Some months ago I set as a goal for myself the promotion of the ideas of Joseph Cardianl Ratzinger as a source of a far, far richer appreciation of the Eucharistic Liturgy. I have read and continue to read the Cardinal to further my stated goal. However, perhaps more importantly, I find in the course of this exercise my own appreciation of the Liturgy being significantly enriched.

Participating as a Deacon at the Liturgy can very easily become a matter of routine, mere ritual. One must spiritually "pinch" oneself periodically to bring about a renewed sense of the importance of this, the Catholic's central act of worship. This particular book is just that; a spiritual shot in the arm to renew one's faith and love in our most beloved treasure, the Eucharistic Liturgy.

A NEW SONG FOR THE LORD is far more than just about song at the Liturgy. There's Scripture, History, Theology. This group of collected essays builds a fundamental basis for the Liturgy itself as the book's sub-title suggests, "Faith in Christ and Liturgy Today." We must once again refocus our liturgical attention upon that to which it belongs: Jesus / God / Adoration. Cardinal Ratzinger points out the danger of the congregation focusing upon itself, of the community celebrating itself and thereby becoming a vehicle for merely social purposes.

We get the "Song" right when we have gotten the fundamentals of the Liturgy right. We thereupon can join with the angels in a most beautiful act of worship on that special day called the "Lord's." We've been prepared for it because already the Cardinal has given us a renewed appreciation for that day of days: the "third," the "first," the "eighth."

In contrast to some of the other of Cardinal Ratzinger's books, this one is a fairly easy read. Anyone seriously interested in the Mass and its attendant liturgy should find this book a most valuable encouragement that the Church truly does understand itself and its worship. Liturgists and church musicians alike should make available a special spot on their book shelf for this important, little tome. In fact, every Catholic should find in A NEW SONG FOR THE LORD a valuable source of rejuvenation and edification.

I give this one a five star rating for everyone.