Reflection from you Co-Pastors, Monday August 3- Mary of Magdala, ECC

Reflection from your Co-Pastors

Aug 3, 2020

Matthew's Gospel

Chapter 14: 22-36

Today's Gospel is one we are all familiar with and in amazement of--Jesus walking on water. And though this is truly a miraculous feat, there is no attention paid to the side story of what has been going on for Jesus prior to this moment.

As we know from yesterday's Gospel reading, Jesus and his disciples have just heard that John the Baptist was beheaded. Jesus' cousin John, Jesus' forerunner, the one who administered the sacrament of baptism to Jesus, is dead. What a shock this must have been for all of them. In his grief, Jesus attempts to find a deserted place to be alone. However, a crowd of 5000 men plus women and children present themselves to him seeking his teachings and his gift of healing. Jesus's heart is filled with pity and compassion for the crowd so he begins to cure their sick. Then he provides food for them that they can be nourished in body as well as soul. When this has been

accomplished, Jesus dismisses the crowds and the disciples and, once again, seeks out alone time by going up to the mountain by himself to pray.

Jesus was attending to his grief. He needed time alone with God to pray. He persisted in finding that time. It was essential for his renewal.

Today we might call this self care.

Whether we need physical, emotional, psychological, or spiritual renewal, we must carve out time to set aside our daily routines and our family and work obligations to spend time with God in prayer and silence. Get a massage, read a book, take a walk, or enjoy an afternoon nap.

Many have told me that their normal self care has not been enough during this pandemic. Let us model the persist-ency of our brother Jesus in seeking out those deserted places where we can truly be alone with our God, the ultimate Curegiver. Please add a little more care for YOU into your daily activities.

God Bless you all.

Discovery and Perspective

An open discussion of scripture - "Feast of the Transfiguration " Thursday at 9:00 am

Join in conversation and connection this week with Pastor Jane

Scripture to be discussed will be the previous Sunday's readings and Gospel

All are welcomed!

Thursdays - 9 a.m. Zoom Video Link - https://zoom.us/j/93086048248

Zoom Phone Link +1 669 900 6833 Meeting ID: 930 8604 8248

Our Service Recordings

and More

View our August 2nd Sunday service celebrating the 18th Sunday of Ordinary time. You can also access a printable document of the entire service to assist with prayer. Here is Father Teri's homily.

For all bulletins, reflections, Sunday recordings during our hiatus from celebrating together, visit our webpage and other videos are located here.

Please contact us with questions, concerns and ideas for better connection

with and for the community - marymagdalafc@gmail.com

Community Prayer Requests

Please pray for -

Dick Life, member, for continued recovery from surgery. Jim DeMuth and family for the loss of his sister, Pat DeMuth. For Jennifer Pfeister and family for the passing of her father, Bill McClellan.

For Courtney, daughter of Jean and Tom Christen. Michael Keefe, son of member Yvonne Keefe. For the continued recovery of Linda Joyce. The Kent family whose Mother Teri (community member) and Father recently passed.

Dona Bosse - community member. Joanne Gallagher, offers prayers of thanksgiving for the success of her surgery and gratitude to our community for prayerful support.

Julie Schoenbauer and family for the passing of her father and for the family of Edwin White, brother-in-law of Pastor Jane.

For the peaceful repose of the souls of Bill, Greg, and Calvin - friends of Deacon Rosean. .

For Rosemary - Fr Michael's mother. For Dani - Niece of the Cloyds. Mary Crosby – parishioner. For Chris Bachman, friend of Lisa Jones and Ruth Parker, sister of Dori Carroll. For Lynne Barnes and family.

Leo Six – father of Michael Six, Mike Gudim, Margie Weitz, Suzanne King, Robert Browell.

Click here to visit the Mary of Magdala, ECC website

Please contact us at marymagdalafc@gmail.com or at 970-493-9536

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