Wondering Pilgrim

Lectionary Haiku 24 March 2022

The joy of a restored and previously strained relationship is the Psalm that sets the tone for today. A solemn rite underlines Israel’s taking possession of a sacred promise while the Apostle Paul speaks of the “weight of glory” that awaits the faithful.

Psalm 32

I declare myself
To come clean is to be cleansed
Restored to my God

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Joshua 4:1-13

Like the old Red Sea
The Jordan parts and we cross
We build cairns of stone

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2 Corinthians 4:16-5:5

Groaning is our way
Anticipating glory
The Spirit will lead

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Lectionary Haiku 23 March 2022

Today’s texts reflect on hidden purposes. The Psalmist yields to divine purpose. What seems, to contemporary sensitivities, preparation for a divinely sanctioned land grab has long-range hidden purpose. Jesus’ parables speak of the hiddenness of the Kingdom of God.

Psalm 39

Your knowledge of me
Is hidden even from me
How can I not trust?

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Numbers 13:17-27

Your Godly gift to us
Fecund lands to occupy
Is there reason why?

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Luke 13:18-21

Hidden deep inside
Your purpose takes root and grows
Revealing love’s way

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Lectionary Haiku 22 March 2022

The Hebrew perspective on “law” refers to “right teaching” rather than modern jurisprudence. Understanding this gives greater access to today’s readings

Psalm 39

My tongue is silent
Until it knows worthy thoughts
Then my heart speaks

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Ezekiel 17:1-10

Eagles and vineyards
Perplexing riddles confound
The heart understands

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Romans 2:12-16

Be careful judging –
Bearer of divine wisdom
May the stranger be

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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 life
Like a shade, it passes by
But I would be known

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Jeremiah 11:1-17

Broken covenant
By you who think you know best
Sit back and suffer!

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Romans 2:1-11

Judging another
You will thrust forth your finger
With three pointing back!

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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 water
but wine, milk and sweet honey
for those who know where

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Psalm 63:1-8

Soul’s sanctuary
There my strength will be renewed
Dwelling with my God!

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1 Corinthians 10:1-13

With Christ as focus
Testing moves us through failure
to emerge renewed

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Luke 13:1-9

Current news confounds
We need ask why is it so?
Do good, wait and see!

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Lectionary Haiku 19 March 2022

Today’s texts will appeal to passionate gardeners!

Psalm 63:1-8

Dry and weary land
Cries out for drenching water
Just like my parched soul

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Isaiah 5:1-7

Passion poured out on
The vineyard that would not yield
Perhaps compost it.

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Luke 6:43-45

A gardener sees
Each tree is known by its fruit
Good and bad alike

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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 good
No matter how I’m worn down
This act sustains me

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Daniel 12:1-4

Visions of horror
Tempered by faithful vision
Book with names written

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Revelation 3:1-6

Remember this well
What once you were, become still
The time is perfect!

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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 bleak
Within, you spread a vast feast
Hunger is sated

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Daniel 3:19-30

Nebuchadnezzar
Fire burns, but does not consume
Who’s the winner now?

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Revelation 2:8-11

Paradox of faith
Testing brings pain, maybe death
But true life abounds.

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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.

Psalm 105:1-42

Strife presents daily
Always you are there within
Mystery appears

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2 Chronicles 20:1-22

Enemies surround
From anguish, we seek your help
And we wait and watch

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Luke 13:22-31

The way is narrow
A few are free to squeeze through
The task is now done

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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 of their foolishness.

Psalm 105:1-42

Remember them well
The times pulled from the quicksand
May memory mud stick!

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Numbers 14:10b-24

A vexing question
Does prayer change angry God’s mind?
Or turn ours his way?

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1 Corinthians 10:1-13

So faith is tested
And oft-times found sore wanting
Christ’s grace holds us firm

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