Eucharist and the Hunger of the World [Paperback]

Monika K. Hellwig (Author)

Book Description

ISBN-10: 1556125615 | ISBN-13: 978-1556125614 | Publication Date: July 1, 1992 | Edition: Second Edition

The central action of the Eucharist--sharing of food, not only eating--underscores the interdependence of all people and the sharing of resources.

Editorial Reviews

About the Author

Monika Hellwig is professor of theology at Georgetown University.

Product Details

• Paperback: 86 pages
• Publisher: Sheed & Ward; Second Edition edition (July 1, 1992)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1556125615
• ISBN-13: 978-1556125614
• Product Dimensions: 8.2 x 5.4 x 0.3 inches
• Shipping Weight: 5.6 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 3.7 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (3 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #838,991 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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3 of 3 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Euacharist and Hunger, May 7, 2007

By 

Frater "Frater" - See all my reviews

This review is from: Eucharist and the Hunger of the World (Paperback)

For Ms. Hellwig the Eucharist is not simply a linear production of the Body and Blood of Christ; it is a command to go out and seek the other who is hungry. I very much appreciate Ms. Hellwig's inclusive definition of hunger.
"Basic hunger quickly broadens into the need for physical sustenance more generally - the need for warmth, cover, rest, clean air and so on. But equally pervasive, equally important and far more subtle is the need to be loved into being and the hunger in which that need manifests itself" (p. 8).

The Eucharist for is not a subject in which we are forced to impose our own meanings on to make the Eucharist relevant for modern times, as many post-modern authors insist. Rather, Ms. Hellwig sees the sacrifice and mystery contained in the Eucharist. This mystery summons us, Ms. Hellwig insists, to a transformation from sin and selfishness and to life in the Trinity. This personal transformation is what the sacrifice is all about.

3 of 4 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars THROUGH YET ANOTHER EXCELLENT, COMPREHENSIVE YET CONCISE VOLUME PROF. HELLWIG OPENS US TO THE CENTRAL MYSTERIES OF OUR FAITH, May 26, 2007

By 

C. Scanlon "least helpful reviewer" (among us humans) - See all my reviews
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This review is from: Eucharist and the Hunger of the World (Paperback)

Again must we thank the legacy of the prolific, intelligent, orthodox, insightful and prayerful Professor Hellwig for providing such a clear and concise opening to a deeper appreciation of the fullness of the inifinite mystery of our Eucharist with the Mystical Body of Christ.

This deceptively brief brochure of under one hundred pages provides a lifetime of meditation upon that Mystery which unites us with one another and with God in Compassion, Mercy, Family, Love, Unity, Remembrance and Caring. Furthermore its generous suggestions for further readings opens a portal to other perspectives and developments of prayer and thought upon this mystery, including the very influential and technical Theologian Dominican Father Edward Schillebeeckx's Eucharist and the writings of Father Tissa Balasuriya. Also cited as seriously authoritative are the encyclicals of Pope John Paul II Redemptor hominis and Laborem exercens. Further encyclicals cited are Pacem in Terris and Populorum progressio.

Prof. Hellwig therefore leads us to a more profound knowledge, understanding and ever greater devotion to the Divine Presence, meaning and implicaitons of our Holy Eucharist. This book makes an excellent present for any new initiate to the Catholic Faith as well as any long time practitioner who desires to reawaken their understanding and fervor in the Faith. Excellent discussion questions follow each chapter for parish groups who wish to share persectives and form a stronger community of Faith.

Please permit one interesting quote from a late chapter:
"Before the COnstantine establishment of the fourth century the convistion was strong and apparently universal among CHristians that entry into the death and resurrection of Jesus was incompatible with any kind of participation in the killing of human beings. Such compromises were later made to restrain war, ( . . .) and finally in a rather broader more vaguely defined sense of a moral and spiritual commitment to make wars to defend 'our way of life' seen now as a holy thing. (p.84)"

Whosoever partakes of the Eucharist cannot kill, but must live united in Love.

1 of 2 people found the following review helpful:

2.0 out of 5 stars Liberal Theology-Don't Even Bother, August 9, 2011

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J. Trachta - See all my reviews
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This review is from: Eucharist and the Hunger of the World (Paperback)

I had this as one of the textbooks in my Eucharist class. A scene from Despicable me comes to mind. "It's so fluffy!" That's honestly how I've experienced liberal/heterox theology. There isn't much substance to it.

The book is far more about social justice than the sacrament of the Eucharist. What it says regarding social justice and loving our neighbor is so vague that it can be easily twisted to misrepresent the faith. You're better off reading actual documents of the Church on social justice and or The Concise Guide to Catholic Social Teaching by Kevin E. McKenna. If you want to truly learn how to image the sacrament of the Eucharist read up on the Theology of the Body which is much meatier than this. It occasionally has something profound to say, but then rambles on and on without developing the concept.

It also gets very "politically correct" and relativistic. Christ's presence in the Eucharist is seen as symbolic or at least comes off that way, which isn't true. The Hidden Manna by O'Connor is a much better choice.