The community of believers was of one heart and mind… (Acts 4:32a)
A Prayer Poem by Sr. Juliemarie McDonald, SND for the
Second Sunday of Easter, Cycle B
April 15, 2012
Before “the stone which the builders rejected (became) the cornerstone…” (Ps 118:22)
Before the crisis of the cross, the followers of the Way
were a community of believers.
After Jesus was crucified
-faith was shaky,
-truth was confusing,
-believers became unbelievers.
Huddled and hiding in the upper room,
staunch, but fearful believers gathered
-for support,
-for solace.
Two disciples were missing,
-Judas the traitor and
-Thomas the doubter.
One had despaired,
One was on temporary leave of absence
sorting out realities.
“Jesus came and stood in their midst…Peace be with you.” (John 20:20b)
“Receive the Holy Spirit.” (John 20:21a)
Thomas was present at the second apparition.
Perhaps Thomas foreshadows our scientific and technological ages.
“Seeing is Believing.”
Thomas tested the truth.
Interestingly, Jesus pays today’s people of the Way
with a surprising compliment.
“Blessed are those who have not seen and
have believed.” (John 20:29b)
For Reflection and Sharing:
- What are the before and after times you experienced in your faith journey?
- What is included in the phrase “to be a community of one heart and mind?”
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 }
Dear Juliemarie;
I do enjoy your poems and the insights they give for me to ponder. The insight in the last verse of this poem is slowly unfolding in my heart! Happy Easter! Love and prayers Anitra
Dear Juliemarie,
Thanks for keeping me(us) in the Easter mood! Love your poems!
Peace to you in the Lord, Ann McLaughlin
Ann, we are an Easter people. I know I forget about that as the Easter season wans. Let’s prayer for one another that being an Easter people is an everyday event. He is risen!
Anitra, that’s a hazard of our scientific age. Praise God for faith and hope, where we can believe in the things we hope for as we journey to eternal life.
Dear Juliemarie,
Thank you for sharing your poem!! It helps me to put things into perspective!! PTL for the gift of inspiration!!
Discernment is difficult in our day and age. Pray to the doubting Thomas.