Sharon Gerstel evokes a wide range of written and painted sources in order to analyze the decoration of the Byzantine sanctuary from the perspective of its contemporary viewer, from monk to liturgical celebrant, from bishop to lay worshipper. In a new presentation of the sanctuary program, the author reveals to the modern reader what was and is manifest only to the clergy.
The Bible implores us to take a long look at Jesus, forcefully beckoning us to “come and see” through profound questions connected with Jesus’ death and resurrection. These questions drive us to consider not just the events themselves but also their meaning as we take a long look beneath the surface and find more of the never-ending treasures of Christ. In Captivated, Thabiti Anyabwile invites you to set aside your early lessons on politeness and stare (yes, do stare) into the mystery of the cross and empty tomb. Table of Contents: 1. Is There No Other Way? (Matthew 26:42) 2. Why Have You Forsaken Me? (Matthew 27:45-46) 3. Where, O Death, Is Your Victory? (1 Corinthians 15:55) 4. Why Do You Look for the Living among the Dead? (Luke 24:5) 5. Do You Know These Things? (Luke 24:17)
This examination of realia in Byzantine religious painting provides valuable information on Byzantine dress, household effects and implements, while introducing at the same time an alternative, literally 'objective', approach to the study of the formative processes of Byzantine art.
As Catholics, the Mass should be a mountaintop experience for us. Often, though, we go through the motions at Mass without an appreciation for what has really happened. Popular speaker and author Mark Hart helps Catholics move beyond the repetition and ritual to see the Mass for what it really is: a heavenly banquet, a wedding feast, in which heaven and earth meet. In his engaging style, Hart guides readers toward a deeper understanding of the Mass—its roots in the Jewish Sabbath, its sacrificial character, and its signs and symbols. As we are told to “go in peace,” he inspires us to see the Mass as a place to be nourished so that we can further Christ’s mission in the world. In the last part of the book, Hart provides pithy answers to frequently asked questions, such as “Why can’t I leave right after Communion?” or “Why did the words change?” Finally, Hart offers ten things we can do to get more out of Mass.
Sharon Gerstel evokes a wide range of written and painted sources in order to analyze the decoration of the Byzantine sanctuary from the perspective of its contemporary viewer, from monk to liturgical celebrant, from bishop to lay worshipper. In a new presentation of the sanctuary program, the author reveals to the modern reader what was and even today is manifest only to the clergy. In medieval Byzantium an artistic program developed behind the sanctuary screen for priests, whose actions and words were reflected in the painted decorations. Lay people were permitted to view certain parts of the painted program and the eucharistic celebration, but the sanctuary was increasingly obscured from them by curtains and icons. This book explores monuments from a single region (Macedonia) that range over a span of three hundred years (1028-1328). This period encompasses the beginnings of the new program, its establishment, and its expansion, and in the absence of surviving monuments from the Byzantine capital, Macedonia (now divided among Greece, Bulgaria, and the former Yugoslavian Republic that bears its name) contains an unbroken sequence of decorated churches. This detailed examination of a related group of monuments demonstrates the varying popularity of certain subjects and details of decoration, and how innovative approaches to Christian iconography were passed between painters and churches.
Who is Jesus Christ? You've never met him in person, and you don't know anyone who has. But there is a way to know who he is. How? Jesus Christ-the divine Person revealed in the Bible-has a unique excellence and a spiritual beauty that speaks directly to our souls and says, "Yes, this is truth." It's like seeing the sun and knowing that it is light, or tasting honey and knowing that it is sweet. The depth and complexity of Jesus shatter our simple mental frameworks. He baffled proud scribes with his wisdom but was understood and loved by children. He calmed a raging storm with a word but would not get himself down from the cross. Look at the Jesus of the Bible. Keep your eyes open, and fill them with the portrait of Jesus in God's Word. Jesus said, "If anyone's will is to do God's will, he will know whether the teaching is from God or whether I am speaking on my own authority." Ask God for the grace to do his will, and you will see the truth of his Son. John Piper has written this book in the hope that all will see Jesus for who he really is and will come to enjoy him above all else.
The Catholic Faith begins and ends with Jesus Christ, culminating in the Eucharist as its Source and Summit. "Behold, it is I," Jesus says, and the faithful believe. Examining these words of Jesus, Fr. George Elliott and Dr. Stacy Trasancos provide some of the most convincing proofs for the Real Presence of Christ in the Eucharist from Scripture, Tradition, and the scientific investigation of Eucharistic miracles. In three sections, they walk readers through: A holistic and contextual reading of the Bible which points to the words of Christ at the Last Supper: "This is my body," and "This is my blood," How the Church Fathers handed on the teachings of the Apostles to the early Church in the centuries following Christ's earthly ministry, How the data from the investigation of Eucharistic miracles begs the ultimate question of the certainty of faith. Do we need Eucharistic miracles to prove that Jesus is truly present in the Eucharist? Should our certainty of faith be contingent upon Eucharistic miracles? The reader may be joyfully surprised at where the journey of this book will lead you, from the burning faith of the saints all the way back to Christ in the Gospels. It plainly sets forth the reality that the Eucharist is the Body of Christ. Just as in Biblical times, Jesus in the Blessed Sacrament is not a ghost and not a myth, but flesh and bone, hands and feet. "Behold," He said, "It is I."
Teter casts new light on the most infamous type of sacrilege, the accusation against Jews for desecrating the eucharistic wafer. The book recounts dramatic stories of torture, trial, and punishment.
Explore the Book is not a commentary with verse-by-verse annotations. Neither is it just a series of analyses and outlines. Rather, it is a complete Bible survey course. No one can finish this series of studies and remain unchanged. The reader will receive lifelong benefit and be enriched by these practical and understandable studies. Exposition, commentary, and practical application of the meaning and message of the Bible will be found throughout this giant volume. Bible students without any background in Bible study will find this book of immense help as will those who have spent much time studying the Scriptures, including pastors and teachers. Explore the Book is the result and culmination of a lifetime of dedicated Bible study and exposition on the part of Dr. Baxter. It shows throughout a deep awareness and appreciation of the grand themes of the gospel, as found from the opening book of the Bible through Revelation.
As Catholics, the Mass is the center of our Faith. We celebrate it every day. We know all the responses. We know all the gestures. But do we know what it all means? In A Biblical Walk Through the Mass, Dr. Edward Sri takes us on a unique tour of the Liturgy. Based on the revised translation of the Mass, this book explores the biblical roots of the words and gestures we experience in the Liturgy and explains their profound significance. This intriguing look at the Mass is sure to renew your faith and deepen your devotion to the Eucharist. This book is used as the text for A Biblical Walk Through the Mass Study Program, but it may also be purchased separately at steep bulk discounts. For those not able to attend a study, this is a perfect resource for catechesis on the deep riches of the Mass.
