Again the question

Haiku for reading the signs

Apocalyptic

imagery to puzzle

and to disconcert.

In those days, he said,

even the skies will rebel:

the sun, moon and stars.

The end times have come,

not because heaven says so;

the planet is lost.

Look at the fig tree,

or at the barrier reef;

the extreme weather.

We ask the questions:

Where is God in all of this;

what are we to do?

When the master comes

the servants are expected

to have done their jobs.

Keep alert! Wake up!

The hour, the day is coming;

perhaps it is here.

Again the question:

What does he expect of you,

who carry his name?

© Ken Rookes 2017.

It is hard to remain alert

Our houses are reliquaries.

The objects they hold have many shapes, colours and sizes;

some are valuable, and promise much.

We festoon our dwellings with chains and bolts fashioned from fear,

and security cameras, should the locks fail.

We will not be taken advantage of;

we will guard what we have.

Yes, we know these things are all just stuff;

precious, perhaps,

but stuff, nonetheless.

In time it will all be reduced to dust.

Still we take much comfort from our locks.

The disciple is to be prepared, alert;

so the ancient scripture enjoins.

This instructive text was written in those excited early years

when the imminent return of the master

was eagerly anticipated.

Jesus is coming; look busy!

After two millenia the sense of expectancy

has largely evaporated, at least for some of us.

For twenty-first century disciples

the urgent metaphors for faithful living –

being dressed for action and keeping our oil lamps burning –

must have some other purpose.

© Ken Rookes 2016