Dr. Hahn's latest offering is a fleshing out of one of his most famous talks. In it he provides a bit of autobiography, a concise overview of key points in salvation history, deeper meaning into the Last Supper and the Mass, and finally some takeaways for the reader.
The autobiographical part relates to how his quest led to conversion from Protestantism to Catholicism -- what he discovered and relates in this book is what brought him into the Church. His study led him to review Passover intently which in turn had him scouring numerous books on the subject, especially the Old Testament. Eventually it even brought him to his first Mass (which changed everything)! Applying his learnings to the events of Holy Week (with a major assist from the Church Fathers) brought him to the new insight that answers the question: To what was Jesus referring when He cried His last words from the cross: "It is finished"? In the last chapter, Hahn provides for us the challenge of taking up our own crosses and appreciating the power of redemptive suffering.
For one, like me, who has read much of his work, listened (in person and on tape/CD) to dozens of his talks, some repeatedly (like "The Fourth Cup"), and even was privileged to study under him, there is not much new here. But the way he puts it all together, covering so much ground quite succinctly and in such a winsome and highly readable manner, is extraordinary. He is particularly gifted in that, whether speaking or writing, he keeps you captivated. Witness that I finished the book in one sitting after receiving it late this afternoon.
I highly recommend this as Lenten reading as the Passover and Last Supper are the reason for this book. Read it and then attend Mass throughout the Easter Triduum for an entirely new experience of those solemn three days before Easter. And get an extra copy for a friend or acquaintance as I did. A simple question from his pastor at a Sunday service sent the author on a quest that brought him into the fullness of truth, the Catholic Church. Maybe it will start that journey for a non-Catholic friend of yours. In any case, the reader, Catholic or otherwise, will not come away from this book without a deeper appreciation of the Lord of History.