Tag Archives: Lent

Once again the significance of the Passover commemoration in both the Hebrew and Christian traditions is to the fore, particularly as we approach Holy Week. Psalm 31:9-16 Trapped within myselfImprisoned in my despairPassover release! ************************ Leviticus 23:1-8 Boundary well setThe rite shall be well observedand freedom cherished. ************************ Luke 22:1-13 The storm clouds gatherBehold betrayalContinue reading “Lectionary Haiku 9 April 2022”

Disoriented as we often become in the midst of suffering, the texts are clear: the Divine is unavoidably involved as a God who suffers with us. Psalm 31:9-16 Suffering our lotDivine image that we areIt’s to God we reach ************************ Isaiah 54:9-10 Seismic shifts of earthShall not destroy the promiseMy Love does not fail. ************************Continue reading “Lectionary Haiku 8 April 2022”

When one ponders what is sometimes called the “redemptive nature of suffering,” questions inevitably arise. These must be wrestled with, as no glib answer will satisfy. Psalm 31:9-16 From dread and rank scornMy bones melt; my spirit fadesBut my trust stays strong. ******************************** Isaiah 53:10-12 The suff’ring servantWho bears the wrongs of manyIs to beContinue reading “Lectionary Haiku 7 April 2022”

Prophets speak truth from deep connection. They are forth-tellers rather than foretellers. They speak clarity into confusing times. Look for it in today’s texts. Psalm 20 Where to lay my bet?The machinery of warOr old proven ways? ***************************** Habakkuk 3:2-15 Mercy in the stormI remember all your waysAnd have confidence ***************************** Luke 18:31-34 Hard truthContinue reading “Lectionary Haiku 6 April 2022”

The temptation to wield political power in the name of service is fraught with danger for all concerned. A sobering thought as this part of the world enters the election season. Psalm 20 For humble serviceThe LORD helps his anointednot prideful hubris ******************************** Judges 9:7-15 Beware the brambleMuch promise with prickly thornsBurns up and destroys.Continue reading “Lectionary Haiku 5 April 2022”

Sanctuary – a place of security and protection. The word is from the Latin Sanctus from which we derive the meanings of sacred and holy. Ecologically we associate sanctuary with the preservation of the natural order. Humanly, the place we seek refuge from all that would distract us from our true selves and our relationshipContinue reading “Lectionary Haiku 4 April 2022”

Fifth Sunday in Lent Today’s theme suggests times when it is appropriate to swap out the old for the new – habitual ways of thinking, methods of understanding, and scope for perceiving. Imagine these texts in dialogue with each other and enjoy! Isaiah 43:16-21 A new commandmentForget stories of rescueLook to the new thing! ***************************Continue reading “Lectionary Haiku 3 April 2022”

Today’s texts, following the Psalm, arise from contexts of raw living that have their parallels today, the survival of a people when their country is occupied – and adjusting to the task of maintaining community when sickness and prison chains bind us. Psalm 126 It happened beforeGod restored life to fullness‘Twill happen again. ***************************** IsaiahContinue reading “Lectionary Haiku 1 April 2022”