A Biblical Walk Through the Mass: Understanding What We Say and Do in the Liturgy Perfect Paperback – July 30, 2021

Excellent to book to understand catholic mass. I would recommend it for people newtons the catholic faith or anyone interested in understanding the faith.

I have returned to this book several times. As a non-Catholic who is considering joining the Catholic church, this book has given me a greater understanding of the parts of the Mass and how each is scripture based. Dr. Sri writes in a way that is easy to understand and yet is scholarly at the same time. I highly recommend this book, I purchased the physical copy but am considering getting it on Kindle as well.

What a treasure. I'm a cradle catholic but learned new things with this book. Excellent resource for someone considering entering the catholic church, for RCIAs and newly converts. Recommend the reading, very easy and can read it in a couple of days.

As a born and raised Catholic who has attended Mass her whole life, this book really held my hand and took me step by step through the importance of each gesture and words spoken during an actual Mass. This book truly makes me wish Mass was said slower and we could actually take in all of the Glory that occurs. It was a true blessing to my spiritual life and the way I encounter Christ in the Mass.

If you really want to know (I did), this is the book that explains it all. I was just disappointed that it didn't have a start to finish traditional mass "order" at the end to follow during actual mass. But it's a good book.

Great review of the Catholic Mass and its biblical foundations.

Edward Sri wrote an interesting and informative explanation of the Catholic Mass. His book titled A BIBLICAL WALK THROUGH THE MASS gave readers an understanding and the biblical roots of the celebration of the Mass. Those who are not Catholic will understand the Mass and the historical/biblical basis behind the rites of the Mass and other Catholic sacraments. Catholics should have a better understanding of the Faith.Sri mentioned the Eucharist's connection with the Jewish Passover. He cited sections of the New Testament (1 Corinthians 5: 7-8, 1 Peter 1:19, and Revelations 5:6)to mention examples of biblical examples of the Eucharist. Sri also made the connection between Exodus 12: 8-12 and the use of the term Lamb of God. In other words, there is a biblical connections between the Passover and Mass. Sri carefully explained the concept of the Real Presence via The Lamb of God.The chapter re the Introductory Rites explained how Catholics and Catholic priests begin the Mass. For example the Sigh of the Cross was a rite used very early in the History of Christianity. The Sigh of the Cross was a sacred reminder of the presence of God and to give blessing to what the faithful do at Mass and during other times away from Mass. Sri cited Tertullian (c. 160-225)who expounded on the Sigh of the Cross. St. Johbn Chrysostom (347-407 AD)mentioned the importance of the Sigh of the Cross. The Sign of the Cross has roots in the Hebrew Bible or Old Testament. Mention is made of the Ancient Hebrews making as sacred sign which is mentioned in Ezekiel 8. Sri also cites Revelation 7:3 and 9:4 to further explain the significance of the Sign of the Cross.As Catholics should know, the Sign of the Cross is accompanied invoking God's name and blessing. Biblical references include Genesis 12:8, 13:4, and 21:33. Other Old Testament citations are found in Psalm 54:1, 124:8, 124:8. Sri used New Testament citations for involking God's name such Luke 24:47, Acts 10:43,plus citations from John's Gospel. The Sign of the Cross is followed by the priest's Apolstolic Greeting to which parishoners respond with the phrase, "And with your spirit" which signfies the Catholic priest's Holy Ordination which is taken in part from John's Gospel 20:21-23.The Introductry Rites include the Confiteor or I Confess. This rite is included in the DIDACHE which was written between c. 50-98 AD. The Confitieor is clearly mentioned in the DIADACHE, and the Sacrment of Confession is again referred in John 20-21-23. Sri mentioned Old Testament phrases re Confession such as Leviticus 5:5, Numbers 5:7, Danial 9:20, Nehemiah 1:6, etc. In re Confession, Sri included other biblical references from the Old and New Testament.The Catholic Introductory Rites are followed by The Liturgy of the Word which usually has sections of the Old Testament, the Psalms, the Epistles, and Gospels. What may surprise non-Catholics is that anyone who attends Mass every day of the week would have an exposure to almost the entire Bible v1a the three cycle. The Ancient Hebrews and Jews had their own readings. What may interest readers the Septuagint(c. 287-247 BC) which was a Greek translation of much of the Heberew Bible and is surprisingly a more accurate translation. Some of the Ancient Hebrews had different Hebrew texts, but the translators of the Septuagint had access to older and more accurate Hebrew texts. In fact, the canon of the Hebrew Bible was not settled until 90 AD.The Homily is followed by The Prayer of the Faithful which is as old as St. Justin Martyr (c. 155 AD). The Book of Acts 12:1-7 refers to such a prayer. The role of the Priests' intercession is referenced by 1 Peter 2:9, Revelations, 1:5-6, and John's Godpel (chatper17).Sri was careful in explaining the roots of the Eucharist. The use of bread meant more than food in Old Testament references (Genesis 32:54, 37: 25, 1 Kings 13:8-9, 16-19, Leviticus26:26, etc.). Similar Old Testament references explained the sacred use of wine. The Eucharist was based on these references, and the early Catholic Church included the concept of the Real Presence. Sri mentioned the Real Presence was mentioned in John 6: 53-64 and The Last Supper. The Eucharist was clearly stated in the DIDACHE mentioned above. Sri made an interesing comment re the Words of Institution and Consecration. Sri wrote that these words are familar to Catholics, but their repeated mention may make these phrases too familar because Cathholics may take these phrases for granted without realizing just how important they are. The book under review and a careful reading of the Catholic Catechism may help Catholics to fully appreciate the Eucharist.Sri explained that the concluding Rites and dismissal are reminders that Catholcism is a religion of renewal, and the reminders of the Mass ought to remain with Catholics until a renewal of the next Mass. In other words, devout Catholics should not leave the Mass unaffected.Edward Sri's book A BIBLICAL WALK THROUGH THE MASS enhanced the meaning of Holy Mass for devout Catholics. The book is also useful in providing a reasoned explanation of the Catholic Sacraments to those who are not familar with Catholcism. The book should have a bibligraphy to help with further study. Sri's book is a clear explanation of the Mysteries of the Faith.James E. EgolfFebruary 4, 2012

