wonderingpilgrim

Lectionary Haiku 21 March 2022

Accessing wisdom is tricky. Acting on it is even more hazardous. It involves knowing ourselves and our tendency to deny and deflect. Today’s passages hold up a mirror, not to discourage, but correct. Psalm 39 How fleeting my lifeLike a shade, it passes byBut I would be known **************************** Jeremiah 11:1-17 Broken covenantBy you whoContinue reading “Lectionary Haiku 21 March 2022”

Lectionary Haiku 20 March 2022

Third Sunday in Lent “Know where your true nourishment comes from!” seems to be the theme running through today’s lections. Isaiah 55:1-9 No, not just waterbut wine, milk and sweet honeyfor those who know where ****************************** Psalm 63:1-8 Soul’s sanctuaryThere my strength will be renewedDwelling with my God! ****************************** 1 Corinthians 10:1-13 With Christ asContinue reading “Lectionary Haiku 20 March 2022”

Lectionary Haiku 19 March 2022

Today’s texts will appeal to passionate gardeners! Psalm 63:1-8 Dry and weary landCries out for drenching waterJust like my parched soul ************************** Isaiah 5:1-7 Passion poured out onThe vineyard that would not yieldPerhaps compost it. ************************* Luke 6:43-45 A gardener seesEach tree is known by its fruitGood and bad alike *************************

Lectionary Haiku 18 March 2022

Apocalyptic writings are full of hidden messages for troubled times. They are written to specific communities facing specific times of duress, but with an everlasting theme – no matter how devastating your experience, there is good reason for faith to endure. Psalm 63:1-8 I gaze on your goodNo matter how I’m worn downThis act sustainsContinue reading “Lectionary Haiku 18 March 2022”

Lectionary Haiku 17 March 2022

Each of today’s readings arises from contexts of acute awareness of danger. The Psalm is from David as a fugitive from Saul. The fiery furnace of Daniel and the missive in Revelation both speak of times of holding fast against persecution, both external and from our own thoughts within. Psalm 63:1-8 Outside all is bleakWithin,Continue reading “Lectionary Haiku 17 March 2022”

Lectionary Haiku 16 March 2022

There is no escaping conflict, but there is always a firm foundation from which to meet it. Ukraine is a current example as is our continuing Psalm for the day. The Book of Chronicles peeks into a pending invasion of Judah that also reveals this principle. Luke reminds us of the razor-sharp focus required. PsalmContinue reading “Lectionary Haiku 16 March 2022”

Lectionary Haiku 15 March 2022

Beware the Ides of March! Today’s texts are full of warnings. The Psalmist summons the people to always remember their salvation history. The remaining texts dwell on rebellion by those whom Moses was leading through the wilderness. YHWH never abandoned the Promise but neither are the people of God freed from the self-enacted consequences ofContinue reading “Lectionary Haiku 15 March 2022”

Lectionary Haiku 14 March 2022

Today’s texts reveal that it is no easy thing to live out a developing faith tradition. The Psalm rehearses the remembered history, warts and all, as a basis for confidence in YHWH, whose necessarily harsh discipline (see the Exodus link) has moulded Israel as a “people of promise.” Nevertheless, Paul argues from Abraham’s example thatContinue reading “Lectionary Haiku 14 March 2022”

Lectionary Haiku 13 March 2022

Second Sunday in Lent YHWH terrifyingly seals a promise to Abraham. The Psalm reiterates confidence. Philippians expands on Christ as the ultimate source of fulfilment and the Gospel returns us to the painful cost to be embraced. Genesis 15:1-12, 17-18 Smoke and fire at nightMysteriously pass byA promise is made +++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++ Psalm 27 Wait forContinue reading “Lectionary Haiku 13 March 2022”

Lectionary Haiku 12 March 2022

There are two Psalms for the price of one today, both pursuing the theme of confidence in a sound relationship with YHWH. From this place, true lament can be expressed, as Jesus does over Jerusalem. Psalm 27 Though evil surrounds meMy heart remains in YahwehAnd I sing to God ++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++ Psalm 118:26-29 Steadfast love enduresEverContinue reading “Lectionary Haiku 12 March 2022”