach 35:15b-17, 20-22a Sirach 35:15b-17, 20-22a

4) Longer Forms and Shorter Forms:

The two Lectionaries usually provide the same options for the "longer form" and "shorter form" of a particular reading. Yet the USL always prints out the complete text of both options, while the CL often merely indicates the second option with the rubric: "The shorter version ends [or begins] at the asterisk."

However, in several cases the USL includes an optional "shorter form" for a reading, while the CL provides only the corresponding "longer form" (lengthened further in one case). In contrast, the CL adds a "longer form" for one reading, while the USL contains only the shorter form.
 

Sunday (Lect. #) 1998 USA 1992 Canada Differences
Easter Sunday (42ABC)
Gospel
John 20:1-9 John 20:1-18++ or 
John 20:1-9 
CL longer form adds Jesus' appearance to Mary Magdalene
3rd Sunday of Easter (48C)
Gospel
John 21:1-19 or
John 21:1-14
John 21:1-19 USL shorter form omits dialogue of Jesus and Simon about love
6th Sunday in Ord. Time (77B)
Second Reading
1 Cor 10:31-11:1 1 Cor 10:23-11:1 or
1 Cor 10:31-11:1
CL longer form adds more about sacrificial meat sold in markets
11th Sunday in Ord. Time (93C)
Gospel
Luke 7:36-8:3 or
Luke 7:36-50
Luke 7:36-8:3 USL shorter form omits the Galilean women accompanying Jesus
21st Sunday in Ord. Time (122B)
Second Reading
Eph 5:21-32 or
Eph 5:2a, 25-32
Eph 4:32-5:2; 5:21-32++ USL shorter form omits wives' subordination to husbands; 
CL adds three verses on mutuality
32nd Sunday in Ord. Time (154A)
Second Reading
1 Thess 4:13-18 or
1 Thess 4:13-14
1 Thess 4:13-18 USL shorter form omits the coming of the Lord and the "rapture" text

In several other cases, the "longer form" of a certain reading is identical in the two Lectionaries, but the optional "shorter form" of the United States edition is even shorter than that of the Canadian edition:
 

Sunday (Lect. #) 1998 USA 1992 Canada Differences in Shorter Form
Holy Family (17B)
Gospel
Luke 2:22-40 or
Luke 2:22, 39-40
Luke 2:22-40 or
Luke 2:22, 25-27, 34-35, 39-40++
CL retains five verses: encounter with Simeon in the temple
Palm Sunday (37C)
Passion Reading
Luke 19:28-40 or
Luke 23:1-49
Luke 19:28-40 or
Luke 22:66-23:49
CL retains 22:66-71: Jesus' trial before the Jewish Council
Easter Vigil (41ABC)
Second Reading
Gen 22:1-18 or
Gen 22:1-2, 9a, 10-13, 15-18
Gen 22:1-18 or
Gen 22:1-2, 9-13, 15-18
CL retains v. 9b: Isaac is bound and laid on the altar
6th Sunday in Ord. Time (76A)
Gospel
Matt 5:17-37 or
Matt 5:20-22a, 27-28, 33-34a, 37
Matt 5:17-37 or
Matt 5:17, 20-24, 27-28, 33-34, 37++
CL retains several verses: fuller message of the "antitheses"
16th Sunday in Ord. Time (106A)
Gospel
Matt 13:24-43 or
Matt 13:24-30
Matt 13:24-43 or
Matt 13:24-33
CL retains vv. 31-33: parables of the mustard seed and of yeast
17th Sunday in Ord. Time (109A)
Gospel
Matt 13:44-52 or
Matt 13:44-46
Matt 13:44-52 or
Matt 13:44-48
CL retains vv. 47-48: parable of the net full of fish

5) Other Actual Changes in the Reading Selections:

In both Lectionaries many further adaptations have been made to the biblical texts, especially to provide better introductions to passages that are read out of context. The USL usually keeps these changes fairly short and to a minimum (adding introductory words like "Jesus said to his disciples" in the Gospels, or explicit addresses like "Brothers and sisters" for the Pauline letters). In contrast, the CL has a fairly large number of changes, for reasons explained in an "Editorial Note":

