Behold, Believe, Become: Meeting the Hidden Christ in Things We See, Say, and Do at Mass

by Timothy P. O'Malley, McGrath Institute for Church Life

Embark on a transformative journey into the heart of Eucharistic worship with Behold, Believe, Become—where the ordinary becomes extraordinary and the Mass becomes a soul-saving, life-changing encounter with Christ, our Eucharistic Lord.

In Behold, Believe, Become, Timothy P. O’Malley, a distinguished leader in the Eucharistic Revival movement and bestselling author of Becoming Eucharistic People and Real Presence, shows you how to see differently—through newly formed habits of contemplation—fifteen ordinary, physical things that the Church uses at Mass to point us toward Christ. You will explore layers of meaning found in noble doors and stained-glass windows, sunlight and water, oil and fire, altars and church pews, and bread and wine become Body and Blood. O’Malley helps you see how each element tells us something about who Christ is and who we are to become as Christian people.

Inspired by the towering genius of the twentieth-century liturgical movement, Fr. Romano Guardini (1865–1968), O’Malley offers an unconventional walk through the Mass, highlighting that “matter matters.” This book doesn’t delve into the intricate history of Eucharistic Prayers or the doctrinal meaning of various words and actions. Instead, it provides a unique exploration of the material stuff of the Mass that we encounter from the time we enter the church until the time we depart at the end.

Whether you’re seeking personal growth or exploring this journey with a small group, Behold, Believe, Become is the perfect companion, providing brief online videos featuring Rachel and Jason Bulman of "Meet the Bulmans" and chapter-ending reflection questions to help connect your everyday life to the celebration of Mass. And for those craving a communal experience, a small-group leader’s guide and parish planning kit make this an invaluable resource for parishes, schools, and other Catholic communities.

Are you ready to witness the Mass in a new light? Behold, Believe, Become is your key to unlocking a richer, more meaningful Eucharistic experience.

Genres: Catholic, Nonfiction

128 pages, Paperback

Published May 31, 2024

About the author

Dr. Timothy P. O'Malley, Ph.D. (theology and education, Boston College; M.T.S., Liturgical Studies, University of Notre Dame; B.A., Theology and Philosophy, Notre Dame), is Director of Education at the McGrath Institute for Church Life, and Academic Director of the Notre Dame Center for Liturgy.

Reviews

[Sheila · Rating 4 out of 5]

I received a free copy of, Behold Believe, Become, by Timothy P. O'Malley, from the publisher and Netgalley in exchange for an honest review. This book explains the mass, and how to understand it better. This book gave me a lot of food for thought. I go to mass, but this explains why I do, and what to see, and watch for during and after the mass. I really enjoyed this book.

[Chelsea · Rating 5 out of 5]

"Behold, Believe, Become" by Timothy P. O'Malley examines deeper meanings behind various elements of the Mass in 15 short chapters that take the reader from the entrance door of the church all the way to the closing recessional with reflections about holy water, the nave, the altar, candlelight, and more in between. Each chapter ends with a few questions for personal meditation or as the launch for discussion if this book was to be used for study in a small group. Focused on the physical, tangible aspects of the sacramental worldview, I found this book to greatly enrich my experience attending Mass.

I think this book would be a wonderful gift for new converts, an excellent reference for reverts who are returning to the faith, and the chapters are straightforward enough to be suitable for teen confirmands. This is definitely a book that I will consider buying physically for my Catholic bookshelf!

DISCLAIMER: I received an eARC of this book from Ave Maria Press through NetGalley for the purposes of providing an unbiased review.

[Lynda Rozell · Rating 5 out of 5]

Lovely, accessible examination of things we often take for granted or do without fully realizing their meaning. Definitely will enrich my worship at Mass. This book is a great companion to my own book about praying with the symbols of tabernacle art in adoration.

[Denisele · Rating 4 out of 5]

I liked this book. short, simple, practical. easy to read and unique reflections that are actually able to be applied.