Availability
Honk, honk! That was music to my ears at our 4:30pm Parking Lot Mass on July 4
th
. It was so wonderful to see so many cars at the Mass! We sure were blessed with warm sunny weather. But it was hot out there! I was impressed with the folks that sat in the reserved section. It was so nice to see a lot of cars in the parking lot, just like the old days! Yes, we are going to do the parking lot Mass again, weather permitting, on Saturday, August 29
th
. We will also be offering another take-out meal after that Mass. For this evening, the meal will be pulled pork. Rich sure loves to cook meals like this and we are grateful for his team of helpers. We are deeply grateful for Rich’s talent and his generosity to share his gift with us. I hope you find it convenient to have a meal ready for take-out available after Mass.
Availability! That is the word that comes to mind with
today’s Gospel from Matthew 9:32-38
. We hear Jesus going around to the surrounding towns and villages, teaching and healing:
"Jesus went around to all the towns and villages, teaching in their synagogues, proclaiming the gospel of the kingdom, and curing every disease and illness."
Thinking about Jesus’ availability to the people in this passage makes me think how Jesus continues this availability today, specifically in the Word and Sacrament. Plus, during this pandemic we have seen many digital platforms making scripture programs available, Masses online, or maybe a priest sitting by the gym doors and dumpster available for confession. In our prayers of thanksgiving, may we always express our gratitude for the many ways Jesus is comes to us, and may we be attentive and available to help those in need. God bless and stay safe!
In Christ,
Fr. Steve Breck
Pastor, St. Mary Magdalene