Because the appointed passages might begin in the middle of a sentence, or the translation style of the NRSV requires, or to provide a fuller introduction or conclusion, or to provide a fuller meaning, minor adaptations have been made by including or excluding some verses, as the case may be, which precede or follow the passage. These changes have been marked with a distinctive symbol (++) as required by the above mentioned documents (CL, p. iii). Although the CL does explicitly indicate many such alterations, numerous other readings have also been adapted without the corresponding scriptural references being marked with the ++ symbol, as detailed below.

OVERVIEW:  Analyzing all the changes in the following table leads to a few general observations about the Canadian Lectionary:

ABBREVIATIONS:
NOTE: Unless otherwise indicated below, the USL and/or CL follow the readings prescribed in OLM81.
 
Sunday or Feast Reading 1998 USA 1992 Canada Differences
1st Sunday of Advent 1A
Responsorial
Ps 122:1-2, 3-4a, 4b-5, 6-7, 8-9 Ps 122:1-2, 4-5, 6-7, 8-9 USL retains 5 strophes from OLM69;
CL uses 4 strophes, as in OLM81
1st Sunday of Advent 2B
Gospel
Mark 13:33-37 Mark 13:31-37++ CL adds vv. 31-32: no one knows the day or hour
1st Sunday of Advent 3C
Responsorial
Ps 25:4-5, 8-9, 10+14 Ps 25:4-5a, 8-9, 10+14 USL adds v. 5b: "and for you I wait all the day"
2nd Sunday of Advent 5B
Second Reading
2 Pet 3:8-14 2 Pet 3:8-15 CL adds v. 15: exhortation on the "patience of our Lord" 
2nd Sunday of Advent 6C
Second Reading
Phil 1:4-6, 8-11 Phil 1:3-6, 8-11 CL adds v. 3: Paul thanks God when he remembers the Philippians
3rd Sunday of Advent 8B
First Reading
Isa 61:1-2b, 10-11
[typo: claims vv. 1-2a]
Isa 61:1-2a, 10-11 USL adds v. 2b: day of vindication by our God
4th Sunday of Advent 11B
Gospel
Luke 1:26-38 Luke 1:26-38 USL omits the first short phrase: "In the sixth month"
Christmas: Mass at Midnight 14ABC
First Reading
Isa 9:1-6 (NAB) Isa 9:2-4, 6-7 (NRSV) CL omits v. 5: violent battle imagery (other verses equivalent)
Christmas: Mass at Midnight 14ABC
Responsorial
Ps 96:1-2a, 2b-3, 11-12, 13 Ps 96:1-2, 3-4, 11-12, 13 CL adds v. 4: lengthens first two strophes
Christmas: Mass at Midnight 14ABC
Gospel
Luke 2:1-14 Luke 2:1-16++ CL adds vv. 15-16: shepherds go to Bethlehem
Christmas: At Dawn 15ABC
Responsorial
Ps 97:1+6, 11-12 Ps 97:1-2, 5-6, 11-12 CL adds vv. 2, 5: increases to three strophes
Sunday within the Octave of Christmas: 
Holy Family
17B
First Reading
Gen 15:1-6; 21:1-3 Gen 15:1-6; 17:3b-5, 15-16; 21:1-7++ CL adds 9 verses: Abram renamed Abraham; Circumcision of Isaac; Words of Sarah
Sunday within the Octave of Christmas: 
Holy Family
17B
Responsorial
Ps 105:1-2, 3-4, 6-7, 8-9 Ps 105:1-2, 3-4, 5-6, 8-9 USL error in third strophe; CL follows OLM81
Sunday within the Octave of Christmas: 
Holy Family
17C
First Reading
