Restoring Liturgy (Book Review of The Liturgical Year by Joan Chittister)

The word liturgy often conjures up thoughts of dried up traditions void of meaning for the 21st century. The Liturgical Year: The Spiraling Adventure of the Spiritual Life by Joan Chittister (Part of the Ancient Practices Series) seeks to debunk this myth that the liturgical year is meaningless ritual and irrelevant practice for the modern Christians. Writing from the perspective of a Roman Catholic Benedictine Sister, Chittister writes to introduce a new audience to the celebrated tradition of the Holy Week, Advent, Lent, Ordinary Time, etc. Her aim is to rediscover the footsteps of the ancients who have handed down to us a tradition meant not to stifle the soul, but to nourish the soul as one follows in the footsteps of Jesus.

Sister Joan explores the major seasons and feast of the Christian calendar and relates them to the growth of the believer. The purpose of liturgy is not mere observance but it is meant to align the heart, mind and soul with the Father, Son and Holy Spirit. To one who did not grow up in a tradition with much liturgy, this book was helpful in providing meaning to the tradition. Sister Joan reminds believers that every Sunday is a “little Easter” in that it is a day to celebrate the Resurrection of Christ on which the entire Christian faith rests. Chittister does a fine job of introducing the seasons of Advent and Lent. This book is not meant to be a textbook on all the details surrounding the liturgical calendar. It is written by a Sister who has lived this cycle year after year, offering a personal and ecumenical approach to the liturgical calendar. If you are looking for a more detailed argument and historical account, then this book will not suffice. If you are interested in learning about liturgy and bringing meaning to the tradition, then this book will provide a great introduction. She transforms misunderstood ritual into a newfound understanding of the great tradition handed down to us from the saints of old. The liturgical calendar is something that can provide seasons of remembrance, reflection, and rejuvenation.

Note: I received a complimentary copy of this book through the Booksneeze program for the purpose of reviewing. 

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