Rating: 
Summary: A fine intro for Catholic laypersons, with ecumenical appeal
Review: As with his earlier "Rome Sweet Home," Hahn's "The Lamb's Supper" seeks to bring scriptural exegesis and Roman Catholic ritual tradition into fruitful dialogue. The central thrust of this piece is that Catholic liturgy offers the best interpretive paradigm for studying the Book of Revelation. Hahn divides his subject matter into three main sections, considering in turn Scripture in the canon of the Mass, various interpretive approches to the Book of Revelation and the mutual illumination of the Catholic Mass and John's Apocalypse.... Hahn treats the material quite competently and he is candid in his enthusiasm for both biblical liturgies and liturgical exegesis. Hahn's work is a fine introduction for the Catholic layperson, offering a crash course in the history of sacrificial worship in ancient Israel. The book has an ecumenical appeal, especially for Lutherans and Anglicans desiring to better acquaint themselves with Catholic ritual and the New Testament....
Rating:
Summary: "The Book of Revelation for the Masses"
Review: I want to show ordinary Catholics (and all Christians) how the mystery of the Mass is our actual participation in the heavenly liturgy, just as St John first discovered and then described it in the visions of the Book of Revelation. If this sounds pretty deep, believe me, it is, even for the experts and scholars! But since it's also true and real and very important, I figured it was worth trying hard to make it accessible--by keeping it light enough for the average lay-reader to understand and enjoy it. (Okay, so I DO resort to wordplays in the sub-headings; still, that does not mean that critics have to pun-ish the author in their reviews... Mea culpa!) In Part One ("The Mass Revealed"), I touch upon the scriptural basis for the main parts of the Mass (from the OT and NT). In Part Two ("The Revelation of Heaven"), I look at the controversial Book of Revelation, in order to show how the heavenly liturgy is the golden thread that runs throughout the book-- tying together the various elements of John's visions--just as it reflects the early Church's eucharistic worship. I also show how this "apocalyptic" view of the Eucharist was a commonplace in the early Church Fathers (Greek, Latin and especially Syriac). In Part Three ("Revelation for the Masses"), I explore how this biblical vision of the Mass can transform our everyday lives (i.e., on earth, at home, on the job): when we unite our daily struggles with the redemptive sacrifice of Christ, we come to a greater share in His royal priestly victory over the world, the flesh, and the devil. BTW, I realize this book is far from perfect; but I'd fall back on G.K. Chesterton's line: "If something is REALLY worth doing, it's worth doing badly." Indeed, if this book helps anyone in any way to get closer to our Lord--in the Mass and in Scripture--then give thanks to God, not to this sinner (orare pro me ad Dominum, Deum nostrum).
Rating:
Summary: The Mass is the heavenly worship spoken of in Revelation
Review: When you read Dr. Hahn's account of the Eucharist as the heavenly worship spoken of in Revelation, as he indicates so well, you should begin to tingle with the vitality of grace.... If you are a cradle Catholic like myself, Dr. Hahn is likely to leave you with a whole new appreciation of the Mass. If you entered the Church or are thinking of coming into full communion with it, then he will show you a dimension of Catholic Christianity that you probably never thought about--its teaching on the end of time. In fact, relatively few Catholics realize the link between the celebration of the Eucharist and the end of the world.... I am grateful to Dr. Hahn for finding and bringing back to life this vision of the early Fathers of the Church. (From the Foreword)
Rating: 
Summary: A real eye-opener
Review: I remember several years ago, when I first became interested in my faith, that being the Catholic faith, and I decided that if I am to call myself Catholic, and if I am to practice my faith, and identify myself with the tag "Catholic", then I am to know what my Church teaches. I was also very clear with myself, in making sure that I didn't choose wishy-washy Catholic writers, such as Paul Wilkes (author of the horrible book "Seven Secrets of Successful Catholics") or the controversial Hans Kung, but with those who are dubbed, how shall I say this, orthodox in their presentation of that which we call Catholic. Scott Hahn definitely falls into that boat called "orthodox".
I am what people would call a cradle Catholic, yet, somehow, this teaching of the Church seemed to slip by me over my years of catechism. With the state of the Church in America, that shouldn't strike one as too odd, though. I do seem to remember at one point in high school, though, hearing a friend of mine allude to the theology presented so eloquently by Mr. Hahn. Other than that tiny reference to it, for eighteen years of my life, I was all unawares about the Mass (or Divine Liturgy) being heaven on earth.
So, initially, the book was over my head. I had no real holding place in my mind for what Hahn was presenting in his book. I was so used to hearing Protestant mumbo-jumbo about the book of Revelation in reference solely to that which is yet to happen; I was conditioned, as they say. So, I had to read it slowly. But that's not necessarily a bad thing. For me, though, it was definitely an odd thing, for I am definitely not a slow reader; but it was, alas, a good thing. I call it good, for I came away with a much keener appreciation for the Divine Liturgy.
