Bread and Wine: Readings for Lent and Easter

(Hardback)

Publishing Details

Classifications

Physical Properties

Description

Though Easter (like Christmas) is often trivialized by the culture at large, it is still the high point of the religious calendar for millions of people around the world. And for most of them, there can be no Easter without Lent, the season that leads up to it. A time for self-denial, soul-searching, and spiritual preparation, Lent is traditionally observed by daily reading and reflection. Hence this new collection, which promises to satisfy the growing hunger for meaningful and accessible devotions. Culled from the wealth of 20 centuries, the selections in "Bread and Wine" are ecumenical in scope, and represent the best classic and contemporary Christian writers. The book includes approximately 50 readings on Easter and related themes by Thomas a Kempis, Frederic Buechner, Oswald Chambers, G.K. Chesterton, Alfred Kazin, Jane Kenyon, Soren Kierkegaard, Thomas Merton, Henri Nouwen, Oscar Romero, Blaise Pascal, Christina Rossetti, Dorothy Sayers, Edith Stein, John Updike, Walter Wangerin, William Willimon, Philip Yancey, and others.

Reviews

Has there ever been a more hard-hitting, beautifully written, theologically inclusive anthology of writings for Lent and Easter It's doubtful. Many readers may well find that this collection-a sequel to Plough's highly successful Watch for the Light: Readings for Advent and Christmas-is the one book they return to year after year, forgoing their usual custom of buying a new Lenten devotional each spring. Six separate sections (Invitation, Temptation, Passion, Crucifixion, Resurrection and New Life) guide readers through the essential elements of spiritual preparation and feature writings from some of Christendom's most celebrated masters. Classic thinkers such as Martin Luther and John Donne share space with 20th-century theologians like C.S. Lewis, G.K. Chesterton and Dorothy Day. There is also a generous sampling from contemporary writers, including Philip Yancey, John Updike, Frederick Buechner, Madeleine L'Engle, Henri Nouwen and Brennan Manning. Caveat lector: no one should have this much pleasure during Lent! -- Publishers Weekly (starred review)