By Mrs. Adfero
If there was ever a book for our times, it
is Nothing Superfluous: An Explanation of the Symbolism of the Rite of St.
Gregory the Great by The Rev. James W. Jackson, FSSP.
We have found ourselves in a pivotal
moment in history as we watch the COVID-19 pandemic unfold. We are deprived of assisting at the Mass in a
Church. We are isolated from one another. We find ourselves depending upon the fickle
internet on our technological devices to connect with one another and to help
us fulfill the Sunday obligation we hold so dear.
With so much anxiety, uncertainty, and an
onslaught of information regarding the coronavirus crisis, Nothing
Superfluous will bring you calm and a deeper, richer appreciation for the
Mass, “A Pearl of Great Price.” Written plainly and clearly, as for an adult
education class, it does not intimidate with lofty academic language, making
the information in this book accessible for all.
The symbolism in this book of the Rite of
St. Gregory the Great is stunning. Fr.
Jackson does not leave anything out – from the reason we use the Latin language
in the Mass, which many may know, to the symbolism of the cavity of the bell,
which many may not know.
This book will renew in your hearts and minds and
deepen your appreciation for the Mass. The
Mass of the Rite of St. Gregory the Great is a Mass that was organically
composed over time in complete harmony with the Church traditions that had come
before. The liturgy, from the words and
gestures, to the Church buildings, art and architecture, were rich with the magnificent
history, traditions, and symbolism that sought to unite souls to Christ. Fr. Jackson shows us how every element of the
liturgy is steeped with fascinating symbolism from thousands of years of
Catholic history whose organic composition was guided by the Holy Ghost using
human ingenuity. Nothing is superfluous,
everything is essential, to our worship of God.
Worshiping God is our primary duty. I encourage you to use this time of
deprivation from the Mass and Sacraments to fortify your understanding and
appreciation for the Mass of all time.
Personally, our homeschooling family plans to read
this book aloud together during this time.
Our hope is that once we are able to assist at Mass in person again, our
family will recognize and understand the elements of the Mass that we learned
about in this book, and it will deepen our worship at Mass.
CLICK HERE to buy the book for just $17.95 from Amazon. There's a delay in shipping but worth the wait.
