Bread and Wine: Readings for Lent and Easter [Paperback]

Orbis Books (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: January 1, 2005

From the world's best-loved spiritual writers, here is an unparalleled gathering of reflections for Lent.

A time of self-denial, soul searching, and spiritual preparation, Lent is a fitting season for daily reading and reflection. Grouped around such themes as temptation, crucifixion, resurrection, and new life, Bread and Wine can be dipped into at leisure or used as a guide to daily devotions--and returned to at any time year for spiritual revitalization.

Selections include writings by C.S. Lewis, G.K. Chesterton, Philip Yancey, Madeline L'Engle, Henri Nouwen, Dietrich Bonhoeffer, John Donne, Thomas Merton, St. Augustine, Mother Teresa, John Updike, Leo Tolstoy, Fyodor Dostoevsky, and many others.

Editorial Reviews

From Publishers Weekly

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!
Copyright 2003 Reed Business Information, Inc. --This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.

Review

"Hardhitting and beautifully written [featuring] Christendom's most celebrated masters." -- Publishers Weekly (starred review)

See all Editorial Reviews

Product Details

• Paperback: 412 pages
• Publisher: Orbis Books (January 1, 2005)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1570755728
• ISBN-13: 978-1570755729
• Product Dimensions: 7.2 x 5.1 x 1 inches
• Shipping Weight: 13.6 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.8 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (24 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #233,890 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)
  • #22 in Books > Christian Books & Bibles > Holidays > Easter
  • #24 in Books > Christian Books & Bibles > Holidays > Lent

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

52 of 53 people found the following review helpful

5.0 out of 5 stars A Wonderful Collection June 8, 2003

By Paul M. Dubuc

Format:Hardcover

"For Breadth of scope and depth of insight nothing rivals this collection", says on the dust jacket. I heartily agree! This collection of readings is the best supplement to Lenten and Easter devotional reading that I have ever used. I've never seen such a selection of great authors' writings between the covers of one book. Each of the 72 selections are about 4 or 5 pages long. They are grouped into 6 sections that form a progression from the Invitation prepare for Easter by seriously examining oneself and following through on the themes of Temptation, Passion, Crucifixion, Resurrection and New Life. There are quite a variety of perspectives represented in these writings. Every one of them will reward the thoughtful reader in different ways. There isn't a dull one in the bunch. These aren't shallow "inspirational" writings. They will challenge and encourage, and sustain serious reflection. It's hard to pick a favorite, but I'd say that Malcolm Muggeridge's "Impending Resurrection" was the high point. I highly recommend this book.

32 of 34 people found the following review helpful

5.0 out of 5 stars small, beautiful, inspirational March 26, 2003

By audrey TOP 500 REVIEWER

Format:Hardcover|Amazon Verified Purchase

This is a small, easily-carried book organized into the topics of Invitation, Temptation, Passion, Crucifixion, Resurrection and New Life. The 72 essays are from an eclectic mix of authors: Oscar Wilde, Thomas Merton, John Donne, Kahlil Gibran, Blaise Pascal, Martin Luther, G.K.Chesterton, Mother Teresa, Dylan Thomas, John Updike, Dorothy Sayers, Madeleine L'Engle, Leo Tolstoy and many others. Selections are typically five to six pages long, and printed in a large clean font on heavy paper. There are a few poems, but primarily prose is used to inspire and to comfort.

A wonderful little book.

16 of 17 people found the following review helpful

5.0 out of 5 stars A unique spiritual experience. March 12, 2007

By Brad Shorr

Format:Paperback

These 72 brief essays are loaded with inspiring and challenging spiritual insight. The authors are incredibly diverse--Leo Tolstoy, Thomas a Kempis, Meister Eckhart, Martin Luther, Mother Teresa, and John Updike, to name a few. Not every contributor is a household name, but every reflection is moving and powerful...

"Christianity is the only religion on earth that has felt that omnipotence made God incomplete." G.K. Chesterton

"If the ultimate, the hardest, cannot be asked of me; if my fellows hesitate to ask it and turn to someone else, then I know nothing of Calvary love." Amy Carmichael

"The essence of sin is man substituting himself for God, while the essence of salvation is God substituting himself for man." John Scott

"A follower is or strives to be what he admires. An admirer, however, keeps himself personally detached." Soren Kierkegaard

Those thoughts alone might supply forty days-worth of spiritual reflection! For preparation and renewal, this book is can be opened again and again.

6 of 8 people found the following review helpful

5.0 out of 5 stars TERRIFIC!!! June 12, 2006

By EyesLiketheSea

Format:Paperback

I purchased this book as it looked interesting per the Bas Bleu book review. I read it even outside the Lent season; I feel that reading a short essay or two each day keeps me grounded and remembering to pray, and to be thankful every day. I am not a big church goer, and I found this book to be very engrossing. The variety of writers and topics holds the reader's attention; I think anyone who believes in a higher power will find this book very enjoyable.

1 of 1 people found the following review helpful

5.0 out of 5 stars A great Lenten resource - February 24, 2012

By Lincoln S. Dall

Format:Paperback|Amazon Verified Purchase

Lent is a very special time of the year for us as Christians. I am always looking for devotionals to read during the Lenten season. I picked up this book from Amazon the first year I served as a priest when I was preparing a Lenten retreat to give at my parish. I really liked the diversity of the reflections contained in this volume. Sometime the theme of one of these essays helped me with an idea for my homily, and sometimes they gave me pause for thought as I continued along my own Lenten journey. This is a great Lenten companion.

1 of 1 people found the following review helpful

5.0 out of 5 stars Book - Bread and Wine October 10, 2011

By Nicky

Format:Paperback|Amazon Verified Purchase

While I've not yet read this book extensively because it is a Lenten/Easter prayer book, I was happy with my initial perusal. It seems to be just the book I was looking for.

1 of 1 people found the following review helpful

5.0 out of 5 stars Devotional September 16, 2011

By Betty Boop

Format:Paperback|Amazon Verified Purchase

Nice devotional reading for the Easter season. A little more than I was thinking it would be, I'm use to the phamplet style devotional. Although with this one you don't need to but one each year you can go back to this one each Easter season.

1 of 1 people found the following review helpful

5.0 out of 5 stars preparation for Easter April 6, 2011

By maureen

Format:Hardcover|Amazon Verified Purchase

This is the finest compilation of writings authors,mystics,church leaders and laymen prparatory for Easter that I have ever encountered. I recommend it highly.