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Catholic parishes worldwide prep for clarification of new Roman Missal
HUNTINGTON, Indiana, May 4, 2001. In an era of low Mass attendance and sketchy Catholic catechesis worldwide, the
implementation of a new Roman Missal at year's end can either confuse Catholics, or spur them to embrace their faith
more deeply.
Crystallizing the connections between ancient liturgy and the modern-day Mass, its roots in Scripture, history, and
theology, average parish-Catholics will need to understand what's happening and what it all means. Many will benefit
from the new turnkey primer – The Mass in Scripture (Our Sunday Visitor, 2011) – which author Stephen Binz designed
as a resource for every parish's preparation for the revised Roman Missal rite (to commence in December 2011).
Binz leads the faithful on an incredible voyage of enlightenment, utilizing an exceptional combination of one of the most
ancient forms of Scripture study with the history, theology and scriptural perspective of the Eucharistic liturgy – the Mass.
“This work ought to be a part of every parish's preparation for the revised Roman Missal. This study emphasizes that the
preparation is not just a matter of learning new words to pray, but an opportunity to deepen the liturgical understanding
and Eucharistic spirituality of Catholics” says Binz.
Using the new translation of the Roman Missal, Binz explores the biblical foundation of each element of the Mass,
offering 30 lessons to deepen love for the Eucharist, moving readers through study, reflection, prayer, and action. The
Mass in Scripture explores the biblical roots of the Mass and each of its parts. In this way, participants learn not just new
vocabulary, but enrich their understanding and Eucharistic spirituality.
This study is ideal for seasoned Catholics who desire a deeper understanding of the biblical roots of the Mass, and may
also be helpful for inquirers who are searching for the biblical foundations of Catholic worship. The work uses the method
of lectio divina, as encouraged in Verbum Domini, and is designed for individuals or parish groups, making it an ideal
instrument for the New Evangelization.
Lectio divina, is the ancient practice of Scripture immersion, and is at the heart of this process. Combined with the
tradition and scholarship of the Church, 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 following scholars and spiritual leaders recommend The Mass in Scripture:
Stephen Binz’ The Mass in Scripture provides every reader with an opportunity to learn how to pray the parts of the
Mass with devotion and understanding. In particular, Binz’ small book helps to clarify an often misunderstood, but central
part of everyone’s participation at Mass: the Eucharistic prayer. Traditionally thought of by many Catholics as only a
“priest’s part”, the Canon or Eucharistic Prayer is really the joint prayer of priest and people. Recognizing this fact, Binz
gives his lay readers an especially helpful tutorial on how to join in the Church’s praying this sacrificial prayer to the
Father. Binz’ straightforward writing allows readers of all levels to benefit from learning what the Second Vatican
Council set out as one of the great goals of its suggested liturgical reform: the increased participation of the faithful at
every Mass.
Most Reverend Timothy M. Dolan, Archbishop of New York
With the new translation of the Roman Missal in English there is a resurgence of interest in understanding more clearly
the extraordinary gift that is the Eucharistic Liturgy. The Mass in Scripture is an insightful resource for individual and
group study by Catholics who wish to further their understanding of the biblical roots of the Mass and the meaning of the
coming changes in the Mass prayers. Stephen Binz has provided a well-organized and clearly written guide that can only
heighten appreciation for the inexhaustible riches of our Catholic Mass as it has developed through the millennia.
His Eminence Donald Cardinal Wuerl, Archbishop of Washington, author of The Mass: The Glory, the Mystery, the
Tradition
In his book, The Mass in Scripture, Stephen J. Binz does a brilliant job in using Lectio Divina to help Catholics grow in
a deeper understanding of and appreciation for the Mass. His writing is strongly based in Sacred Scripture and draws the
reader into a deeper celebration of the Mass and a commitment to live out their life as a Eucharistic person. The book also
provides guides for discussion with others. It is also profound resource for catechists and parents preparing their children
for Holy Communion.
Most Rev. Gregory M. Aymond, Archbishop of New Orleans, Chair of the USCCB Committee on Divine Worship
Stephen Binz invites us to move beyond the surface words we say to the meaning of what we do. He has provided a
remarkable tool for just such reflection. Using an ancient pattern of reflection, prayer and action, and grounding his work
in the historical and theological underpinnings of what we celebrate today, he provides a unique exploration of the various
parts of the Eucharistic liturgy, at once solid and accessible. Individuals and groups alike will profit immensely from this
book.
Kathleen Hughes, RSCJ, former Professor of Word and Worship at the Catholic Theological Union, Mission
Consultant in the Network of Sacred Heart Schools
A very 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
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
This book, the first in the Lectio Divina Bible Study series, is a timely gift to the People of God who worship in English.
The Lectio Divina framework, as Stephen Binz applies it, is a marvelously apt guide for preparing individuals and
worshiping communities for the new translation of the Roman Missal and for a more profound participation in the liturgy.
The biblical and liturgical scholarship is solid yet accessible. Binz’s approach is creative, non-polemical, and traditional in
the best sense of the word.
Judith M. Kubicki, C.S.S.F., liturgical theologian, Associate Professor of Theology, Fordham University
Stephen Binz’s timely book provides an integrated approach into the experience of worship, employing the Scriptures as a
pathway to unfold the mysteries which engage the worshiper. Utilizing a creative method based on lectio divina to
uncover the biblical roots of worship, Binz invites the reader to reflect on both the Tradition of the Church and personal
memory, illuminating the experience of each part of the Mass. As a result readers are led to discover the implications
worship has for their lives in the world.
Rev. Thomas Ranzino, Pastor of St. Jean Vianney Church, Director of the Office of Worship, Diocese of Baton Rouge
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
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Interview Questions
Stephen J. Binz
The Mass in Scripture
1. In what ways might The Mass in Scripture be helpful for
Catholic parishes during 2011 in preparation for implementing
the revised Roman Missal?
2. Why is it important that Catholics understand the biblical foundations of the Mass and the
biblical roots of each element of the Mass?
3. What does this work offer to Catholics in addition to the other books that have been
published in anticipation of the revised Roman Missal?
4. What are the advantages of combining the ancient method of lectio divina with a biblicallyrooted study of the Mass?
5. How does this book demonstrate that the new translation of the Mass brings out the biblical
references far more clearly?
6. How can this book deepen the liturgical understanding and Eucharistic spirituality of
Catholics?
7. What are the future plans for this Lectio Divina Bible Study series?
About The Author
Stephen J. Binz
Stephen J. Binz is a Catholic biblical scholar, award-winning author, and
popular speaker. Following graduate studies at the Pontifical Biblical
Institute in Rome and Hebrew University in Jerusalem, he has founded
Ancient-Future Bible Study and Threshold Bible Study, and he has written
over two dozen books in biblical theology and commentary. As a speaker,
he addresses national and regional conferences and churches on biblical
studies, theology, and spirituality. His books are popular around the world
in six different languages. He currently lives with his wife Pamela in
Baton Rouge, LA.