Meditations Before Mass - Softcover

Romano Guardini; Archbishop Samuel Aquila

Softcover

ISBN 10: 1622821661 ISBN 13: 9781622821662

Publisher: Sophia Institute Press, 2013

Synopsis

In these pages written for the average Catholic in the pew by an internationally-acclaimed master of the spiritual life you'll learn how to pay closer attention during Mass and to pray better despite distractions or other obstacles to prayer. And you'll discover:

The three principal hindrances to full participation in the Mass to which all of us are prone

The real meaning of "keeping holy" the Sabbath. Its special importance for the family

One tendency we must overcome when listening to Scripture readings

How to gain control over your wandering attention

The one indispensable element of a deep liturgical life

What to do when the Mass becomes boring and "routine"

How to achieve a genuine not superficial stillness

The importance of listening. Inner barriers that prevent it

Why it's good to arrive early at Mass whenever possible

The true significance of kneeling and standing in church

When to start preparing for Mass, and how

The source of the sense of monotony. How to break free

The primary purpose of attending Mass. How it should inform our bearing and behavior

The right way to receive Communion, make the sign of the Cross, and make other holy gestures

And dozens of other practical ways to enrich your worship

Although he was an eminent theologian, Msgr. Guardini wrote for ordinary Catholics who are struggling to become closer to Christ. In fact, these pages originated as talks before Mass to help prepare worshippers for its celebration. Practical, straightforward, yet full of wisdom, Meditations Before Mass will help you to quiet your soul, concentrate your mind, and grow more receptive to grace.

About this title

From the Inside Flap:

Over fifty years ago, Msgr. Romano Guardini resolved to help his parishioners overcome the distractions and restlessness they suffered at Mass. Just before Mass each Sunday, he gave a brief talk on some aspect of the Mass, teaching them week by week, topic by topic, how to pre-pare themselves to participate more prayerfully. Afterward, he provided a few minutes of silence for reflection, and then began to offer Mass.

So helpful were these 32 talks that they were soon published and have since been reprinted countless times in numerous countries and languages, helping generations of Catholics to deepen their devotion during Mass. Practical, straightforward, and full of wisdom, these talks will help you to quiet your soul, concentrate your mind, and grow receptive to God's grace during Mass.

In these pages, you'll discover:

- The three principal hindrances to full participation in the Mass to which all of us are prone

- The real meaning of "keeping holy" the Sabbath. Its special importance for the family

- One tendency we must overcome when listening to Scripture readings

- How to gain control over your wandering attention

- The one indispensable element of a deep liturgical life

- What to do when the Mass becomes boring and "routine"

- How to achieve a genuine not superficial stillness

- The importance of listening. Inner barriers that prevent it

- Why it's good to arrive early at Mass whenever possible

- The true significance of kneeling and standing in church

- And dozens of other practical ways to enrich your worship

Although he was an eminent theologian, Msgr. Guardini wrote for ordinary Catholics who are struggling to become closer to Christ. Practical, straightforward, yet full of wisdom, Meditations Before Mass will help you to quiet your soul, concentrate your mind, and grow more receptive to grace.

About the Author:

Romano Guardini (1885-1968) was an Italian-born German priest whose popular classes and readable books won him worldwide acclaim. His works combine a keen thirst for God with a profound depth of thought and a delightful perfection of expression. Here is wisdom for all who yearn to know God.

About this edition

• Publisher: Sophia Institute Press
• Publication date: 2013
• ISBN 10: 1622821661
• ISBN 13: 9781622821662
• Binding: Paperback
• Number of pages: 208