A Lent Sourcebook: The Forty Days

by Peter Mazar, J. Robert Baker (Editor), Evelyn Kaehler (Editor)

An anthology of hymns, poems, prayers, homilies, and reflections gathered from ancient and modern sources on a variety of Lenten themes, interspersed with scripture passages.

461 pages, Paperback

First published August 11, 2007

Reviews

[Josef Muench]

Another mixed bag in this series. Of the three volumes I've read so far, this one contained the largest share of profound and worthwhile selections, but at the same time it came with the seemingly-obligatory nods to Ramadan, Judaism, and women's ordination. Vatican II at its finest, I guess.

[Diane]

Even though this book assumes the reader will only dip into its pages, I am reading it cover to cover. The richness and variety of the material will appeal to a wide variety of readers. Each day in Lent has perhaps 20 short readings, and a theme of sorts, including appropriate Scripture, poems, diary entries, hymns, commentary from Church fathers of all centuries. I find the lesser known African American Spirituals some of the most moving inclusions. If you are looking for additional inspiration for your Lenten reading, this is a terrific choice.