Enjoy fast, free delivery, exclusive deals, and award-winning movies & TV shows with Prime
Try Prime and start saving today with fast, free delivery

Kindle
$9.95

Available instantly

Paperback
$11.79

List Price: $12.95 Details

Save: $1.16 (9%)

Get Fast, Free Shipping with Amazon Prime FREE Returns

FREE delivery Thursday, April 18 on orders shipped by Amazon over $35. Order within 53 mins

Select delivery location

In Stock

$$11.79 () Includes selected options. Includes initial monthly payment and selected options. Details

Ships from

Amazon.com

Ships from

Amazon.com

Sold by

Amazon.com

Sold by

Amazon.com

Returns

Eligible for Return, Refund or Replacement within 30 days of receipt

Returns

Eligible for Return, Refund or Replacement within 30 days of receipt

This item can be returned in its original condition for a full refund or replacement within 30 days of receipt.

Read full return policy

Payment

Secure transaction

Payment

Secure transaction

We work hard to protect your security and privacy. Our payment security system encrypts your information during transmission. We don’t share your credit card details with third-party sellers, and we don’t sell your information to others. Learn more

Details

Add a gift receipt for easy returns

Get Fast, Free Shipping with Amazon Prime

FREE delivery Friday, April 19 on orders shipped by Amazon over $35. Order within 53 mins

Select delivery location

Used: Acceptable | Details

Sold by Jenson Books Inc

Fulfilled by Amazon

Access codes and supplements are not guaranteed with used items.

Other Sellers on Amazon

Added

Not added

$7.20
+ $3.99 shipping

Sold by: Tennessee Library Consignments

Added

Not added

$7.21
+ $3.99 shipping

Sold by: Zebras Books LLC

Image Unavailable

Image not available for
Color:

To view this video download Flash Player

Follow the author

Romano Guardini

Follow

Meditations Before Mass Paperback – October 29, 2013

by Romano Guardini (Author), Archbishop Samuel Aquila (Author)

181

See all formats and editions

{"desktop_buybox_group_1":[{"displayPrice":"$11.79","priceAmount":11.79,"currencySymbol":"$","integerValue":"11","decimalSeparator":".","fractionalValue":"79","symbolPosition":"left","hasSpace":false,"showFractionalPartIfEmpty":true,"offerListingId":"SsNNttCpFgdRv3a%2BKW1TJtQd5VjJEua7owx9eZhSv20NIZ7V5bKmDOeGQ3ryT%2Fwp3kVPaAk9wf2ZVANZJ09JGXD7wUvSH7MIUFOR70pYqWrTlJuZhR29Q0pGgIWOAhka5HcFk9tp3kshGUYo4McKDw%3D%3D","locale":"en-US","buyingOptionType":"NEW","aapiBuyingOptionIndex":0}, {"displayPrice":"$8.84","priceAmount":8.84,"currencySymbol":"$","integerValue":"8","decimalSeparator":".","fractionalValue":"84","symbolPosition":"left","hasSpace":false,"showFractionalPartIfEmpty":true,"offerListingId":"SsNNttCpFgdRv3a%2BKW1TJtQd5VjJEua7VQD6S1jTppIvuLimaTmr9cu1TM0Bi2bHdTMA7JnDyui49tnTvFkhTQG9GWU7SiepkVGdrARx8ckx1T%2Fr2VK3GAlUR7jB%2BfiR9VNcc3%2FKXTHMq6LcQHU8p09gaXBV5UFv5Kd6q9tR6jTQWDR2ZELEiJ1D9XB1R0O8","locale":"en-US","buyingOptionType":"USED","aapiBuyingOptionIndex":1}]}

Purchase options and add-ons

In these pages written for the average Catholic in the pew by an internationally-acclaimed master of the spiritual life you'll learn how to pay closer attention during Mass and to pray better despite distractions or other obstacles to prayer. And you'll discover:

The three principal hindrances to full participation in the Mass to which all of us are prone
The real meaning of "keeping holy" the Sabbath. Its special importance for the family
One tendency we must overcome when listening to Scripture readings
How to gain control over your wandering attention
The one indispensable element of a deep liturgical life
What to do when the Mass becomes boring and "routine"
How to achieve a genuine not superficial stillness
The importance of listening. Inner barriers that prevent it
Why it's good to arrive early at Mass whenever possible
The true significance of kneeling and standing in church
When to start preparing for Mass, and how
The source of the sense of monotony. How to break free
The primary purpose of attending Mass. How it should inform our bearing and behavior
The right way to receive Communion, make the sign of the Cross, and make other holy gestures
And dozens of other practical ways to enrich your worship

Although he was an eminent theologian, Msgr. Guardini wrote for ordinary Catholics who are struggling to become closer to Christ. In fact, these pages originated as talks before Mass to help prepare worshippers for its celebration. Practical, straightforward, yet full of wisdom, Meditations Before Mass will help you to quiet your soul, concentrate your mind, and grow more receptive to grace.

