Chapter 1: The Heavenly Liturgy
In the first chapter of The Lamb's Supper, Scott Hahn introduces the reader to the central theme of the book - the connection between the Mass and the Book of Revelation. He explains that the Mass is not just a symbol or reenactment of Christ's sacrifice on the cross, but rather a participation in the heavenly liturgy described in the Book of Revelation.
Hahn uses the example of a wedding ceremony to illustrate this connection. Just as a wedding ceremony on earth is a representation of the eternal wedding feast between Christ and his Church in heaven, the Mass is a representation and participation in the heavenly liturgy. Hahn also draws attention to the use of incense in both the Mass and the heavenly liturgy, symbolizing the prayers of the saints and the presence of Christ.
Chapter 2: The Liturgical Key
In this chapter, Hahn explains the importance of understanding the Book of Revelation from a liturgical perspective. He argues that the book was written as a liturgical text, meant to be read in the context of the early Church's liturgical celebrations. Hahn points to the repeated use of liturgical terms such as "altar," "censer," and "sacrifice" in the book as evidence of this liturgical perspective.
To further illustrate this point, Hahn uses the example of the Mass in the Eastern Catholic and Orthodox traditions. In these liturgies, the prayers and readings are taken primarily from the Book of Revelation, emphasizing the liturgical nature of the book and its connection to the Mass.
Chapter 3: The Mass as Heaven on Earth
In this chapter, Hahn delves into the imagery and symbolism of the Book of Revelation and how it relates to the Mass. He explains that the book is not meant to be taken literally, but rather as a symbolic description of the heavenly reality. Hahn draws parallels between the heavenly Jerusalem described in Revelation and the beauty and grandeur of the Catholic Mass.
To illustrate this point, Hahn uses the example of the Eastern Orthodox Divine Liturgy of St. John Chrysostom, which includes a procession around the church building and a moment when the priest lifts up the Eucharistic bread as the "Lamb of God." This, according to Hahn, reflects the imagery of the heavenly liturgy and the sacrifice of Christ.
Chapter 4: The Heavenly High Mass
In this chapter, Hahn focuses on the book of Hebrews and its connection to the Book of Revelation and the Mass. He explains that the letter to the Hebrews was written to encourage Jewish Christians to embrace the high priestly ministry of Jesus. Hahn argues that the author of Hebrews saw the Christian liturgy, particularly the celebration of the Eucharist, as the fulfillment of the Old Testament sacrificial system.
To illustrate this point, Hahn uses the example of the Catholic Mass, which includes prayers of repentance, readings from Scripture, a homily, the offering of bread and wine, and the reception of Communion - all elements that are found in the Old Testament sacrificial system and the book of Hebrews.
Chapter 5: The Wedding Banquet
In the final chapter, Hahn focuses on the marriage imagery present throughout the Book of Revelation and its connection to the Mass. He explains that the book portrays the heavenly marriage feast of Christ and his bride, the Church. Hahn argues that the early Christians understood this imagery as a representation of the Eucharist, the sacrament of unity between Christ and his Church.
To further emphasize this point, Hahn uses the example of a traditional Jewish wedding ceremony, which includes elements such as the presentation of gifts, a meal, and the exchange of vows - all of which can be found in the Mass and the Book of Revelation. He concludes by encouraging readers to see the Mass as a foretaste of the heavenly wedding feast to come.
In conclusion, The Lamb's Supper by Scott Hahn presents a fascinating and thought-provoking exploration of the connections between the Mass and the Book of Revelation. Each chapter uses real examples, such as the wedding ceremony, Eastern Catholic and Orthodox liturgies, and the Jewish sacrificial system, to illustrate and deepen the understanding of the liturgical nature of the Book of Revelation and the Mass. By doing so, Hahn invites readers to experience the heavenly liturgy in a new and profound way.
