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Behold the Mystery: A Deeper Understanding of the Catholic Mass
As Catholics, the Mass should be a mountaintop experience for us. Often, though, we go through the motions at Mass without an appreciation for what has really happened. Popular speaker and author Mark Hart helps Catholics see the Mass for what it really a heavenly banquet, a wedding feast, in which heaven and earth meet. In his engaging style, Hart guides readers toward a deeper understanding of the Mass its roots in the Jewish Sabbath, its sacrificial character, and its signs and symbols. As we are told to go in peace, he inspires us to see the Mass as a place to be nourished so that we can further Christ s mission in the world. In the last part of the book, Hart provides pithy answers to frequently asked questions, such as Why can t I leave right after Communion? or Why did the words change? Finally, Hart offers ten things we can do to get more out of Mass.
188 pages, Paperback
First published September 1, 2013
32 people are currently reading
198 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 22 of 22 reviews
March 6, 2017
This is an explanation of the Catholic Mass including the role of the priest, the nature of community, the parts of the ritual and more. Because the author has designed this for a popular audience, he deliberately simplifies each topic he covers. He also appears to be addressing a reader whose understanding of the Liturgy is very basic and whose participation is perfunctory. I was not the right reader. However, as I read, I thought of people to whom I might suggest this book.
October 7, 2014
Behold the Mystery is a must-read for all Catholics, and a book I recommend to non-Catholics as well to truly gain an understanding of the point of our Sunday worship. What goes on at the Mass is more than we could ever imagine. Using Biblical evidence along with demonstrating why certain things occur according to Sacred Tradition, Mark Hart will blow your mind with the truth of what a Divine Liturgy really entails. He writes is a humorous and easy-to-read way that will make the book enjoyable for many audiences. This has been one of my favorite reads of all time, and it gave me a new perspective on something that I do every week of my life!
April 2, 2024
A great, although short, read that provided an overview of why we celebrate the Mass, what each part represents, and the Biblical context behind it. I think it would be a good intro for non-Catholics looking to understand Catholic beliefs. Lifelong Catholics, such as myself, will likely even gain new insights and a deeper appreciation for the Mass.
January 5, 2019
Easily readable, friendly, challenging.
Definitely worth re-reading. As simply and appealing as Hart writes, I think there are still nuggets in here to boost my understanding, appreciation, and spiritual sensitivity to this most holy of prayers.
Definitely worth re-reading. As simply and appealing as Hart writes, I think there are still nuggets in here to boost my understanding, appreciation, and spiritual sensitivity to this most holy of prayers.
August 5, 2021
This book is a nice and quick read. I would recommend reading with a small group and a discussion starter. Otherwise, it read a little too lightly and quickly.
December 29, 2024
Goes step by step through the different parts of the Mass and explains why we do them and offers ways to participate more fully in the different parts, that is, actively participating instead of being a silent observer. Great for Catholics and non Catholics who wish to know why the Mass is structured the way it is. Has sections on understanding the Sabbath, worship, Tradition (cap. T, not lower t), and the priesthood.
July 6, 2020
With the COVID-19 situation and having to go to Mass virtually, I was looking for a book that delved into the meaning and mystery of the Mass and this book worked out ideally. It's written in a down-to-earth way with lots of stories so it's relatable but you definitely learn more about Mass.
February 16, 2021
This was a short and sweet primer/refresher on the Catholic Mass and the “why” behind it’s main features. Very excited to recommend this for Catholics (or curious people) who want to learn more about the Mass.
August 17, 2019
An easy read, and great introduction to learning more about the Catholic Mass.
February 17, 2023
Completed this book in a Bible Study at church. Really learned a lot and enjoyed our discussions!
June 18, 2024
really great for teens or people looking to understand the mass.
April 14, 2014
Behold the Mystery is a ten chapter, 200 page book on the Mass. Using the Bible as the backbone for this work, Hart explains the significance of topics such as tradition, priesthood, and community, to name a few. At the end of each chapter are four questions for both reflection and discussion. These can be used privately or in a group study, but each question really makes you stop and think. At the end of the book are two useful appendices. One appendix contains Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ), which are good for answering common questions of objections people have related to the Mass. The other appendix, "Ten Ways to Get More out of Mass," is solid gold advice, which I hope to take to heart and apply each time I go to Mass.
Chapter Five on priesthood was hands-down my favorite as it provided both Biblical background for the priesthood and an eye-opening reality of the current priestly vocation. He writes, "The priesthood of Jesus Christ is an exercise in self-mastery and is rooted in deep mystery. It is enigmatic and often misunderstood. It has both a practical and a mystical dimension – earthly in its demands and ethereal in its directives." In this chapter, he describes the priest as a servant, as the sacrifice, and as a sinner. We too often put our priests on pedestals, but we have to remember that they our human too. This ties into his last major point of helping our priests. He says that we not only need to pray for them daily, whether we like them or not, but also assist them with other parish duties. For example if you have a finance background, offer assistance in that way. "The best way for our priests (and religious) to keep their primary vocations primary is for them to be healthy spiritually, mentally, and physically."
Behold the Mystery is a book that reflects its title so eloquently. Though it contains a step-by-step walkthrough of the Mass, this book is so much more than that. Mark Hart has poured his love of Christ and the Mass He instituted on these pages. While he hopes that the reader will grow to understand the Mass more fully, he also hopes that he will grow to love the Mass more fully as well.This is a great read for young and old, alike. I would recommend it for RCIA candidates, especially, but there is so much truth in here that will benefit cradle Catholics as well.
