Category Archives: Personal

Fifth Sunday in Lent Today’s theme suggests times when it is appropriate to swap out the old for the new – habitual ways of thinking, methods of understanding, and scope for perceiving. Imagine these texts in dialogue with each other and enjoy! Isaiah 43:16-21 A new commandmentForget stories of rescueLook to the new thing! ***************************Continue reading “Lectionary Haiku 3 April 2022”

Today’s texts, following the Psalm, arise from contexts of raw living that have their parallels today, the survival of a people when their country is occupied – and adjusting to the task of maintaining community when sickness and prison chains bind us. Psalm 126 It happened beforeGod restored life to fullness‘Twill happen again. ***************************** IsaiahContinue reading “Lectionary Haiku 1 April 2022”

When one has been through the storm and come out the other side, one might sing a Psalm of reorientation. Such are today’s texts. Psalm 126 Restore us O GodAs we lick our fest’ring woundsreceiving your balm. **************************** Isaiah 43:1-7 Pass through the watersWalk through the hot fires unscorchedFor I am with you. ************************** PhilippiansContinue reading “Lectionary Haiku 31 March 2022”

When the foolish turn to God’s ways they discover an economy of abundance for the sake of Shalom, fulfilment for all (not the pale aberration of today’s prosperity doctrines). Psalm 53 Gladness enters inAnd blessing is well restoredWhen God is welcomed. ***************************** 2 Kings 4:1-7 The good oil is pouredBlessing that never runs outFeeds widowContinue reading “Lectionary Haiku 30 March 2022”

No wonder the Psalmist mocks the fools who say there is no God. God’s economy requires Jubilee balance which does not make unbridled profit a priority. It is measured not by hierarchy, but by mutual service epitomised in Revelation’s heavenly vision. Psalm 53 When all’s said and done It’s easier to deny God than toContinue reading “Lectionary Haiku 29 March 2022”

The Psalm is almost, but not quite imprecatory, perhaps because it is a choir piece intended for worship and it’s hard to curse and worship simultaneously! Leviticus lays out the ground rules for some festivals. Revelation affords us a peek into heaven. Psalm 53 Divine head must shakeAs foolish men run hitherWhisp’ring their nonsense *********************************Continue reading “Lectionary Haiku 28 March 2022”

Third Sunday in Lent Against all our striving, it is possible to live from a place of renewal. This theme runs through all of today’s texts, culminating in the Bible’s favourite story – the restoration of the Prodigal Son. Joshua 5:9-12 Gilgal they called itCaptive shame is rolled awayA new phase begins! ********************************* Psalm 32Continue reading “Lectionary Haiku 27 March 2022”