Visions of the Divine: An Artistic Journey Into the Mystery of the Eucharist - Paperback

by Stephen Auth (Author)

In Visions of the Divine, Catholic evangelist, author, and businessman Steve Auth reunites the art of the Eucharist with the Eucharistic liturgy itself. Much of this art was separated from the context of the Mass for which it was created many centuries ago and is relegated now to museums sprinkled around the world. Along with his co-authors Evelyn Auth and Fr. Roger Landry, Steve leads the reader on a worldwide pilgrimage to some of the most spectacular and moving artistic masterpieces created over the millennia to help clergy and laity alike penetrate more deeply into the Eucharistic mystery. Journeying to museums and churches in nearly twenty cities across the United States and Europe, the authors will guide you through the liturgy of the Mass in ways you may never have experienced.

Whether you attend church out of obligation, for the sense of community you find there, or for the Eucharistic presence itself, Visionsof the Divine will help you make these experiences richer, more vibrant, and more fulfilling. And if you've never attended a Roman Catholic Mass and are curious about what happens there, Visions will give you an experience guaranteed to leave you thirsting for more.

Narrated in the author's simple, emotive style, Visions of the Divine presents you with dozens of colorful images of thought-provoking art that will immerse you in each element of the Mass at a deeper and more profound level, including:

• How the simple act of making the Sign of the Cross, which the average Catholic does eight times during the liturgy, can make you cry
• Quieting your mind to listen more actively to the Word of God and to imagine yourself in the moment as the Word is proclaimed and the author guides you through some of the Scriptures' most iconic messages
• Imagining the Apostles' Creed as it was carved and painted into one of Europe's most colorful Catholic churches
• Meditating on a lasting image of eternity while the collection basket is passed -- a practice that will forever change how you think about this relatively prosaic element of the liturgy
• Reliving the sacrifice and triumph of Christ on Calvary during the Eucharistic prayers through some of the greatest artistic masterpieces ever created
• Following the path of biblical figures, such as Mary Magdalene, the prodigal son, and St. Paul himself, to freely receive Christ's healing mercy, forgiveness, peace, and love at Mass
• Experiencing the sacrament of Holy Communion for what it truly is -- communion with God Himself
• How to re-enter the world following the Mass with visual images in your head that will make you a more effective evangelist

From Rembrandt, El Greco, and Van Gogh to Michelangelo, da Vinci, and Raphael; from Velaquez, Picasso, and Dali to lesser-known greats, such as Pontormo, Masaccio and Drolling, the array of breathtaking art in Visions of the Divine will enlighten your path to communion with God. You will witness our Father's love for you and be encouraged to let yourself be loved by Him within the Eucharistic mystery.

Author Biography

Stephen Auth has had a long career on Wall Street, first with Prudential Investments in the 1980s and 1990s, and since 2000 with Federated Hermes, where he serves as executive vice president and a chief investment officer of Federated Global Equities.Steve is a member of the Regnum Christi movement and sits on the national board of the Lumen Institute, which he helped found in New York. He and his wife, Evelyn, have led the New York City street mission for fourteen years. Steve and Evelyn are involved in a number of other apostolic activities, including the spiritual tour of the Metropolitan Museum of Art called "Man's Search for God: A History of Art through the Prism of Faith," on which this book is based. His previous publications include The Missionary of Wall Street (Sophia Institute Press, 2019) and The Ten Years' War (Garland Press, 1989).