Episode 12: Lead the Conversation – The Mass

“Let no one come here, who with his lips can say, ‘We lift up our hearts to our Lord’, but in his mind employs his thoughts on worldly business.  God indeed should be in our memory at all times, but if this is impossible because of human infirmity, at least in this hour this should be our earnest endeavour.” –St. Cyril of Jerusalem (c.315 – 387)

Last week we heard from professor and author, Timothy O’Malley of Notre Dame.  He shared from his book, Bored Again Catholic, and those words really spoke to not only Megan and Becky but also to their listeners.  On this week’s episode, Megan and Becky again Lead the Conversation.  We take some insights and comments from listeners and dig in deeper with more Scripture, early church fathers, and Saints.  We are so blessed with a beautiful and rich and full Tradition.  Being bored at Mass (or prayer or other  spiritual discipline) is an invitattion to walk in faith knowing that Jesus is meeting all of us on that alter. Every day, every Mass, regardless of how we feel and whether or not we think we deserve His love, Mercy and or the gift of the Grace of the Eucharist, Jesus is there.

Show Notes: “The Sacrifce of the Mass has been instituted for four ends: to honour God; to satisfy for our sins; to thank God for his benefits; to obtain divine graces. It is the same sacrifce as that once offered on Calvary, with this difference, that on Calvary the blood of Jesus Christ was really shed, but on the altar it is shed only in a mystical, unbloody manner.” St. Alphonsus Liguori (c.1696-1787) “For a church is not a barber’s shop or a chemist’s or a market stall: it is the dwelling of angels and of archangels; it is the kingdom of God; it is heaven itself.  If someone gave you entrance into heaven, you would not dare to speak a word, not even if you should see your own brother or father.  Likewise in the church, only spiritual things may be spoken, for this is heaven.” -St. John Chrysostom (c.347-407)

A Biblical Walk Through the Mass: Understanding What We Say and Do in the Liturgy by Edward Sri

Subscribe to the Sunday Bible Refelctions by Scott Hahn

I’m Not Being Fed – Lighthouse Catholic Media CD/Streaming audio by Jeff Cavins (not Steve Ray Becky referenced on the episode) The Mass and the Saints  Book published by Ignatius also available on Amazon DVD set from Ascension Press – Altaration: The Mystery of the Mass Revealed by Mark Hart