The Lamb's Supper: The Mass as Heaven on Earth

Beautifully written, easy to read

Easy to read, understand, and study using the Bible. But, it also helps the reader to research other references to understand just what the author is trying to make you learn and understand. I highly recommend reading this book.

Great to find on Amazon super author

There are numerous "keys" that interpreters of Biblical prophecy have used to "unlock" the mysteries of the Book of Revelation: the rise of the papacy, the return of the Jews to Israel, and the recent troubles in Iraq serve just to name a few. One that hasn't received much notice is the assertion of a link between the Book of Revelation and the liturgy of the Church. Scott Hahn revives this link, asserted in many writings of the Church Fathers, and claims in The Lamb's Supper, it's absolute necessity for understanding the Bible's last book.Like most of Hahn's popular works, it is written in a folksy, breezy style that is geared for a popular Catholic audience. Hahn is very popular with the EWTN audience and it is easy to see why when one views any of his appearances on the Catholic cable network. However, much of the sincerity and enthusiasm that comes through so clearly on video or tape appearances does not always translate well in written form. This book is quite good, but Hahn's television series based on the book is far more memorable. In general, he is perhaps a better speaker than author for his cause.The book is divided into three sections. In the first section, Hahn gives an overview of the Catholic Mass and its eschatological connection. This section is more personal than the others as Hahn ties his description into his own early experiences with liturgy. Hahn does a good job of explaining the eschatological vision presented in the Mass and the connection with Scripture and the doctrine of the Real Presence.In the second section, Hahn covers the basics of the Book of Revelation. He covers many of the popular views and rightly criticizes them for their sensationalism and history of embarassing predictions. In its place, he offers more plausable explanations for the symbolism in the book and its cast of characters and locales. Basing his theory on the writings of early Christians and on historical research, much of the nonsense published in "interpreting" the Book of Revelation is exposed as without any Scriptural or historical basis.After describing the two elements of his thesis in the first two sections, Hahn uses the third to tie them together. Hahn leaves no liturgical citation unturned in weaving together the elements of the Mass and the Apocalypse. Oddly enough, this is where Hahn perhaps is weakest. In a sincere attempt to marry together the Book of Revelation and the Mass, Hahn overstates his case and falls into a sort of panliturgicalism where every correspondence in text is automatically considered one in fact. Hahn consideres almost exclusively the text of the Roman liturgy which (like other liturgies) evolved over centuries. It seems far more likely the liturgy conformed itself to the Book of Revelation than the other way around. There is undoubtedly a connection between the two but the connection is found in similarities between the patterns of early Christian worship and the description of heavenly worship in the Book of Revelation. The later conformity of the Biblical and liturgical texts convey the fact of a later acknowledgment of said connection.Despite such overstepping of boundaries, The Lamb's Supper is still a worthwhile read that brings attention to an oft ignored correspondence between the eschaton and its precursor in the worship of the Church. For reviving interest in this connection, Hahn deserves much credit and overall the book is still highly recommended.

Interest in the last book of the Bible, Revelation or the Apocalypse, runs so high that Hal Lindsey's book synching ancient prophecy to the daily news, The Late Great Planet Earth, was the best-selling non-fiction book of the '70s, and now ranks as the number two bestseller of the last thirty years. Instead of looking to the future, however, Scott Hahn looks to the past, to the early church, to be exact. What did they think of this book, which owes its inclusion in the Bible to St. Augustine? The results are clearly revealing.In both the New Testament and the earliest church document, the Didache, the writers found the events of Revelation reflected in their celebration of the Mass. Moreso, the Mass was specifically designed to reflect the books of Revelation and Hebrews (also courtesy of St. Augustine). Anyone who has dipped into either book immediately encounters the idea of worship on earth as a reflection of worship in heaven. However, the casual reader may be surprised how many details fall into place following this idea.Scott Hahn wrote this book for Catholics with at least some casual acquaintance with the Mass. They may not know the names of the Gloria and the Kyrie, but something will likely ring a bell. He assumes the reader has no knowledge, on the other hand, of the book of Revelation. I'd like to suggest another audience for the book, and that is the mainstream and non-denominational Protestants and charismatics who make up Hal Lindsey's readers. What would they get out of this book?First, at least an initial encounter with the Mass, which generally elicits surprise at how much Scripture is both read and incorporated into it. The next shock is how much of that comes from the book of Revelation. If an aftershock is forthcoming, it may be in realizing how much the altar and structure of the Mass resembles the vision in Revelation, as well as other places such as the books of Daniel and Nehemiah.The writing style of this book is also rather unusual. There are humorous sub-titles, perhaps in an attempt to lighten the heavy subject matter. The writing is at once dense and breezy, perhaps to enable the casual reader to skim, and the more intrigued reader to dig deeper. At first glance, there are almost no or references. This, however, is merely to keep the text from bogging down in endless citations. Numerous Scripture references are given as asides in the text, and there are copious, engaging endnotes for those so drawn.This book would be ideal for a book study, or a Bible study in which members simply looked up and discussed the many Bible references in the text. The really good news is that Scott Hahn wrote the notes for Ignatius' Catholic Study Bible New Testament, which is the Revised Standard Version, the readable and literary English version approved for and by both Catholics and Protestants, and which will likely incorporate many of these revealing insights  Ignatius Catholic Study Bible New Testament . In both cases, Scott Hahn's (re)discovery of the view of the Mass in the early church is a revelation.

