Catholic for a Reason III: Scripture and the Mystery of the Mass

Catholic for a Reason #3

by Scott Hahn (Editor, Contributor), Regis J. Flaherty (Editor)

Catholic for a Reason III explains the Sacrifice of the Mass in light of Scripture and Church teaching—a timely topic, since October 2004 begins a special Year of the Eucharist, declared by Pope John Paul II. Popular Catholic authors, including Scott and Kimberly Hahn, Jeff Cavins, and Tim Gray lend unique insight into topics like the "The Mass and the Synoptic Gospels, "The Eucharist in the Apostolic Church," and "The Mass and Evangelization."

Genres: Catholic, Theology, Religion, Nonfiction

203 pages, Paperback

First published June 1, 2004

About the author

Scott Hahn is a renowned Catholic theologian, apologist, speaker, and bestselling author whose work has had a profound impact on contemporary biblical theology and Catholic thought. A former Presbyterian minister, Hahn converted to Catholicism in 1986 after an intense personal and theological journey, which he details in his popular book Rome Sweet Home, co-written with his wife, Kimberly Hahn. Their story of conversion has inspired countless readers around the world and remains a landmark in modern Catholic apologetics.
Hahn holds the Father Michael Scanlan Chair of Biblical Theology and the New Evangelization at the Franciscan University of Steubenville, where he has taught since 1990. He is also the founder and president of the St. Paul Center for Biblical Theology, a non-profit organization dedicated to promoting biblical literacy among the laity and biblical fluency among clergy. Through the Center, Hahn leads a wide range of initiatives, including publications, pilgrimages, Bible studies, and the scholarly journal Letter and Spirit.
Educated at Grove City College (B.A.), Gordon–Conwell Theological Seminary (M.Div.), and Marquette University (Ph.D. in Systematic Theology), Hahn brings a deep academic foundation to his work. His dissertation, Kinship by Covenant, was later published by Yale University Press and received praise for its theological insight and scholarly rigor.
Throughout his career, Hahn has emphasized the covenant as the key to understanding salvation history, showing how the biblical narrative reveals a divine plan that unites all of humanity into God's family. His works explore themes such as the Eucharist, the role of Mary, the sacraments, and the authority of the Church, often drawing on the writings of the early Church Fathers to bridge the ancient faith with modern understanding.
He is the author or editor of over forty books, including The Lamb’s Supper, Hail, Holy Queen, First Comes Love, Letter and Spirit, Swear to God, Reasons to Believe, The Creed, The Fourth Cup, and Holy Is His Name. Many of his books have become staples in Catholic households, study groups, and seminaries.
In addition to his writing, Hahn is a highly sought-after speaker, having delivered thousands of lectures across the United States and abroad. He appears regularly on EWTN and has collaborated with Lighthouse Catholic Media to bring his teachings to an even broader audience.
Scott Hahn lives in Ohio with his wife Kimberly. They have six children and numerous grandchildren. Together, the Hahns continue to lead efforts in evangelization and Catholic education, embodying a lifelong commitment to deepening faith and understanding through Scripture and tradition.

Reviews

[Meg · Rating 4 out of 5]

I won this book in a Goodreads Giveaway.

This book of essays does a great job of showing how the parts of Mass are rooted in scripture. Some of the essays look at specific parts of the Mass, while others address what the Mass means to us as The Body of Christ.

As a Catholic, I found this book informative and eye opening.

[Michael · Rating 5 out of 5]

I definitely will re-read certain chapters in this book as they were very helpful in understanding various parts of the Liturgy (and history of) that I was less informed about than others. Very good read for all genuinely wanting to learn more.

[Lynelle · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book gives you insight into why we do certain things during the mass. As a "cradle" catholic you tend to learn repsonses and actions from a young age but not always the explanation of the purpose behind them. This book gives insight as to why the mass is set up as it is.

[Michelle · Rating 3 out of 5]

Scott Hahn writes a beautiful book that helps Catholics understand what we say and what we do in the Mass. I found it enlightening to more fully understand the symbols and meanings of the Mass. A good read for anyone wanting a deeper understanding of the Mass. Thanks to Goodreads for my free copy.

[Kirsten · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great book, I learned more of about the mass and how it keeps some of the Jewish traditions going and how scripture is a vital part of everyday living.

[Rose · Rating 4 out of 5]

I received this book for free through Goodreads First Reads.

A Bible study for Catholics who want to better understand the Mass.

[Steven H · Rating 5 out of 5]

THE THIRD VOLUME IN A FOUR-VOLUME APOLOGETICAL SERIES

This is the third in a four-volume series [the other volumes are 'Catholic for a Reason I,' 'Catholic for a Reason II: Scripture and the Mystery of the Mother of God,' and 'Catholic for a Reason IV: Scripture and the Mystery of Marriage and Family Life'. This 2004 book contains 12 essays by 12 different authors (including the two editors, as well as Kimberly Hahn).

Bishop (of Madison) Robert Morlino wrote in his Foreword, "This third volume... will provide for the reader much food for prayerful reflection, much of which will, I hope, take place before the tabernacle. The contents of this volume should abide in the heart of every disciple of Christ, so that our amazement in the face of the Eucharistic mystery, as well as our human capacity for wonder, might be stirred... [This book] will serve to enliven these marvelous gifts so that, through the Eucharist, we might become more truly human---that is more truly holy, more truly like Christ." (Pg. viii-ix)

One essayist says about Jesus' words of consecration ["Take, eat; this is my body"] at the Last Supper, "What did Jesus mean? Was He speaking literally, as in, 'I'm holding My sacred humanity in My hands, and now I'm giving Myself to you as food'? Or, did he intend His words figuratively, like the man who pulls a picture out of his wallet and says, 'This is my wife and kids'?" (Pg. 25) He adds, "I submit that the Passover context supplies the literal meaning... the words of consecration reveal that Jesus has just placed HIMSELF at the center of the Passover celebration. In effect, He has replaced the traditional lamb and made His own flesh the heart of the feast. It is a curious fact, by the way, that none of the Gospels actually mention the presence of a lamb in the upper room... It hints that Jesus has deliberately staged a lambless Passover to make the point that HE is the true Lamb and the true festival food that makes the lambs of the old liturgy no longer necessary or relevant." (Pg. 26)

Another essayist suggests that Catholics don't evangelize because "Many Catholics are not comfortable as evangelists. In our modern world, we are trained to live and let live, not to IMPOSE our views upon others... We ought not to impose our views on others, but we have been commissioned by Christ Himself to charitably PROPOSE the truth of the Catholic faith to everyone..." (Pg. 147)

He adds other reasons: "Lack of belief in objective truth. As long as religion is seen only as a matter of preference, then our missionary zeal is thwarted... Catholics seem to be comfortable speaking about 'the Lord,' but find it more difficult to use the name, 'Jesus.' ... Our words mean little if they don't flow from a transformed life. You cannot give that which you do not have... We don't know what to say." (Pg. 146-147)

This is an excellent addition to this series, and will interest all students of Catholic apologetics and doctrine.

[Henry]

Collection of essays by Catholic apologists on the Mass. Has some useful material, but generally at a pretty popular level.