From now on

Haiku for letting go.

Luke’s gospel story

has Simon owning a boat;

moved up in the world.

The fishing was poor

that day. Jesus made the boat

into a lectern.

Luke builds amazement.

Jesus directs the fishers,

tells them how to fish.

The nets are bursting

with the weight of the caught fish;

call the second boat.

Simon Peter falls

at Jesus’ feet. Leave me, Lord,

I am a sinner!

Jesus laughs, Fear not!

Come with me, and catch people

into God’s kingdom!

Four of them follow,

leaving it all to join him;

to be disciples.

© Ken Rookes 2022

Taking Offence

Haiku of confrontation.

He rolled up the scroll.

Here, today, as you hear them,

these words are fulfilled.

He has impressed them.

They speak well of him, amazed

at his gracious words.

This is Joseph’s son,

we watched him grow among us;

done well for himself!

Jesus provokes them

with his stories: No prophet

is welcome at home.

His words offend them;

in anger they drive him out,

threaten to kill him.

The crowd hesitates.

Jesus passes through their midst

and goes on his way.

When I take offence

at Jesus’ words and actions,

Lord, look with mercy.

© Ken Rookes 2022

Home town Nazareth

Haiku of the bold claim

Many were impressed

as Jesus begins to teach

in their synagogues.

Home town Nazareth.

The Sabbath; he stands to read.

Hand him the Prophet.

Reading Isaiah:

all expectation and hope.

I am anointed!

God’s Spirit drives me

with a message of freedom,

good news for the poor.

Release for captives,

sight for the blind, and the year

when God takes action!

He returns the scroll.

Here, today, as you hear them,

these words are fulfilled.

Never holding back,

Luke makes it plain for us all:

Jesus is the one.

© Ken Rookes 2022

Cana

 

Haiku of promise

Cana, the third day;

grounding it in time and space,

John says: This happened!

Jesus and his Mum,

invited to a wedding.

Great celebration!

Two people bringing

themselves, deeply committing

to life together.

They've run out of wine,

says his Mum, expectantly.

What will Jesus do?

It's not my problem,

not my time. She ignores him.

Do what he tells you.

Six stone water jars;

six hundred litres of plonk!

Somewhat excessive.

Water into wine,

ignoring chemistry's laws!

Some of us struggle.

The steward's impressed.

You have saved the best for last!

What a metaphor!

Life in abundance,

better than before; and with

the best yet to come.

© Ken Rookes 2022

Not me, him!

 Haiku for an immersion

Could he be the one?

The question upon all lips

when it came to John.

Not me, he protests.

Water is what I deal with;

fire is his gift.

He brings God’s Spirit,

blessings and judgement. Prepare

to make him welcome.

Among baptism’s

candidates stands one Jesus,

ready to begin.

As he prays, God’s dove-

shaped Spirit descends on him,

He must be the one!

A voice from heaven

expressed divine approval:

My beloved Son!

Great significance!

Luke gives us this dripping man,

sharing his wetness.

© Ken Rookes 2022