1 Sam 1:20-22, 24-28 1 Sam 1:11, 20-22, 24-28++ CL adds v. 11: Hannah's vow to the Lord
Sunday within the Octave of Christmas: 
Holy Family
17C
Responsorial
Ps 84::2-3, 5-6, 9-10 (NAB) Ps 84:1-2, 4-5, 8-9, 10 (NRSV) CL adds v. 10 (NRSV): increases to four strophes
Mary, Mother of God: Octave of Christmas (January 1) 18ABC
Responsorial
Ps 67:2-3, 5, 6+8 (NAB) Ps 67:1-2, 4-5, 6-7 (NRSV) CL rearranges the strophe divisions and adds v. 6 (NRSV): "the earth has yielded its increase; God has blessed us"
Second Sunday after Christmas 19ABC
Second Reading
Eph 1:3-6, 15-18 Eph 1:3-6, 15-19++ CL adds v. 19: "the surpassing greatness of his power" (completes sentence)
1st Sunday of Lent 22A
First Reading
Gen 2:7-9; 3:1-7 Gen 2:7-9, 16-18, 25; 3:1-7++ CL adds 4 verses: trees in the garden; God makes a partner for man; both were naked but unashamed
2nd Sunday of Lent 25A
First Reading
Gen 12:1-4a Gen 12:1-4 CL adds v. 4b: Abram's Age
2nd Sunday of Lent 26B
First Reading
Gen 22:1-2, 9a, 10-13, 15-18 Gen 22:1-2, 9-13, 15-18 CL adds v. 9b: Isaac is bound and laid on the altar
2nd Sunday of Lent 26B
Second Reading
Rom 8:31b-34 Rom 8:31b-35, 37++ CL adds vv. 35, 37: "Who will separate us from the love of Christ? ."
3rd Sunday of Lent 29B
Second Reading
1 Cor 1:22-25 1 Cor 1:18, 22-25++ CL adds v. 18: the message of the cross is foolishness to those perishing
4th Sunday of Lent 32B
First Reading
2Chr 36:14-16, 19-23 2 Chr 36:14-17a, 19-23++ CL adds v. 17a: King of the Chaldeans mentioned explicitly
Easter Vigil 41ABC
Third Reading
Exod 14:15-15:1 Exod 14:15-31; 15:20, 1++ CL inserts 15:20: Miriam and the women play tambourines; CL also has this reading lead into the Responsorial Canticle
Easter Vigil 41ABC
Gospel (B only)
Mark 16:1-7 Mark 16:1-8 USL omits v. 8, as in OLM81;
CL retains v. 8 from OLM69: the women's fear and silence 
Easter Sunday 42ABC
First Reading
Acts 10:34a, 37-43 Acts 10:34a, 36-43++ CL adds v. 36: God proclaimed peace through Jesus Christ
2nd Sunday of Easter 44B
Responsorial
Ps 118:2-4, 13-15, 22-24 Ps 118:2-4, 16-18, 22-24 USL error: repeats Psalm from Year A (reading 43A)
2nd Sunday of Easter 45C
Responsorial
Ps 118:2-4, 13-15, 22-24 Ps 118:2-4, 22-24, 25-27a USL error: repeats Psalm from Year A (reading 43A)
3rd Sunday of Easter 46A
First Reading
Acts 2:14, 22-33 Acts 2:14, 22b-28 CL omits v. 22a, as in OLM69; USL adds five verses, as in OLM81: David's prophecies about Jesus
3rd Sunday of Easter 47B
Responsorial
Ps 4:2, 4, 7b-8a, 9 (NAB) Ps 4:1, 3, 6ab, 8 (NRSV) CL and USL have partially different verses in third strophe (v. 7b NAB = v. 6b NRSV)
3rd Sunday of Easter 47B
Second Reading
1 John 2:1-5a 1 John 2:1-5 CL adds v. 5b: "By this we may be sure that we are in him"
4th Sunday of Easter 50B
First Reading
Acts 4:8-12 Acts 4:7-12 CL summarizes vv. 1-5 and adds v. 7: longer introduction puts the reading in context
