The Crown and the Fire: Meditations on the Cross and the Life of the Spir

The Crown and the Fire by N.T. Wright is a book well worth not only reading, but contemplating for some time. As the extended title says, this book is a collection of "Meditations on the Cross and the Life of the Spirit." Each of these meditations are wonderfully instructive. One reason why is that none of them come at a given topic from the same perspective. Each piece is not only well thought out, but also thought in a totally different way from the others. The first half of the book is a collection of meditations on various bystanders at the crucifixion and their reactions to the suffering and death of Jesus. My two favorites are: "Son, we have sought you sorrowing", and "What I have written I have written". The former speaks movingly of Mary's role as Theotokos, the God-Bearer. The piece beautifully illustrates the role of Christians, more accurately-the call of Christians to be Theotokoi, God-Bearers, in the world of today. The latter shows just how radical the message of Jesus was and is. It clearly illustrates how the call to follow the Savior has always been and will always be one that leads to conflict with the world.The second part contains six pieces on various topics such as the call of God and the groaning of the Spirit.My favorite piece in the second half is called "The New Creation". Which is a reflection on John 21 and what it means to live as a New Creation. This piece contains a wonderful passage: "The word became flesh, said St John, and the Church has turned the flesh back into words: words of good advice, words of comfort, words of wisdom and encouragement, yes, but what changes the world is flesh, words with skin on them, words that hug you and play with you and love you and rebuke you and build houses with you and teach your children in school."I wish I could express the depth and insight of some of these reflections here in my little review. Unfortunately, I am ill suited for the task. Since I cannot, you'll just have to buy the book and see for yourself.

This volume of 13 meditations and sermons that challenges our thinking, particularly suitable for Lent. The first section considers the seven words that were spoken TO the cross, rather than the customary seven words FROM the cross. The words from Mary and the Roman centurion gives a framework for thinking what it means to be a Messiah and how at the time, there was hope, even for Mary, that He be a political leader of the people. Wright makes us think of what His death and "Victory over death" means and what it means to be Son of God.The second half of the book contains eclectic sermons, such as the "New Creation" of Christ's resurrection, the call and groaning of the Spirit, and of the Eucharist. This book provides powerful seeds of thought for Lenten meditations