The Mystery and Meaning of the Mass

Rating:
Summary: The Mountains of the Mass
Review: As a Protestant pastor, I am not very familar with the Mass. Father Champlin clearly explains all aspects of the Eucharist celebration He likens the Mass to two mountains. The prayer that begins the celebration begins the first ascent. The worshipers speak to God. The Scripture that is read is the descent as God speaks to His church. The second mountain is climbed as the priest prays over the bread and wine and is descended as God makes these to be the body of Christ. Particularly helpful was Father Champlim's explination of the changes from the pre-Vatican II to the post-Vatican II Mass. He shows the reader why the changes were made and how they have effected the worship experience for today's Catholic. This book is well suited for those wanting a greater understanding of the Mass. Father Champlin's book will help anyone - Catholic or Protestant - to a deeper appreciation of the Eucharist.

Rating:
Summary: The Mountains of the Mass
Review: As a Protestant pastor, I am not very familar with the Mass. Father Champlin clearly explains all aspects of the Eucharist celebration He likens the Mass to two mountains. The prayer that begins the celebration begins the first ascent. The worshipers speak to God. The Scripture that is read is the descent as God speaks to His church. The second mountain is climbed as the priest prays over the bread and wine and is descended as God makes these to be the body of Christ. Particularly helpful was Father Champlim's explination of the changes from the pre-Vatican II to the post-Vatican II Mass. He shows the reader why the changes were made and how they have effected the worship experience for today's Catholic. This book is well suited for those wanting a greater understanding of the Mass. Father Champlin's book will help anyone - Catholic or Protestant - to a deeper appreciation of the Eucharist.

Rating:
Summary: The "Two-mountain" Mass Explained
Review: Father Champlin does a good job giving a general explanation of what goes on during a (liturgically correct) Catholic mass.

The best part of his book is his comparison of the mass with two mountains being climbed, one after the other.

The first mountain is the Liturgy of the Word. We go up when we give to God during the opening hymn the penitential rite and the Gloria; we go down the mountain when God gives to us, during the reading of His word, the responsorial psalms, the homily, the creed, and the intercessory prayers.

The second mountain is the Liturgy of the Eucharist. We go up the mountain when we present to God our gifts of bread and wine and the priest prays the Eucharistic Prayer; we go back down the mountain with the Our Father, rite of peace, Agnus Dei (Lamb of God), and the reception of the Holy Eucharist.

This representation of going up the mountain and coming down is an excellent representation of the nature of the mass - it is both sacrifice (hence the term, "Holy Sacrifice of the Mass") and Sacrament;

- It is a sacrifice in that we give to God;
- It is a sacrament in that God gives to us.

A short and easy read. Five stars.

Rating:
Summary: Useful reference for those interested in the Mass
Review: Fr. Champlin provides a very well-written guide to the celebration of the Mass (also called the Eucharist, or Lord's Supper, by others).

Fr. Champlin's presentation reads well straight through, but a detailed table of contents makes it easy to find answers to specific questions, as well. A very basic theology and/or history of many of the actions and symbols of the priest are offered, and no lay person should have any trouble understanding the explanations given. Also helpful is an exploration of which elements of the Mass are changeable and which are not, and the changes from the pre- to post-Vatican II Mass.

Although written by a Roman Catholic priest, and addressing the RC Mass, this is a wonderful reference for any Christian in a liturgical church (Old Catholic, Anglican, Lutheran) -- or for anyone else interested in the meaning of the celebration of the Mass.