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The Beauty Of The Mass: Exploring The Central Act Of Catholic Worship
“When Mass is being celebrated, the sanctuary is filled with countless angels who adore the Divine Victim immolated on the altar.” – St. John ChrysostomWhy do Catholics do that? Have you ever been asked this question, or maybe you’ve asked it yourself? Have you ever wondered what all the standing, kneeling, and sitting during Mass was really all about?In this book, Charles Johnston explores the sights and sounds of The Mass, and takes a deeper look at the beauty and symbolism behind every action during The Mass.An adult convert to Catholicism, Charles Johnston takes the reader on a journey through the central act of worship in the Catholic Church; The Mass. With a focus on the Biblical basis for the various components of The Mass, and the theology behind the ritual acts, but written to be accessible and understood by the laity. The ancient maxim, “Lex Orandi, Lex Credendi” is very much in play during The Holy Sacrifice of The Mass, because almost everything the Church believes is expressed through it.If you are a Catholic who wants a deeper understanding of the theology of the Church, as played out in the Mass; or if you are a non-Catholic Christian who is interested to learn about The Mass; or even a non-believer that just wants to know what’s going inside your local Catholic Church; come along on this journey.“Let the entire man be seized with fear; let the whole world tremble; let heaven exult when Christ, the Son of the Living God, is on the altar in the hands of the priest. O admirable height and stupendous condescension! O humble sublimity! O sublime humility! that the Lord of the universe, God and the Son of God, so humbles Himself that for our salvation He hides Himself under a morsel of bread.” – St. Francis of AssisiAbout the author:Charles Johnston is an adult convert to the Catholic faith. He raised as an evangelical Protestant, but grew closer and closer to Rome theologically, until he finally realized that he belonged in the Catholic Church. Now he is actively engaged in the New Evangelization and spreading the Truth, Beauty, and Goodness of the Catholic Faith.
196 pages, Kindle Edition
Published December 3, 2018
260 people are currently reading
160 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 8 of 8 reviews
September 29, 2020
This beautifully written, yet readily tangible account of the beauty of the mass is a perfect companion for Catholics and anyone interested in furthering their understanding of the mass. Written by a convert from evangelical Protestantism, this richly referenced mass aid dissects the underlying sources of both the Liturgy of the Word and Liturgy of the Eucharist in an easily digestible format.
Having attended weekly mass for 30 years and read numerous books on the subject, I closed the work having learned several core tenets of my faith as it relates to the mass (i.e. the Kyrie is the only prayer within the contemporary mass which originated from Greek). Also notable are the appendices reviewing the Our Father and the four marks of the Church.
Kudos to Mr. Johnston for his richly researched review that is easily digested across the entire spectrum of believers.
Having attended weekly mass for 30 years and read numerous books on the subject, I closed the work having learned several core tenets of my faith as it relates to the mass (i.e. the Kyrie is the only prayer within the contemporary mass which originated from Greek). Also notable are the appendices reviewing the Our Father and the four marks of the Church.
Kudos to Mr. Johnston for his richly researched review that is easily digested across the entire spectrum of believers.
November 23, 2018
Made me realize I had taken lots of the mass for granted and was missing so much. I appreciate Sunday’s so much more now.
November 23, 2018
Mr johnston helped clear some things up that confused me during mass. Now mass make so much more sense and is much more beautiful to me.
May 16, 2022
A Handbook for Catholics
I am an adult convert also, almost 50 years. I didn't have RCIA and have learned by self study the depth and richness that Mr. Johnson writes in his testimony. I would have loved to have this "Handbook" as a companion and guide being a new Catholic. I regret it is not in print, I would carry a copy at all times. Excellent and well written.
I am an adult convert also, almost 50 years. I didn't have RCIA and have learned by self study the depth and richness that Mr. Johnson writes in his testimony. I would have loved to have this "Handbook" as a companion and guide being a new Catholic. I regret it is not in print, I would carry a copy at all times. Excellent and well written.
March 28, 2023
Should be Required Reading for Catholics
Perhaps not the most scholarly book ever written, but definitely full of wonderful knowledge about our beautiful religion. There are facts shared by Mr. Johnston that I, as a cradle Catholic, Parochial school grad and Catholic college grad was never aware of. This will make you a better Catholic.
Perhaps not the most scholarly book ever written, but definitely full of wonderful knowledge about our beautiful religion. There are facts shared by Mr. Johnston that I, as a cradle Catholic, Parochial school grad and Catholic college grad was never aware of. This will make you a better Catholic.
February 8, 2021
Beautiful Mass
Well written. Every word and movement is explained. This book is good history of the church and it's liturgy and some documents.
Well written. Every word and movement is explained. This book is good history of the church and it's liturgy and some documents.
July 11, 2023
Excellent
Excellent read, a must for anyone Catholic, wanting to become Catholic, or wanting to understand the liturgy of the mass.
Excellent read, a must for anyone Catholic, wanting to become Catholic, or wanting to understand the liturgy of the mass.
February 16, 2024
great book
Amazing book. Very educational! Highly recommend this book. Especially if you would like go further your research about the Catholic faith
Amazing book. Very educational! Highly recommend this book. Especially if you would like go further your research about the Catholic faith
Displaying 1 - 8 of 8 reviews