Reflection from your Co-Pastors - Thurs Apr 22, 2021

Reflections from your Co-Pastors Thurs. April 22, 2021

Acts 8: 26-40

Today's reading from Acts is the story of Philip and the Ethiopian eunuch.

Here is Philip, one of Jesus' apostles, and an unnamed stranger who is identified only by his sexuality- a eunuch. Though the stranger appears to be a man of means, holding the position of treasurer for the Queen of Ethiopia, he is also marginalized and stereotyped. He is forbidden to participate In Temple rituals.

Philip is sent by "an angel of the Lord," to walk the road from Jerusalem to Gaza where he meets the eunuch traveling in his chariot. The eunuch is spiritually seeking that which he has been missing; he wishes to understand scripture and, in particular, a passage from Isaiah that he is reading. He cannot understand without guidance. Then along comes Philip, sent by the Spirit, who joins the eunuch in his chariot and proclaims the good news of the Gospel. The eunuch, moved by his new understanding and seeing water on the side of the road exclaims, "What is to prevent me from being baptized?"

Now this is one of the most relevant questions of our faith. What is standing in the way of being a fully embodied member of the house of God? What is standing in the way of anyone making claim as God's child

fully and without reservation? The answer in this first century church was "Nothing." Peter and the eunuch immediately get out of the chariot, walk down to the water, and Philip baptizes the eunuch.

If the church is to be relevant and at her best in the 21st century, the answer must still be "Nothing." Nothing stands in the way. Not the color of one's skin. Not one's race or gender. Not one's sexual orientation. Not one's financial status or political affiliation. Not whether one is married, single, or divorced. Simply, nothing stands in the way of being baptized.

Let the same water that ushered us into a life of faith be offered to all. We are bound together with Christ and one another like branches on a vine. You are mine, and I am yours.

Holy Spirit, I rejoice to witness how lovingly you welcome us all.

Thanks be to God.

Amen

Image by rony michaud from Pixabay

Opportunities this Week

We are delighted to gather together to enjoy a spring evening honoring some local heroes in our work to serve families experiencing homelessness. While continuing to stay safe in the open air and in our cars, we will have dinner provided by CHeBA Hut Toasted Subs, popcorn and candy, an online silent auction and watch the movie, Above the Clouds.

When?

Friday, April 30, 2021

from 6:30 - 10:00 pm

Where

Holiday Twin Drive In Theater

2206 S Overland Trail, Fort Collins, CO 80526

Join us on April 30 and celebrate the efforts of local heroes who support Family Housing Network as we strive to make homelessness short lived and non-recurrent for our local families in our community. Add to Calendar

Get more information

Service Recordings

View the recording for 3rd Sunday in Easter,

April 18 here. For the homily of Father Michael Nicosia, click here. Here is a printed version of the liturgy to assist with prayer

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

Newsletters of Trinity Lutheran Church and the St. Paul's Episcopal

What are our partners in ministry here up to? Go here for the Trinity Lutheran Church monthly newsletter, "Tidings". And here is St Paul's weekly bulletin

Click here to visit the Mary of Magdala, ECC website