Abstract
Christocentrism should be the hallmark of Christian theology and life; this may sound like a truism, but the honoree of this volume, Father Robert Imbelli, is right that it must be stated and, more importantly, remembered. The editor, Andrew Meszaros (St. Patrick’s College, Maynooth, Ireland), foregrounds such concern with “Christological amnesia” (5–7), and proposes deep remembrance as an antidote that could, in Imbelli’s phrase, “rekindle the Christic imagination” needed for vibrant evangelization (17). Imbelli and Meszaros present a slightly gloomier diagnosis than would I of Christians’ “silent apostasy,” or failure to uphold Christocentricity (I prefer “perpetual distraction” or “habituation in mercilessness”—perhaps no less gloomy!). Still, I share their hope, which is amply articulated by this volume’s all-star cast of fifteen authors, that devoted life centered on Jesus remains good news for our world.
If a pedestrian Festschrift exists, this is not one. It is luminous. Every single chapter is wondrously composed and richly documented. Treatments of contemporary theologians (Ratzinger by Wicks and Ruddy, Lonergan by Lawrence, John Paul II by Connors, Balthasar by Franks, Imbelli himself by Salzmann and Weinandy), Vatican II (Guarino), historical figures (Irenaeus by Anatolios, Isaac of Stella by Peters, Augustine by Daley, Hugh of St. Victor by Coolman—these latter two display particular brilliance) and the Bible (O’Collins and Levering) gather abundant resources for theology, preaching, evangelization, and action. Any chapter’s theological, historical, or exegetical spark could help rekindle the Christic imagination; together, they promise a fire (Mt 3:11; Lk 3:16).