Feast of Faith: Approaches to a Theology of the Liturgy (Paperback)

~ Joseph Cardinal Ratzinger (Author) "A few years ago those interested in the debate about Christianity could have followed a characteristically confusing dispute which appeared in the Suddeutsche Zeitung..." (more)
Key Phrases: Corpus Christi, Last Supper, Old Testament (more...)

Editorial Reviews

Product Description

In these instructive and inspiring essays, Cardinal Ratzinger presents "approaches to the theology of the liturgy," the product of serious scholarship and deep love for the Church.

Language Notes

Text: English, German (translation)

Product Details

• Paperback: 153 pages
• Publisher: Ignatius Press (May 1986)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0898700566
• ISBN-13: 978-0898700565
• Product Dimensions: 8 x 5.3 x 0.6 inches
• Shipping Weight: 8.8 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.5 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (4 customer reviews)
• Amazon.com Sales Rank: #566,405 in Books (See Bestsellers in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

30 of 31 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars The Mass, a Fundamental Clarification, July 29, 2000

By	Deacon William C. Wagner, MA (Katy, TX USA) - See all my reviews

It is most surprising to me that a book which has been on the market for such a length of time has yet to receive a review in this location. When one of the Church's premier theologians writes as profoundly as this concerning a source of great confusion among Catholics today, we should surely pay attention.

Cardinal Ratzinger returns us to something that is very basic where the Mass is concerned. It is first and foremost a sacrifice which expresses a reality with which Catholics are required to come to grips for as the Cardinal, himself says, "Its price was the death of Christ himself."

If there is confusion in the Eucharistic Liturgy today, and I believe that the now "famous poll" bears this out, then this little tome is the perfect antidote to begin to set things aright. The author combines theological expertise and a profound depth of spirituality before which one can only stand in awe.

This should be madatory reading for every liturgist and musician in the Church today.

11 of 11 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars A Brilliant Set Reflections on the Nature of Eucharistic Liturgy, April 20, 2006

By	Matthew K. Minerd "The Coding Catholic" (Herdon, VA USA) - See all my reviews (REAL NAME)

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.

5 of 7 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Excellent book for understanding the mind of Benedict XVI, March 23, 2006

By	Jeffry V. Richter (Jacksonville, Florida) - See all my reviews (REAL NAME)

As a preview to Spirit of the Ligurgy, this text opens up the mind of the current Holy Father to the reader in regards to his understanding of the liturgy and Catholic theology. Originally written in 1981, this book brings out the indepth knowledge and love for the ligurgy held by then Cardinal Ratzinger. Easy reading for anyone interested in the topics of Catholic Liturgy and theology.