Reflections from your Co-Pastors
Thursday February 4, 2021
Mark's Gospel 6: 7-13
"...they anointed with oil many who were sick and cured them."
(Verse 13)
The Sacrament of Anointing the Sick gives grace for the state into which a person enters during illness or old age. Through this Sacrament, the Holy Spirit is given that renews confidence and faith in God and spiritually strengthens the person against discouragement, despair, anxiety and anguish. One of the effects of the Sacrament is to absolve the recipient of any sins not previously absolved. This Sacrament is to be administered by a priest or bishop.
In today's Gospel Jesus sends his disciples out two by two to minister to all God's people. We are told that "they anointed with oil many who were sick and cured them." These disciples prayed with the sick, laid hands on them, and anointed them with holy oils. For those who were close to death, they could find peace, knowing that eternal life awaits them in the embrace of God. The Sacrament of the Sick can also be administered to someone who is undergoing surgery or recovering from a disease or virus, that they might heal and be cured.
Jesus' disciples were not deacons, priests, or bishops. They were, however, followers of Jesus. Jesus empowered these lay members to be present to those who were sick, comforting those who were aged,
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dying, suffering or struggling to recover from any illness or disease.
Both the Ecumenical Catholic Communion and Mary of Magdala's Constitutions, similar to Jesus' commissioning of his disciples, tells us "we recognise each adult baptised person to be an equal member of the Catholic Church. No deacon, priest or bishop owns the Sacraments or the gift of Christ's grace. Therefore, lay people share equally in the self-governance of the community.
There is a high value placed in this statement on who and how we minister to one another as disciples of Christ. The Holy Spirit of God dwells within each of us. God's grace is freely given to each of us. May we minister with the tenderness, compassion, and humility that we have witnessed in our brother Jesus.
And so let us pray…
Jesus, look upon me each day with eyes of mercy. May Your healing hand rest upon me. May your life-giving powers flow into every cell of my body and into the depths of my soul--cleansing, purifying, and restoring me to wholeness-- in strength for service in your Kin-dom."
AMEN
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GOOD NEWS! Sanctuary Open for Silent Prayer
We are pleased to announce that the Sanctuary at 301 East Stuart will be open every Wednesday from 12:00 to 1:00 pm for silent prayer.
We are still limited to only 10 people within the space at one time. Please wear a mask and remain at least 6 feet apart. Hand sanitizer is available at the church.
This brings us a step closer to gathering in person as time, vaccinations, and safety permit. Thanks be to God!
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Feb 7 - Fifth Sunday in Ordinary Time - Morning Service - 11:00 a.m.
**Annual Meeting Immediately Following the Service**
"The touch of God or Jesus opens us to service"
Presider - Father Teri Harroun
Feb 14 - Sixth Sunday in Ordinary Time - 5:00 p.m. Service
**Community Chat Rooms Beginning at 4:30 p.m.**
Our Lady of Lourdes Feast Day
Presider - Co-Pastor Deacon Rosean Amaral
Feb 17 - Ash Wednesday Services - Blessed ashes are available for pick-up. Email St Paul's to arrange a time.
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Prayers and Sunday Service Recordings |
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Healing prayers for Aidan - grandson of Mother Kae. Prayers for Lisa McCann - member, for personal challenges this year.
For Jim Berry - member, for his new journey to chaplain. For Lauren Roob - friend of Rosanna Bateman.
Healing prayers for Dianna Padilla, sister of Lisa Jones, who underwent surgery for cancer. For Liz and Ken Zornes and family, friends of Sandra and Dick Life, whose daughter is struggling with addiction. For Michael Keefe, son of member Yvonne Keefe.
For Dona Bosse - community member and Rosemary - Fr Michael's mother. For Dani - niece of the Cloyds and Mary Crosby – parishioner. For Ruth Parker, sister of Dori Carroll. And Leo Six – father of Michael Six, Mike Gudim, Suzanne King, Robert Browell
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For the peaceful repose of souls for those who've passed and comfort for the families.
For Clint Wisdom - brother-in-law of Bill Smith and Joan Chapman-Smith. For Leon - father of Mother Cynthia. For Marietta Ricke - sister of Jim DeMuth and for Kristin - daughter of ECC priest Scott Jenkins. For Joan Kneeland - sister-in-law of Bill Kneeland. For Aunt Ilo and Aunt Ginny - Aunts of Jean Christian.
For Rita Ortiz, friend of Deacon Rosean, and for Margie Weitz - member. For Chris Bachman, friend of Lisa Jones.
For Bob, husband of Joyce Dehaven -
friend of Cathy Engel
For David Heyman - member,
Teri Kent - member,
Bill McClellan - Father of Jennifer Pfeister,
Father of Julie Shoenbauer, member, and
Edwin White - brother in law of Pastor Jane
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Sunday Service Recordings
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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
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