Vorlage:1955 Rezensionen Besinnung vor der Feier der heiligen Messe

• [1955-000] Sister M. Florian: Rezension zu: Guardini, Meditations before mass, in: Worship, 30, 1955, S. 409 f. [neu aufgenommen] – [Rezension] - https://books.google.de/books?id=D9qGLqHdhIwC:
  • S. 409 f.: „As stated in the foreword, the chapters in this latest book of Msgr. Guardini were originally "discourses held before Mass in order to prepare for its celebration." Strictly speaking, the book is not the kind one would ordinarily select for formal meditation, but on closer reading one finds much food for thought easily applicable to the spiritual life. The book ist divided into two main divisions. Part One, dealing with sacred bearing, can be considered the composition of place, while Part Two has to do with the "essence of the Mass ... not for the sake of theoretical information but in order to prepare us for the holy act." The idea of preparation is indeed the theme of the entire volume. Outstanding are the reflections on silence and stillness as preparatory conditions for participation in the liturgy of the Word. An exceptionally nice balance is struck between silence and hearing, in which the interdependence of silence and speech is shown. The chapters on composure (a word so much more appealing in connotation than what is commonly called "recollection") and action, on composure and participation; those dealing with the altar, the holy day and the sacred hour of Mass, and with the nature of the Act; with the word, the revelatory word, the word of praise and of entreaty - all give profound suggestions which, if thought through and lived, will most certainly encourage growth to the full stature of Christ. Throughout the reader is urged to develop a habit of awareness, and practical helps in the form of key-thoughts are given. The style of the book is surprisingly simple and straightforward, suffering in no way from translation . In this modern whirl of movement and nervous activity, the author's plea for a stillness that listens and hears, a silence which "opens the inner fount from which the word rises," will help to bring inner peace. It is only by silence that speech is set free, and when the words are a spoken participation "they must be broad and calm and full of inner knowledge, which they are only when they spring from silence. In the words of the liturgy the truth of God and of redeemed man is meant to blaze." .. Altogether Meditations before Mass is a most satisfying book since it helps to establish a vital awareness of the divine liturgy, a more complete inner spirit of togetherness in the Mystical Body and a stronger sense of being and living in Christ.“
• [1955-000] [Englisch] Joseph N. Moody: To Renew Our Interest (Rezension zu: Guardini, Meditation before mass), in: Commonweal, 63, 1955, S. 624 [neu aufgenommen] – [Rezension] - https://books.google.de/books?id=JJE5AQAAIAAJ
  • S. 624: „IN THE SUMMER of 1953 this reviewer attended the International Pax Romana Congress at Bonn and had an opportunity to note the universal respect for Monsignor Guardini among European intellectuals. His philosophical writings have assured him high respect among German Catholics. His work among University youth and his sermons in war-ravaged Berlin added affection to esteem. Lately he has won a wide circle of admirers in the United States with what the advertisements describe as "the number one Catholic best-seller," The Lord, and the less ambitious, The Rosary of Our Lady. He should win new friends with the present volume. It must be stated at once that Meditations before Mass does not appear to have the classic dimensions of The Lord. The pace of Part One, which deals with the preconditions of our approach to the Mass, is slow. But as one goes on, the majesty of the author's theme emerges and his lucidity in theological exposition becomes apparent. All of what he has to say is helpful, but at his best he is magnificent. The major contention of the book is that the Mass is the sacred action of Christ's community through which we fulfill the intention of Our Savior that we should live and act as a true community. The collection of individuals which enters a church must be transformed into a congregation, a "holy people" in the sight of God. To this end the walls of indifference, disregard, and enmity which separate us from "the others" must be broken down, so that all can be swept along on a surge of prayer toward God. But this congregation is not a closed circle of those united in the same building by common faith and mutual love. It extends over the whole earth to all who believe in Christ. It reaches beyond the borders of death to all who have "gone home" to God. It is the universal Church, the spiritual Christ, which offers the Mass and it is linked in love with those who have not as yet the gift of faith. To penetrate this mystery demands of the believer that he make a serious effort of preparation and concentration. Silence is needed, so that he can respond to the presence and to the Word of God. So, too, is composure, the creative elan of the mind. For all life is perpetual becoming and perpetual perishing; and the law of diminishing impressions will tarnish our appreciation of the sacred action if we do not renew our interest by means of meditation. This renewal is the purpose of the volume which places before us the fundamental considerations for a richer understanding of the Mass. The writings of this learned German Catholic invite comparison with those of Monsignor Knox, another scholar with the gift of stating profound truth in understandable language. Both derive their power from a disciplined mind that makes its own the luxuriant treasures of the Faith. Each has facility with the homely illustration and the vivid word. The English translator of the Scriptures has a lighter touch than the German philosopher; but both can make the faith come alive in the minds of modern man. They make us conscious of the debt we owe to our European sharers in the faith who have added so much spiritual nitrogen to the still shallow soil of American Catholicism.“