Surely we're not blind

Haiku for those who can see.

Who was the person

whose sin caused this man’s blindness?

Doesn’t work like that.

A miracle tale

as Jesus heals a blind man.

Much consternation!

The authorities

refuse to see the new thing

that God is doing.

Oppressive doctrine

is the cause of much blindness;

now, as it was then.

Blind authorities

still betray; they are captive

to lust and power.

Blindness all around.

We quite like this blissful state;

pretend innocence.

No, it wasn’t me;

I’ve not seen their suffering,

do not know their pain.

Surely we’re not blind!

If you were, you’d have no sin;

but your sin remains.

He comes seeking us;

the one who opens closed eyes.

Let us see, Jesus.

© Ken Rookes 2020

Do you really need to ask?

Haiku of essentials.

They were arguing

as do the theologians

of all descriptions.

The greatest command;

do you really need to ask?

You know what it is.

It is always love.

The only thing that matters.

All else is detail.

When they practise love,

the ones who pretend wisdom;

then all is made new.

So many liars,

claiming to be the greatest,

but lacking in love.

The PM, scoffing

at ‘unfunded empathy.’

Does love need funding?

The modern-day scribes

still crave places of honour;

and forget to love.

Generous loving;

never in fashion. Today

it’s all about me.

Even the widows

are more generous with love

than those who are rich.

© Ken Rookes 2020

From the Narrative Lectionary for the fourth Sunday in Lent

When you are thirsty

Haiku for parched souls

When you are thirsty

and someone gives you water,

you take it gladly.

A surprise meeting;

the Samaritan woman

and the Jewish man.

The well: this image

of life splashed with hope, purpose,

and filled with spirit.

Life, not limited

by all the negative stuff;

full and unconstrained.

Drink this life, woman,

man, child; all of you who yearn

for truth and fullness.

The hour is coming

for all the true worshippers

to reveal themselves.

What will be the sign,

how will we recognise them?

One thing; by their love.

I know that he comes,

the Messiah sent from God.

He is with you now.

Go, tell the city,

don’t keep this news to yourself;

others also thirst.

© Ken Rookes 2020

Paying the rent

Haiku for paying one’s dues

It was occupied

by disrespectful tenants;

the famous vineyard.

Watchtower, wine press

and fenced on every side,

what more could you want?

Think of all the grapes!

The profits must be immense;

go and get the rent!

The wicked tenants

refuse to pay, beating up

those sent to collect.

The story is told

against the privileged ones

who will not bear fruit.

Hand over the rent,

bring forth the righteous bunches

of justice and love.

The angry owner

comes as judge to sort things out,

showing no mercy.

Those on the outside,

sinners and tax collectors,

will be given their place.

The rejected block

has been made the cornerstone.

That is what God does.

© Ken Rookes 2020

Some haiku for the Narrative Lectionary, 2nd Sunday in Lent.

Late in the ev'ning

Haiku of enquiry.

Late in the ev’ning,

when polite folk are sleeping,

Nicodemus comes.

Why is he hiding,

what secret does he conceal

in the dark of night?

What doubts are harboured,

to be kept from his colleagues,

lest they heap their scorn?

Value your doubting,

Nicodemus: your questions

are embraced by God.

Clasp the mystery,

fear not the uncertainty.

Doubt boldly, with faith!

Birthed in the waters

and through the Spirit as well;

enter God’s kingdom!

Through love you are born,

in love the Son comes to you.

It’s all about love!

Eternal the life

that is shaped by the Spirit;

this is salvation!

© Ken Rookes 2020

Setting the pace

Haiku for getting serious

They were on the road.

Their destination; trouble.

Big Jerusalem

He was leading them,

setting the pace; they held back,

anxious and afraid.

It will get ugly,

he told his friends. Always does

When you challenge them.

They fear my message,

hate me for daring to speak.

They will have their way.

Don’t ask for honour,

honour comes with pain and death.

There are no short-cuts.

The cup is suff’ring,

the baptism, it is death.

Will you still follow?

Will you follow me?

Will you be a slave to all?

Will you give your life?

© Ken Rookes 2020

Some haiku for the Narrative Lectionary, Second Sunday in Lent.

Never any doubt

Haiku for the faithful.

Temptation stories:

will his mission be derailed?

Jesus is not swayed.

This devil fella,

who invited him into

these Gothic stories?

Angels and devils;

do they still make sense to us,

must we yet believe?

If you are God’s Son . . . ?

Great question! What quality

makes Jesus God’s child.

What makes me God’s child?

Is it that I am baptised,

or because I love?

The superpowers

hinted at in these stories;

will they capture him?

Or is he defined

by denial, declining

any privilege?

Refusing comfort,

and captive to his calling

he chooses his path.

Worship only God

and do what God requires.

The choice for us all!

 

© Ken Rookes 2020.

The mountain was high

Haiku of illumination

The mountain was high,

according to Matthew’s text.

Four friends made the climb.

Mystery mountain

cloaked in energy and light;

Jesus shining bright.

Moses, man of law,

talking with the carpenter

and comparing notes.

Prophet Elijah

enters the conversation,

gives his two-bob’s worth.

Jesus, fulfilment

of the law and the prophets.

Illumination.

Further approval

in the voice and shining cloud:

Listen to my Son!

Some who name him, Lord,

forget his command to love.

They will not listen.

Surpassing the Law

and greater than the prophets:

Jesus’ words of love.

© Ken Rookes 2020

Art Exhibition and FREE Studies!

The exhibition starts in three days!

The studies can be done any time, but it would be good to see the exhibition first!

For all you Christians who have nothing better to do in Lent!

But I say to you

Haiku for doing better

We need “shall-not” laws

to limit bad behaviour.

But that’s all they do.

You have heard it said.

All the shall-nots from the past

do not lead to love.

It is wrong to kill.

Ev’ryone knows that. We need

to deal with anger.

Violence has roots:

anger, abuse, injustice.

Act against these things.

Let love rule your hearts,

make your peace, be reconciled;

ev’rybody wins.

Try to be faithful,

and not just with your body;

with your mind as well.

Always speak the truth.

All should know your “yes” means “yes,”

and your “no” means “no.”

© Ken Rookes 2020.

Fulfilment

Haiku for followers

Sodium chloride,

commonly known as salt. What

to do without it?

Should salt lose its taste,

(an impossibility!)

it would be thrown out.

We are to be salt

imparting flavour and life

to an eager world.

Jesus came as light;

calling disciples to come

and reflect his life.

You too will be light

shining love into the dark.

Stand tall and shine bright.

He came to fulfil

the law, prophets; to correct

all the shortcomings.

Law has become dead,

none listen to the prophets;

hear what Jesus says.

In this present age

few listen to his teachings;

few there are who love.

They worship mammon

while the planet is burning.

They will not enter.

© Ken Rookes 2020