Wondering Pilgrim

Lectionary Haiku 1 March 2022

Seismic shifts take place in the long sweep of human history. Our reactions can be scornful (check out the Psalm). Or they can be open and attentive in the deepest experiences of dispossession (Ezekiel). They can see new possibilities when old taboos and barriers fall (Acts).

Psalm 35:11-28

They smugly rub hands
Calamity claims my crown
Deeper bonds hold me

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Ezekiel 1:1; 2:1

Year, month, day and place
Behold my deep dark dungeon
Yet clear is His call

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Acts 10:23b-33

Jew and Gentile rare
Meet in forbidden embrace
Dropped walls forecast change.

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Lectionary Haiku 28 February 2022

Yearning for vindication against mocking injustice burns in the Psalmist’s heart. Elaborate and precise instructions are given for constructing the portable tent of God’s presence amongst the desert wandering Israelites. A vision and a dream bring a Hebrew fisher and a Roman military commander to what promises to be a freshly enlightening meeting of mind, heart and spirit.

Psalm 35:11-28

They win me with guile
And laugh with scorn at my fall
Little do they know!

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Exodus 35:1-29

It begins with rest
Attention to skilled detail
Ensures awareness

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Acts 10:9-23a

A forbidden feast
Is now made acceptable
Brings all to table

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Lectionary Haiku 27 February 2022

Transfiguration Sunday

What a conflicted day on the church calendar! It climaxes the season of Epiphany that celebrates the full glorious manifestation of the divine in Creation and in the coming of the Christ. It heralds the imminent season of Lent, the journey of penitence to the Cross. In a greater, more ancient context it celebrates the beginning of the great hundred-day journey from the mysterious mountaintop experience where befuddled disciples are overwhelmed with a shining glimpse of the full nature of Christ to the full blast of confident birthing of the global community of faith at Pentecost. A climactic day indeed. May these texts guide us!

Exodus 34:29-35

Wisdom too precious
To be shared with unready hearts
Hidden until ripe.

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Psalm 99

Remember the Source
Keep eyes fixed on the compass
And map steady course

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2 Corinthians 3:12-4:2

In Christ is freedom
The veil that conceals has dropped
Spirit reveals all

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Luke 9:28-36, (37-43a)

At top of mountain
The future of all shines bright
Journey waits its end.

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Lectionary Haiku 26 February 2022

The escalating crisis in Ukraine cries out for a Psalm-like orientation as sovereignty demands compete. Psalm 99 does not disappoint. Moses descended the mountain bearing the perfect rule for human society, but his people had abandoned its Source before he even reached level ground. Today we feel his frustration at the futility of it all. And yet the journey is towards human completion, visible to those whose eyes are on the horizon and who therefore understand Jesus’ ecstasy before his disciples – are they bewildered or on the same page?

Psalm 99

Oligarchs stomp in
To enslave mind, heart and soul
But guess who’s in charge!

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Deuteronomy 9:15-24

Here are words that lead
To transformed life together
But you prefer chaff!

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Luke 10:21-24

Open your eyes and see
A vision bright and within
It’s there! Look and be!

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Lectionary Haiku 25 February 2022

The Psalm keeps God’s people oriented. Moses prepares his people to occupy the land, not with hubris, but humility. Then a tale of the bridging of the chasm between Jew and Gentile begins

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Psalm 99

There is a sure plan
When forgetting remembrance
Relive your story

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Deuteronomy 9:6-14

You think your laurels
Have won you this fine bounty?
‘Twas in spite of pride!

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Acts 10:1-8

Impossible rifts
Are healed by dreams and angels
And those who receive

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Lectionary Haiku 24 Feb 2022

There is a context in which remorse is expressed – either despair or confidence in having another go. Our texts today offer such confidence through the Psalm. Meanwhile, the wandering tribe of Israel pauses on the brink of occupation against hostile tribes while being reminded of the nature of their backing. Peter and John call their people back to this memory in the wake of miraculous healing.

Psalm 99

Tough love asks us much
Owning wrong yet turning right
Am I up for it?

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Deuteronomy 9:1-5

The world’s at my feet,
Do I have tickets on me?
Think again, Sonshine!

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Acts 3:11-16

Something good has happened
Not because you’re great but in spite –
God draws you in.

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Sterling First – from Worst to Verse

The almost-three-year-old story of the Sterling retirement housing collapse continues as campaign leader Denise Brailey prepares her run for the Senate. The unfolding saga deserves to be immortalised in some bush poetry. Here is one poor attempt.

https://youtu.be/O0G7IEJsjQM

Lectionary Haiku 23 Feb 2022

An earlier media debate today contested secular vs religious influences on the degree to which individual rights have risen against the common good. Our set texts may offer some nuance. The Psalm continues its remorse. We peek into the strict rules of maintaining holy order within a dedicated tribal society, with some surprising concessions. Jesus helps us to own both our stumbles and our responsibilities to one another

Psalm 38

Remorse is lament
but not, in fact, change of heart –
Wait on God to start!

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Leviticus 5:1-13

To disrupt good order
A penalty must be paid
Not more than is fair

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Luke 17:1-4

Likely to offend
We will weigh each other down
Lest forgiveness reigns

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Lectionary Haiku 22 Feb 2022

Stay with the Psalm as uncomfortable as it is. Remorse isn’t pretty but it’s plentiful in today’s readings! David and Saul from their regret at trying to kill each other and what amounts to a passive food fight over the Lord’s Supper in Corinth! Lord have mercy!

Psalm 38

My pain stays with me
I stumble through confusion
This is confession

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1 Samuel 24:1-22

When king hides from king
They perhaps find each other –
Shared remorse unites.

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1 Corinthians 11:17-22, 27-33

The meal that unites
Can be rendered asunder
Intention counts!

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Lectionary Haiku 21 Feb 2022

The Psalmist’s penitent lament, the ancient and elaborate reconciliation rites of two estranged brothers, and the apostle’s household etiquette reasoning sound strange to our ears. Nevertheless, is Paul dismissive when he concludes, “But if anyone is disposed to be contentious—we have no such custom, nor do the churches of God?”

Psalm 38

Deep remorse and shame
Dwelt in abject self-pity
Not for healing makes

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Genesis 33:1-17

Two brothers circle
Hide mistrust in politeness
Yet new bonds begin

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1 Corinthians 11:2-16

Old household customs
Bolstered by lame theology –
Now set free through Christ

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