Getting on with it.

 

Haiku for disciples

There is nothing new.

People still take great offence

at what Jesus says.

The self-styled righteous

can’t believe that such wisdom

can reside in him.

We know his brothers;

he’s just a carpenter’s son.

Look, there’s his mother!

Some pretend to be

followers; ones who listen

but forget to love.

So-called holy hands

are raised high in devotion,

but won’t do love’s work.

He has instructed

the twelve, revealed the kingdom;

now he sends them out.

You won’t need a bag,

don’t take spare clothes, bread, money;

our God will provide.

Go, share my good news.

Some will hear you, some will not.

That’s the way it is.

© Ken Rookes 2021

Two stories

Haiku of hope

They weave together,

two stories of healing, hope;

twelve years connect them.

Twelve years of bleeding,

Twelve years of shame. If only

she could touch his hem.

Twelve years and dying,

her parents are distraught. Come,

Jesus, heal our child!

A girl, a woman

both needing their lives restored.

Bring healing, give hope.

The girl sleeps, he says.

They laugh, knowing she is dead.

He sees beyond death

Ah, Jesus, my friend.

My own suffering is small,

yet speak life to me!

© Ken Rookes 2021

 

The storm

Haiku of stillness

After a long day

telling stories, parables,

Jesus needs a break.

Suggests a boat trip.

Let us cross the lake; we can

leave the crowd behind.

He slept in the stern

as winds gathered force, and waves

beat against the boat.

They woke him. Teacher,

don’t you care that we perish?

He spoke: Peace, be still!

Rebuking the wind

and commanding the sea, he

speaks, and all is calm.

Why are you afraid?

He asked them. Where is your faith?

They were filled with awe.

Who, they ask, is this?

When our boat is being swamped

he brings us order.

Speak your word of peace

into my turmoil, Jesus;

let my waves be stilled.

© Ken Rookes 2021

Growth

 

Haiku of the kingdom

Agricultural

metaphors abound: seeds, growth

and much fruitfulness.

Here is the kingdom;

seed is scattered on the ground,

grows in ways unseen.

How does the seed grow?

Who can understand? Who cares,

we’ll still harvest it!

Again, the kingdom

is like a mustard seed; small,

but great potential!

A home for the birds;

a great outcome for this seed,

small and unacclaimed.

Parables sneak up,

catching hearers by surprise;

life-giving wisdom.

Great story-telling

Jesus! Drawing us in, and

disturbing our thoughts!

© Ken Rookes 2021