Understanding the Revised Mass Texts, Second Edition by Rev. Paul Turner, and: Understanding the Revised Mass Texts Leader’s Edition, Second Edition by Rev. Paul Turner (review)

318 Antiphon 15.3 (2011) and to be internally disposed only to him. All of which are certainly predispositions for a personal relationship with God, which is why relationship flow from worship. The second, and lengthier, part of the book focuses on the sacrifice of Christ on the Cross. In many places, Fr. Philippe’s book goes beyond theological exploration and into a prayerful kind of mysticism . He provides lengthy meditations on the implications of Christ’s sacrifice unto death. He begins by showing that the Cross is itself a sacrifice of adoration unto the Father: Jesus gives of himself interiorly, but also exteriorly with his body. This sacrifice, then, is the pinnacle of human worship as one like us gives perfect adoration to God. Fr. Philippe the goes on to show how this sacrifice is not only an act of adoration of the Father, but it is also a great showing of God’s mercy to us, for Christ “suffers with His sheep, communicating to them salvation and love of the Father” (62). Finally, he reflects on the Cross and sees it as a revelation of the Father, namely his justice and mercy, his omnipotence and omnipresence, and his eternity and holiness. In each of these sections Fr. Philippe examines the sacrifice of Christ as a theological source to understand attributes of the Father. One might wonder how the author determined to expound upon these specific concepts, still the reflections are worth-while. Fr. Philippe’s book on sacrifice is somewhat difficult to categorize. Its subject matter is straight forward: sacrifice as worship. Yet, parts of his book are exegetical, parts of his book are theological, and parts of his book can be classified as mystical or devotional. And, while one expects a book about sacrifice and worship to be explicitly Eucharistic, the author only addresses the Eucharist briefly at various points in this volume. Still, the reader comes away with a better appreciation of the Holy Eucharist, precisely because it is our sacrificial worship. Rev Jacob Runyon St. Matthew Cathedral South Bend, Indiana Rev. Paul Turner. Understanding the Revised Mass Texts, Second Edition. Chicago, IL: Liturgical Training Publications, 2010. xlviii/48 pages. Paperback. $1.25. Rev. Paul Turner, with additional material by Kathy Coffey. Understanding the Revised Mass Texts Leader’s Edition, Second Edition. Chicago, IL: Liturgical Training Publications, 2010. lxii/62 pages. Paperback. $8.95 319 Book Reviews As we approach the implementation of the revised Roman Missal this Advent, an abundance of resources is being published to help prepare for this transition. One of the earliest and most well-known of these publications is Understanding the Revised Mass Texts, written by Fr. Paul Turner. (The “Second Edition” incorporates some final, official changes made to the Order of Mass last fall.) Intended to provide worshipers in the pews with an accessible explanation of the new translation, this 8.5” x 5.5” booklet is divided into eight sections, comprising an introduction and a subsequent journey through the Order of Mass. Fr. Turner begins with a brief background of both the third edition of the Missal and the translation process. He covers a number of the new translation’s benefits, such as greater faithfulness to the Latin texts, clearer Biblical allusions, and an elevated style of language. Rather than dwelling on deficiencies in our current translation or leaving room for unhelpful political arguments, he speaks of genuine improvements as occurring within the context of a “reassessment” of the existing translation, stemming from wisdom gained after what is now several decades of experience with the vernacular in the Mass. The booklet’s presentation of the Order of Mass includes juxtapositions of the current and impending translations, with all changes clearly highlighted. Fr. Turner’s catechetical style is succinct and down-to-earth throughout. He is particularly qualified to offer certain insights, given his service as a facilitator for the International Commission on English in the Liturgy. In addition to a heavy emphasis on Scripture, Fr. Turner delves into the linguistic foundations of modified texts. And whether referencing St. John Chrysostom (as he does in analyzing “And with your spirit”) or incorporating historical reflections (such as for the discussion of...