The Threefold Garland: The World's Salvation in Mary's Prayer

by Hans Urs von Balthasar, Erasmo Leiva-Merikakis (Translator)

The renowned Swiss theologian offers in this little book very beautiful and practical reflections for praying and living the 15 mysteries of the Rosary. He makes the profound truths and events of our salvation take on a freshness and splendor by allowing the reader to enter his own contemplation of the mysteries. Von Balthasar's theology is a theology that does not read like theology, but one that derives from prayer and leads back to prayer. Contemplating each of the Joyful, Sorrowful and Glorious mysteries, with his focus on Jesus' giving himself for us - and Mary's part in it - Von Blathasar  leads the reader to see that "Christian prayer can attain to God only along the path God himself has trod" - a God who not only addresses his Word to us, but makes it live among us. Von Balthasar says his meditations are designed to "free the prayer of the Rosary from a certain narrowness, alien to Mary's own spirit and easily leading to monotony, and to nourish it . . . with the fullness of God's saving thoughts and saving deeds for the world."

Genres: Theology

146 pages, Paperback

First published June 1, 1982

About the author

Hans Urs von Balthasar was a Swiss theologian and priest who was nominated to be a cardinal of the Catholic Church. He is considered one of the most important theologians of the 20th century.

Born in Lucerne, Switzerland on 12 August 1905, he attended Stella Matutina (Jesuit school) in Feldkirch, Austria. He studied in Vienna, Berlin and Zurich, gaining a doctorate in German literature. He joined the Jesuits in 1929, and was ordained in 1936. He worked in Basel as a student chaplain. In 1950 he left the Jesuit order, feeling that God had called him to found a Secular Institute, a lay form of consecrated life that sought to work for the sanctification of the world especially from within. He joined the diocese of Chur. From the low point of being banned from teaching, his reputation eventually rose to the extent that John Paul II asked him to be a cardinal in 1988. However he died in his home in Basel on 26 June 1988, two days before the ceremony. Balthasar was interred in the Hofkirche cemetery in Lucern.

Along with Karl Rahner and Bernard Lonergan, Balthasar sought to offer an intellectual, faithful response to Western modernism. While Rahner offered a progressive, accommodating position on modernity and Lonergan worked out a philosophy of history that sought to critically appropriate modernity, Balthasar resisted the reductionism and human focus of modernity, wanting Christianity to challenge modern sensibilities.

Balthasar is very eclectic in his approach, sources, and interests and remains difficult to categorize. An example of his eclecticism was his long study and conversation with the influential Reformed Swiss theologian, Karl Barth, of whose work he wrote the first Catholic analysis and response. Although Balthasar's major points of analysis on Karl Barth's work have been disputed, his The Theology of Karl Barth: Exposition and Interpretation (1951) remains a classic work for its sensitivity and insight; Karl Barth himself agreed with its analysis of his own theological enterprise, calling it the best book on his own theology.

Balthasar's Theological Dramatic Theory has influenced the work of Raymund Schwager.

Reviews

[Frank R. · Rating 3 out of 5]

I am a “cradle Catholic” who has since moved away from the Church; a true Lapsi who is now a Humanist. It does not detract, however, from my ability to feel moved at the sentiments for the mysteries of faith espoused by the Church and von Balthasar’s loving devotion to Mary and Jesus in this little book. This is a gem for Catholics despite its conjectures about the personality of gospel characters, their motivations, and even some of the cultural contexts in which they inhabited.

Some his prose may not be accurate historically but then again, this is devotional literature meant to unite the reader to this group of the early Church so long ago. The Catholic Church and schools were always great at socializing attachment and emotion to Jesus, Mary, Apostles, etc. This definitely evokes those attachments and humanizes the founding family and figures of Christianity. Powerful and emotional even for those who have left the Church.

[Eric · Rating 5 out of 5]

A short and sweet treasure on the mysteries and on the true sacrifice.

Mind-blown when they mention the existential suffering of Jesus on the cross. It is when He has taken upon all our sins that He has truly become separated from God (as God is incompatible with sin).

[WTD JR · Rating 5 out of 5]

Deep book about the Rosary and its significance. For Von Balthasaar, who can be extremely difficult to follow, this book is very approachable.

It would be a great Lenten read. Eat it in small bites however, as it is very insightful.

[Zachary McGuinness · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a good read but not an essential one. I originally thought it was pretty average, offering some good fuel for meditation but nothing more. However, many lines in the book's second half caused me to set the book down and pray for an extended period before moving on, sometimes for days. Because of these golden lines, I will surely revisit these reflections on the mysteries of the rosary.

[Joyce · Rating 5 out of 5]

Short but beautiful and profound meditations on each of the 15 Mysteries of the Rosary. Von Balthazar focuses particularly on the Trinitarian aspect of each one, with special attention to Our Lady's example of humility and assent to God.

Fantastic. Definitely going to reread this one!

[Donna · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is a book of Rosary meditations that are helpful to reflect on the different scenes of Christ's life and Mary's role as the mother of Jesus and so, our mother. It is a worthwhile read.