Print length

208 pages
Language

English
Publisher

Sophia Institute Press
Publication date

October 29, 2013
Dimensions

5.1 x 0.63 x 7.04 inches
ISBN-10

1622821661
ISBN-13

978-1622821662
See all details

Frequently bought together

$11.79

Get it as soon as Thursday, Apr 18

In Stock

Ships from and sold by Amazon.com.

+

The Art of Praying: The Principles and Methods of Christian Prayer

$14.21

Get it as soon as Thursday, Apr 18

In Stock

Ships from and sold by Amazon.com.

+

$17.61

Get it as soon as Thursday, Apr 18

In Stock

Ships from and sold by Amazon.com.

Total price:

To see our price, add these items to your cart.

Try again!

Details

Added to Cart

Choose items to buy together.

Romano Guardini
350
Paperback
76 offers from $8.24
Romano Guardini
126
Paperback
63 offers from $2.13
Basil Nortz
35
Paperback
48 offers from $13.71
Vinny Flynn
428
Leather Bound
40 offers from $15.00
Fr. Mike Schmitz
1,026
Paperback
51 offers from $17.27
Catholic Book Publishing Corp
75
Paperback
3 offers from $3.95

Editorial Reviews

Review

Archbishop Samuel J. Aquila, Archbishop of Denver
"I encourage you to prayerfully read these reflections to help you participate more fruitfully in the Mass, the 'source and summit of the whole Christian life.'"

Rev. Michael Scanlan
Insightful and inspiring.

Fr. Henri Nouwen
You will encounter in these reflections one of the most important spiritual writes of this century.

Ellaine Hallett, New Oxford Review
Anyone wishing to delve deeply into the meaning of the Holy Mass will want to own this book. To read this book is to move to the most profound levels of the liturgy...Among Guardini s many talents is a remarkable ability to formulate succinct and illuminating definitions.

--Personal Endorsements

From the Back Cover

Over fifty years ago, Msgr. Romano Guardini resolved to help his parishioners overcome the distractions and restlessness they suffered at Mass. Just before Mass each Sunday, he gave a brief talk on some aspect of the Mass, teaching them week by week, topic by topic, how to pre-pare themselves to participate more prayerfully. Afterward, he provided a few minutes of silence for reflection, and then began to offer Mass.

So helpful were these 32 talks that they were soon published and have since been reprinted countless times in numerous countries and languages, helping generations of Catholics to deepen their devotion during Mass. Practical, straightforward, and full of wisdom, these talks will help you to quiet your soul, concentrate your mind, and grow receptive to God's grace during Mass.

In these pages, you'll discover:

- The three principal hindrances to full participation in the Mass to which all of us are prone

- The real meaning of "keeping holy" the Sabbath. Its special importance for the family

- One tendency we must overcome when listening to Scripture readings

- How to gain control over your wandering attention

- The one indispensable element of a deep liturgical life

- What to do when the Mass becomes boring and "routine"

- How to achieve a genuine not superficial stillness

- The importance of listening. Inner barriers that prevent it

- Why it's good to arrive early at Mass whenever possible

- The true significance of kneeling and standing in church

- And dozens of other practical ways to enrich your worship

Although he was an eminent theologian, Msgr. Guardini wrote for ordinary Catholics who are struggling to become closer to Christ. Practical, straightforward, yet full of wisdom, Meditations Before Mass will help you to quiet your soul, concentrate your mind, and grow more receptive to grace.

Product details

Publisher ‏ : ‎ Sophia Institute Press (October 29, 2013)
Language ‏ : ‎ English
Paperback ‏ : ‎ 208 pages
ISBN-10 ‏ : ‎ 1622821661
ISBN-13 ‏ : ‎ 978-1622821662
Item Weight ‏ : ‎ 7.5 ounces
Dimensions ‏ : ‎ 5.1 x 0.63 x 7.04 inches

Best Sellers Rank: #191,349 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)
- #238 in Christian Rites & Ceremonies Books
- #454 in Prayer (Books)
- #5,035 in Christian Spiritual Growth (Books)

Customer Reviews:
181

Brief content visible, double tap to read full content.

Full content visible, double tap to read brief content.

Videos

Help others learn more about this product by uploading a video!

Upload your video

About the author

Follow authors to get new release updates, plus improved recommendations.

Romano Guardini

Brief content visible, double tap to read full content.

Full content visible, double tap to read brief content.

Romano Guardini (1885–1968) was ordained a priest in 1910. He was a professor at the University of Berlin until the Nazis expelled him in 1939. His sermons, books, popular classes, and his involvement in the post-war German Catholic Youth Movement won him worldwide acclaim. His works combine a keen thirst for God with a profound depth of thought and a delightful perfection of expression.