4th Sunday of Easter 50B
Responsorial
Ps 118:1+8-9, 21-23, 26+21-29
[typo: claims to have v. 28]
Ps 118:1+8-9, 21-23, 26+28-29 CL has v. 28; USL claims to have v. 28, but actually has v. 21 in its place
5th Sunday of Easter 54C
First Reading
Acts 14:21-27 Acts 14:21b-27 USL adds v. 21a: conclusion of the previous pericope
5th Sunday of Easter 54C
Gospel
John 13:31-33a, 34-35 John 13:1, 31-33a, 34-35++ CL adds v.1: introduction with Passover setting
6th Sunday of Easter 56B
First Reading
Acts 10:25-26, 34-35, 44-48a Acts 10:25-26, 34-35, 44-48 USL omits v. 48b: "then they invited him to stay for several days"
6th Sunday of Easter 57C
Responsorial
Ps 67:2-3, 5, 6+8 (NAB) Ps 67:1-2, 4-5, 6-7 (NRSV) CL rearranges the strophe divisions and adds v. 6 (NRSV): "the earth has yielded its increase; God has blessed us"
7th Sunday of Easter 61C
Responsorial
Ps 97:1+2b, 6+7c, 9 Ps 97:1-2, 6-7ac, 9+12 CL adds vv. 2a, 7a, 12: lengthens all three strophes
Vigil of Pentecost 62ABC
First Reading
Exod 19:3-8a, 16-20b
(second option)
Exod 19:3-8b, 16-20
(second option)
CL adds v. 20c: "and Moses went up"
Vigil of Pentecost 62ABC
Responsorial
Ps 104:1-2a, 24+35c, 27-28, 29b-30 Ps 104:1-2a, 24+25c, 27-28, 29b-30 USL has v. 35c, as in OLM81;
CL has v. 25c, betting fitting the context
3rd Sunday in Ordinary Time 67A
First Reading
Isa 8:23b-9:3 (NAB) Isa 9:1-4 (NRSV) CL adds v. 1a: no gloom for those in anguish (other verses equivalent)
3rd Sunday in Ordinary Time 67A
Second Reading
1 Cor 1:10-13, 17 1 Cor 1:10-13, 17-18 CL adds v. 18: the message of the cross is foolishness to those perishing
4th Sunday in Ordinary Time 70A
Gospel
Matt 5:1-12a Matt 5:1-12
[typo: claims only v. 12a]
CL also has v. 12b: "in the same way they persecuted the prophets before you"
5th Sunday in Ordinary Time 73A
First Reading
Isa 58:7-10 Isa 58:6-10++ CL adds v. 6: introductory question on fasts acceptable to God
8th Sunday in Ordinary Time 82A
First Reading
Isa 49:14-15 Isa 49:13-15++ CL adds v. 13: sing and exult, heavens and earth! (more positive beginning)
9th Sunday in Ordinary Time 85A
First Reading
Deut 11:18, 26-28, 32 Deut 10:12-13a; 11:18, 26-28, 32++ CL adds introductory exhortation to fear the Lord, keep his law
9th Sunday in Ordinary Time 85A
Second Reading
Rom 3:21-25, 28 Rom 1:16-17; 3:20-26, 28++ CL adds four verses: Paul's thesis on salvation, faith, and righteousness
11th Sunday in Ordinary Time 91A
First Reading
Exod 19:2-6a Exod 19:1-6
[typo: claims only v. 6a]
CL adds vv. 1 and 6b: more explicit introduction and hortatory conclusion
11th Sunday in Ordinary Time 91A
Responsorial
Ps 100:1-2, 3, 5 Ps 100:1-2, 3, 4, 5 CL adds v. 4 as an additional strophe: "enter his gates with thanksgiving"
12th Sunday in Ordinary Time 94A
First Reading
Jer 20:10-13 Jer 20:7, 10-13++ CL adds v. 7: Jeremiah says God enticed and overpowered him
