“Reading Christopher McMahon’’s Called Together reminded me of the restoration work on the Sistine Chapel. Beneath layers of accumulated dust and grime, the artists showed a magnificent, bright, colorful work that challenged sensibilities and elicited deep thinking on the nature of God, and on creation, life, death, judgment, and resurrection. Chris has done similar work in helping us think about the Church. Recent years have made us keenly aware of the “grime,” but he has shown us that underneath it is something beautiful, dynamic, and challenging. I recommend this substantive, erudite, and yet very readable book to both students and others interested in a basic question: who does Jesus call us together to be for the world?”