Preparing for Mass: Learn!

Okay, answer the following questions honestly.

How much do you know about the Mass?

Can you explain each of its different parts?

Do you know why it takes the form it does?

Do you understand how the Mass relates to the Scriptures?

Do you feel that your knowledge of the Mass allows you to enter into it fully and actively?

To truly live the Mass, to experience it deeply and devoutly, we need to learn as much as possible about this great gift from God, this hour in which Heaven leans down to touch earth.

So to better prepare for Mass, we should study the Mass, and there are many excellent resources to help us with that. Here are just a few:

A Biblical Walk through the Mass by Edward Sri – This book provides an in-depth explanation of every part of the Mass.

Jesus and the Jewish Roots of the Eucharist by Brant Pitre – Dr. Pitre explores the Old Testament types (foreshadowing) of the Eucharist.

The Lamb's Supper: The Mass as Heaven on Earth by Scott Hahn – Dr. Hahn shows how the Book of Revelation provides us with a glimpse of the Heavenly Liturgy in which we participate at every Mass.

The Fourth Cup: Unveiling the Mystery of the Last Supper and the Cross by Scott Hahn – Dr. Hahn researches the Passover and its fulfillment in the New Covenant.

Letter and Spirit: From Written Text to Living Word in the Liturgy by Scott Hahn – The Bible comes alive in the Mass, as Dr. Hahn argues in this fascinating book.

Understanding the Mystery of the Mass by Fr. Matthew Buettner – Although this book is slightly out-of-date since the Mass revisions of 2011, it's still worth the read for its clear explanations of each part of the Mass.

The Wonders of the Mass by Paul O'Sullivan – This little book offers a beautiful spiritual account of the Mass and its miracles.

The Mass: Four Encounters with Jesus That Will Change Your Life by Tom Curran – Dr. Curran focuses on the intimate life-changing encounters with our Lord that we can experience at every Mass if we approach with openness and devotion.

The list could easily multiply, but this is enough to get started. Choose one or two of these, and read at least a couple chapters a week. The more you learn, the more you'll appreciate, the more you'll experience the joys of the Mass.