Overcome with Paschal Joy

The Lent-Easter seasons cover one-fourth of the year, or 25 percent of the liturgical year. One of the many things we do as Roman Catholics is sing Lenten and Easter hymns. During Lent, we express our sorrow for sin as we pray, fast, and give alms. During Easter, we shout Alleluias at the end of many hymns to express our praise of God for having raised Christ from the dead. Thus, those who observe Lent and Easter sing religious hymns written for each season. The sounds of Lenten hymns in minor keys give way to Easter hymns in major ones.This book presents an exercise for every day of Lent and Easter that combines the daily Scripture texts from the Lectionary for Mass with religious hymns sung during Lent and Easter. It is designed to be used by individuals for private prayer or by families for public prayer. A six-part exercise is offered for every one of the 135 entries: (1) the liturgical day, (2) the daily Scripture texts, (3) a verse from a traditional hymn, (4) a reflection, (5) a question for personal meditation, and (6) a concluding prayer.This book is a true delight. It adds a new dimension to the already large library of books one might have from Mark Boyer. In adding music, Mark adds a layer of experience not found in his previous writings. It makes sense to not only think about the Lenten and Easter journey, but to also sing the hymns of the liturgical season, thus enabling the reader to add greater spiritual insight into the Paschal Mystery.--Vernon Meyer, Pastor, Sun Lakes United Church of ChristOvercome with Paschal Joy creatively integrates daily scripture texts from the Lectionary for Mass with powerful hymns of Lent and Easter. Boyer skillfully guides the reader into deeper connection with the seasons of Lent and Easter, and greater relationship with God through meaningful reflections, contemplative meditations, and thoughtful prayer. This book will help individuals and families prayerfully prepare for the joy of Easter. --Matthew Ver Miller, Licensed Psychologist and Board Certified Coach, Rocky Mountain Professional CounselingMark G. Boyer--editor, author, retired priest, and college instructor--has been writing books on biblical and liturgical spirituality for thirty years. As an editor, he won over twenty journalism awards; as an author, he has penned forty-nine volumes; as a retired priest, he has served as pastor--even founding a new parish--and as a mission director; as college instructor, he has taught courses in Bible and film at Missouri State University, Springfield, for almost thirty years. This is his eighth Wipf and Stock title.