Chapter Five on priesthood was hands-down my favorite as it provided both Biblical background for the priesthood and an eye-opening reality of the current priestly vocation. He writes, "The priesthood of Jesus Christ is an exercise in self-mastery and is rooted in deep mystery. It is enigmatic and often misunderstood. It has both a practical and a mystical dimension – earthly in its demands and ethereal in its directives." In this chapter, he describes the priest as a servant, as the sacrifice, and as a sinner. We too often put our priests on pedestals, but we have to remember that they our human too. This ties into his last major point of helping our priests. He says that we not only need to pray for them daily, whether we like them or not, but also assist them with other parish duties. For example if you have a finance background, offer assistance in that way. "The best way for our priests (and religious) to keep their primary vocations primary is for them to be healthy spiritually, mentally, and physically."
Behold the Mystery is a book that reflects its title so eloquently. Though it contains a step-by-step walkthrough of the Mass, this book is so much more than that. Mark Hart has poured his love of Christ and the Mass He instituted on these pages. While he hopes that the reader will grow to understand the Mass more fully, he also hopes that he will grow to love the Mass more fully as well.This is a great read for young and old, alike. I would recommend it for RCIA candidates, especially, but there is so much truth in here that will benefit cradle Catholics as well.
May 20, 2014
Mr. Hart has done the Church a service in providing a rich yet accessible work that does not offend "Praise & Worship" folks or Latin Mass-goers. Besides the fact this book coasts on the via media, it offers to the reader an ample but enjoyable introduction to the liturgical and sacramental life of the Church.
While I would never recommend this book to a professional theologian for its scholarship, I do recommend this book to those who have basic and fundamental questions about the Mass and the sacramental worldview of Catholics. (One of the premium components of this book is its Q&As throughout and at the end.)
Aside from some minor typos and punctuation errors, Hart claims that the priest (or deacon) kisses the Book of the Gospels before proclaiming it (p. 60), which is clearly not the case. He also asserts that the Book of the Gospels is carried out in the recessional (p. 60), which also is not proscribed in the General Instruction of the Roman Missal. It should be noted, though, Mr. Hart makes it clear he is not a liturgical theologian or liturgist (p. 12), so he must be forgiven for minor errors such as these.
This is a work of popular theology for the general public. As a person with an MA in liturgical and sacramental theology, there were parts of the book I would change (as mentioned above), but overall this is a magnificent gem on the role of the laity in the liturgical and sacramental life of the Church. Thus I recommend it!
While I would never recommend this book to a professional theologian for its scholarship, I do recommend this book to those who have basic and fundamental questions about the Mass and the sacramental worldview of Catholics. (One of the premium components of this book is its Q&As throughout and at the end.)
Aside from some minor typos and punctuation errors, Hart claims that the priest (or deacon) kisses the Book of the Gospels before proclaiming it (p. 60), which is clearly not the case. He also asserts that the Book of the Gospels is carried out in the recessional (p. 60), which also is not proscribed in the General Instruction of the Roman Missal. It should be noted, though, Mr. Hart makes it clear he is not a liturgical theologian or liturgist (p. 12), so he must be forgiven for minor errors such as these.
This is a work of popular theology for the general public. As a person with an MA in liturgical and sacramental theology, there were parts of the book I would change (as mentioned above), but overall this is a magnificent gem on the role of the laity in the liturgical and sacramental life of the Church. Thus I recommend it!
October 18, 2016
Such a great read for anyone trying to understand or get more out of the Catholic Mass. if you're considering converting or a life long Catholic this book is an important read, because Mark Hart goes into every motion of the mass. Hart even goes in depth on the prayers we pray and he also cites bible verses throughout the book. Hart gives great advice about how to prepare our minds and hearts for church too.
Must read for a deeper understanding of the church. Hart writes a great chapters on the importance of Priests and the Eucharist.
Must read for a deeper understanding of the church. Hart writes a great chapters on the importance of Priests and the Eucharist.
January 6, 2015
Excellent book - what a lovely Christmas gift I received! This book is easy to read and understand, not too long but contains a very good explanation of the origins and meaning of the parts of the Mass, common problems encountered that impact our participation and remedies for those issues. Well worth the time to read.
February 9, 2016
"Entertainment is often the replacement when mystery is lacking" (pg 19).
This book is simple, easy to read, and practical. The author manages to entertain while he inspires the reader to engage in the deeper mystery of our celebration of and participation in the Mass.
This book is simple, easy to read, and practical. The author manages to entertain while he inspires the reader to engage in the deeper mystery of our celebration of and participation in the Mass.
October 6, 2014
Amazing understanding of the mass and what the core of our religion is. Absolutely mind blowing and incredible. I completely recommend this to anyone interested in growing stronger in their faithlife.
November 13, 2014
God has immensely blessed the world with a devoted servant in Mark Hart. If you are looking for answers, want to dive deeper, or would like a broader picture of the Mass - I would highly recommend this book! So good and easy to digest.
October 8, 2014
I thoroughly enjoyed reading this to help get an even better understanding of the meaning and history behind the Mass and its parts.
June 1, 2020
Rated—G (my personal opinion based on content)
March 20, 2023
A good mix of casual and informative. Would definently recommend to those who are not super well versed in what the parts of the mass are and what they mean.
December 4, 2014
Fantastic book I know I will not only read again, but recommend to my family and friends.
Displaying 1 - 22 of 22 reviews