Behold the Mystery: A Deeper Understanding of the Catholic Mass

by Mark Hart

Overview

As Catholics, the Mass should be a mountaintop experience for us. Often, though, we go through the motions at Mass without an appreciation for what has really happened. Popular speaker and author Mark Hart helps Catholics move beyond the repetition and ritual to see the Mass for what it really is: a heavenly banquet, a wedding feast, in which heaven and earth meet. In his engaging style, Hart guides readers toward a deeper understanding of the Mass—its roots in the Jewish Sabbath, its sacrificial character, and its signs and symbols. As we are told to "go in peace," he inspires us to see the Mass as a place to be nourished so that we can further Christ's mission in the world.
In the last part of the book, Hart provides pithy answers to frequently asked questions, such as "Why can't I leave right after Communion?" or "Why did the words change?" Finally, Hart offers ten things we can do to get more out of Mass.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9781593252281
Publisher:	Word Among Us Press, The
Publication date:	04/01/2014
Pages:	176
Product dimensions:	5.25(w) x 8.00(h) x (d)

Table of Contents

Introduction 9

1 The Elephant in the Sanctuary: Understanding the Problem 14

2 Rest Assured: Understanding the Sabbath 23

3 Sky High: Understanding Worship 32

4 Past Is Present: Understanding Tradition 47

5 The Original Men in Black: Understanding the Priesthood 64

6 For the Love of Family: Understanding True Community 84

7 Wholly Holy: Understanding the Liturgy, Part I 96

8 Wholly Holy: Understanding the Liturgy, Part II 116

9 The Lord of the (Wedding) Rings: Understanding God's Desire for Intimacy 134

10 We're on a Mission from God: Understanding Our Role in the Kingdom 145

Frequently Asked Questions about the Catholic Mass 161

Ten Ways to Get More Out of Mass 180

Endnotes 185