Taken from different talks and papers by Cardinal Ratzinger, this book makes practicable from several points of view the indispensable components of a theology of worship, according to Catholic Church teaching. For Ratzinger, the issue of liturgy is not merely a practical one, for in liturgy we deal with our understanding of God and this world, our relationship with Christ and with ourselves. In other words, the way we live the liturgy today in our churches will determine the future shape of our faith and church.