Synopsis "The Beauty of the Mass: And What it Means to You"
The Catholic Mass, a Sacrament of the Catholic Church, is celebrated daily throughout the world. Whatever words used to describe it - as a celebration, as worship, as a communion service, as an obligation, this is an event which has been handed down through the centuries with a spectrum of different meanings according to peoples and cultures. But one essential feature that almost anyone would agree to: the Mass is truly beautiful in a myriad of ways, describable in words, sometimes. Here's a book authored by a priest who has opened the minds and hearts of both cradle Catholics and converts alike. They wanted to share their thoughts to encourage others to read this book: see Part 1. In Part 2, Father Timothy Barr provides his 47 Reflections on the Liturgy, thoughts he believes will enlighten the appreciation of anyone who hungers and thirsts for a deeper meaning of worship. When asked to introduce this book further to the reader, Fr. Barr said: "The beauty of the Mass is revealed through going deeper and understanding the hidden, but very real, aspects of this sacrament. Even the words "Eucharist" and "Liturgy" translate into everyday life as wholehearted thanksgiving - a celebration of sacred mysteries - as a way of drawing closer to God and to each other in the one, everlasting bond of charity which is another word for love. And this love is not just about gladness and joy; love can also be an invitation to sacrifice. And the Mass shows this as it reminds us of Christ, the suffering servant, Jesus Himself as the sacrifice, inviting us today to join Him in time as we bring our gifts and prayers to the divine Banquet Table. Jesus Christ, as King of kings and Lord of lords, who is able to bring each imperfect soul to perfection in Him, feeds us today with Heavenly Food from His Eternal Table." By reading this book, no matter what your faith, anyone who is able to imagine another reality with the use of word pictures, will find beauty to reflect, to feast, upon.
