Models of the Eucharist (review)

Models of the Eucharist is an exceptional academic, ecclesial, and pastoral piece of authorship that merits attention. The book is an expansive liturgical, sacramental, and theological undertaking that hinges upon the celebration of Sunday Eucharist and its various approaches and modes of enactment. As Irwin reminds his readers, "throughout this book, the dynamic character of the Eucharist as event, action, and enactment is at the heart of our considerations" (xiv). For the most part, the book is upbeat and is accessible to undergraduates and laypeople alike; yet, the book will be best served with a graduate course on the Eucharist.

Models of the Eucharist is divided unevenly into three parts. Part I (3–38) focuses on contemporary issues that surround Sunday Eucharist such as poor Mass attendance, Eucharistic devotions, Sunday celebrations with deacon and/or lay presiders, and the polarization that often takes place between the "liberal," "orthodox," and "conservative" Catholics that divides people instead of uniting them under the banner of "Eucharistic Banquet." Part II (39–292) is the largest section of the book and warrants serious introspection. Irwin delineates his ten models of the Eucharist. Each model presents a detailed synthesis of the theology that shapes the parameters of each model as well as offering plentiful pastoral references in the Catholic Church's liturgical books such as the Sacramentary, Lectionary, and Book of Blessings. At this point, it is worthwhile to give a brief description and overview of each model.

Model 1, the Cosmic Mass, is "meant to be a continual reminder that every act of liturgy—especially that of the Eucharist—is an expression and experience of that which is most sacred (God, redemption, forgiveness, etc.) through that which is most available to us (the things on and of this good earth)" (40). This model integrates creation theology and creation spirituality with the principle of sacramentality, which provides the model with its liturgical and sacramental underpinnings.

Model 2, the Church's Eucharist, is predominately a "consideration of how liturgy—by its very nature—is always about the church and church life is always concerned with liturgy" (67). This model is a traditional Catholic interpretation of ecclesial and liturgical ministry of the Eucharist, maintaining that the Eucharist builds the Church and the Church makes the Eucharist, and it reinforces theological principles such as real presence, transubstantiation, and in persona Christi.

Model 3, the Effective Word of God, is perhaps the most insightful of all the models. The primary concern of this model is "with the theological meaning of the proclamation of the word of God at the Eucharistic liturgy" (96). The model provides an excellent theological rationale for a richer understanding of the table of God's word or the ambo as a means of spiritual empowerment tantamount to the table of the Lord or altar as means of spiritual nourishment.

Model 4, Memorial of the Paschal Mystery, is concerned with the idea that "retrieval of the biblical origins of the concept of memorial and its application have provided the most significant stimulus to developing a dynamic, liturgically based Eucharistic theology . . ." (122). This model is principally an explanation of the biblical, liturgical, and theological significance of Jesus's table injunction to "do this in memory of me" and its uniqueness for making memory or liturgical commemoration.

Model 5, Covenant Renewal, is perhaps the least appealing model within the text; however, there is no denying that celebrating Sunday Eucharist is a covenantal renewal with God and a poignant reminder of God's relationship with humanity. The overarching premise of Eucharist as covenant renewal is that "every Eucharist commemorates . . . and celebrates God's covenant relationship with yet graced humanity" (146). This model concentrates on the biblical paragon of covenantal themes within the liturgy, particularly pericopes that have covenant motifs found in Genesis, Exodus, Jeremiah, and Romans.

Model 6, The Lord's Supper, is a marvelous model, chiefly concerned with the "ritual action through which [Christians] participate in the sacramental representation of the paschal mystery in the Eucharistic supper" (168). This model invites...