The Holy Apostolate: The Liturgy after the Liturgy by Robert F. Slesinski (review)

309 BOOK REVIEW The only regrettable facets of this book come from opportunities the publisher missed. While the book does feature images of numerous icons, the impact of these icons would have been much more potent were they printed in color rather than grayscale. The color of these icons is especially pertinent to the repeated emphasis on the union between divinity and humanity which specific colors emphasize in different icons, many of which Slesinski directly comments upon. A final round of editing would have also improved the presentation quality of the book since noticeable typos remained in the finished text. Summarily, these are rather small problems for a work that offers as much as this one does. For the scholar who is researching Mariological topics, this book presents so much from patristic theology and especially Byzantine liturgy that it serves as a bustling bibliography. For the liturgist preparing for festal celebrations, this work will help to spur the imagination and focus the gaze. And for every Christian hoping to enrich her prayer life through devotion to Mary, this book will open up vistas previously unforeseen. Leonard J. DeLorenzo University of Notre Dame South Bend, Indiana Robert F. Slesinski The Holy Apostolate: The Liturgy after the Liturgy Fairfax, VA: Eastern Christian Publications, 2013 136 pages. Paperback. $15.00. In a brisk read, Fr. Slesinski offers reflections for the Feast of the Apostles Peter and Paul, which seek to draw the connection between the liturgical commemoration of these two saints in the Byzantine Rite to the practice of the apostolate. Starting from the position that the Christian liturgy provides the fundamental data for theological reflection, Slesinski offers commentary on a rich variety of biblical and liturgical texts dealing with Saints Peter and Paul, and draws from each figure principles that apply to the second “work of the people” – the sanctification of our daily lives (14). Slesinski accomplishes this in four chapters dedicated to Peter and Paul together, then each Apostle separately, followed by a chapter of synthesis. In addition, he adds two excursuses dealing with the Apostles John and Judas respectively. 310 ANTIPHON 18.3 (2014) In the first chapter, Slesinski begins by reflecting on the Church’s tradition that we celebrate Peter and Paul together. Interestingly , he juxtaposes the biblical testament that Peter and Paul often found themselves in conflict, or at least tension, with the liturgical witness that compares them to two wings, flying in harmony (23). Slesinski offers the interpretation that here in this liturgical tradition we find great lessons about complementarity and unity in a common work, despite individual differences. This co-working cannot be achieved by human effort alone, but is the result of humility and contemplation, allowing the transformation of the human person by Divine love. In his second chapter, Slesinski offers a portrait of Peter, acknowledging that the portrait is here is by no means exhaustive. Previously identifying with Peter the ministries of order and governance (12), Slesinski focuses on Peter’s role amongst the other Apostles and within the early Church. This unavoidably leads to a discussion of the role of the papacy. While again not claiming to be exhaustive, Slesinski offers biblical and patristic selections to demonstrate the unique role of Peter, the unique role of the Church of Rome in the early Church, and the connection between the two via a brief treatment of Apostolic Succession. Slesinski then shifts to Paul, whom he describes above all else as a man, “grasped by Christ” (75; cf. Phil 3:14). After giving a summary of his life and ministry, Slesinski argues that Paul’s identity as the missionary par excellence is rooted in his own experience of being himself overcome by the “force of Christ” (79), which is the bedrock of his virtues as a missionary: doggedness, perseverance in trial, and an unflinching commitment to the life of prayer. This image of being grasped by the force of Christ is a particularly potent contribution to the treatment of Paul. Finally, Slesinski offers a conclusion and synthesis in Chapter 4 by discussing the relationship between natural zeal and the zeal for the Gospel that comes from faith in Christ. The zealotry of the Paul and...