13th Sunday in Ordinary Time 97A
First Reading
2 Kings 4:8-11, 14-16a 2 Kings 4:8-12a, 14-17++ CL adds vv. 12a and 16b-17: the Shunamite woman replies to Elijah; she conceives a son
17th Sunday in Ordinary Time 109A
First Reading
1 Kgs 3:5, 7-12 1 Kgs 3:5-12++ CL adds v. 6: completes Solomon's response to God
20th Sunday in Ordinary Time 118A
Responsorial
Ps 67:2-3, 5, 6+8 (NAB) Ps 67:1-2, 4-5, 6-7 (NRSV) CL rearranges the strophe divisions and adds v. 6 (NRSV): "the earth has yielded its increase; God has blessed us"
21st Sunday in Ordinary Time 121A
First Reading
Isa 22:19-23 Isa 22:15, 19-23 CL adds v. 15: God tells the prophet to speak the following words
22nd Sunday in Ordinary Time 124A
Gospel
Matt 16:21-27 Matt 16:20-27
(omission: claims only vv. 21-27)
CL adds v. 20: Jesus warns his disciples not to tell anyone he is the Messiah
25th Sunday in Ordinary Time 133A
Second Reading
Phil 1:20c-24, 27a Phil 1:20-24, 27 CL adds vv. 20ab, 27bc: more particular focus on Paul
26th Sunday in Ordinary Time 136A
Gospel
Matt 21:28-32 Matt 21:23, 28-32
(omission: claims only vv. 28-32)
CL adds context from v. 23: Jesus teaches in the temple and is challenged
28th Sunday in Ordinary Time 142A
Second Reading
Phil 4:12-14, 19-20 Phil 4:10-14, 19-20++ CL adds vv. 10-11: Paul's thanks for the Philippians' concern
29th Sunday in Ordinary Time 145A
Gospel
Matt 22:15-21 Matt 21:45; 22:15-21
(omission: claims only vv. 15-21)
CL adds context from 21:45: Pharisees realize Jesus' parables refer to them
30th Sunday in Ordinary Time 148A
Responsorial
Ps 18:2b-3a, 3b-4, 47+51ab (NAB) Ps 18:1-2, 3+6b, 46+50ab (NRSV) CL rearranges strophe divisions and adds v. 6b (NRSV; same as v. 7b NAB)
31st Sunday in Ordinary Time 151A
Second Reading
1 Thess 2:7b-9, 13 1 Thess 2:7-9, 13 CL adds v. 7a: Paul could have made demands as an apostle of Christ
33rd Sunday in Ordinary Time 157A
First Reading
Prov 31:10-13, 19-20, 30-31 Prov 31:10-13, 16-18, 20, 26, 28-31++ CL adds six verses, omits one: puts more focus on the wife's strengths
33rd Sunday in Ordinary Time 157A
Gospel
Matt 25:14-30 
or 25:14-15, 19-21
Matt 24:36; 25:14-30++
or 24:36; 25:14-15, 19-21
CL adds 24:36 to both longer and shorter forms: no one knows the day or hour
4th Sunday in Ordinary Time 71B
Second Reading
1 Cor 7:32-35 1 Cor 7:17, 32-35++ CL adds v. 17: everyone is to follow God's particular call
6th Sunday in Ordinary Time  77B
First Reading
Lev 13:1-2, 44-46 Lev 13:1-2, 45-46 CL omits v. 44: priests shall declare lepers "unclean"
6th Sunday in Ordinary Time  77B
Responsorial
Ps 32:1-2, 5, 11 Ps 32:1-2, 5, 10bc-11 CL adds v. 10bc: evens strophe lengths;
CL also adds alternate refrain: "You are my refuge, O Lord."
7th Sunday in Ordinary Time 80B
First Reading
Isa 43:18-19, 21-22, 24b-25 Isa 43:18-19, 20c-22, 24c-25 CL adds v. 20c: "I will give drink to my chosen people" (begins idea of v. 21)