Not long after I read this splendid book, I paid a visit to a local Byzantine Catholic Church. In Eatern Churches (at least Byzantine Churches), Catholic or Orthodox, the marriage of Heaven and Earth is represented in a beautiful, symbolic way. The area where the congregation sits is referred to as Earth, and where the altar is is referred to as Heaven. Between the two is an icon screen, called an iconostasis. It is literally a wall covered with icons, separating Heaven from Earth. In the center are the Royal Doors, adorned with an icon of the Annunciation. On either side are the Deacons Doors, adorned with either icons of Deacons who are recognized as Saints or icons of angels. Some Byzantine Churches go so far as to have curtains also, to ensure that one can't see on the other side of the iconostasis. As soon as the Divine Liturgy (what Eastern Christians call the Mass) begins, with the Great Doxology, the Royal Doors open, symbolizing that Heaven and Earth are now one and the same, as Heaven has now touched down.
Anyways, I apologize for my digression. In short, this book was wonderful. I have now read it four times, my most recent time being in one day. Some may view this book as one that shouldn't be recommended to anyone unless they're either Catholic or Orthodox, for it may come across as too strange for Protestant minds. I wholeheartedly disagree. This book contains splendid apologetics for the Eucharist, and also demonstrates quite beautifully that what Protestants call "New Testament worship" is anything but what is found in their Churches. Yet, Hahn demonstrates so with charity and, might I add, clarity. Read this book!Joe Muir
Rating:
Summary: Revolutionized my perception of mass
Review: Scott Hahn's "The Lambs' Supper" revolutionized my perception of mass. I have always been taught that mass should be a celebration. Sometime it is difficult to remember this, when the priest is less than gifted with the talent of communication or concern for his parish. Until I read Hahn's book, I did not fully comprehend the extent of the celebration that the mass embodied. I had thought that the participation of angels and saints during the service was a metaphor, because unfortunately, my understanding of the origin of the mass did not include the relevance of the Book of Revelation in comprehending the audience with which we celebrate the mass. I had only been taught the important of the gospels to the structure of the mass. Hahn's analysis of the Book of Revelation was an incredible eye-opener for me, which greatly increased the depth of my appreciation for mass. I never noticed the parallels between the structure of the mass and the outline of the Book of Revelation, partially because prior to Hahn's book I did not spend much time reviewing apocalyptic literature.
The Lamb's Supper gave me a much greater insight of the significance of the mass, which makes me more eager to attend, (regardless of the celebrant or the congregation). It also demystified some of the most opaque parts of the Book of Revelation for me, and ignited my interest in learning more about Catholic interpretations of that book (I followed Hahn's book with David Currie's Rapture).
Rating: 
Summary: The Lamb's Supper
Review: Scott Hahn's main point in this book is to say that the Catholic mass is a picture of heaven on earth. He repeats this point in many different ways thoroughout the book. He describes the basis for his idea on the book of Revelation. I did not understand all of his assertions, but felt that the book was original and encouraging. I felt spiritually unlifted to know that I could see a little piece of heaven when I go to mass each Sunday.
Rating:
Summary: The Mass Renewed
Review: As a craddle Catholic, I have done many things in my faith by simply following example without much thought as to what or why I was doing. I always knew the Mass was very special but took it's real meaning for granted. Scott Hahn has opened my eyes and heart to what actually happens in the Mass. His words have revealed the mystery, not only of the Mass but of the Book of Revelation (the book that scares so many). I highly recommend this book to fellow Catholics as well as those outside the Faith to gain insight on what is really happening in the Mass. Don't be surprised if you find yourself longing for it more than just on Sundays!
Rating:
Summary: An Eye- and Heart-Opener!
Review: In "The Lamb's Supper: The Mass as Heaven on Earth," Dr. Scott Hahn has given a great gift to Catholics and to anyone who is interested in better understanding the Catholic Mass. He not only presents for our understanding, in a clear and comprehensible manner (which even includes humor) what the Mass actually is as God's ongoing earthly gift for salvation -- he also sets before us the reality that the Mass is an encounter with Christ at the level of our hearts. His ability to ground everything he says in the Holy Scripture gives his teaching that much more credibility and forcefulness. If only all Catholics would read this book!
Rating:
Summary: Sorry, but I have to . . .
Review: I can't resist responding to the above review that called the Eucharist a pagan ritual. I hate to break it to you, but if the fact that some other religions have had rituals and traditions similar to that of the Eucharist disproves Catholicism, then the fact that a number of pagan religions believe in the son of their god(s) being born to a virgin disproves Christianity as a whole.
I found this book to be quite excellent. I take off one star for the cheesy chapter subtitles.
Rating:
Summary: Very Informative
Review: This book was given to me as a gift from one of my roommates. This is a very detailed walk through some of the traditions behind the Mass of the Catholic Church and how it relates to the bible. I would highly recommend this book to all Catholics and to those who are studying the Catholic Faith. I would even encourage non-Catholics to read it so that they may better understand why Catholics do those things they do. The Catholic church is not something to be scared of but to be embraced.
|
