As the Church Year passes, we anticipate the next festival and season, in much the same way as gardeners look for the first signs of spring or the first frosts of winter, as they plan their planting activities. So, in the Church, Advent passes into Christmas and Epiphany with a speed that seems driven by activity as much as reflection; but the approach of Ash Wednesday can catch us unawares, especially in a year with an early Easter. St Brigid's Day and Candlemas, set at the beginning of February, warn us that we need to think about how to make the most of the weeks to pray our way, once more, through the days of the Passion and Resurrection of Christ.

By taking the Cross, and even more specifically, the words Jesus spoke while nailed to that Cross, over the course of some weeks, rather than a few hours on Good Friday, we have time to consider more deeply the inner themes and conclusions. This meditation will help us to prepare for Holy Week, with a mind and heart familiar with the readings and ready to be filled with our own prayerful reflections. If this small book can prompt a mindset of deliberately slowing the pace of the contemplation of Christ's words, and especially those from the Cross, then it has fulfilled its purpose.

About the Author
John Mann is an Anglican priest, with a long association with Northern Ireland, from undergraduate days, during some of the worst years of the Troubles, to Dean of Belfast Cathedral during the 'decade of centenaries' encompassing that of the sinking of the Titanic to the commemorations associated with the First World War. In 2018 Dean Mann was awarded the Lambeth Cross for Ecumenism by the Archbishop of Canterbury and holds an honorary D.Litt from Ulster University for service to the community. Dean Mann's previous work includes, Lent with Saint John's Gospel (2014). He is retired and living on the Isle of Man.

Reviews

'The author's aspiration that 'this small book prompt a deliberate slowing of the pace of the contemplation of Christ's words, especially those from the cross' is both eminently admirable and achievable.'

* The Furrow *

[Mann's] writing reflects both the heart of a priest and the pen of a poet, [with] thoughtful, eloquent, and generative reflections on Scripture.'

* Church of Ireland Gazette *

'offers us a fresh way of looking at the cross and ourselves through the prism of the healing power of Christ.'

* Methodist Recorder *

'pleasingly clear and fluent style, easy to navigate... engaging and challenging, I heartily recommend this book.'

* Search journal *

'pleasingly clear and fluent style, easy to navigate...engaging and challenging, I heartily recommend this book.'

* Search journal *



Book Information
ISBN 9781788126755
Author John Mann
Format Paperback
Page Count 80
Imprint Messenger Publications
Publisher Messenger Publications