The Passion, Resurrection, and Ascension of Jesus Christ According to the Four Gospels
A Poetic Meditation
Foreword by George Pattison
Imprint: Resource Publications
The haiku poems of this book tell the narrative of the Last Supper, passion, death, resurrection, ascension, and Great Commission of the Gospels, evoking the essence of these momentous events. The distilled style of emotions embedded in the poems may awaken the reader to transcend time and space and experience these events through eyes they have never known.
How can we even begin to understand the doctrines of Christianity derived from the Last Supper, passion, death, resurrection, ascension, and Great Commission of the Gospels without singing, and singing fully, with the knowing and unknowing that resides within our hearts, minds, and souls? You will hear the songs of Jesus, Judas, Mary, Thomas, the archangels, Satan, and a seeker of the divine mystery. It is hoped that you will join this choir of past, present, and future, and sing as you have never been.
Rainbow Chang studied theatre at Mountview Academy of Theatre Arts and studied theology at Oxford University. She now lives in Oxford as a mother and a writer. She is a member of the Anglican Church and a fellow of the Royal Society of Arts.
“This is a beautiful and utterly distinctive sequence of poems, opening out from a densely evocative group of pieces on the Eucharist and the Passover, utilizing to great effect the spare technique of haiku and interweaving a more extended lyrical voice, with interjections in Hebrew and a deep liturgical echo. It is spacious, patient poetry, slowing us down to take the time to sink into the mystery of the great three days of Easter.”
—Rowan Williams, Master of Magdalene College, University of Cambridge and formal archbishop of Canterbury
“Rainbow Chang’s work of poetry arises out of prolonged, sensitive, and passionate attention to, and reflection on, the final episodes in the earthly life of Jesus Christ. It invites us to engage in that same passionate reflection. As we do so, we are often startled into new perceptions, warmed to deeper devotion, and challenged to more faithful discipleship. I hope that many will be as rewarded, as I have been, by reading it.”
—David Conner, Dean of Windsor and formal bishop to the Forces, Church of England
“This is an exquisite book. It is poetry at its finest, and all of the verse is melded and fashioned out of deep sensitivity towards and careful attention to the life and work of Jesus. Rainbow gives us poetry that stretches our imagination and vision. Like all classic poets, Rainbow finds ways of constructing verse that is always more than the sum of its parts and adds new depth and meaning to words we thought we knew. This is beautiful, balanced, and brilliant—stellar poetry from a gifted poet.”
—Martyn Percy, Dean of Christ Church, Oxford, UK
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