Reflections from your Co-Pastors - Thursday January 14

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Reflections from your

Co-Pastors

January 14, 2021

Hebrews 3: 7-14

Psalm 95: 6-11

" Oh, that today you would hear his voice, harden not your hearts."

Combine our anxieties, fears of a deadly virus, violence in the world, uncertainties about our jobs and economy, and restrictions that prohibit us from gathering in person for support, fellowship, intimacy and worship, and it is clear that, like the Israelites, we may have reason to harden our hearts.

But the author of Hebrews, as well as Psalm 95, both echo the same phrase, "Oh, that today you would hear his voice, harden not your hearts."

Our hearts are definitely being tried. They ache, they suffer, some are broken, and many are in need of repair and comfort. How do we tend to our hearts that they may remain open to God and neighbor? How do we correct for hardness of heart?

In Hebrews, we are encouraged to examine our hearts "daily, while it is still 'today,' " that we might not forsake the living God.

This spiritual practice of examining our hearts daily is called the "examen." It is a prayer of awareness that Saint Ignatius of Loyola instituted, that helps us notice God's presence in our daily lives. It is a reflection on the events of our day. There are many models available to help us take "inventory" of our days, and Saint Ignatius instructs us in this manner:

First, find a private, uninterrupted space. Come before God in humble prayer. Light a candle if you wish. Show gratitude and thanksgiving for your day.

Next, review your day. Where did you recognize God's presence in your thoughts and actions? When were you

most Christ-like? When did you fall short? Thank God for these experiences.

Then trust in receiving God's forgiveness and healing grace for any missteps you may have taken.

Resolve to be more conscious of your thoughts, words, and actions with God's help.

And finally, end with prayer, thanking God for the gift of this day, asking God to guide you through the next day's challenges, and turning your anxieties over to God in faith and hope.

Another way of practicing the "examen" might be simply to ponder daily the question, How have my thoughts, words, actions and choices fostered the coming of God's kin-dom this day?

And still, a model from Saint Vincent DePaul called " The Rivers of Life," would have us answer four questions daily:

What moved you?
What surprised you?
What inspired you?
What challenged you to see differently?

The daily "examen" is a practice that helps us to keep our hearts open, to hear God's voice, and to listen for God's guidance. It is a way to ensure that the events of our world will not harden our hearts to the living God with us, and within us. It keeps us focused on our ongoing relationship with God-- the one thing we still have some control over.

Thanks be to God.

Amen

Image by Barbara Jackson from Pixabay

Mary of Magdala - Prayer Gathering

You are invited

In the aftermath of the horrific events of January 6, we the people of Mary of Magdala, ECC invite you to join in a 15-minute daily Vespers service at 4:30 pm to pray for our nation.

We will ask the Holy Spirit each day for guidance and strength to help us during

this stressful time, with opportunities for both communal and personal prayers. We hope you will join us in this important work. -- Cathy Engel

Monday - Friday: 4:30 p.m.

Daily Zoom Link: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/84580449766?pwd=a0Q4bkdZa0hKeHVmcDJjTkZ5WjBaQT09

Meeting ID: 845 8044 9766

Passcode: Prayer

Audio (via phone):

+1 669 900 6833 ID: 845 8044 9766#

Sunday Service Schedule

Jan 17 - Second Sunday of Ordinary Time - 5:00 p.m.

**Community Chat at 4:30 p.m.**

Called by the Rabbi, will you follow?

Presider - Fr. Michael Nicosia

Jan 24- Third Sunday of Ordinary Time - 11:00 a.m.

Mass at 11:00 a.m. Drive-up Communion distributed after Mass

Answering God’s call on right living

Presider - Pastor Jane Reina

Jan 31- Fourth Sunday in Ordinary Time - 5:00 p.m.

**Community Chat at 4:30 p.m.**

Listening to God’s voice

Presider - Father Don Sutton

Sunday Service Recordings

View our Sunday service Jan 10, 2021 Here is a printed version to assist with prayer and a recording of just the homily by Pastor Rosean Amaral.

For all bulletins, reflections, Sunday recordings during our hiatus from celebrating together, visit our webpage . Please contact us with questions, concerns and ideas for better connection with and for the community - marymagdalafc@gmail.com

Click here to visit the Mary of Magdala, ECC website