Faces at the Cross: A Lent and Easter Collection of Poetry and Prose

Who was actually present at the crucifixion? Who was really there? It is the eternal question of the curious. In Part One of Faces, Barrie assembles his own partial answer, a cast of 17 characters who either are actually named in biblical accounts of the crucifixion or are representative of the many others presumed to have been there. Imaginative poetic monologues explore the emotions, confusions, rationalizations and insights of people like Simon of Cyrene, Mary Magdalen, the Centurion, a bystander, etc. Ultimately, of course, these reflections invite the reader to recognize his or her own face among the circle of those gathered at the cross. Part Two presents contemporary meditations on traditional Lenten themes such as sin, evil, greed, repentance and salvation. Part Three, a series of short verses arranged to lead their users from Ash Wednesday through Lent and Holy Week into Easter, is perfectly suited to enrich public worship and/or provide a catalyst for private devotions.