A Biblical Walk Through the Mass (Book): Understanding What We Say and Do In The Liturgy [Paperback]

Edward Sri (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: January 3, 2011

As Catholics, the Mass is the center of our Faith. We celebrate it every day. We know all the responses. We know all the gestures. But do we know what it all means?

In A Biblical Walk Through the Mass, Dr. Edward Sri takes us on a unique tour of the Liturgy. Based on the revised translation of the Mass which goes into effect Advent, 2011, this book explores the biblical roots of the words and gestures we experience in the Liturgy and explains their profound significance. This intriguing look at the Mass is sure to renew your faith and deepen your devotion to the Eucharist.

This book is used as the text for the Adult Faith Formation Program, but may also be purchased separately at steep bulk discounts. For parishes not doing a study, this is a perfect resource for catechizing adults on the true meaning of the Mass, and why it is so central to our faith.

Editorial Reviews

About the Author

Dr. Edward Sri is a nationally- known Catholic speaker and the author of several best-selling books. He is provost and professor of theology and Scripture at the Augustine Institute and founding leader with Curtis Martin of FOCUS (Fellowship of Catholic University Students). Dr. Sri holds a doctorate from the Pontifical University of St. Thomas Aquinas in Rome. He resides with his wife, Elizabeth, and their six children in Littleton, Colorado.

Product Details

• Paperback: 160 pages
• Publisher: Ascension Press (January 3, 2011)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1935940007
• ISBN-13: 978-1935940005
• Product Dimensions: 8.4 x 5.4 x 0.5 inches
• Shipping Weight: 4 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.9 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (72 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #11,363 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)
  • #4 in Books > Christian Books & Bibles > Worship & Devotion > Rites & Ceremonies
  • #30 in Books > Christian Books & Bibles > Ministry & Church Leadership > Ministry
  • #70 in Books > Christian Books & Bibles > Catholicism

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Most Helpful Customer Reviews

61 of 61 people found the following review helpful

5.0 out of 5 stars Delivers on the promise of the title June 20, 2011

By Father Schnippel

Format:Paperback

I was very pleased to receive a review copy of Edward Sri's 'A Biblical Walk Through the Mass' about a month ago and have finally had the chance to read through this excellent work.

As priests have long known, the Mass is a Biblical prayer: there are hints and allusions to the Scriptures in everything that is done at the Mass. In this work, Sri helps to make those connections for the average reader who may not have the working knowledge of Scripture or the Mass required to make these connections. Plus, with the upcoming changes in the English translation for the Mass, some terms and phrases will not roll off the tongue as easily, leading many to ask: 'Why?' Sri answers these questions with ease and an accessibility for the average reader.

The book is broken down into the four major sections of the Mass: Introductory Rites, Liturgy of the Word, Liturgy of the Eucharist, and the Concluding Rites. He begins each section with a general overview of what that moment in Mass is meant to convey and then walks through each section of Mass, highlighting the Biblical connections and also applying the lessons for today's readers. When warranted, he highlights specific changes in the text for Mass, giving both the Biblical and Theological rationale for the new text.

Of particular note is his explanation on pp. 112-3 of the change from 'for all' to 'for many' in the consecration of the Chalice. I was very pleased to see the connections to the Prophet Isaiah highlighted and the explanation that 'each individual must choose to welcome the gift of salvation and live according to this grace, so that he or she may be among "the many" who are described in this text.'

I did not notice any significant locunae in the text; however, serious scholars should note that this is directed more towards the parishioners in the pew than in-depth scholarship on the Eucharistic and Liturgical Theology. That being said, this will be among the very few books that I recommend to parishioners who are seeking a deeper understanding of what we celebrate every week at Mass.

69 of 70 people found the following review helpful

5.0 out of 5 stars Every Catholic Should Read This May 9, 2011

By Albert J. Lemieux III

Format:Paperback|Amazon Verified Purchase

This book truly brings out the fullness of the Mass and the richness of the symbolism in it. The Biblical evidence for each part of the Mass is explained well and the chapters are easy to digest. There's not a lot of philosophy/theology here, just a practical analysis of what happens at each part of the Mass.

I highly recommend this to every practicing Catholic. Attending Mass on Sunday is one thing, experiencing it in the light of this work is another. It has brought personal focus for me and now I can experience the Mass in a whole new way.

51 of 51 people found the following review helpful

5.0 out of 5 stars Finally, I appreciate what I do as a celebrant November 12, 2011

By Robert Wheelock

Format:Paperback

I have been a Priest for 47 years. I love celebrating Mass, but it can sometimes be a bit humdrum after so many thousands of celebrations. Dr. Sri opens my mind and heart to the richness of the Mass that I was never taught in all my theological formation which includes a Doctor of Ministry degree.

Most priests I talk with are disgusted with the idea of a new, more correct translation of the Roman Missal Third Edition. If they were to read Sri's Biblical Walk... they would change their minds. So much griping about such an "insignificant" thing as changing: "And with you" to "And with your spirit" becomes a point of major insight and challenge to me as a Priest celebrant. It becomes not a cliche response but a real challenge for me as celebrant to know who I represent and what I have the privilege to do. Sri points out that it is the peoples way of saying that I am going to do the most sacred action I can possibly do and I had better do it in such a way as that I truly take the place of Jesus doing it. I need God's Spirit, oh how I need it to celebrate Mass in the person of Christ Himself. No more rattling off words without much, if any, thought as to what the celebrant is saying; no more "saying Mass" instead of "praying the Mass." My spirit needs all of the Spirit it can get and this response reminds me of that. And I like it that it is the people who are reminding me of that every time they say it to me. If I really hear their response it seems to me that they are telling me to be genuine or it would be better not to continue the celebration--yet they do it in a kind and loving way.

This book has driven me to my knees to ask God to help me love and understand my role as celebrant at least half as much as does the "layman" Dr. Sri. Next to the Bible itself, I cannot remember a book that has challenged me more or inspired me more than a Biblical Walk Through the Mass. I am forever grateful to Dr. Sri and his insights to every word I pray when I celebrate Mass. Surely Sri demands a great deal of me as a celebrant of a Mass, but he so inspires me that taking time to really prepare for offering the Mass and pray every word of the Mass with knowledge and awe changed my approach to each Mass I will ever offer.

I once heard Dr. Scott Hahn say that "any man who says he would not want to be a priest simply does not understand the priesthood." I thought that was a bad over statement. After reading this book by Dr. Sri I understand finally what Dr. Hahn was saying and I can agree with him. The problem is that I think too many of my brother Priests have lost sight of what it is to be a true priest, an "Alter Christus" another Christ. It is a much more demanding role than we may want to play and it is more about who we are and what we are able to do in, with and through Christ than all the business we can get caught up with and think we are just a super-duper hard working priest. The priesthood is about being holy in a particular and unique way. Reading this book takes our focus back to some fundamentals that may have gotten lost in our efforts to always doing instead of always being. A huge difference in reality.