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A Poem to Sit With
Twentieth Sunday of Ordinary Time
August 19, 2018
J. Janda
Reading I: Proverbs 9:1-6
Responsorial Psalm 34:2-3, 4-5, 6-7
Reading II: Ephesians 5:15-20
Gospel: John 6:51-58

I use parables when I speak to them
because they look but do not see,
they listen but do not hear or understand. (Gospel)
Patterns

I joined Magdalen
in
that day’s tapestry
kissing
the foot of your
cross

and later in
woods
wet with fern
and
red raspberry
acorns
and nightshade
I asked if

better or worse
richer or poorer
sickness or health

could make
meaning
when I walked
into
a branch heavy
from
the night’s rain
and
felt the cold
shower

and could have
sworn

I heard laughter

J. Janda

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J. Janda’s poems have appeared in newspapers, magazines, anthologies, and literary publications, as well as in books of his own poetry.
Copyright © 2000, J. Janda
The present poem comes from the Janda's book, In Embrace.
Art by Martin Erspamer, OSB
from Religious Clip Art for the Liturgical Year (A, B, and C). This art may be reproduced only by parishes who purchase the collection in book or CD-ROM form. For more information go http://www.ltp.org
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