Reflection from your Co-Pastors, for Thursday July 23

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Reflection from your Co-pastors

For Thursday's Readings July 23, 2020

Matthew's Gospel 13: 10-17

In this Gospel Jesus tells us, yes us, "they hear but do not listen."

Well, how is that possible? I hear what you're saying don't I? Yet how many times have I heard from my partner or my children, "You're not even listening to what I'm saying!" Meanwhile, I can actually repeat what they just said, but I do not understand the depth of what they meant.

What does it mean to truly listen? To be a deep listener? First of all, it helps to not be distracted. It's nearly impossible to really listen while we are "just finishing this email" or "trying to find my recipe for lemon bars." No, this is the kind of hearing that Jesus is talking about when he says, "they hear but do not listen." It's kind of like hearing with only one ear.

Deep listening, however, is a process of listening to learn. It requires the temporary suspension of judgment, letting go of our certainty about what is good or right for the other person. Putting aside all agendas to truly receive new information. It is a willingness to being open beyond our preconceptions.

Now if you're like me, you probably already know that this is extremely hard to do with those close to you because sometimes we tend to think we know them already. What's new to learn here? I've been your partner for 50 years so I know you like the back of my hand. Sound familiar?

Oftentimes we are preoccupied by thinking about what we will say when it's our turn to speak. But it is how we listen that is truly transformative. A friend more than subtley pointed this out to me one day when she said, "Rosean, there's a reason God created us with two ears and only one mouth!"

There are three great practices that I would suggest for deep listening:

Listen to learn.
Listen for understanding rather than agreement.
Ask questions that require introspection and reflection, inspire curiosity and innovation, grab your attention and draw you in, or focus on what has meaning and possibility.

As you listen, listen for what is alive in the person; listen to the song beneath the words. Reflect back what you hear, offering a genuine understanding and empathy.

Think about a time this week when you would like to try deep listening. Let us become a people who hear, and listen, and understand. Let us become true disciples of Christ.

Amen

Our Service Recordings

and More

View our Sunday July 19th service recording. You can also access a printable document of the entire service to assist with prayer. Here is Father Michael's homily. NOTE: Original recordings played during this past Sunday service were removed due to copyright requirements

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 -

Jim DeMuth and family for the loss of his sister, Pat DeMuth. For Kerrie Anderson's sister Hilde Kraft and family after the death of Hilde's husband. And 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.

Kris, wife of Scott Jenkins (retired regional ECC priest). 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 the continued recovery of Father Don Sutton - ECC Priest .

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.

John Nystrom and family. The Dunn 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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