10th Sunday in Ordinary Time 89B
First Reading
Gen 3:9-15 Gen 3:8-15++ CL adds v. 8 to set context: man and woman hiding from God
12th Sunday in Ordinary Time 95B
First Reading
Job 38:1, 8-11 Job 38:1-4, 8-11++ CL adds vv. 2-4: more of God's questions and challenges to Job
14th Sunday in Ordinary Time 101B
First Reading
Ezek 2:2-5 Ezek 1:28c; 2:2-5
[omission: claims only vv. 2-5)
CL adds 1:28c: Ezekiel sees a vision, falls on his face, and hears a voice
14th Sunday in Ordinary Time 101B
Gospel
Mark 6:1-6a
[typo: claims all of v. 6]
Mark 6:1-6 USL omits v. 6b: "Then he went about among the villages teaching"
18th Sunday in Ordinary Time 113B
First Reading
Exod 16:2-4, 12-15 Exod 16:2-4, 12-15, 31a++ CL adds v. 31a: explicitly names the bread "manna"
20th Sunday in Ordinary Time 119B
Responsorial
Ps 34:2-3, 4-5, 6-7 (NAB)
[USL error]
Ps 34:1-2, 9-10, 11-12, 13-14 (NRSV) USL error: repeats Psalm verses from 19th Sunday, reading 116B
21st Sunday in Ordinary Time 122B
Responsorial
Ps 34:2-3, 16-17, 18-19, 20-21 (NAB) Ps 34:1-2, 15-16, 17-18, 19-20, 21-22 (NRSV) USL omits vv. 20-21 (NAB): shortens from five to four strophes
21st Sunday in Ordinary Time 122B
Second Reading
Eph 5:21-32 
or Eph 5:2a, 25-32
Eph 4:32-5:2; 5:21-32++ CL adds three verses on mutuality;
USL shorter form omits wives' subordination to husbands
21st Sunday in Ordinary Time 122B
Gospel
John 6:60-69 John 6:53, 60-69 CL adds v. 53: a saying some of Jesus' disciples find hard to accept
22nd Sunday in Ordinary Time 125B
Responsorial
Ps 15:2-3ab, 3cd-4ab, 5 Ps 15:1b-3a, 3b-4a, 4b-5 CL adds v. 1b, 4b: lengthens first and third strophes
26th Sunday in Ordinary Time 137B
First Reading
Num 11:25-29 Num 11:16a, 17c, 25-29 CL adds two introductory phrases: seventy elders appointed
27th Sunday in Ordinary Time 140B
First Reading
Gen 2:18-24 Gen 2:7ab, 8b, 18-24 CL adds two introductory phrases: God forms man out of dust
27th Sunday in Ordinary Time 140B
Responsorial
Ps 128:1-2, 3, 4-5, 6 Ps 128:1-2, 3, 4-5 CL omits v. 6: decreases from four to three strophes
29th Sunday in Ordinary Time 146B
First Reading
Isa 53:10-11 Isa 53:4, 10-11++ CL adds v. 4: mentions the servant of the Lord (antecedent for v. 11)
31st Sunday in Ordinary Time 152B
Responsorial
Ps 18:2b-3a, 3b-4, 47+51ab (NAB) Ps 18:1-2, 3+6b, 46+50ab (NRSV) CL rearranges strophe divisions and adds v. 6b (NRSV; same as v. 7b NAB)
31st Sunday in Ordinary Time 152B
Gospel
Mark 12:28b-34 Mark 12:28-34 CL adds v. 28a: more explicit context for ensuing dialogue
2nd Sunday in Ordinary Time 66C
Gospel
John 2:1-11 John 2:1-12 USL drops v. 12, as in OLM81; CL retains v. 12 from OLM69: Jesus goes down to Capernaum
3rd Sunday in Ordinary Time 69C
First Reading
Neh 8:2-4a, 5-6, 8-10 Neh 8:1-4a, 5-6, 8-10++ CL adds v. 1: more explicit context for Ezra's reading of the law
4th Sunday in Ordinary Time 72C
