Reflections from Your Co-Pastors
Thursday July 8, 2021
Genesis 44: 18-21, 23-29; 45: 1-5
Today's Genesis reading recalls part of the story of Joseph and his family. Joseph's brothers were jealous of their father's love for him and of his dreams of attaining great power and authority. They plotted to kill him. Reuben, the eldest, dissuaded the others from this plan. Instead, they agreed to leave Joseph in a pit in the earth where a wild animal would eventually come by and devour him.
However, without including Reuben, they decided to profit from this venture and sold Joseph as a slave to a band of Midianite traders who later re-sold Joseph to the Pharaoh of Egypt.
Then the brothers slaughtered a goat and smeared its blood onto Joseph's cloak and returned home home to their father with word that Joseph was missing and this was what they had found. Israel, Joseph's father, mourned for many days for his youngest son thinking he had been a feast for a wild beast.
Meanwhile, Joseph rose to great power in Pharaoh's court. Pharaoh gave Joseph his signet ring and authority over all of Egypt. Joseph interpreted a dream of Pharaohs which alerted them to the coming of seven prosperous years followed by seven years of famine. Joseph saw to it that food was stored up in such great abundance-like the sands of the sea-so that when the seven years of famine came Egypt had food a-plenty.
People came to Egypt from all around to buy food, for they were starving in the famine years. Among those that approached Joseph on bended knee, were his brothers, asking to buy grain that their families would not perish.
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They did not recognize Joseph, but he knew who they were. At first, he kept his identity hidden, but then revealed himself to them in an emotional outburst. He wept loudly and embraced them. Since the brothers thought they would now have to pay
for selling him into slavery, Joseph assured them "Do not be distressed or angry with yourselves because you sold me here; for God sent me before you to preserve for you a remnant on earth, and to keep you alive…"
How many of us can, like Joseph, look back on difficult times and see them as part of a bigger picture?
Sometimes, things happen in our lives that we would never choose. We may lose a job, a partner, a home. In the sorrow we struggle. When we have gone through the struggle, do we later recognize the grace embedded in it?
During the pandemic, for instance, did we find new ways to stay connected and care for one another? Did we experience fresh longing for the Eucharist? Are we forever grateful for the blessings God has bestowed on us? Have we deepened our ties to family and friends?
And God was with us through it all.
Gracious God, when darkness falls, help us to look for your light!
Amen
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Did you miss the Blessing by the community celebrating the one-year anniversary of Rev. Jane Reina on June 20th?
you
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Do you have a story, scripture, phrase to share?
Can you think of a scripture story or phrase that holds its greatest meaning for you…at this moment as the Spirit flows through you.
We invite you to send in your phrases and anything you’d like to add behind the meaning. These may be shared with the community. We can all learn from each other.
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Mary of Magdala Men's Group
TODAY
The Mary of Magdala Men's Group is back! All are invited to this informal social group - come as you are. They meet every second Thursday at 3 PM. This month they will be toasting our founder, John Nystrom, who said he will be there!!
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What: Men's Club
When: Second Thursday at 3:00 pm
Where: This month (July 8) at ...
Mayor of Old Town
632 S Mason St, Fort Collins, CO 80524
All are welcome! Come as you are!
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Recording for Sunday - July 4th
The recording of the homily by Father Teri Harroun is available here. You can also view or print the Mass here to assist in prayer.
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Past Recordings, Bulletins, and Announcements
For all bulletins, reflections, Sunday recordings during, 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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