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- How many versions of the New American Bible are there?
The most recent editions of the NAB include the 1970 Old Testament, 1991 Psalter, and 1986 New Testament. Older editions may be available in used bookstores.
Besides the various versions of the Scriptural text, many different publishers have produced editions of the NAB. Each publisher has added other material, such as photographs, maps, devotions and prayers, and reference matter, to the basic text.
- In what formats is the New American Bible available?
- What's the difference between a "Catholic Bible" and a "Protestant Bible"?
- Do we read from the Bible at Mass?
These readings are typically read from a Lectionary, not a Bible, though the Lectionary is taken from the Bible.
- What's the difference between a Bible and a Lectionary?
Individual readings in the Lectionary are called pericopes, from a Greek word meaning a "section" or "cutting." Because the Mass readings are only portions of a book or chapter, introductory phrases, called incipits, are often added to begin the Lectionary reading, for example, "In those days," "Jesus said to his disciples," etc.
- How can anyone own the copyright on the Bible? Isn't it free to everyone?
The copyright allows the owner to protect the integrity of the text so that individuals may not introduce changes without permission. Royalty fees earned by licensing the text to companies who publish and sell Bibles help to provide funds for Scripture scholarship and other educational needs.
Questions about the Lectionary
- What's the difference between a Bible and a Lectionary?
- How is the Lectionary arranged?
The Sunday cycle is divided into three years, labeled A, B, and C. 2008 was Year A. 2009 was Year B, 2010 is Year C, etc. In Year A, we read mostly from the Gospel of Matthew. In Year B, we read the Gospel of Mark and chapter 6 of the Gospel of John. In Year C, we read the Gospel of Luke. The Gospel of John is read during the Easter season in all three years. The first reading, usually from the Old Testament, reflects important themes from the Gospel reading. The second reading is usually from one of the epistles, a letter written to an early church community. These letters are read semi-continuously. Each Sunday, we pick up close to where we left off the Sunday before, though some passages are never read.
The weekday cycle is divided into two years, Year I and Year II. Year I is read in odd-numbered years (2009, 2011, etc.) and Year II is used in even-numbered years (2010, 2012, etc.) The Gospels for both years are the same. During the year, the Gospels are read semi-continuously, beginning with Mark, then moving on to Matthew and Luke. The Gospel of John is read during the Easter season. For Advent, Christmas, and Lent, readings are chosen that are appropriate to the season. The first reading on weekdays may be taken from the Old or the New Testament. Typically, a single book is read semi-continuously (i.e., some passages are not read) until it is finished and then a new book is started.
The year of the cycle does not change on January 1st, but on the 1st Sunday of Advent (usually late November) which is the beginning of the liturgical year. The liturgical year 2009 began on November 30, 2008, and ends on November 28, 2009.
In addition to the Sunday and weekday cycles, the Lectionary provides readings for feasts of the saints, for common celebrations such as Marian feasts, for ritual Masses (weddings, funerals, etc.), for votive Masses, and for various needs. These readings have been selected to reflect the themes of these celebrations.
- Is the New American Bible the only translation of Scriptures we can read from at Mass?
The 1970 edition of the New American Bible is used in the Scripture readings and canticles of the Liturgy of the Hours (except the Benedictus, Magnificat, and Nunc dimittis.)
- What are the Psalms of the Day? Are they from the Mass or the Liturgy of the Hours?
- Where can I find the daily readings in Spanish?
- The priest at my parish read a different reading than the one posted. Did he read the wrong reading?
- I really loved one of the readings from three months ago. How do I find out what it was?
OR
I need to know the readings for a month after what you have posted, how do I find it?
- How do I get permission to make copies of sections of the material on this site or to link to this site?