Lenten poem

Here's a Lenten poem by Rita A. Simmonds that is a profound reflection on Our Lord's Passion:

FREELY, FORCEFULLY

Nailed to the Cross
pinned down
desiring
willing
that strange intimacy - then

It is finished.

Suffering is not casual
any more than intimacy
is a chance encounter,
yet we offer ourselves - body and soul,
never knowing the gift.
Blood has been sweat
for sins such as this,
pleading palms
overturned
and centered
to spike
the Self in all selflessness.

The wounds of love
will never be felt
without
full awareness -
Being lad bare
out-stretched
everything given and taken
freely
forcefully
to its infinite end.

Sr. Mary Roberta Viano, VHM