Getting Ready for Lent: A Reading Suggestion

Realizing that Ash Wednesday and the beginning of Lent is only ten days away, I've decided to go ahead and order Stanley Hauerwas's, Cross-Shattered Christ; Meditations on the Seven Last Words from www.amazon.com. Recommended as excellent Lenten reading by Dan Clendenin at Journey with Jesus, one reviewer, Halden Doerge, at www.amazon.com submitted this brief review:

This little book by Stanley Hauerwas is a wonderful gem of meditative theological reflection on the last seven words of Christ. Hauerwas powerfully reflects on each of these phrases and looks at how, through them we get glimpses of God and his wonderous interpretation and restoration of the world. All throughout, Hauerwas passionately explores the realities of Christ's cross and how its unfathomable 'victory-in-defeat' is the ground and center of Christian faith and life. This book will be a wonderful devotional tool for Lent and Eastertide. It's clear writting and powerful message make this an ideal book for all Christians. Highly recommended.

Well, inasmuch as I almost always find Hauerwas an especially perceptive (and often upsetting) Christian voice, Doerge's recommendation is good enough for me. I'm placing an order today. The book is only $10.49, and that looks like a real buy. If I read two or maybe three pages slowly as my lectio divina during Lent, I should be able to finish it by Easter Eve. Perhaps you'd like to read it with me.

If you've decided to read something or someone else during, tell us about your choice!