Gospel
Luke 4:21-30 Luke 4:21-30 CL adds long introduction: summary of vv. 14a, 16a, 17, 20b
7th Sunday in Ordinary Time 81C
First Reading
1 Sam 26:2, 7-9, 12-13, 22-23 1 Sam 26:2, 7-9, 12-13, 22-25++ CL adds vv. 24-25: conclusion of David's words and Saul's response
7th Sunday in Ordinary Time 81C
Second Reading
1 Cor 15:45-49 1 Cor 15:45-50++ CL adds v. 50: flesh and blood cannot inherit the kingdom of God
10th Sunday in Ordinary Time 90C
First Reading
1 Kgs 17:17-24 1 Kgs 17:8-9, 17-21a, 22-24++ CL adds vv. 8-9: introduction of pericope; and omits 21b: some physical details
11th Sunday in Ordinary Time 93C
First Reading
2 Sam 12:7-10, 13 2 Sam 12:1, 7-10, 13
[omission: v. 1 not listed]
CL adds v. 1: introduces David and Nathan
11th Sunday in Ordinary Time 93C
Responsorial
Ps 32:1-2, 5, 7, 11 Ps 32:1-2, 5, 7+10b, 11 CL adds v. 10b: lengthens third strophe
12th Sunday in Ordinary Time 96C
First Reading
Zech 12:10-11; 13:1 Zech 12:10-11 USL adds 13:1, as in OLM81: a fountain to purify from sin;
CL still uses shorter text of OLM69
16th Sunday in Ordinary Time 108C
Responsorial
Ps 15:2-3ab, 3cd-4ab, 5 Ps 15:1b-3a, 3b-4a, 4b-5 CL adds v. 1b, 4b: lengthens first and third strophes
17th Sunday in Ordinary Time 111C
First Reading
Gen 18:20-32 Gen 18:20-21, 23-32++ CL omits v. 22: pertains to the previous pericope
17th Sunday in Ordinary Time 111C
Second Reading
Col 2:12-14 Col 2:6-14++ CL adds five verses: admonition about spiritual circumcision and living in Christ
19th Sunday in Ordinary Time 117C
First Reading
Wis 18:6-9ab
[typo: claims all of v. 9]
Wis 18:6-9 CL has all of v. 9; USL omits v. 9cd: 
the saints share blessings and dangers
20th Sunday in Ordinary Time 120C
First Reading
Jer 38:4-6, 8-10 Jer 38:1-2ab, 4-6, 8-10 CL adds two verses: report of Jeremiah's initial words to the people
22nd Sunday in Ordinary Time 126C
First Reading
Sir 3:17-18, 20, 28-29 Sir 3:17-20, 28-29 CL adds v. 19: contrasts the lofty and the humble
22nd Sunday in Ordinary Time 126C
Second Reading
Heb 12:18-19, 22-24
[typo: claims only 24a]
Heb 12:18-19, 22-24a USL actually also prints v. 24b: Jesus' blood contrasted with Abel's
23rd Sunday in Ordinary Time 129C
First Reading
Wis 9:13-18a
[typo: claims 18b]
Wis 9:13-18 OLM81 has Wis 9:13-19 (Gr. 13-18b); USL fails to print v. 18b; CL adds v. 18bc: people taught and saved by wisdom
25th Sunday in Ordinary Time 135C
Second Reading
1 Tim 2:1-8 1 Tim 2:1-7 CL omits v. 8: concluding admonition about prayer
32nd Sunday in Ordinary Time  156C
First Reading 
2 Macc 7:1-2, 9-14 2 Macc 7:1-2, 7a, 9-14 CL adds v. 7a: shows the change of speaker between v. 2 and v. 9
Trinity Sunday 164A
Responsorial
Dan 3:52, 53, 54, 55 Dan 3:52, 53, 54, 55, 56 USL omits v. 56: shortens from five to four strophes
Body and Blood of Christ 167A
First Reading
Deut 8:2-3, 14b-16a Deut 8:2-3, 14-16 CL adds vv. 14a, 16b: completing both sentences
