The Sacraments in Scripture (Lectio Divina Bible Study)

In an exceptional combination of one of the most ancient forms of Scripture study with historical, theological, and scriptural perspectives, Stephen Binz leads us on an incredible journey of enlightenment and appreciation in the areas of prayer, sacraments, and the Mass.

The Bible testifies to the crucial role that the sacraments play in God's relationship with humankind. Yet sometimes we take them for granted and miss the true power and significance each sacrament represents. In Lectio Divina Bible Study: The Sacraments in Scripture, Binz leads us to a fuller, deeper experience of the sacraments by showing us how they are truly God's Word made visible, deriving their meaning from the Scriptures.

Lectio Divina, the ancient practice of Scripture immersion, is at the heart of this process. It explores complex topics with sequential steps of study, meditation, and internalization. Specifically, every chapter leads you forward through a sequence of:

• Listening -- Reading Scripture with expectancy, trusting that God will speak His Word to us through it
• Understanding -- Seeking to comprehend the meaning of the text, encountering God there and being changed by that encounter
• Reflecting -- Linking the truth of the Scriptures to the experience of faith in the world in which we live
• Praying -- A dialogue with God: we listen to God, then we respond in prayer
• Acting -- After prayerfully listening to God through a passage of Scripture, we should be inspired to make a difference in the way we live

The Lectio Divina Bible Study series is suitable for parish, small group, or individual use.

"The Mass in Scripture yokes solid biblical scholarship, liturgical history and theology, and pastoral insight into a wonderful resource for individuals and groups wishing to deepen their appreciation for the celebration of the Eucharist in the Roman Rite. Adapting the monastic meditative savoring of scripture to the texts and ceremonies of the Mass, Stephen Binz both instructs and models how eucharistic mystagogy might be fruitfully engaged. It is one of those rare books that could be used with profit by clergy and religious professionals, cradle Catholics, and new initiates." --Rev. Jan Michael Joncas, liturgical theologian and composer, Associate Professor of Catholic Studies, University of St. Thomas

"Every Catholic would like to get more out of the Mass, and the revised translation is encouraging everyone to think more deeply about the words we hear and say. Stephen Binz provides a very helpful guide for those who wish to enter this process prayerfully, in community, and with the Bible in hand. This book will give the reader an experience of Christ and the Church that will enrich every celebration of the Mass." --Rev. Paul Turner, Pastor of St. Munchin Church, diocese of Kansas City-St. Joseph, Facilitator for the International Commission on English in the Liturgy

"The Mass in Scripture is a serious yet user friendly prayerful appreciation of the Eucharist based on the Scriptures. Readers who apply themselves to the guided prayer and group discussions outlined here will have their experience of the celebration of the Eucharist enriched beyond words. Particularly helpful is the author's familiarity with the Old Testament bases for Christian worship. This initial offering in the Lifelong Mystagogy in the Catholic Way series augurs well for what promises to be a series that has the potential to change minds, hearts and souls." --Rev. Msgr. Kevin Irwin, Dean of the School of Theology and Religious studies, The Catholic University of America

Every Catholic would like to get more out of the Mass, and the revised translation is encouraging everyone to think more deeply about the words we hear and say. Stephen Binz provides a very helpful guide for those who wish to enter this process prayerfully, in community, and with the Bible in hand. This book will give the reader an experience of Christ and the Church that will enrich every celebration of the Mass. --Rev. Paul Turner, Pastor of St. Munchin Church, diocese of Kansas City-St. Joseph, Facilitator for the International Commission on English in the Liturgy

The Mass in Scripture is a serious yet user friendly prayerful appreciation of the Eucharist based on the Scriptures. Readers who apply themselves to the guided prayer and group discussions outlined here will have their experience of the celebration of the Eucharist enriched beyond words. Particularly helpful is the author's familiarity with the Old Testament bases for Christian worship. This initial offering in the Lifelong Mystagogy in the Catholic Way series augurs well for what promises to be a series that has the potential to change minds, hearts and souls. --Rev. Msgr. Kevin Irwin, Dean of the School of Theology and Religious studies, The Catholic University of America

Every Catholic would like to get more out of the Mass, and the revised translation is encouraging everyone to think more deeply about the words we hear and say. Stephen Binz provides a very helpful guide for those who wish to enter this process prayerfully, in community, and with the Bible in hand. This book will give the reader an experience of Christ and the Church that will enrich every celebration of the Mass. --Rev. Paul Turner, Pastor of St. Munchin Church, diocese of Kansas City-St. Joseph, Facilitator for the International Commission on English in the Liturgy

--Rev. Msgr. Kevin Irwin, Dean of the School of Theology and Religious studies, The Catholic University of America