Ruth: Part 2 Ch. 2 "Who's Who in Heaven"

On page 75 Hahn reminds is that at the Last Supper John reclined on Jesus’ breast. “Yet, in the Apocalypse, when he saw Jesus in all His power and glory,……John fell on his face (Rev. 1:17). This brought to mind two things…First is an experience of Adoration at a retreat where I was by myself and just responded to the prompting and longing to lay prostrate before my Lord. It was a powerful moment that I long to relive. The other thought that came to mind is that today our catechesis seems to stress the warm “fuzzy” Jesus where we are friends and he is a comfort…laying our head on his breast. Yet the other side is to recognize that Jesus is Lord who is to be adored and followed. As Lord he is also to be obeyed. This is the side that people tend to forget. We are to prostrate ourselves (mind, heart, soul & body) before him. …… That statement ”and the elders fell down and worshiped” (p. 76) (Rev 5:13-14) tell of the same experience. God is more than our friend He is to be worshipped by our total being. …………………. The description of Mary on p.78 as the new ark was awesome. ……………….. On p. 85 Hahn states, “The beastly message is this: we are fighting spiritual forces: immense, depraved, malevolent forces.” They are forces we have to deal with but, as shown, we can hope to overcome. We are told “the solution has to match the problem, spiritual force for spiritual force….The solution is the Mass, when heaven touches down to save an earth under siege.” Again this churned up the thought that we don’t hear about spiritual warfare unless we are in Charismatic circles. Ignorance is dangerours. Evil forces exist even if we are unaware of them but with knowledge/recognition can come power to overcome. (Lord help us to recognize the forces that work to pull us away from you. Protect us with your Eucharistic presence within us.) ………… And then we read the next section about angels. “In battle, we do not fight alone. ….. Michael and his angels fight against the dragon.” We have spiritual partners in the battle. How awesome! And I did not know that each particular church has a guardian angel. Don’t you feel the connection between heaven and earth? We have angels as messengers, angels doing battle ….”constantly on the side of God—which, if we’re faithful, is our side, too.” WOW!!!!!!! ………I loved the last paragraph that asked several “where” questions all with the answer “Where else but in the Catholic Church, and most particularly in the Mass? Thank you Lord that I have been blessed to be born into a Catholic family and to come to love the Church left by our Lord, the Catholic church, with all its human warts and heavenly blessings.

Ruth: Part 2 - Chapter 1 " I Turned to See

This chapter did not have much of an impact on me probably because I have read this book before. ..... What I like, though, is that this chapter introduces and challenges the other interpretations that are out there. If you have studied Revelations or read some of the popular books out there, like the "Left Behind Series" you might find it refreshing to see that Catholics have something to say to the issue, to all the symbolism. .......... Most of the popular interpreations, like the "Left Behind Series" are modern "new interpretations" that kind of say "we get the prize and will reap the reward for figuring this out and being saved" ..... but the Catholic church, through the Mass, has been living out the Book of Revelations from the beginning. It is too bad that so few understand that as Cahtolic's we do have something to say about the issue. How many Catholic read "The Left Behind" series only to have questions placed in the back of their minds....It's a novel but ..... Have any of you read "The Left Behind" series? If so, did it have any impact on you? Just wondering.

Awesome reflections.....

As I just read Michelle's reflection on Chapter 4 I felt so blessed to be reading this book with all of you. Michelle starts out by sharing the fact that she teaches Religious Education. Now just suppose that all the people attending Mass next Sunday had read this chapter.,,,,that they understood and appreciated the depth of mystery going on at Mass. They/We would not look bored, we would not leave early, we would not be watching our watches and our faith would not be just an hour on Sunday. We would all know that Jesus Christ was just consumed by each person in attendance and that we are all yearning to be changed into the image of the One consumed and reflect that to all around us. ..... May we all be catechist to those Christ brings us to .... so that we can share the wonder of the Mass. I am sure Michelle's students will be blessed. ............... (p.s. This book makes a wonderful gift...... I gave it to my Mom this summer and she ordered may copies to give to her friends.) .......... Yearning to reflect Him whom I consume......and thanking the Lord that I am Catholic with the blessing of the Mass. Ruth

