In "The Mass: The Glory, The Mystery, The Tradition," Cardinal Donald Wuerl and Mike Aquilina collaborate on a daunting task: to give the reader "a 'panoramic' view of the central act of Christian worship" (as stated in "A Note from the Authors"). So much could be said (and has been said) about the Mass regarding its form, history, spirituality, and importance. The authors do an excellent job of condensing, synthesizing, highlighting and weaving together these aspects in a way that is accessible and interesting to any reader regardless of his level of familiarity with Catholic liturgy.
The Foreword of the book is provided by Archbishop Augustine Di Noia who helpfully highlights the authors' use of the present pope's method for mystagogical teaching. If the Mass seems commonplace it can be treated as unimportant. By explaining and unveiling the mysteries of the Mass, the authors help to ensure that the Mass's significance will not be questioned.
Cardinal Francis George, in the Preface, sees as the goal of the book the active participation of the faithful at Mass. It follows then that, in the Introduction, the authors state that their reason for the book is to "understand the Mass as we pray it"; to do this they will provide a "slow walk through the Mass."
Part One, entitled, "What Makes the Mass: People, Places, Words, and Things," begins by exploring the Mass's roots in Scripture and its history, leading the reader to appreciate the Mass today in continuity with its celebration throughout the Christian era. This is followed by chapters that focus on the elements of the Mass: bread and wine, the participants, the furnishings, etc. In addition, the importance of proper preparation for Mass and a Catholic's obligation to attend are emphasized. This first half of the book is particularly rich in clearly explaining Mass-related terminology. Several photographs throughout are useful to bring some of these objects and actions to life. This is especially helpful to those unfamiliar with the Mass, or to those who have been away for awhile.
The second part of the book, "The Mass as It Is: A Closer Look", steps through the Mass from the entrance procession until the dismissal. This section is divided into over thirty bite-sized chapters that deal with every part of the Mass individually. One comes away appreciating the elements of the Mass (e.g., the sign of the cross, the cleansing of vessels) in a new way. This section, like the first part, is enhanced by photographs of the actions of the Mass. The use of photos in this way is in the venerable tradition of Archbishop Fulton Sheen's classic volume, "This is the Mass."
This work is excellent for study and reflection by both individuals and groups. While there are neither discussion questions in the book, nor is there a study guide accompanying the book (hopefully both will be considered for future editions), there is plenty here with which to work. An individual could make his way through the book at his own pace (consider a Lenten devotion: a happy coincidence is that the two parts of the book contain between them forty-six chapters - one for each day from Ash Wednesday to Holy Saturday). A dedicated group leader or leaders could easily divide the book into parts depending on the number and length of sessions they wished to hold. Supplementary texts listed in the back of the book could be incorporated as well. Particularly helpful would be a discussion leader who is familiar with the upcoming changes (Advent 2011) to the Missal (the changes are the "immediate occasion" for the book, but they are simply stated and not explained). This would be useful for sessions parishes may want to conduct to ease the transition to the new Missal, as well as to revive interest in, excitement for, and understanding of, the Mass.
Also, considering that the Mass is the source and summit of the Catholic faith, this is an excellent resource for RCIA use. The ample use of Scripture (Old and New Testament), the Catechism of the Catholic Church, the documents of Vatican II, and the Church Fathers (notes in the back give references to their quotes) is valuable to all readers, but in a special way to those preparing to be received into the Church or contemplating such a journey.
Considering the extensive use of Church-related terminology, having a glossary would have been a nice feature. This book could well be used as a reference; a glossary would have made it more helpful for that purpose. Nevertheless, this volume's usefulness as a means to understand and appreciate the Mass not only helps the reader personally but prepares him to evangelize and, if necessary, to defend the Mass.
Cardinal Wuerl has a special gift for catechesis and his ability to weave the spiritual dimension into his instruction is evident throughout the book. The latest edition of his classic work, "The Teaching of Christ," is referenced to the Catechism of the Catholic Church, and would be a great companion volume to "The Mass." Anyone who is familiar with "The Teaching of Christ" or has been privileged to see his television series of the same name knows firsthand his gift for teaching the Faith.
Mike Aquilina has an impressive corpus but is best known for his work on the Church Fathers. His excellent "The Mass of the Early Christians" is a must read for anyone who wants to go further in understanding the roots of the Christian liturgy. In the present volume, the extensive use of quotations from the Fathers shows his obvious influence on the text.
In an interview just days before receiving the red hat, Archbishop Wuerl hoped that "now [...] there may be those who would be persuaded to listen more carefully" to his proclaiming the Gospel, teaching, and passing on the faith. This partnership with Mike Aquilina is an excellent beginning.
