St. Paul Center for Biblical Theology: Beginner Course #2; Lesson #1 - Discussion

In my effort to understand the Mass better, I am taking this online course from the St. Paul Center for Biblical Theology. It is a beginner's course, but what better place to start than at the beginning. As I read and finish a lesson, I will post my answers to the discussion questions here.

All this information came from the St. Paul Center for Biblical Theology. I do not want anyone to think I put this together. I am just reflecting and responding to it.

Beginner's Course No. 2:
The Lamb's Supper: The Bible and the Mass
Lesson One:
A Biblical Introduction to the Mass

Discussion Questions

What we say and hear in the Mass comes to us from the Bible. Give some examples.

· The Sign of the Cross (Ephesians 1:13; Revelation 7:3; Matthew 28:19)
· Lord, have mercy... (Psalm 51:1; Baruch 3:2; Luke 18:13,38,39)
· Holy, holy, holy... (Isaiah 6:3; Revelation 4:8)
· The Lamb of God... (John 1:29,36)

What we "do" in the Mass, we do because it was done in the Bible. Give some examples.

· Kneel (Psalm 95:6; Acts 21:5)
· Sing Hymns (2 Maccabees 10:7,38; Acts 16:25)
· Gather at the Alter (Genesis 12:7; Exodus 24:4; 2 Samuel 24:25; Revelation 16:7)
· Have incense (Jeremiah 41:5; Revelation 4:8)
· Give the Sign of Peace (1 Samuel 25:6; 1 Thessalonians 5:26)

Why is the Bible alone able to give the Mass its life-transforming power? The Bible is the actual Word of God which gives the Mass its power to deliver what it promises to bring us into communion with the real and living Christ.

Name some of the details about the Last Supper that are similar in Matthew, Mark, Luke and Paul.

Each report that the Last Supper was during the Jewish Passover, was in close quarters with the Apostles, was the last meal Jesus had with His Apostles, and occurred the evening before His death.

What evidence do we have that the "two-part" structure of the Mass and the use of the Old Testament in the Liturgy comes from Jesus?

>From His example we see that upon His Resurrection, Jesus appeared to two disciples on the road to Emmaus and explained the Old Testament to them (Luke 24:13-35, 44-48). Then, like at the Last Supper, Jesus sat a table, takes, blesses, breaks and gives the bread to those gathered (Luke 22:14-20). This event alone gives us the evidence for the two-part structure of the Mass - the Liturgy of the Word and Liturgy of the Eucharist.