Daily Meditation for April 17, 2024

Have you used a haiku for a prayer? Perhaps a haiku isn’t familiar to you. It is a form of poetry that originated in Japan in the 17th century. Its simple form consists of three lines of 17 syllables in this order: five, seven and five syllables. Haikus most often reflect some aspects of nature. Having grown in popularity, haikus are now written and used in genres outside of nature. This haiku, given to us by Dave Hopwood, seems to propose a suggestion for friendship that goes beyond a social relationship. Hopewood writes “Thank You for Being a Friend” as he reflects on Genesis 14:18–20.

Unexpected gift,
Out of the blue, a blessing
Bread, wine, and friendship

It’s simply written. Perhaps you would like to try writing one. This one concludes my mediation, “Resurrection.”

Two grief-filled women
Come upon an empty tomb
Sadness turned to joy

By Philip Zimmer, OSB