Outrageous

Haiku of revolutionary blessings

They are outrageous,

these beatitude sayings;

will you believe them?

What is he thinking?

How do such wild thoughts arise?

Impossible hopes!

Things turn upside down:

the poor, the mournful, the meek,

they will know blessing.

The merciful ones;

to them will mercy be shown.

Let us show mercy.

The ones who build peace,

are the ones God loves the most:

they are God’s children.

Those whose hearts are pure,

open, giving, believing;

God’s face shines on them.

When they revile you

as a disciple, Rejoice!

Your reward is great.

© Ken Rookes 2020

Light

Haiku of the dawn

The light is dawning!

Image of hope and promise

for those in darkness.

What might the dawn mean

for those battling bushfires,

blanketed by smoke?

What might the dawn mean

for those whose home is sinking

beneath the ocean?

What might Jesus mean

to the poor, the wretched,

the vulnerable?

What might Jesus mean

to those cursed with riches, ease,

power and comfort.

Some fisher-people,

without much to leave behind

opt to go with him.

Discarding their nets

and all other cords that bind,

to follow the light.

He came to be light,

to bring hope, to conquer fear;

love begetting life.

© Ken Rookes 2020.

The changing of the guard

Haiku

John was a prophet

who had his own disciples,

loyal, devoted.

Tradition tells us

that when Jesus took the stage

John moved to one side.

I am just a voice,

John said, One sent to prepare

the way for the Lord.

Dove-like, God’s Spirit

rests on him. He will immerse

you in his Spirit.

That one there, John said,

pointing to Jesus. That’s him,

The Lamb sent from God!

Two disciples heard,

took leave from the Baptiser,

and followed Jesus.

Jesus turned, asked them,

What is it you’re looking for?

Great question, Jesus!

What are you seeking?

What will fill your emptiness,

what will give you life?

Who do you follow?

Where do your commitments lie,

who will be your Lord?

© Ken Rookes 2020

It's a beginning

Haiku for getting wet

In Jordan’s waters

John calls folk to turn to God

and baptises them.

Leave your sin behind,

God’s kingdom is near at hand,

embrace God’s new way.

Leaving Galilee

and his quiet village life,

Jesus comes to John.

Jordan’s waters call;

Jesus comes to be baptised.

John is hesitant.

It’s a beginning,

says Jesus. Let’s do it right:

for now, baptise me.

Signs come from above,

as water pours from his brow.

A dove and a voice.

A retrospective

voice of divine approval,

from gospel writers.

In his baptism,

as in ours, the call to serve

and to live full true.

© Ken Rookes 2020