Reflections on Dr. Sri's "A Biblical Walk Through The Mass" (Part 1)

Recently, Dr. Edward Sri took me on an awe-inspiring biblical journey through the Mass and the upcoming changes that will soon be taking place.  His theological insight into what is actually happening when we celebrate this holy sacrifice left me with a deeper understanding and awareness.  It is a bitter-sweet realization to finally hear with my heart, the prayers of the Mass. Many of us are guilty of reciting the prayers and not taking into considering what we are actually saying. To understand what these prayers mean, where they come from and why they are being said...well, that's an entirely different experience altogether.  Through Sri's new book, "A Biblical Walk Through The Mass", we are given a four dimensional view of the Mass, it's sacred traditions and the changes to come.  Beginning with the Sign Of The Cross and working his way through the Readings, the Gospel, the Homily, the Eucharistic Prayers, the Dismissal and everything in between, Sri's enlightenment will help us better prepare our hearts for the holy sacrifice of the Mass.

As a cradle Catholic, I am guilty of putting little thought or effort into the prayers I take part in every week.  There are so many aspects of the Mass that I have never questioned or examined.  When my husband and I first began dating and I invited him to Mass, I remember laughing when he jokingly mocked the chants of the priest.  He is not Catholic and did not understand it's purpose...and of course I did not have answers.  Having been exposed to the Mass my entire life, I never considered how odd our prayers and gestures might be to our non-Catholic friends.  Again, my husband was caught off guard when it was time to shake hands and offer "peace" to those around us. Combine that with the constant Signing of The Cross, the kneeling and the sharing in the "cup of blood".  Ironically, he was ready for a cup of something by the time we were dismissed!  On the flip side of this, I remember how awkward it was for me when I attended a non-Catholic church service with one of my friends. There were people convulsing and speaking in tongues, leaving me in a state of bewilderment. I too, did not understand nor was I given an explanation.  Needless to say, I never returned.  When our friends and loved ones ask us why we pray or worship in a certain way, we should be prepared to give them an answer.  As Catholics, we should know, understand and believe in the holiness of the Mass.

As Sri so eloquently states, "...Jesus' passion, death and resurrection is made present to us in the Eucharistic liturgy so that we can be more deeply incorporated into Jesus' life and Mission".  Being well versed in the biblical roots of the Mass won't directly solve all the worlds problems, but it is definitely the foundation we should be striving to build our house on.

"And so I say to you, you are Peter, and upon this rock I will build my church" Matthew 16:18