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A Poem to Sit With
3rd Sunday of Ordinary Time
Year B
January 21, 2024
J. Janda
Reading I: Jonah 3:1-5, 10
Responsorial Psalm 25:4-5, 6-7, 8-9
Reading II: 1 Corinthians 7:29-31
Gospel: Mark 1:14-20


Jesus came to Galilee proclaiming the gospel of God:
“This is the time of fulfillment.
The kingdom of God is at hand.” (Gospel)   


Paradox

A pigeon
(red-legged
tan and white)

under the glass-topped
outdoor metal tables
and chairs

pecking the
pavement
for crumbs

Christ

the Unmanifested
manifesting

what is most high
and mighty

is also most low
and vulnerable

pecking for crumbs
on pavement—
the pigeon

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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