Thomistic Mystagogy

Thomistic theology is rarely associated with liturgical prayer, even by many of St. Thomas's own disciples. Such a dissociation reveals more about the priorities of later Thomism, however, than it does about St. Thomas Aquinas, who himself devoted considerable energy to the contemplation of the sacred liturgy. In Thomistic Mystagogy: St. Thomas Aquinas's Commentaries on the Mass, Urban Hannon considers the saint's teaching on the meaning and purpose of the various rites that surround the holy Eucharist. Drawing on four essential texts-two from St. Thomas's earliest major work, two from his latest; two on the words of the liturgy, two on its actions-this little book pieces together a properly Thomistic commentary on the Mass. "Because in this sacrament the whole mystery of our salvation is embraced," St. Thomas says, "thus it is carried out with greater solemnity." This is a study of that "greater solemnity," and of how St. Thomas believes it relates to "the whole mystery of our salvation."