The Mass in Scripture (Lectio Divina Bible Study) by Stephen J. Binz

by Stephen J. Binz

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 itUnderstanding Seeking to comprehend the meaning of the text, encountering God there and being changed by that encounterReflecting Linking the truth of the Scriptures to the experience of faith in the world in which we livePraying A dialogue with we listen to God then we respond in prayerActing After prayerfully listening to God

Genres: Spirituality, Catholic

Paperback

First published January 1, 2011

About the author

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.

Reviews

[Kelly · Rating 5 out of 5]

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.

[Roberto G. Corral · Rating 5 out of 5]

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.

[Julie · Rating 4 out of 5]

Once again the author comes through to take us more deeply into an understanding of the significance of Scripture in our daily lives.

[OSV Books · Rating 5 out of 5]

Stephen Binz is an expert at making Lectio Divina come to life.