A Prayer Poem by Sr. Juliemarie McDonald, SND, for February 12, 2012
Sixth Sunday in Ordinary Time, Cycle B
“If you wish, you can make me clean.” (Mark 1:40b)
Lord of power, cast out the leprosy of my sinfulness.
Cast out the demons that reside in my mind and heart.
Many contributed to these demon ideas.
They were birthed in my home, my school, even in my church!
You know this sinfulness of mine:
Prejudices, racism, nationalism, self-righteousness and
myriad of others.
These have become my foes, who fight unknown outcasts.
“If you wish, you can make me clean.” (Mk 1:40b)
Lord, take up my plea.
“My foes will be terrified and disgraced; all will fall back in sudden shame.” (Ps 6:11)
If you cast out of me these false demons, there will be no outcasts, no boundaries.
All peoples will be my sisters and brothers in Christ.
“I do will it. Be made clean.” (Mark 1:41b)
Lectionary Readings for Sixth Sunday of Ordinary Time 2012
What are your thoughts and prayers for this day?
Is there a word, phrase, or verse from this Sunday’s readings or this poem which stands out for you? Please share it with us in the comments below.
Please share this poem via social media links below. Thank you.
Sister Juliemarie McDonald joined the Sisters of Notre Dame of Chardon, Ohio in 1951. She holds an MA in English Studies from John Carroll University MA in Scripture from St. Charles Seminary. After 32 years of teaching classes ranging from first grade to college level, she then became a researcher, campus minister, director of religious education and a pastoral minister in Mease Hospital in Dunedin, Florida. In her semi-retirement, Sister Juliemarie writes reflections and faith sharing sessions for the young sisters in formation in Africa, Philippines, Korea, India and the USA. Her spare time is spent as a crafter.
The Sisters of Notre Dame of Chardon, Ohio, belong to an international congregation of more than two thousand apostolic women religious. We are one in mind and one in heart for the transformation of the world in Christ.
{ 6 comments… read them below or add one }
Very STRONG and thought-provoking! Thank you!
Powerful!
Dear Ellen, I am glad you think it is thought provoking. I believe that is what the good news does to us. It makes us reflect and perhaps change.
Val, thank you for your comment. I do think the issues are and can be a powerful motive for transformation.
What a blessing you are to us all. Such talented inspirations!
Love you!
Dear Mary Lou, thank you. I hope the poetry speaks the gospel news to all you who reflect upon them.