Wondering Pilgrim

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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Lectionary Haiku 20 Feb 2022

These are the texts you may hear in church this morning, folks. There are four today, and that Psalm keeps repeating but adds a little more. Joseph reveals himself as the long-disappeared brother, now well-placed to save his people from famine. Paul wrestles to articulate the duality of the resurrected body and Luke takes us into Jesus’ “Sermon on the Plain.”

Genesis 45:3-15

How tender it is
Family reconciling –
It carries a boon

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Psalm 37:1-11, 39-40

Does bad intent win?
Is their shelter for the good?
God provides a shield.

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1 Corinthians 15:35-38, 42-50

We ponder well how
To rise is mysterious –
Thoughts of death and life

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Luke 6:27-38

Live your precious life
As the good gift graced to you
Much more fulfilling!

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Lectionary Haiku 19 Feb 2022

This final repetition of the psalm draws attention to its conclusion that the meek will inherit the earth. Meekness is not passive but active, as illustrated by Judah’s impassioned pleading with the potentate yet unrevealed as Joseph, and Jesus’ emphatic advice to take initiative and settle out of court.

Psalm 37:1-11, 39-40

No, meek is not weak
Patience is action at work
The whole earth applauds!

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Genesis 44:18-34

Cool head and strong heart
Hostage negotiation
or brother’s pleading?

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Luke 12:57-59

On way to the judge
Minds and hearts engage for change
Brand new horizons!

Lectionary Haiku 18 Feb 2022

Looks like the Psalms are repeating several times at the moment – never mind, they yield multiple haikus! Joseph’s family reconciliation intrigue continues through kidnapping and ransom! Apostle John writes a tender pastoral letter.

Psalm 37:1-11, 39-40

Don’t let the blighters
Get ‘neath your epidermis.
Stay cool; watch closely!

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Genesis 44:1-17

To win hearts, play tricks!
No matter what cost may be.
Ethics? What are they?

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1 John 2:12-17

Generational
Each serves and loves the other
Keep your focus strong.

Lectionary Haiku 17 Feb 2022

Today a fresh Psalm, a possible family reconciliation, and assurance on grace

Psalm 37:1-11

In spite of it all
Goodness lights your dim pathways
Trust in your compass!

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Genesis 43:16-34

Nearing the tender conclusion of the long saga of Joseph”s abandonment, advance to power, and the beginning of a journey of reconciliation with his remorseful brothers.

They don’t yet know me
I think somehow they never will
And still – I reach out!

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Romans 8:1-11

Paul’s core message of how the work of Christ within releases us from the deathly bondage of Law to freedom in the Spirit.

Rules and regs abound
They define and limit us
But Spirit sets free!

Lectionary Haiku 16 Feb 2022

A short background on each of the day’s three texts might help.

Psalm 120 is repeated yet again, yet this song of lament by a leader caught up in nefarious slander against him offers several points of connection.

Sticks and stones don’t break
Bones made of iron and steel
But, dear God, they sting!

Jeremiah 22:11-17 reveals karma for corrupt leaders whose self-indulgence and neglect of just governance leads to an inevitable downfall. – in this case the historic exile of Judah to Babylon.

The spoils of office
A chance for graft or just rule
O which will it be?

Luke 11:37-52 is from the gospel that promotes mature service – something alien to the religious leaders that Jesus is critiquing here.

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Scribes and Pharisees
Peering over my shoulder
Get lost! I am free!

Lectionary Haiku 15 Feb 2022

Okay, feedback supports this idea so let’s keep it rolling. Same Psalm; different take.

Psalm 120

Lying lips seek rescue
Is it my own or others?
Truth burns dross away

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Ezra 1:1-11

A new dawn breaks bright
Home coming to a new start –
Farfetched Messiah!

2 Corinthians 1:12-19

Vacillating plans
With a people of trust
Harbours a strong Yes!

Lectionary Haiku 14 Feb 2022

Now here’s a project and a way to reflect on daily readings from the Bible. If it yields the fruit that I hope, I’ll make it a tab on this blog. I propose to post haiku reflections on each of the three selections from the daily Revised Common Lectionary (the interchurch three year bible reading cycle.) Typically they comprise a Psalm and another reading from the Hebrew text (what Christians have called the Old Testament) and a reading from the Christian text (New Testament). To meet copyright obligations, the references are linked to the host page of Oremus Bible Browser using the New Revised Standard Version translation, rather than reproduced in full.

Psalm 120

I call from the strife
Keep me well focused on truth
Lest I am consumed.

2 Kings 24:18-25-252

Utter destruction
Scribed by the shocked and stricken
Yes – no hubris here!

1 Corinthians 15:20-34

There is final say
In Christ there is risen hope
Live it out right now!