The Hidden Manna: A Theology of the Eucharist

by James T. O'Connor and Fr. James T. O'Connor

Book Overview

The Hidden Manna has become a classic on Eucharistic teaching. Now in a second edition, accompanied by a new introduction by Fr. Kenneth Baker, a new preface from the author, new material from John Paul II, and the original foreword by Cardinal John O'Connor, this in-depth study lets the breadth and richness of the Church's Tradition speak for itself.

Fr. O'Connor presents and comments on substantial excerpts from the major sources...

• Format: Paperback
• Language: English
• ISBN: 1586170767
• ISBN13: 9781586170769
• Release Date: March 2005
• Publisher: Ignatius Press
• Length: 420 Pages
• Weight: 1.20 lbs.
• Dimensions: 1.3" x 5.3" x 8.1"

Customer Reviews

Wonderful

The Eucharist is the source and summit of the faith, and this book does a great job of pointing out why.

Of greatest importance for every Christian

"Jesus said...except ye eat the flesh of the Son of man, and drink his blood, ye have no life in you." (John 6:53). In light of what Jesus taught, it is imperative for all Christians to understand his meaning. We cannot afford the possible consequences of not taking his words seriously. In this important study, Rev. O'Conner takes us on an historical journey to find what Christians have taught about these words from the earliest days of the church. It is a thorough and convincing study that will be difficult for any other study concerning this topic to improve upon. Rev. O'Conner attempts to let the early Christian writers do the talking and interjects only brief commentary and references to scripture to the discussion. In so doing, he leaves little room for escape from the inevitable conclusion. Reading the early church fathers is rather like drinking from a fire hose; there is always so much we miss and must keep going back to read it again. Despite that feeling in this work, Rev. O'Conner has successfully reduced the flow by carefully focused excerpts without removing context. It is a masterful work of editing. In addition, Rev. O'Conner's comments on each reading are clear and helpful in identifying key points. In the early 2nd century, as Rev. O'Conner points out, St. Ignatius refers to the great heresy of his day that denied the Eucharist was the body of blood of our Lord. That great heresy was gnosticism. Today's heresies may not use the same name but they continue to perpetuate the same old heresies. There truly is nothing new under the sun. Challenging and thorough. Very highly recommended as the best work on this important topic for every Christian.

An education in the Catholic Theology of the Eucharist

Where to begin? It took me a year to read The Hidden Manna: A Theology of the Eucharist by James T. O'Connor. This wonderful book is a comprehensive study on the Catholic Theology of the Eucharist. It is the kind of book that does not allow you to fly through. On almost every page I high-lighted a gem of information. This is not to say it is a difficult read. On the contrary. This book is just loaded with detailed and wonderful information. It is a history book and a theology primer. Starting with the New Testament and Early Church Fathers Fr. O'Connor takes the reader on a wonderful journey showing how Catholic Eucharistic thought has developed. He discusses consistancy in teaching, heresies, and how the Doctors of the Church viewed and added to this wonderful Theology. The book shows the reader how the Eucharist is really the center of Church thought and teaching. What is really wonderful is that this book ends in the 20th century, but it shows how throughout Catholic Church history there has been a consistancy of thought when it comes to the Eucharist. This is not to say that all theologians were in agreement. But even in disagreement the reader is lead to understand how they built upon one and other's theology. As a 21st Century Catholic I saw that as I focus on this primary of all Sacraments I am in unison with those 1st Century Christians. I recommend this book for Roman Catholics and all others who seek to understand why the Eucharist plays such an important part in Catholic thought and theology. This book is an anchor of Eucharistic study.

Extensive and Inspiring

From earliest Church Fathers, through the Council of Trent to present day popes, this book reviews the theologic proofs of the beauty and majesty of the greatest gift that God ever gave to creation- His Real Presence!