"This book is an essay in liturgical theology," writes Max Thurian, "It is in fact a study in biblical theology which seeks to provide a firm basis for the eucharistic liturgy in the great Judaeo-Christian tradition represented by the Scriptures." From the insights which came to him within the Brotherhood of Taizé in France, Max Thurian believes that the real presence of Christ must be studied within the 'liturgical action' and not isolated as a separate theological problem. In the Reformed tradition of Taizé he turns, therefore, to a study of the Scriptures and opens the Scriptural meaning of the Eucharistic memorial as seen in the Old and New Testaments.

Volume I deals with the Old Testament background.

Foreword
Introduction

I. The Memorial and the Passover
II. The Memorial as a Liturgical Term
III. The Memorial of the Passover and of Unleavened Bread
     The Passover
     Unleavened Bread
IV. The Memorial of the Meal Offering
     The Various Sacrifices
     The Oblation or Meal Offering
     The Shewbread
     The Sacrifices of the Poor, the Sick and of Sinners
V. The Memorial in the Liturgy
     The Ephod and the Breastplate
     The Prayer of Intercession
     The Liturgical Vestments
     The Robe of the Ephod and the Trumpets
     Liturgical Music in the Eucharist
     Beauty in the Liturgy as a Memorial of God's Marvellous Acts
     Images and the Eucharist
VI. The Memorial of Prayer
     The Intercession of the Angels and the Communion of Saints
     The Prayer of the Incense and of Lights
     Prayer "in the name of ..."

Appendix
Index

• Foreword (PDF, 88 KB)
• Introduction (PDF, 466 KB)
• Part 1, Chapter II: The Memorial as a Liturgical Term (PDF, 340 KB)