The audiobook is fast. I’ll have to listen to it a few more times to absorb it. Which is great!I have to pause it then look up a topic for context. So for that reason I believe it really is for someone with advanced biblical knowledge. Unless you want to and enjoy looking stuff up.The questions posed make the authors ideas into a book that gives and takes. It is an amazing exchange of information.It will change my religious experience and contact with God. The book brings the reader closer to Jesus Christ which is the reason we are here .

Book was sent out quickly, and wrapped well. The book is exactly as described. I will be a return customer.

Give you a different perspective of what the Mass is. It’s an eye opener. You will love to go to Mass after reading this book.

I highly recommend this book & this author.WHAT I LIKED:Scott Hahn is a skilled communicator, & I personallythought his writing facilitated some delightfully unexpected "aha" moments- Why? Because it's pretty hard not to be reinventing the wheel, yet still write with a ton of originality & to do so with such fundamental insights-both about the Mass & about the book of Revelation;that you wonder how all that is possible to achieve!Furthermore, the book gave me new perpective on things I've been brought up with, I think this is due to the way he situates & introduces his materials and then how he re-presents it clearly. Mere titillation is simply not his goal. My opinion is that he accomplishes his objectives with finesse while addressing aspects of faith that can seem forgotten, unbelievable or even just old hat for many believers.I really enjoyed the aspects of his own personal journey as an enquirer, a protestant Presbyterian Minister (Which he speaks of elsewhere) to his becoming a Catholic which he also uses to partially illustrate various concerns he has had within his own faith journey.WHAT IS THE BOOKS AIM?I think with this book, Hahn is attempting to establish & promote deeper reflection & experience of the Eucharist on so many levels through a biblical approach, one that initially seems at once ordinary but which is so extraordinary & indeed earth shattering by implication, that you wonder why you haven't seen this before. I think Hahn shares the truths he holds to, in the light of his Scriptural explorations in an exciting & effective way because there didn't seem to be any leaps too far, no jarring disconnects across his materials, or his interpretations.His ideas on the book of Revelation seem to be profoundly important as a hermeneutical key & rooted in the Church's earliest teachings yet it all seems so new. I think Hahn's book is especially powerful for deepening Faith & longing for the Eucharist today; rather than inadvertanly undermining it...which is no small feat in the cultural & even ecclesiastical perspectives that hold sway in the Church today.The book isn't aimed at the Academies or only Catholics either- yet it's no lightweight because of this. Perhaps, because of this gentle format, I felt like I had the best of both worlds available to me anyway- Scholarship & a worthy example of the much spoken about "New Evangelization", & deep understanding of the Catholic faith; such that I felt free to harness & distil his take on any particular chapter & reflect on this in a deeper way, taking his words to heart. I have to reread it!- There is so much to be studied again.IS IT WORTH THE TIME?The book is assuredly worth the the time & effort to pursue, I believe it is a profoundly important contribution to Faith & the Church's teaching on the Mass- especially in the difficult times of a global pandemic where belief is challenged like never before.POSITIVE PLUSES TO THE BOOK:A further plus to this book is that Hahn's narrative leaves no unpleasant taste in your mouth because he doesn't write in a showy academically jargon laden way; this stops things feeling forced/stuck or so reductive that it could seem too narrow or unreal-fake. Instead, Hahn communicates simply but without dumbing down, allowing our own inner reflections to become paramount without extraneous "noise". He gets out of his own way if you will & that is truly a great/wonderful gift to have as a writer. Responsibility & accountability fill the pages of shared explanation,& for this I am so grateful indeed. I completed the book, absolutely relieved that Scott Hahn left aside any need for reputational innovations or temptations to unashamedly & selfishly use the book merely to display his own aquired & blessed abilities in Scripture. No, there is a genuine humility that transpires throughout the pages to their conclusion & it was also a humbling experience because of that accountability too.He holds his own expertise in an extraordinarily light way for a scholar who possesses such high standing and this also helps the book avoid the trap of speaking of perspectives as if they are the only ones that can be held or explored. The book is so much better for all of this light touch!I think because of all the aforementioned, that Hahn inspires tangible confidence as a faithful guide to the discussions on The Lord's Supper & you can be really confident as a reader: that your in for the "ride of your life" & in really good hands as the book progresses.I think that The Lambs Supper is a remarkable work one which will stand the test of time, & for which Catholics owe Scott Hahn a great debt indeed.IS HIS APPROACH OUT OF TOUCH THOUGH?Hahn examines this great 'Mystery' of Faith: with no subliminal exclusionary judgements of others, no ego in the way, no one-upmanship or jaded lecturing AT YOU & what is not in the book as just described, makes a world of difference to real learning & deepening faith without presumptions or tired self- righteous platitudes. He has thus avoided his contribution being out of touch or mere entertainment devoid of reality that ends up merely being too cursory. There's enough to feast on here.I genuinely love the fact that the book is as full of questions, open possibilities & suggestions, as it is bite size narrative & invitation. I also enjoyed the clear layout of the book and the accessible presentation & flow of his thought on the page.NICE OR TRITE? The book for all it's "Niceness" isn't tame at all just because it is clearly situated and conversational- it's an unleashed book; a heady brew, a revolution, or Lion let loose between fragile book pages if you will. I knew after the first chapter this work would change things for me after only a few pages. I can't reccomend this enough because it is anything but easy, trite, baggy or useless. If I could own one book on the Scriptures & the Mass this would be it without any doubts- do all you can to get it and devour it with joy!IS HE AT HIS BEST?Hahn is definitely, if very quietly on fire; & he dares us to prayerfully/thoughtfully follow his gist so that what is obscured to us or misunderstood by us, may be informed, transformed and enlightened. If so, you'll be on fire too. By the end of the book, Heaven seems spinetingly close because it is shown to be astonishingly available & connected to us in a consuming way.He is evidently at his best, Scott Hahn has done some serious work to lay before the reader the incomprehensible Mysteries of faith in such a way.WHAT I DIDN'T LIKE:What I hated about the book is very easy to say- I hated that it finished so soon, I wanted it to go on.FINAL THOUGHTS:You know you've just read a fabulous book, when you end up thinking you'd just so love to study under this tremendous communicator of Faith, because he has such a lively awareness of the Scriptures, the Ecclesia & the Earliest persons & components of Tradition: that what is tired or dull seems now so profoundly important and crucially vital even explosive! That-is how it was for me, it's been like sitting on an unexploded bomb; only now thanks to Hahn; you're taken to safety, yet enabled to see that the Mass is absolutely incendiary & shocking in its profundity in a miraculous way...'more precious than gold.'Nonetheless; here I can also criticise the work because I think this author could have given us much more than he has (sigh and tut-tut); a huge tome, a treatise if you will (Though just as accessible please). No doubt, although I'm kidding, (I am just a greedy ungrateful wretch) - more please Prof Hahn- Go on, let's have a definitive life's work & in one Volume please; I'm not asking for much am I!All in all, Hahn's explanation of Heaven touching earth and Communion & the Feast of Heaven in the Now- as outlined in this most important of contributions; is indeed a heady and mind blowing read, if you can own it & give yourself to its invitations. This book is like a huge treasure- an astonishingly clear, nigh on flawless & multifaceted & unique Gem. This is the real deal: it shines so colourfully, & so brightly. Thank you so much to Prof. Scott Hahn!

