Reflection From Your Co-Pastors
June 29, 2021
Psalm 34: 2-9
What a wonderful invitation we have this morning from King David in Psalm 34: "Magnify the Lord with me," he asks us. And the Blessed Mother is one of the most sacred models of how to do just that. Below is an excerpt from an essay by Rev. Barbara Brown Taylor, entitled "Singing Ahead of Time," from her book Home by Another Way.
"My soul magnifies the Lord," Mary sings right there in Elizabeth's living room, "and my spirit rejoices in God my Savior."
Elizabeth and Zechariah are the first to hear her song, but it is not just for them. It is also for her, Mary, and for the Mighty One who has done great things for her. It is for Gabriel, who first gave her the good news, and for all who will benefit from it... Her song is for Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob-- for Sarah, Rebecca, Leah, and Rachel-- for every son and daughter of Israel who thought God had forgotten the promise to be with them forever, to love them forever, to give them fresh and endless life.
It was all happening inside of Mary, and she was so sure of it that she was singing about it ahead of time-- not in the future tense but in the past, as if the promise had already come true. Prophets almost never get their verb tenses straight, because part of their gift is being able to see the world as God sees it--not divided into things that are already over and things that have not happened yet, but as an eternally unfolding mystery that surprises everyone.
The only thing that is absolutely sure in this scenario is that we have a partner who is with us and for us and who wants us to have life. Mary's trust in that fact is really all she has.
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What she does not have is a sonogram, or a husband, or an affidavit from the Holy Spirit that says, "The child is really mine. Now leave the poor girl alone." All she has is her unreasonable willingness to believe that the God who has chosen her will be part of whatever happens next-- and that apparently, is enough to make her burst into song. She does not wait to see how things will turn out first. She sings ahead of time, and all the angels with her.
If there are any big changes going on with you right now-- if something is underway you cannot predict the end of, and your stomach is rolling with your own version of morning sickness-- then you might try following Mary's lead. Who knows? Maybe the Holy Spirit has come upon you. Maybe that shadow hanging over you is the power of the Most High.
While it would certainly be nice to have some details about how it will all turn out, that is not really necessary, is it? You know how God has acted in the past…
May your souls magnify the Lord, and your spirits rejoice in God your Savior. For he has looked with favor on you, and all generations will call you blessed. For the Mighty One has done great things for you, and holy is his name.
Amen
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A Special Thank You and Invitation
to Baja Road Retreat
Dear Mary of Magdala friends and community!
I have fond memories of working with the first leaders of Mary of Magdala to do visioning, planning, etc and recall your enthusiasm, good sense and excitement for building a new form of Catholic Christian community. I’m grateful that I could work side-by-side with you then – and return to preach and preside on Sundays thereafter. I loved it!
We hope some of you will visit us at the “Baja Road Retreat” – to rest, or retreat in our quiet space.
Muchas Gracias!! Father Len
ALL ARE WELCOME
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And from Nancy – Thank you so very much for your most generous donation! We look forward to your coming to the “Land of Enchantment” and enjoying our little Baja Road Retreat. Gratefully, Nancy
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Prayer Requests and Service Recordings |
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Praying for peace, health and well-being through
challenging times
+Ira Robinson, 18 mo. old grand-nephew of Mary Lou Devlin -member - is hospitalized. Please pray for Ira and family.
+Carl Lake, friend of Co-Pastor Jane
+Courtney Shook - daughter of Tom and Jean Christen, member
+Dorothea Grimm - Mother of Rosanna Bateman, member
+Sue Harari - friend of Cathy Engel
+Mary Detweiller - member and her daughter Tricia
+Rob Frank - friend of Kerrie Anderson - member
+Jerry Padilla, father and Ryan Cordova nephew of Lisa Jones - member
+Aidan - grandson of Mother Kae.
+Lauren Roob - friend of Rosanna Bateman
+Liz and Ken Zornes and family, whose daughter is struggling with addiction - friends of Sandra and Dick Life
+Michael Keefe, son of member Yvonne Keefe
In gratitude for all who pray for and with our community.
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+Dona Bosse - member
+Rosemary - Fr Michael's mother
+Dani - niece of the Cloyds - members
+Ruth Parker, sister of Dori Carroll
+Joanne Gallagher - member, and for her sister, Dr. Barbara Immroth
+Jim and Lucille Bowen friends of Suzanne King, member
+Leo Six – father of Michael Six
+Mike Gudim
+Suzanne King - member
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For the peaceful repose of souls for those who've passed and comfort for the families.
Adrian - Son of Joe & Ann - friends of
members Cindy and David Cloyd
Mary Crosby - member
Clint Wisdom - brother-in-law of Joan Chapman-Smith
Leon - father of Mother Cynthia
Kristin - daughter of ECC priest Scott Jenkins.
Joan Kneeland - sister-in-law of Bill Kneeland
Rita Ortiz, friend of Deacon Rosean
Margie Weitz - member
Chris Bachman, friend of Lisa Jones
Bob, husband of Joyce Dehaven -
friend of Cathy Engel
David Heyman -member
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Sunday - June 27 - 301 Faith Partners Service
The recording of the 3-church service and homily by Co-Pastor Dcn. Rosean Amaral is available here.
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Past Recordings, Bulletins and Announcements
For all bulletins, reflections, Sunday recordings visit our webpage. Please contact us with questions, concerns and ideas for better connection with and for the community - marymagdalafc@gmail.com
Newsletters of Trinity Lutheran Church and the St. Paul's Episcopal
What are our partners in ministry up to? Go here for the Trinity Lutheran Church monthly newsletter, "Tidings". And here is St Paul's weekly bulletin
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Who Are the 301 Faith Partners? |
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The 301 Faith Partners have a Vision,
Mission and Values statement that guides
our relationships, interactions, and shared projects and ministries.
Our Vision – ‘Our guiding Light’
Weaving a tapestry of love, hope and justice for the world.
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Read the Vision, Mission, Core Values and Covenant here.
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