Liturgy in-Person & on Zoom Indiana Interchurch Center 1100 W. 42nd St. Indianapolis IN 46208 Liturgy schedule When Marion County is HIGH on the CDC Covid map, St. Mary of Magdala liturgies will be on Zoom only.
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Continuing the Work of the Christ
April 7, 2024, 2nd Sunday of Easter Helen Weber-McReynolds Readings: Acts 1:3-5, 12-14, 15; Ps.118; 1 John 1:1-4; 3:11, 14, 16; John 20:1, 11-18 Let’s try to picture one hundred-twenty followers of Jesus gathered together in Jerusalem, including Mary, his mother, and his siblings. Our first reading tells us they were gathered “with one heart,” in prayer, waiting for the promise of Jesus, that they would be baptized with the Holy Spirit. I can imagine that they were filled with a huge mixture of emotions. They were probably elated that Jesus’ spirit was still vital and alive in their midst. But they were scared as well. How could they not be? Their leader had just been brutally executed, by an empire that had previously crucified thousands. They no doubt feared they could be next. Yet they were encouraged by the unity they felt. I imagine that they reminisced about all Jesus’ teachings and the beautiful way he had related to people, going out of his way to approach the marginalized. I imagine that together, they felt grief, and amazement, fear, and great joy, uncertainty, and solidarity. I assume Mary Magdalene was there too. I can hear her repeating her experience to each of them, how Jesus’ message was loud and clear to her: Don’t cling to the human memory you have of me. Instead, let everyone know that I can live forever through you, through all of you. Remember my example and do as I did. We might wonder why Mary Magdalene was the first to whom Jesus appeared alive. It is clearly documented that she was the first in the gospels of both John and Mark. We can also get some hints from reading the non-canonical gospels of Mary Magdalene and Phillip. These documents tells us that she was “first among the apostles” even when they were all alive, for one reason: she best understood Jesus’ message and was best able to actualize it in her own life. Her position of leadership was earned, and Jesus validated this specifically. Mary Magdalene is our namesake because, of all the apostles, she was the first and most capable follower and teacher of Jesus’ Way. I think they probably asked themselves and one another the question of what exactly had happened to Jesus? The sense of his presence was strong, and he it certainly felt to them as if he was alive. Yet they had witnessed him on that cross. We know the gospels are not historical documents. They often compress time for the sake of conveying their message. When I think of the disciples all gathered, the first beginnings of the early church, I think they probably had to work these ideas out slowly in their minds, not in a few days, but over weeks and months and years. I see them talking all through the night, trying to remember all of what Jesus had said and what they should do to make sure his message also lived on. I picture many of them coming to the conclusion, one after another, that Jesus had chosen them to keep God’s creative mercy and compassion alive. That it was up to them to spread the Good News that love can defeat cruelty, corruption, judgementalism, prejudice, and greed, just as Jesus had said. So I’m betting the disciples had to grow into these decisions, some quickly, some little by little. The way I picture it, Mary Magdalene and the other apostles had a big influence on the others, testifying about how strong Jesus’ commitment and single-minded love had affected them. So I don’t think it is surprising that we continue to grow into our faith in Jesus’ resurrection also. We listen to the Easter Gospel accounts and celebrate joyfully that He is Risen. But then, like the disciples gathered in Jerusalem, we have to figure out what we should do. There is so much wrong in our world. It is easy to get cynical about our ability to effect any important changes. Yet we have all witnessed, at some time or another, impressive unselfishness and courageous witness to justice that actually has made a difference. The bravery of the aid workers trying to help in Ukraine and Gaza right now is an example. So we know that there is strength in numbers, and that if we work together, it is possible to continue building the Reign of God right where we are. Our second reading reminded us so beautifully: “For this is the message we have heard from the beginning: We should love one another. We know that we, too, have passed from death to life because we love one another. God is love. Whoever lives in love lives in God, and God in them.” Let us continue working to grow into how our actions can keep the Christ alive. *It is important to note that the verses Act 1: 13-14 are only included in the canonical Catholic lectionary every 3 yrs., and for the 7th Sunday of Easter, the readings for which are usually replaced by those for the Ascension. John 20:11-18 is not included anywhere in the traditional parish lectionary. So most Catholic parishioners never hear the story of Mary Magdala being the first to greet the resurrected Christ, and the person who transmitted the news of his resurrection to the rest of the disciples. Pope Francis named St. Mary of Magdala an Apostle in 2015. Those disciples had seen how Jesus lived his mission – never focusing on sin, but drawing forth each person's greatest potential. That was now their call. (McGlone) Sacraments
We celebrate the Sacraments of Baptism, Eucharist, Reconciliation, Anointing, and Matrimony - which includes Holy Union for heterosexual or same sex couples. Services also include funerals, committal services, and celebrations of life. Also other traditional services such as house blessings. Call Helen Weber-McReynolds, RCWP, to request a home or hospital visit. 317-691-1016. To Volunteer
New volunteers are always welcome to join our liturgical ministries. Participate as a musician, lector, greeter, usher, communion minister, or share another talent with us. Our website was done by a volunteer! If you have an idea and would like to share your time & talent, please tell us! Contact Helen at 317-691-1016 for more information or fill out the form below! St. Mary of Magdala Catholic Community gives 10% of its income to charity.
