The Word is one of us

Haiku of wonder

In the beginning.

Great opening to a book

exploring myst’ry.

How did it begin?

Big bang; the divine Logos,

sparking in the dark?

John writes of the Word;

one with God, present; cosmic

primogenitor.

Verses of wonder:

through him came life, bringing light

for all humankind.

The defiant light

shines through the gloom. The darkness

cannot put it out.

Throughout history

the Word comes, speaking God’s life.

Not many listen.

More wonder! The Word

becomes human; one of us,

sharing in our life.

Grace and truth have come

to us in Jesus, God’s Son.

Jesus makes God known

© Ken Rookes 2021

Road trip

 

Road Trip

Haiku for Pilgrims

Family road trip:

The annual pilgrimage

for the Passover.

Three days on the road:

Nazareth – Jerusalem;

and then the return.

Such a company

of family and friends; he’ll

be around, somewhere.

Twenty-four hours

before the child was missed. Back

to Jerusalem!

Aged twelve, they found him

in the temple, discussing

spiritual things.

Mightily relieved,

his parents took him to task:

Why have you done this?

Why were you searching?

I was always at home here,

in my Father’s house.

Back in Nazareth

the boy stayed out of trouble,

at least for a time.

© Ken Rookes 2021

Stable and shepherds

Haiku of the nativity

 

We love Luke’s stories

with the stable and shepherds,

humble and common.

Joseph, his child-bride,

the journey to Bethlehem,

no place of welcome.

I imagine them;

humble northerners, seeking.

Will we welcome them?

Making folk welcome

is not on our agenda,

Sorry, there’s no room.

In a stable, shed;

an improvised bed, cradle.

Yes, these will do fine.

Wrap him in cloth strips.

Thus they will dress him when Luke

concludes his story.

The angels fly in

with shining invitations

for lowly shepherds.

The shepherds turn up,

take in the wonder; return,

telling ev’ryone.

© Ken Rookes 2021

Promise

 

Haiku for upsetting

News of excitement!

A pregnancy of promise:

confiding cousins!

Luke holds nothing back!

In Elizabeth’s old womb

the child is leaping!

Prophet-like, Mary

announces the radical

program from above.

His way is mercy,

this God who finally comes

among God’s people.

They will be brought low,

the powerful and mighty;

their time is over.

They will be raised up,

the poor and the lowly ones,

their moment has come.

The hungry are filled,

the rich sent away empty;

the great levelling.

The conservatives

tremble; this is not the faith

they were counting on.

© Ken Rookes 2021

The Baptiser warns

 Haiku of preparation

The Baptiser warns

the crowds who come to hear him.

It is time, repent!

This brood of vipers

come out of fear, to escape

the coming judgement.

Produce in your hearts

and in your deeds, fruits worthy

of your repentance.

Don’t trust in your race

or that you are one of God’s

privileged people.

Share your possessions,

be honest, deal fairly, don’t

abuse your power.

They asked John, Are you

the one who God is sending?

I am not the one.

Not I, but one comes

who will set your souls on fire.

This is my good news.

© Ken Rookes 2021