THE DIVINE WORD

About the Book

Rev. Leon Ngandu has observed that many believers do not fully understand the Scriptures proclaimed at Mass and the homilies that explain them. As a result, they do not participate actively, intentionally, and prayerfully in Mass. Therefore, he recognized a critical need to evangelize God’s people about the prayerful character of the first part of the Mass, the liturgy of the Word of God. He strongly emphasizes that both parts of the Mass—the liturgy of the Word of God and the liturgy of the Eucharist—are deeply connected. We cannot fully engage in one without the other. This means we cannot truly participate with Jesus at the Eucharistic Table if we do not listen to and understand him at the table of the Word of God. The liturgy of the Word is not just a part of the Mass; it is a prayerful encounter with God. Therefore, a deep understanding of the liturgical Scriptures is essential for the faithful to participate reverently in the Mass. This Liturgical Weekly Bible Study Workbook serves as a helpful tool, aiming to assist the faithful in familiarizing themselves with the liturgical scripture readings before attending each Sunday Mass.

About the Author

Rev. Leon Ngandu is a Divine Word Missionary Priest. He currently serves as the pastor of Holy Family Catholic Church in Jackson, MS, and as the Biblical Apostolate Coordinator for his Religious Congregation, The Society of the Divine Word, working in the United States Southern Province. He is well known for the retreats, sessions, recollections, missions, and revivals he preaches across the country and abroad. Rev. Ngandu has a Master of Theological Studies degree from the University of Dallas, with a concentration in Biblical Theology (2023).