Wondering Pilgrim

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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Lectionary Haiku 10 March 2022

A new Psalm depicting confidence in Israel’s relationship with YHWH, come what may. In Genesis, We see the working out of complex relationship claims as Abraham works out the implications of covenant. In Philippians, Paul must break with his past to oppose those seeking to impose Old Law requirements on new Gentile Christians.

Psalm 27

Show me the right way
Light my path, steady my tread
That I may walk well

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Genesis 13:1-7, 14-18

House is too crowded
It is time to part our ways
Blessed be the parting.

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Philippians 3:2-12

How past rites haunt me
Fierce I must bid them depart
So we can be free

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Lectionary Haiku 9 March 2022

Why do bad things happen to good people? Surely a question being asked a lot during these excruciating times. The Psalm again gives us a faith-based launching pad. The opening chapter of Job begins a classic Judaic wisdom story. The Luke passage raises the issue of just how much agency Satan (The Accuser) has. Did the devil really make me do it? (Click on each link to see the text)

Psalm 17

Keep me focused, Lord
Too easily I slumber
Waking is on you.

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Job 1:1-22

Shock pushes a cry
Naked I was born; naked I die
But blessed be God!

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Luke 21:34-22:6

When the easy way
Betrays all that I can be
Is’t Satan or me?

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Lectionary Haiku 8 March 2022

The assurance of the Psalmist and his trust in YHWH prepares us for the exotic vision in Zechariah and the harangue in 2 Peter regarding mixed motives. Each elicits thoughtful reflection.

Psalm 17

Shadow of your wings
A hiding place from malice
I am protected

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Zechariah 3:1-10

Visions can inspire
Also confuse and frighten
Fear not, clear the way.

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2 Peter 2:4-21

What a mix we are
Rushing twixt saint and sinner
Save us in trial

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Lectionary Haiku 7 March 2022

The boldness with which David approaches YHWH reveals the depth of their relationship. Very pertinent when one considers what happens when David oversteps the mark in Chronicles. The relationship for us all finds its home in the text from John.

Psalm 17

Bold I approach God
Speaking my virtues splendid
Awaiting his Yes!

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1 Chronicles 21:1-17

Autocratic pride
distracts us from the real deal
God grabs attention!

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1 John 2:1-6

“I abide in Him”
To say such – one walks the walk
Or speaks with forked tongue.

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Lectionary Haiku 6 March 2022

First Sunday in Lent

Typically, today commemorates Jesus’ testing in the Judean wilderness at the commencement of his public ministry. He was “tested in every way as we were” which invites us to reflect on his and our humanity when under duress or discerning a straight course through a minefield of lesser callings. Deuteronomy reveals a benchmark, the memory of rescue from slavery and the blessing of a permanent home of Jesus’s Judaic tradition. Repetition of the same psalm of the last few days cements assurance of relationship in YHWH. Romans reminds us that belief resides in the heart and is based on relationship, not only intellectual assent. Luke reveals the testing of Jesus and notes how its rigour stretches beyond a particular 40 day season.

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Deuteronomy 26:1-11

Hear O loved one
Recall your way to release
And milk and honey

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Psalm 91:1-2, 9-16

Focus on him who saves
He will deliver from harm
all who live his name

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Romans 10:8b-13

Heart and lips are one
When relating and speaking
Then the world is won.

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Luke 4:1-13

How to win the world
Not by bread, power, or tricks
He will show the Way

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Why a Daily Psalm?

“A psalm implies serenity of Soul; it is the author of peace, which calms bewildering and seething thoughts. For, it softens the wrath of the soul, and what is unbridled it chastens. A psalm forms friendships, unites those separated, conciliates those at enmity. Who, indeed, can still consider as an enemy him with whom he has uttered the same prayer to God? So that psalmody, bringing about choral singing, a bond, as it were, toward unity, and joining people into a harmonious union of one choir, produces also the greatest of blessings, love.”

– St Basil the Great