The Feast of Faith: Approaches to Theology of the Liturgy

As always, Ratzinger addresses his subject with depth and clarity, striving after the truth. Due to the weight of the issue at hand, some of his comments are indeed reactionary. However, he is not attempting to expound a view which he feels is his personally but is, instead, the true view of the Church on matters of the Eucharistic Liturgy.With his moderate, scholarly temper, Ratzinger first aims to expose the weaknesses inherent in the modern conception of the Eucharist as an almost exclusively meal-oriented event. He stresses the place of the Last Supper with respect to the Liturgy and shows how it is related to the future development of the Church's understanding of the Eucharist. He emphasizes the fact that it is at its core, a sacrifice, united with the Cross and the Resurrection. Therefore, to understand the Eucharist as anything less than a sacrificial-meal in which the faithful come into communion with the Lamb of God is to undercut the entire Liturgy.Beyond this, the text has a compilation of thought-provoking reflections on the Liturgy with respect to change and music, as well as considerations on the facing of the priest, his experiences and thoughts about the current celebration of Corpus Christi, and a homily addressed to the Bishop's Conference in Fulda.I highly recommend this text as a short treatment on the Eucharistic Liturgy. It is by no means extensive but serves as an excellent set of reflections and considerations.

Feast of Faith contains an article on music which describes the conflict between Ratzinger and Rahner as well as an extended examination of Thomas Aquinas. Aquinas asked the question whether singing could/should be used in worship; and of course, Ratzinger already knows the answer to that question (from his "faith position") But Ratzinger continues to address Aquinas' discussion, because Aquinas states in his discussion that "listening" is a form of participation---something that the CIMS proponents had been arguing, even in a memo's to Paul VI almost 20 years before this article was written. This article provides the opportunity for Ratzinger to defend (and indeed correct Aquinas) the thinking of CIMS in this article. Cardinal Ratzinger is a brilliant and original thinker.

An excellent examination of various aspects of the sacred liturgy by the then Cardinal Ratzinger. I will say however, that it is certainly no cohesive book but rather a collection of articles. Also, it can be a bit academic at times, so be warned.Nonetheless, if you have read books about the Roman Catholic Liturgy (including Ratzinger's other book "Spirit of the Liturgy) or have an interest in learning more about the thought of the now Pope Benedict XVI then this certainly qualifies as a must read.

Sound Teaching

BXVI can really set our focus on giving to God what belongs to Him. The Mass has never been the same since BXVI's instruction and direction.

I thought I was savy enough to read and enjoy this book on the Mass. Unfortunately, even though I spent four years in Catholic Seminary and have read numerous religious books, this one was so far over my head and so dry it got donated before I finished reading the second chapter.

great resource material for both clergy and laity

Cardinal Ratzinger's masterwork on the liturgy is Spirit of the Liturgy. That book is a definite must read! This book covers some of the same ground and can serve as a preliminary introduction. This book is a collection of short "book", an interview and various shorter essays on the Mass and other liturgical moments. Ratzinger's thesis is important for our times as he addresses the tension between various liturgical camps, those that want a high liturgy and those that would prefer a "cozier" experience. Ratzinger sets this debate in its proper context, he clarifies its historical underpinnings and theology. Having studies the many facets of the debate he then makes his own interventions and she's a brilliant and instructive light upon these often heated debates.