Customer reviews

4.8 out of 5

181 global ratings

2 star

0%

1 star

2%

How customer reviews and ratings work

Sort reviews by

Top reviews from the United States

There was a problem filtering reviews right now. Please try again later.

Gilbert L.

First Rate book, get's you closer to almighty God

Reviewed in the United States on December 19, 2023

Verified Purchase

This book (Meditations Before Mass) is a must read, many benefits are retrieved.

One person found this helpful

Helpful

Michael R. Cronholm

A Wonderful, Timeless Book

Reviewed in the United States on February 7, 2017

Verified Purchase

This is a wonderful book, written in a beautiful and accessible style. After just several chapters, I attended mass with a better focus and the results were immediate, and startling. Now I make it a point to read on Saturday night before mass on Sunday. Additionally, the author validated some of my previous, "good" habits, such as coming to mass early to pray in order to clear my thoughts for the Sacred Liturgy.
The sections on the Sacrament of Holy Communion are powerful, and beautiful. I have just finished the book tonight, and will continue to re-read, as if it were a "mass manual".
Definitely a must read for Catholics, And, I will even recommend for other denominations who use the mass in worship (Anglican and Lutheran come to mind).

One person found this helpful

Helpful

Texas Lady

Timeless meditations to remind oneself of the sacredness of the Mass

Reviewed in the United States on January 5, 2014

Verified Purchase

What a beautiful book. It is not new, having been written decades ago, but the meditations are timeless. Arriving to Mass early and spending time to prepare oneself spiritually is a must. I now open my Kindle and read one or more chapters and then ponder them to see if I have room for growth in the subject area of the particular meditation(s). I usually do. And I think I'm the better for it.
I think my favorite (for now) is the chapter on "Composure and Action". But, I also greatly appreciate the chapter on "Habit as a Hindrance". Too often one can become too comfortable with certain actions and after a point one repeats these actions mindlessly and even with a bored mindset. "Habit as a Hindrance" is an appropriate reminder on staying focused and participating in the Mass with one's entire being.
All of the meditations can have a profound effect on a person who wishes to actively assist at Mass.

35 people found this helpful

Helpful

Vietlong Phan

Dont be lukewarm, it makes jesus....

Reviewed in the United States on August 15, 2020

Verified Purchase

Dont check a box and go to mass bc your parents told you too....if you really do love jesus, then you go to mass bc it's time to spend with him and the highest form of prayer and to get you closer to heaven....enhance all that with these meditations, I mean really, spend 1 hour with jesus is the minimum...add a few more minutes to that with this book

10 people found this helpful

Helpful

Catherine Alexander

More catechesis than meditation, but very good

Reviewed in the United States on March 26, 2014

Verified Purchase

The title confused me a bit. I bought the book assuming I would take it to Mass with me and use it for meditation before Mass started. That's not really what this book is for. The meditations were apparently provided by the author, a parish priest, to his parishioners as a series of "pre-homilies" before Sunday Masses, to teach them how to properly assist at Mass. Great idea, and I wish our priests today would give that a try. It's great material for anyone; I'm learning a lot, even though I already had (I thought) a clear understanding. I recommend it highly, but understand what you are getting.

14 people found this helpful

Helpful

Carol Fox

A good way to settle the mind & heart before Mass begins, so one can FULLY participate.

Reviewed in the United States on February 4, 2018

Verified Purchase

Though I am only into the first few pages, I take this book with me into church before Mass begins to quiet my mind and heart so I am ready to FULLY participate in the Mass and listen for what God/Jesus wants to tell me and what to do. Romano Guardini helps me to WANT to be FULLY PRESENT to what is happening in the Mass.... gathering with my fellow Christian brothers & sisters so we can spread THE GOOD NEWS!

6 people found this helpful

Helpful

JdobbinsPHD

Should be in every Catholic's home library

Reviewed in the United States on May 31, 2014

Verified Purchase

If you consider what books should be in every Catholic home library, the list comes to about approximately thirty. Meditations Before Mass is definitely one to include in the list. It is a marvelous book that was put together from a collection of sermons on the Mass given by Fr. Guardini. He realized there was a lot about the Mass his German congregation did not understand, so he decided to teach them in a series of sermons. Although born in Italy, his father was an Italian diplomat assigned to Germany. Fr. Guardini grew up in Germany and served his priesthood there. He was a favorite author of Pope Benedict.

6 people found this helpful

Helpful

MaryLou Amacher

a new perspective on the Mass

Reviewed in the United States on May 25, 2014

Verified Purchase

This is a most interesting book in that it presented perspectives regarding the Mass I had never thought about. There is a great deal of sensitivity in it about how one attends Mass. Do they really 'participate' or are they an observer. Do they 'prepare' for attending Mass or go for the sake of saying they attended. Rec. to anyone who attends Mass or does not. It may be if someone reads it who does not attend Mass will begin to attend with a new look at what the Mass does for one if they fully participate. Thank you, mla

6 people found this helpful

Helpful