April 2014 – A Seminarian’s Letters Home

To the membership of Circle of Faith Parish:

Greetings to you all from Evanston, IL! As I write this, the snow is steadily melting out there, rain is drizzling down, and the temperature is climbing. Spring is on its way. But every once in a while, a cold wind blows in off Lake Michigan and bites through my jacket, reminding me that spring isn’t fully here yet. Winter still has a strong grip, and is determined, or so it seems, to fight to the last icy breath. Before long, we will be able to come back together and celebrate Christ’s resur-rection. But we’re not out of the wilderness yet. Still, there may be some hope on the horizon.

In Western Christianity, of which Lutherans are very much a part, the fourth Sunday is Lent is called Lenten Rose Sun-day. The vestments and paraments in many churches change from purple to pink, a glimmer of hope that the fast won’t last forever. Those who have decided to adhere to some strict practice during Lent are allowed to relax a bit on this day, to remind themselves that it’s not all about what they have given up. The next week, we see purple again. From then on, though, it blushes into the crimson of Holy Week and the starkness of Good Friday, dawning again in white and gold. Then we will be in the queen of seasons. Then spring will truly have come. Then we will have crossed over Jordan into the holy light of Easter.

As we continue through the wilderness of Lent’s wintry paths, let us pray for God’s blessing, using these words:

Bend your ear to our prayers, Lord Christ, and come among us. By your gracious life and death for us, bring light into the darkness of our hearts, and anoint us with your Spirit, for you live and reign with the Father and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever. Amen. [ELW, Lent 4A]

The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, the love of God, and the communion of the Holy Spirit be with you all.

Your fellow member and pilgrim,

Carl P. Rabbe, M.Div.