Why Go to Church? : The Drama of the Eucharist

The Eucharist, writes Timothy Radcliffe, is a three part drama, forming us in faith, hope and love. In this book he examines what it means to "celebrate" the Eucharist. Other people experience it as boring and pointless. Listening to the readings, the homily and the creed all take us through the crises and challenges of faith. From the offertory through to the end of the Eucharistic prayer we are caught up in the hope that was Christ's, faced with Good Friday. From the Our Father until we are sent on our way, especially in receiving communion, we are formed as people who are capable of love. Foreword by the Archbishop of Canterbury ix Introduction 1 Act 1: Faith Scene 1: Homecoming 16 Scene 2: ‘Here I am!’ 28 Scene 3: ‘How can this be?’ 42 Scene 4: Mary arose and went in haste 53 Scene 5, Part 1: We believe in God, the creator of heaven and earth 64 Scene 5, Part 2: We believe in Jesus Christ, the only Son of God, and the Holy Spirit 78 Scene 6: ‘Ask, and you shall receive’ 92 Act 2: Hope Scene 1: Preparation of the gifts 98 Scene 2: Death outside the camp 107 Scene 3: ‘The fruitful stones thunder round’ 118 Scene 4: Betrayal into gift 127 Act 3: Love Prologue: Recognizing Jesus 142 Scene 1: Our Father 156 Scene 2: ‘Peace be with you’ 161 Scene 3: ‘Cast the net on the right side of the boat’ 175 Scene 4: ‘Come and have breakfast’ 188 Scene 5: ‘As the Father has sent me, so I send you’ 196 Bibliography 209 Introduction -- Act 1: Faith -- Homecoming -- Here I Am! -- How Can This Be? -- Mary Arose And Went In Haste -- We Believe In God, The Creator Of Heaven And Earth -- We Believe In Jesus Christ, The Only Son Of God, And The Holy Spirit -- Ask And You Shall Receive -- Act 2: Hope -- Preparation Of The Gifts -- Death Outside The Camp -- The Fruitful Stones Thunder Round -- Betrayal Into Gift -- Act 3: Love -- Recognizing Jesus -- Our Father -- Peace Be With You -- Cast The Net On The Right Side Of The Boat -- Come And Have Breakfast -- As The Father Has Sent Me, So I Send You. Timothy Radcliffe. Includes Bibliographical References (p. 209-214). "Many people find going to church to be boring and pointless. Why bother? Timothy Radcliffe suggests that the Eucharist works at a deep level, transforming our humanity, so that we share God's life. Listening to the readings, the homily and the creed all take us through the crises and challenges of faith. From the offertory through to the end of the Eucharistic prayer we are caught up in the hope that was Christ's, faced with Good Friday. From the 'Our Father' until we are sent on our way, especially in receiving communion, we are formed as people who are capable of love."--BOOK JACKET Examines what it means to celebrate the Eucharist, and in turn reminds us of our capability for love, hope and faith.