I have been fortunate this Lenten season to have a very deep and very broad selection of writings and devotional materials to inspire my meditations. Bread and Wine: Readings for Lent and Easter has been one of the very rich pools that I have been dipping into.
There are several things that I like about this collection of readings. First, out of all the devotional reading I have been involved with this season, Bread and Wine is by far the most intellectually stimulating. The second thing that has been very enjoyable to me is the great diversity of authors included in this collection. The diversity is not limited in any way; there are both men and women writers spanning the entire two millennia of the Church and from every tradition of the Christian faith, truly a spiritual cornucopia of devotional writing. Despite these things being a couple of my favorite features of this book, these points also produced the most uncomfortable tension for me.
Some of the writings really pushed my thinking. The level of writing and degree of intelligence of the original author was at the very limit of my ability to comprehend. This isn't entirely a bad thing, but there were days that I left the reading more exasperated and frustrated than inspired. I realize this point is entirely subjective and the experience of other people might be completely different with these same writings to which I refer, but I think it is a point worth mentioning nonetheless. Also worth mentioning is the other side of the diversity point. Some of the ideas presented in these writings are very different from what I have been exposed to; consequently, my thinking and my theology has been challenged. Again, this isn't a bad thing, but there were many days that my doctrinal precepts were drawn into wrestling matches. I believe the point here is that Bread and Wine is not for the passive reader, it is a challenging and engaging read no matter your background and no matter intellectual level.
The format of the book is thematic, following the Lenten movement from Ash Wednesday and into Eastertide. There are approximately two weeks' worth of writing for each of the movements which follow: Section One - Invitation, Section Two - Temptation, Section Three - Passion, Section Four - Crucifixion, Section Five - Resurrection, and Section Six - New Life.
Bread and Wine also includes a very detailed list of sources and a very brief biographical index of authors found at the end of the book. Personally, I find this an important inclusion and very helpful to me should I desire to dig deeper with my own studies.
Publishers Weekly writes about Bread and Wine saying, "Hardhitting and beautifully written [featuring] Christendom's most celebrated masters." I absolutely agree with this assessment. While I might not consider this my favorite reading for this season, I'm sure it will grow on me as one that will become one of my favorites and will likely become a resource I go to repeatedly for inspiration and challenge. There is much to like about this collection of writings, but as I have mentioned, it is not for the faint of heart. Prepare to be challenged and prepare to grow spiritually; that is... if you engage the challenge.
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Top reviews from other countries
A. Walker-morecroft
The title is exactly what it is
Reviewed in the United Kingdom on May 2, 2013
