Writing for the ordinary layman, who must say these responses week after week, the author ranges lightly over the historical development of the phrase in question and then with wit, precision and insight shows what we should mean when we say it: what relevance it has for the spiritual and human life of the individual and of the worshipping community gathered in the Church at Mass. Once one has read this book, it is never again possible to drone one of these phrases without meaning it: and thereby one's whole participation at Mass is altered, becomes real, understanding and international, meaningful prayer.