Our most recent recipient, the Hooser Environmental Council, is a voice not only for direct protection of Indiana waters, wetlands and wilderness, but for environmental justice, sustainability, greener businesses, and ways to tackle the causes and effects of climate change. For information on their many programs, see https://www.hecweb.org/. Other recipients include:
Tax Deductible Donations If you would like to make a tax deductible contribution to St. Mary of Magdala, please send a check to: St. Mary of Magdala Catholic Community P.O. Box 20042 Indianapolis, IN 46220 |
Upcoming Liturgies
with St. Mary of Magdala and our sister communities Sun. Apr. 21, 11 a.m., StMMCC, in person and Zoom Sat. Apr. 27, 5 p.m., HCICC, Hermitage and Zoom Sun. May 5. 11 a.m., BICC, in person and Zoom Sun. May 12, 11 a.m., StMMCC, in person and Zoom Sat. May 18, 5 p.m., HCICC, Hermitage and Zoom Sun. May 26, 11 a.m., StMMCC, in person and Zoom The sister communities
StMMCC: St. Mary of Magdala Catholic Community Rev. Helen WeberMcReynolds , pastor Gathering in person at: Indiana Interchurch Center 1100 W. 42nd St., Indianapolis IN 46208 Zoom link requests: hweber@iuhealth.org BICC: Brownsburg Inclusive Catholic Community Bp. Nancy Meyer & Rev. Angela Nevitt Meyer, copastors Gathering in person at: 516 E Main St, Brownsburg, IN 46112 (Ash Interactive entrance behind Enterprise) Zoom link requests: biccinquiry@gmail.com HCICC: Home Church Inclusive Catholic Community Contact Rev. Peggy Alderman for information. Zoom link requests: peggymomm@gmail.com Recent Events
We kept up our StMM traditions with a community meal on Holy Thursday, followed by the liturgy of the day including the washing of the feet. Pictured below are Mary, Helen and Maria at our joyous Easter Vigil, somewhere between blessings of the new fire and the Easter Candle. More photos coming soon. Our annual Lenten reflection program featured discussion of Midrash: Reading the Bible with Question Marks, by Rabbi Sandy Eisenberg Sasso , Senior Rabbi Emerita of Congregation Beth-El Zedeck, Indianapolis, with an afterward by Joan Chittister, an author featured in prior reflection programs.
We thank Rabbi Sasso for making a personal appearance! Intercessions
Response: Hear us, God of love. ● For the Church: that our hearts’ eyes recognize the presence of the resurrected Christ in the lives of others we encounter beyond these walls. We pray. -R ● For areas affected by earthquakes, floods, mudslides, droughts, and tornadoes: that aid will come to lives in need, both human and animal crawling, flying, and swimming. We pray. -R ● For all national leaders to heed the prophecy of Martin Luther King, Jr.: that “the choice before us is not between violence and nonviolence. It is nonviolence or nonexistence.” We pray. - R. ● For healing: that resources and unconditional love come to those in need of physical and mental care. We pray. - R ● For peace: that crops can be planted, the young can safely play in their neighborhoods, and water is plentiful, palatable, and available to all. We pray. - R ● For Easter’s promises to be recognized and embraced: that everyone in the midst of transition feel the hand of Christ on their shoulder and in the generosity of spirit in people they meet. We pray. - R For what else shall we pray? External Links
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