Wondering Pilgrim

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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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 that the faith relationship eclipses all rites, deeds and external symbolisms.

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Psalm 105:1-42

Though the road be long
And full of risks, twists and turns
Salvation is there.

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Exodus 33:1-6

Promise not denied
Conditions fully applied
Tough love makes us wince

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Romans 4:1-12

“Tis tough to receive
without thought of strings attached
Rather, grace abounds

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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 night
Mysteriously pass by
A promise is made

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Psalm 27

Wait for YHWH
Let your heart beat with new strength
Wait for YHWH

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Philippians 3:17-4:1

To be now conformed
To the fullness that is Christ
That is our prime goal

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Luke 13:31-35

I would protect you
As nature protects its own
But you turn away.

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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.

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Psalm 27

Though evil surrounds me
My heart remains in Yahweh
And I sing to God

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Psalm 118:26-29

Steadfast love endures
Ever time for festive cheer
Steadfast love endures

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Matthew 23:37-39

Even joyful heart
Finds a place for deep lament
For what might have been.

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Lectionary Haiku 11 March 2022

Today’s texts, again based on Psalmic confidence, involve Abraham’s encounter with the mysterious Melchizedek, the hospitality customs evoking long-lasting sacramental depth before any decreed rites are in place. Likewise, Paul appeals to living by “our citizenship in heaven” rather than contemporary lesser standards. (Click on Bible Reference link to see text)

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Psalm 27

They rage against me
They circle me, jaws drooling
Yet will I hold firm

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Genesis 14:17-24

Bread and wine greeting
Generous blessing abounds
Wise restraint follows

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Philippians 3:17-20

The cross of the Christ
Citizenship in heaven
These are our benchmarks

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