The Mass Explained: The Lord Be With You
Do you have a hard time entering into the Mass? It’s easy to just go through the motions during the introductory rites of the Mass when we don’t understand their meaning. In this three part series of the Mass Explained, Dr. Sri breaks down the biblical significance of the opening prayers of the Mass so we can prepare ourselves to fully encounter Christ.
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Snippet of the Show
"Tracing the sign of the Cross over our bodies is a powerful liturgical gesture that drives away the demons that surround us, for every demon flees in the face of Christ crucified."
It’s easy to just go through the motions during the introductory rites of the Mass, without truly understanding the profound meaning and significance of all the prayers and liturgical rituals. We can get more out of Mass if we understand the biblical meaning behind all the prayers, symbols, and rituals. The introductory rites of the Mass are important because they spiritually prepare us to encounter Christ and give ourselves fully to God.
The Sign of the Cross:
- “In the Name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit”
When we trace the sign of the Cross and we say “In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit” we call upon God’s name. This gesture of invoking God’s holy presence is seen throughout Scripture. This is a powerful gesture that invites God in all his power and strength. Tracing the sign of the Cross opens us into sacred time and sacred space.
- The sign of the Cross was also prophesied in Ezekiel 9 in the old testament. It was prophesied as a mark that would protect God’s people on judgement day and it was described as looking like the letter of the Hebrew alphabet. The mark would symbolize their faithfulness and it would be a sign of divine protection. The sign of the Cross drives away demons, because Demons flee in the face of Christ crucified.
“The Lord Be With You, And With Your Spirit”
This part of the introductory rite is no ordinary greeting. These were words that God and the angels used when God called key figures throughout salvation history such as Moses (Exodus 3), Joshua, and Gideon. God alway assured them that he would be with them as they carried out the mission and tasks entrusted to them. When he hear the priest in the opening part of Mass say "The Lord be with you", we remember that God always makes up for our poverty. By reciting these parts iIn the Mass, we are reminded that God is with us no matter how overwhelmed we may feel when God asks us to do things we don't feel capable of.
Rome is OPEN! Join Pilgrimage with Dr. Sri!
Sept. 18-26, 2021
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I am thrilled to announce I will be leading my Rome Pilgrimage September 18–26, 2021. After 15 months of international lockdowns, I’m excited that Rome has been welcoming international pilgrims again. Click here for more information about the pilgrimage.
Discover the Beauty and Riches of the Mass
After a decade of helping Catholics understand the Mass, A Bible Walk Through the Mass has been refilmed for a 10th anniversary edition!
Join this five-part program for an exciting tour of the Liturgy and its biblical roots. You will come to understand the profound significance of what we say and do at every Mass—and you will see its words and gestures in a new light, helping to deepen your participation in the Sacred Liturgy.
In this study, Catholics will…
- Learn the biblical background to the words, prayers, and gestures of the Liturgy and become more deeply enriched by its profound mystery
- Discover the relationship between the Mass and Christ’s sacrifice on Calvary
- Explore the three key aspects of the Mass as Sacrifice, Real Presence, and Holy Communion
- Gain helpful insights for getting the most out of every Mass
- And much more!
New features of this 10th anniversary edition of A Biblical Walk Through the Mass include:
- Video footage of a Mass celebrated at the Cathedral Basilica of Saints Peter and Paul in Philadelphia that is woven throughout the series
- A combined Leader’s Guide and Student Workbook that includes the study question responses
- New insights from Dr. Sri
Resources
- Visit Dr. Sri’s website at www.edwardsri.com and to book online events with Dr. Sri email events.edwardsri@gmail.com
- Find more of Dr. Sri’s episodes at ascensionpress.com/allthingscatholic
- Ascension is pleased to offer our new and improved online bible study programs and sacramental preparation programs digitally to help you minister with flexibility. Go to ascensionpress.com to view all our offerings.