Reckless Pilgrims

In this provocative yet thoughtful collection of poems, Rev. Sabel reinvigorates the neglected art of poetical reflection on the Christian life. Avoiding the dull didacticism and self-interrogation which characterize much contemporary poetry, Sabel's work recalls a more fundamental and generous purpose in poetry: it invites the reader to contemplate matters which can only be intimated. The matters which Rev. Sabel calls us to contemplate are those of the Christian life "e;in a time when the Christian faith is an option among many, and when the politics of the moment seems to pollute the faith beyond recognition."e; Sabel's reflections remind us that faith and art need not be separated; that, indeed, the Old and New Testament abound in a poetic rhythm, repetition, and representation which serve the glory of God. The poems in this volume--as indicated in its title--should be understood as a pilgrimage: a pilgrimage which takes the ancient affinity between faith and art as its point of origin, and which traverses out of this origin onto the uncertain paths of twenty-first-century Christian life. As all pilgrimages do, this pilgrimage aims at eternal life with Christ Jesus. On this pilgrimage, Rev. Sabel invites us as fellow travelers.