Day by Day with the Mass 978-1-953152-90-9
Day by Day with the Mass, published by Catholic Book Publishing, is a devotional gem in the Spiritual Life Series that offers Catholics a daily companion to deepen their understanding and love for the Eucharist. Authored by Sr. Janet Schaeffler, O.P., this book provides a Scripture passage, a reflection, and a prayer for each day, all centered on the Mass--the source and summit of Catholic faith (Catechism of the Catholic Church, CCC 1324). Its benefits make it an invaluable tool for spiritual growth and active participation in the liturgy.
One primary benefit is its ability to enhance appreciation for the Mass. Each meditation draws from Scripture--like "This is my body" (Matthew 26:26)--and ties it to the Eucharistic celebration, helping readers grasp its profound mystery. Schaeffler's reflections, informed by her Dominican charism of preaching and teaching, unpack elements like the offertory or communion, making the Mass's rituals meaningful rather than rote. This fosters a deeper connection to Christ's sacrifice, aligning with the Church's call to meditate on sacred mysteries (CCC 2705).
The book's brevity--each entry takes about a minute--ensures practicality for busy Catholics. Encased in a flexible cover with a ribbon marker, it's portable and fits into daily routines, encouraging a consistent prayer habit. This regularity nurtures spiritual discipline, a practice linked to emotional resilience in studies like those from The Journal of Spirituality in Mental Health (2020). Whether before or after attending Mass, it prepares or prolongs the Eucharistic encounter.
Among the Features of this Book:
Visit our website www.catholicbookpublishing.com for more Catholic resources to strengthen your faith.
Spiritually, it enriches participation in the liturgy. By reflecting on the Mass's structure and significance daily, readers move beyond passive attendance to active engagement, fulfilling Vatican II's vision of "full and active participation" (Sacrosanctum Concilium, 14). The prayers, often petitions for grace or thanksgiving, invite a personal response to the Eucharist, strengthening one's role in the Body of Christ (CCC 1322).
Emotionally, it offers peace and purpose. In a chaotic world, meditations on Christ's presence in the Mass--such as "I am with you always" (Matthew 28:20)--provide comfort and hope, reframing daily struggles through a Eucharistic lens. This daily touchpoint reinforces the Mass as a source of strength.
Ultimately, Day by Day with the Mass transforms the liturgy into a lived experience. It equips Catholics to approach the altar with reverence and joy, fostering a faith that's both deeply personal and universally connected--one brief, beautiful reflection at a time.
Benefits of a compact book
Visit our website www.catholicbookpublishing.com for more Catholic resources to strengthen your faith. This Spiritual Life Series title offers minute meditations for each day of the year.