Body and Blood of Christ 167A
Gospel
John 6:51-58 John 6:51-59 CL adds v. 59: setting in the synagogue of Capernaum
Sacred Heart of Jesus 170A
Responsorial
Ps 103:1-2, 3-4, 8+10
[typo: vv. 6-7 not printed]
Ps 103:1-2, 3-4, 6-7, 8+10 
[typo: claims vv. 8+9]
CL has four strophes, as in OLM81;
USL omits third strophe
Sacred Heart of Jesus 171B
First Reading
Hos 11:1, 3-4, 8c-9 Hos 11:1-2a, 3-4, 8ac-9++
[typo: claims vv. 1-4]
CL adds vv. 2a, 8a: making better sense of vv. 3 and 8c  (typo: v. 2b not printed in CL)
Thursday of Holy Week: 
Chrism Mass
260ABC
First Reading
Isa 61:1-3ab, 6a, 8b-9 Isa 61:1-3a, 6a, 8b-9 CL omits v. 3b: "a glorious mantle instead of a listless spirit"
Thursday of Holy Week: 
Chrism Mass
260ABC
Responsorial
Ps 89:21-22, 25+27 Ps 89:20-21, 24+26, 27-28++ CL adds vv. 27-28: increases to three strophes
Thursday of Holy Week: 
Chrism Mass
260ABC
Second Reading
Rev 1:5-8 Rev 1:4-8++ CL adds v. 4: introductory greeting of grace and peace
Feb. 2: Presentation of the Lord 524
Second Reading
Heb 2:14-18 Heb 2:10-11, 13b-18++ CL adds several verses: Jesus, the source of salvation, is made perfect through suffering
March 19: Joseph, Husband of Mary 543
First Reading
2 Sam 7:4-5a, 12-14a, 16 2 Sam 7:4-5a, 12-14a, 16a
[typo: claims all of v. 16]
CL omits v. 16b: "your throne shall stand firm forever"
June 24: Birth of John the Baptist: Vigil 586
Second Reading
1 Pet 1:8-12 1 Pet 1:3, 8-12++ CL adds v. 3: beginning of Peter's blessing prayer
June 24: Birth of John the Baptist: Day 587
Second Reading
Acts 13:22-26 Acts 13:16-17, 22-26
[omission: only vv. 22-26 listed]
CL adds long intro, summarized from vv. 14b, 15b, 16-17: Paul begins to speak
Aug. 6: Transfiguration of the Lord 614
Responsorial
Ps 97:1-2, 5-6, 9 Ps 97:1-2, 5-6, 9+12 ++ CL adds v.12: makes three strophes equal length
Aug. 14: Assumption of Mary: Vigil 621
Second Reading
1 Cor 15:54b-57 1 Cor 15:54-57 CL adds v. 54a: perishable body puts on imperishability
Aug. 15: Assumption of Mary: Day 622
Responsorial
Ps 45:10, 11, 12, 16 (NAB) Ps 45:9-10, 11+12c+14, 15+17 ++ (NRSV) USL has four strophes, as in OLM81;
CL changes to three longer strophes
Aug. 15: Assumption of Mary: Day 622
Second Reading
1 Cor 15:20-27a 1 Cor 15:20-26 CL omits v. 27a: scriptural quote as conclusion
Sept. 14: Triumph of the Cross 638
First Reading
Num 21:4b-9 Num 21:4-9 CL adds v. 4a: Israelites go around the land of Edom

KEY:
OLM69 = Ordo Lectionum Missae, editio typica (1969)
OLM81 = Ordo Lectionum Missae, editio typica altera (1981)
CL = Canadian Lectionary: Sundays and Solemnities (1992)
USL = United States Lectionary for Mass. Volume I (1998)

[NOTE: Unless otherwise noted above, the USL and/or CL follow the readings prescribed in OLM81.]


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This page was last updated on 10/13/01