Fr. Mitch Pacwa,S.J. offers a new scripture study on the Catholic Church’s ‘source and summit,’
The Eucharist: A Bible Study Guide for Catholics (Our Sunday Visitor, 2013).
A timely resource for faith-study as well as Lenten reflection (beginning Wednesday, February 13), Pacwa’s new book clarifies the full meaning of the Eucharist and its critical bond to a healthy faith, its essential connection with Scripture, and explanation on such issues as:
- How does receiving Christ’s Real Presence heal or restore someone?
- How should the faithful really ‘meet’ Jesus in Holy Communion?
- Where are symbols of the Eucharist in the Old Testament?
- How do Old Testament sacrifices prefigure Christ’s – and why?
- What did Jesus mean when he asked his disciples to ‘Do this in remembrance of Me’?
- Why did Christ confect the sacrament of the Eucharist before his death?
- Why is Jesus called the Lamb of God?
“Since Vatican II, the Eucharist has been the touchstone experience of the changes initiated by that Council – changes in language, at least three English translations, and many experiments (both licit and some illicit) on how to celebrate Mass. So there is a need to better understand the Mass,” says Pacwa. “The Mass, like the rest of our faith, is rooted in God’s revelation. Not only can Catholics gain a better grasp of the Mass through seeing its scriptural roots, but this perspective is crucial for dialogue with other Christians,” he adds. “Finally, a scriptural perspective on the Mass helps balance tensions about the Eucharist that are found even among Catholics.”
Link (here) to RNS for the full piece