JoAnn Part II Chapter 2 "Who's Who in Heaven"

These past several weeks have been busy for me so I'm finding these two chapters very challenging, maybe because I'm in a hurried mode. This chapter is long and not an easy read and I am not very patient. I am not connecting all the dots. Is anyone else having difficulty? We will be traveling this weekend and I hope to re-read this chapter again - I need to. At the end of the chapter Hahn states that "often the deepest meaning in Scripture is very near to the heart of us, and the widest application is very close to home." Holy Spirit let my mind and my heart understand the fullness of the meaning of Mass and the Book of Revelations so that I can rejoice with the angels and the saints. - they in heaven and me here on earth. . . and yes, help me to be patient!

JoAnn Part II Chapter 1 "I Turned to See"

This was a good chapter heading as I turned to see and re-see, rereading many parts of this chapter in trying to understand it. He states that the Book of Revelations is intended to "reveal" , and its revelations intended for Christians then and now. On the bottom of page 66 and top of 67 he describes how the pieces of this puzzling Book of Revelations fell into place when he began attending Mass. Well Mr. Hahn is such an intellectual so I was glad to read that he struggled with this Book also. I'm still putting all the pieces of the puzzle together. Lord, be patient with me!

This Week = Chapter 5 & 6

Although we are on chapters 5 and 6 this week you are still welcome to post and comment on previous chapters. I am hoping to see what others think of the book and blogging. Are you reading the posting as we go along? Hope you are enjoying both. Your Sister in Christ (YSIC) Ruth

JoAnn - Ch 4 Taste and See the Gospel

What a beautiful chapter on understanding the parts of the Mass. He states that the Liturgy engages the whole person - body, soul and spirit. We hear, see, smell and taste it! I read and reread about the sign of the cross. What an expression of our faith. I now understand more fully why we start with the sign of the cross, ask for repentance, etc. Regarding scripture readings Hahn stated, "don't ever let people tell you that the Church doesn't call Catholics to be Bible Christians" as the Bible has a three-year cycle of reading in the Mass. Throughout this chapter he brings out things that should have just stood out at me before. Like the words of consecration, and the Our Father, "give us this day our daily bread." Hahn says, give us this day our daily "Eucharist". I had always reflected, "give us this day our daily bread, as "grace"; give me the grace I need this day. The "bread", "Eucharist" is fulfillment - God Himself. That's why the Our Father introduces the Communion part of the Mass. In Communion we say Yes to God and are bonded with our eternal family in heaven - awesome! The Mass ends and we are "sent" to go out to live and spread God's word. Lord, I pray that the power of the Mass and the Eucharist molds me into Your image and likeness. That I am able to live Your message, that I am able to be Your holy, humble and obedient witness.

JoAnn - Chapter 3 From the Beginning

The last chapter (Ch 2) was very comprehensive for me but I enjoyed this chapter very much. It is truly amazing to read the early Church Christians' writings on the parts of the Mass and how it still reflects the Mass as we celebrate it today --- repentance, scripture reading, recitation of psalms, homily, singing, Eucharistic prayer and Holy Communion. The early Christians are awesome witnesses. The writings of the Didache (the missal), the Todah, of St. Ignatius and St. Justin helped them defend their faith. What St. Justin wrote in 155 A.D. about the Mass and the Eucharist (pp 34-35) was so simple and so profound. It deepens my Catholic faith to read about the early Church!

