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The Mass in Scripture

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Despite the frequency in which we attend Mass or the fervor in which we participate, how deeply do we truly understand this Eucharistic celebration?

In an exceptional combination of one of the most ancient forms of Scripture study with the history, theology, and Scriptural perspective of the Eucharist, Stephen Binz leads us on an incredible journey of enlightenment.

Lectio divina, the ancient practice of Scripture immersion, is at the heart of this process. Specifically, every chapter leads you forward through a sequence

---Listening Reading Scripture with expectancy, trusting that God will speak His Word to us through it
---Understanding Seeking to comprehend the meaning of the text, encountering God there and being changed by that encounter
---Reflecting Linking the truth of the Scriptures to the experience of faith in the world in which we live
---Praying A dialogue with we listen to God then we respond in prayer
---Acting After prayerfully listening to God through a passage of Scripture, we should be inspired to make a difference in the way we live

"This book, the first in the Lectio Divina Bible Study series, is a timely gift to the People of God who worship in English. The Lectio Divina framework, as Stephen Binz applies it, is a marvelously apt guide for preparing individuals and worshiping communities for the new translation of the Roman Missal and for a more profound participation in the liturgy. The biblical and liturgical scholarship is solid yet accessible. Binz's approach is creative, non-polemical, and traditional in the best sense of the word."---
Judith M. Kubicki, C.S.S.F., liturgical theologian, Associate Professor of Theology, Fordham University

"Stephen Binz's timely book provides an integrated approach into the experience of worship, employing the Scriptures as a pathway to unfold the mysteries which engage the worshiper. Utilizing a creative method based on lectio divina to uncover the biblical roots of worship, Binz invites the reader to reflect on both the Tradition of the Church and personal memory, illuminating the experience of each part of the Mass. As a result readers are led to discover the implications worship has for their lives in the world." ---
Rev. Thomas Ranzino, Pastor of St. Jean Vianney Church, Director of the Office of Worship, Diocese of Baton Rouge

"Stephen Binz invites us to move beyond the surface words we say to the meaning of what we do. He has provided a remarkable tool for just such reflection. Using an ancient pattern of reflection, prayer and action, and grounding his work in the historical and theological underpinnings of what we celebrate today, he provides a unique exploration of the various parts of the Eucharistic liturgy, at once solid and accessible. Individuals and groups alike will profit immensely from this book." ---Kathleen Hughes, RSCJ, former Professor of Word and Worship at the Catholic Theological Union, Mission Consultant in the Network of Sacred Heart Schools

A very serious yet user friendly prayerful appreciation of the Eucharist based on the Scriptures. Readers who apply themselves to the guided prayer and group discussions outlined here will have their experience of the celebration of the Eucharist enriched beyond words. Particularly helpful is the author s familiarity with the Old Testament bases for Christian worship. This initial offering in the Lifelong Mystagogy in the Catholic Way series augurs well for what promises to be a series that has the potential to change minds, hearts and souls.---Rev. Msgr. Kevin Irwin, Dean of the School of Theology and Religious studies, The Catholic University of America

191 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 2011

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About the author

Stephen J. Binz

124 books20 followers
Stephen J. Binz is a biblical scholar, writer, and speaker, with graduate studies from the Pontifical Biblical Institute in Rome and Jerusalem. He has written over three dozen books in biblical theology and spirituality. His books have earned first and second place awards from the Catholic Press Association and three First Place awards from the Catholic Publishers Association’s Excellence in Publishing Awards.

As a popular speaker, Stephen Binz addresses audiences at national and regional conferences, offering keynotes, seminars, and workshops. His audiences include the Los Angeles Religious Education Congress, the Mid-Atlantic Congress, the National Catholic Education Association, and Fashion Me People. He is also an active member of the Society of Biblical Literature and the Catholic Biblical Association.

He is the founder and author of Threshold Bible Study (Twenty-Third Publications), Ancient-Future Bible Study (Brazos Press), Lectio Divina Bible Study (OSV Publications), and the Conversing with God in Scripture series (Word Among Us Press). All of his books in print may be found at his website: www.Bridge-B.com

He lives in Baton Rouge, LA, where his wife Pamela is a member of the School of Music faculty at Louisiana State University.

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Displaying 1 - 4 of 4 reviews
Profile Image for Kelly.
23 reviews
March 19, 2013
In recent years, I've been feeling a tug toward Lectio Divina, or "divine reading." I have enjoyed several good group Bible study programs, yet I yearned for something deeper - something that not only educated me, but helped me to quietly listen to what God was telling me. I was excited to have the opportunity to review a copy of Stephen J. Binz's Lectio Divina Bible Study: Learning to Pray in Scripture as part of The Catholic Company's Reviewer Program.

Mr. Binz combines Sacred Tradition with Church scholarship, approaching complex topics by first using study, then meditation, and finally internalization of the assigned Scripture. The process as it is described may at first sound intimidating, but don't let it discourage you. The process is not only for people who have a theological background or have a rich prayer life. This book will show you than anyone can approach Sacred Scripture from a fresh perspective and be able to hear the voice of God through His Word.

In my opinion, the ideal situation would be to use the book with a group. There is something amazing that happens when you get together with others who share your faith. It can be a beautiful, life-changing experience if you are able to start a group study - even if you can meet with just one other person. No expertise is necessary. The book guides you on how to set up a group and conduct the meetings. Some of us don't have the opportunity to meet with others for various reasons and the book would be excellent for self-study as well.
3 reviews
December 16, 2021
Excellent study

I found this book to be the most insightful of several books I have read about the Mass. He includes Scripture, the Church Fathers, and other insights into this book. His questions at the end of each section are helpful and penetrating. I would recommend this book to beginners and to those who are already knowledgeable about the Ma
ss and about the Catholic faith.
Profile Image for  Julie.
303 reviews
January 13, 2013
Once again the author comes through to take us more deeply into an understanding of the significance of Scripture in our daily lives.
Displaying 1 - 4 of 4 reviews

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