We Have the Mind of Christ serves as an introduction to Kilmartin's work and argues that one particular concern, the relationship between Jesus' historical deeds and the liturgical celebration, lies at the heart of Kilmartin's theological project. His interest in this subject may be understood in light of the events which brought him to the field of sacramental and liturgical theology just before Vatican II. We Have the Mind of Christ gives a systematic and synthetic presentation of Kilmartin's approach to the presence of Christ and his saving acts in the liturgy which the Church celebrates in his memory.
Chapter one gives the status quaestionis in Roman Catholic theological reflection on the liturgical presence of Christ and his saving deeds at the time Kilmartin began his work. It outlines the major positions taken during the controversy over the manner of that presence, points out the problems inherent in each position, and indicates the development of the Roman magisterium's teaching on the presence of Christ and his acts in the liturgy.
Chapter two describes Kilmartin's method of uncovering the theological content of the lex orandi, the Church's rule of worship, and lists the conclusions that he drew from liturgical text and practice. The third chapter presents the principal elements of his proposed solution to the question of the liturgical presence of Christ in a thematic and systematic fashion, indicating the other theologians whom he cited as his most important conversation partners. Chapter four details Kilmartin's synthesis of those elements, relating the prayer of the liturgical assembly to Jesus' acts through the personal activity of the Holy Spirit. Chapter five uses the criticisms raised against the various positions outlined in chapter one as criteria for judging Kilmartin's proposed solution to the question of describing the mystery presence, and considers his success in integrating the various themes presented in chapters two and three into a truly systematic theology of liturgical celebration.
Chapters are "Liturgical Anamnesis and the Mystery Presence of Christ's Saving Deeds: State of the Question at the Beginning of Kilmartin's Career," "Early Writings, Vatican II and the Lex Orandi," "The Mystery of Christ in Us: Trinity and Sanctification," "Synthesis of Kilmartin's Contribution: The Activity of the Holy Spirit in Liturgical Anamnesis," and "Conclusions."