Scott Hahn’s, The Lamb’s Supper offers an interesting comparison between liturgical patterns and Revelation, offering the Eucharist/Mass as an interpretative framework. Hahn’s suggestion of Revelation’s use in early church worship, and Revelation’s influence on liturgical formation, is credible and intriguing, I just don’t think he does enough to bring that lens to bear on the text, and focuses more on the function/importance of mass today. The centre section of the book, though, looking at the key images and themes of Revelation, certainly offers some delicious morsels.Overall, this is a good, well-written book offering insightful perspective on the book of Revelation.

This is a beautiful book written by a very intelligent and committed convert to Catholicism. Dr Scott Hahn has written a book on a topic he very much thought was heresy some years ago. He explains the mass via the interpretation of the last book in the bible - Revelations. You will NEVER see the mass in the same away again and instead stand in wonder and awe of our God. I think every Catholic should read (and re read) this book in order to better grasp the magnitude of what is happening on the altar.Warning: this is an intellectual book, so you have may have to google the definition of some words here and there. At the same time, I found this book beautiful and fed my soul.

This covers many fundamental aspects of Christianity that all Christians should know about, but often don’t. Whilst the front page talks about the Catholic Mass - and this is an important part of the book - the book does an excellent job of bringing together the wider story of Jesus in the Old and New Testament.It’s a fairly short and easy to read book, but is not light on substance or meaning. I strongly recommend it.

This is an amazing book. Its absolutely a must read for all the Catholics who regularly attend mass (or don't) as I can guarantee you've never heard what the mass truly is. After reading the book you will never again think that the mass is boring or get annoyed by a crying child. Especially for cradle Catholics for whom the mass became an opportunity for switching the brain off for an hour. I'm buying a few copies to give to friends as presents. This book can be (eternally) life saving.