Ruth: Chapter 4 Taste and See (part 1)

Most of the time we think of routine as boring but Dr. Hahn addresses the issue of routine in the Mass by stating “Real loves are loves we live with constancy, and that constancy shows itself in routine… ...routines let good habits take over, freeing the mind and heart to move onward and upward.” I think that often I carry too much into the church with me …busyness that is hard to leave at the door. But later in the chapter I am reminded that I bring all this to be transformed …. the total gift of who I am coming to worship my Lord……………… When I read, “Some writers … describe Christians tracing the cross on the forehead, then the lips, and then the heart……Great saints also testify to the tremendous power of the sign.” Can you imagine that we are making the same gestures that our forefathers in faith made back just after the time of Christ. That connective ness is powerful in my mind and heart. (When I make the cross on my forehead, lips and heart I always say, “Lord open my mind to understand your word, my lips to share it with others and my heart to love you more.” I love that prayer but now the historical acts itself takes on greater meaning. … The sign of the Cross is OUR sign. “Satan is powerless before this sign.” The rest of the section beginning with the last sentence on page 43 should be read before Mass for all to hear. We need to know more of why we do what we do. ……………. In the next section it states, “The beautiful thing about the Mass, though, is that no one rises to accuse us but we ourselves.” Here we are all standing there declaring we are sinners. “I confess” “I have sinned” We are publicly stating our weaknesses, our sinfulness. …… (Lord, help me to really understand and remember what we are doing, saying and enacting at each part of this glorious Mass you have gifted us with.) Nothing is new in all this but with routine, we can be present yet so distant. I’ll sign off for now…more reflections on this chapter later. Your “Bible Christian”(p. 47) friend…Ruth

Ruth: Chapter 3: From the Beginning

It is awesome how our church is from the beginning—the very beginning. …. Our Eucharistic prayers are from the beginning of Christianity…. I remember how amazed I was when I first was exposed to the fact that our Mass is composed of such ancient prayers. Isn’t it a shame that most Catholics have never heard of the early church writings like the Didache. They give such evidence that Catholicism was not made up through the centuries. …………. This chapter starts out mentioning Cannibalism. I was talking a few weeks ago to a WTS student who said she had no trouble with the Lutheran understanding of Eucharist because she did not agree with the Catholic understanding that the host actually became flesh…real flesh. There is a difference between real presence and real “flesh.” ……… I have attended and hosted many Passover meals and find that they speak for themselves as a way to enrich our Christian faith. …. On to chapter 4…..

Check the Comments

For those of you who are new: You and others are welcome to make COMMENTS on the postings of others. It is interesting to read the COMMENTS of each other. The comments are like the discussion in a small group. Adding comments helps us to get a bit beyond just reading each others reflections. SO, please remember to check the comments on the previous BLOGS and add your comments, questions, etc.

Where is the rest of our new group?

Please let us know if you are having BLOGGING trouble. We look forward to your input. Ruth

Ruth: Chapter 2: Given for You.

The first lines of this chapter hit my heart. “The Phrase in the Mass that knocked me out was the ‘Lamb of God,’ because I knew that this Lamb was Jesus Christ Himself.” Don’t you get the feeling that we should bow profoundly when we proclaim the “Lamb of God.” We are addressing THE God, THE Lord, THE Lamb of God, OUR Savior! It is hard to find the words to express the profound reality of it all. A God that is a sacrificial offering for us.”……..I loved the statement, “The Lamb rules, occupying heaven’s throne.” Does he rule our lives….? I really think that we have to understand the significance of the “Lamb” to understand the Eucharist. Just as Abraham did not withhold his son and generations were blessed so God did not withhold his Son and we are all blessed/saved. ……… When I read on p. 20 “It is the sacrifice of the Lord’s Passover, for He passed over the houses of the people of Israel in Egypt, when He slew the Egyptians (EX 12: 26-27) it bought to mind that God punishes as well as saves/redeems. We need to understand this so we understand the results we deserve for our sins. …….. (p, 22) Psalm 51:17 states, “The sacrifice acceptable to God is a broken spirit.” I think of that as meaning a repentant spirit….someone who recognizing and repents of their sinfulness. I am a sinner yet saved by the sacrificed Lamb of God. …… …….. Here is a question for the those in our study….Have you attended a seder meal? If so has it helped you to better understand this chapter and the Mass? .....…….. The statement, "You have to eat the Lamb" resonated in my soul….and is part of why I am Catholic. Thank you Lord that I know the “Lamb of God who takes away the sins of the world. Have mercy on me a sinner.

