[Titanites]

I chose the reading.

That's unfortunate. If you had chosen one of those prescribed by the Church it would have been at hand and available for all to read along.

What was the purpose of the prepared notes you forgot?

why a Bible was not and is not normally present at a Mass so that this reading was available and at hand to be read aloud.

A Bible is normally present, but the Church provides the written Scripture readings for all. And again, the purpose of the Mass is not for Bible study as your study of the day's Scripture readings should be done before attending Mass. One of the reasons the Church provides the Scripture readings of the day through the Missal for everyone attending is because people often forgot their Bibles, just as you did.

[spunkets]

Re: I chose the reading.

"That's unfortunate.

I see.

[spunkets]

"One of the reasons the Church provides the Scripture readings of the day through the Missal for everyone attending is because people often forgot their Bibles, just as you did."

No. Bibles were not used, as I pointed out and folks never did bring their own as a rule.