My friend has been struggling recently and has found herself attending Catholic Mass. She was have a hard time understanding the Mass parts and the responses. I bought this for her to help her understand the meaning behind everything that is said and done during Mass. I know that Mass has brought her peace, and I hope this book has helped her in journey for finding inner peace through a God that loves us. Highly recommend.

This has changed Mass for me forever! It’s an easy read and would be a great gift for any Catholic, whether a cradle or convert. This is an important one. The Mass has to be applied to our lives and this has brought a deeper change in my heart and I look forward to every Mass. It’s easy to take for granted especially in today’s busy world. Understanding the sacrifices of the Mass and truely how beautiful every intentional action from the sign of the cross through to being united with Jesus in the Eucharist, is what converted me as an adult RCIA. Trust me, as a convert it was hard to relate all the standing and sitting with the same repeated prayers and about how the Eucharist is a miracle. This book puts it all together so beautifully and with ease. You won’t regret this purchase.

Book is very very good. I learnt lots that I wasn't aware of about the Mass. Highly recommended to everyone.

I bought this to help me understand the Mass more. I'm an older Catholic and don't really remember my catechism classes and now when I go to Mass I find myself wondering why this is done and why that is said, etc. I haven't started the book yet. A quick glance indicates that it might be a big 'heavy' but the structure is promising in that it takes you through each part of the Mass which is exactly what I wanted. I'll definitely get to it once I've finished re-learning the catechism via another book (The Question and Answer Catholic Catechism).

Excellent

It's an easy read, but I took my time with it, and I'm really glad I bought it.I grew up Catholic, and went to a Catholic primary school, but the Mass wasn't ever really explained to us – we just learned what to do and say in Mass, and said it by rote. This book brings us back to the reason we're there, and brings a deeper understanding of the rituals of Mass, which is really interesting.I was a lapsed Catholic for many years, but now, I've come back to the fold, thanks in part to my better understanding.Thank you!