JoAnn - Introduction

JoAnn - Introduction He named his introduction, "Christ Stands at the Door". I'm sure the Lord is waiting for me to open the door to the beauty of the Mass as "heaven on earth". Hahn said it right when he described people not wanting to read the Book of Revelations - I have tried several times but didn't get far as it is hard to understand. Now is my chance to see how he connects the Mass and the Book of Revelations and how the Mass is "heaven on earth".

JoAnn - Chapter 1

We cradle Catholics take a lot for granted. Reading about Scott Hahn sitting in the back pew at Mass as a Protestant and his excitement at seeing the bible come out of pages was awe-inspiring. As a Protestant he considered the Mass to be a supreme blasphemy but came to see how the Mass is God's sealed covenant, "this is the cup of My blood, the blood of the new and everlasting covenant." With this covenant then, we are God's children! I found myself going to the Bible and reading the verses he included in the chapter (so that I could better understand). In reading this book I pray I will truly see and understand the Mass as "heaven on earth".

Ruth: Chapter 1: In Heaven Right Now

Isn’t it great to read about conversion experiences? To see God actively calling people into our Church, a church that we often take for granted. Conversation stories help renew my own faith and appreciation for it. .....I share in the author’s excitement when I read of his sudden awareness and statement, “MY LORD AND MY GOD. THAT’S REALLY YOU!” I think that most of us life long Catholics have also come to that point or we have grown in awareness of the same fact …. that Christ is truly present in the Eucharist and then the words, “THIS IS THE LAMB OF GOD…” take on so much meaning……. I think that many Catholics have blinders on to the real presence because they have been so poorly catechized and because we are historically illiterate of the history of our faith. ....... Dr. Hahn talks about the earliest Fathers of the Church considering the Book of Revelation to be the key to the liturgy, and the liturgy the key to the Book of Revelation. We have so little background in our faith. …… We hear more about the second coming and end times from the “Left Behind” media coverage than we do from our own church. I joyously look forward to seeing the wealth and teaching of our own faith as it shows us the “Catholic” connection and understanding of the Eucharist and Revelations.

Ruth: Introduction

Scott Hahn starts the introduction with the statement that “the Mass is like home to us”. As someone who has traveled, I have to agree. There is a comfort in knowing that wherever you are in the world, you will probably have access to an identifiable Catholic Mass. Whether in another state, a European country or Turkey, no matter the language, I can follow along, receive the Eucharistic Lord, and know that I’ve made Christ a special part of my travels and day. We do have a worldwide Catholic church........... Have you read the Book of Revelations before? .............. On page 5 Scott gives a brief view of the Sunday Catholic’s sad but true weekly experience of Mass... Wouldn’t it be nice to get this book in everyone’s hands so that we can all come to experience Mass as stated “The Mass – and I mean every single Mass – is heaven on earth.” Can you imagine what a difference it would make if we all experienced Mass this way.” I join with the prayer at the end of the introduction … that we may receive new eyes to see the Mass…. And “Together, let’s ask for a new heart as well, so that through our study and prayer, we may grow more and more to love the Christian mysteries that we have from the Father.”

Ruth - Forward

I read this book 5 years ago when it first came out, forgot most of the details but remembered the joy I had in gaining a renewed love for the Eucharistic Lord. Just starting to reread this book rekindles that joy. I had studied the Book of Revelation back in the 70’s at a seminary. The approach was more historical showing how a persecuted church had to communicate and survive in hiding and in codifying its writings. Until I read this book I was never introduced to the connection between the Book of Revelation and the Eucharist. Fr. Groeschel points out that the Mass is not a religious service and how he, as a priest, stands-in (persona Christi) for Christ, the High Priest. Father's next to last line really pulls at my soul. (page xv) … “when we are at the Liturgy of the Mass, Christ is there and mysteriously we are for that moment standing at the Eternal Supper of the Lamb.” Lord, I pray that the rereading of this book helps me to be better prepared to receive the Lamb of God.