God's Kingdom Priority

by Deacon Lorna Goodison on July 15, 2021

Jesus commissioned his disciples to go into the villages and preach, teach and heal in His power and authority. In this Sunday’s reading (Mark 6:30-34 &53-56), they return from their mission exuberant about all they had done. Jesus, the Shepherd/Leader, understood that caring for others can be exhausting. Jesus, therefore, encouraged the disciples saying, “Come away to a deserted place all by yourselves and rest awhile.” The stillness, the silence of deserted places can be terrifying, yet it is in the physical desert or the deserts of our lives that we rest from the world’s temptations and meet God. God intervenes, speaks to us, and saves us. Deserts are spaces for nourishment and renewal where our souls get aligned to God’s priorities.

But the Teacher’s and the disciples’ healings and teachings stirred so much enthusiasm that a “great crowd” followed them to their desert destination. Their plan for rest was broken.  Recognizing that the people were like “sheep without a shepherd” Jesus knew that their spiritual need was a priority and He had compassion on them.  Jesus, the good Shepherd, perceived that what was necessary was a spiritual renewal for the crowd that had gathered.  And teaching was essential for the healing, the rebirth of the soul and spirit, so people may enter God’s Kingdom. Jesus, therefore, began to teach “many things”, nourishing people spiritually.  Later Jesus would provide physical nourishment, then bodily and emotional healing, clearly expressing that the soul’s well-being is God’s priority.   

 What do we hunger most for; God’s Word, or for our emotional and physical needs to be met? When last have you engaged in silent spiritual rest with God?

 Prayer: “Silent Father, Silent Son, Silent Holy Spirit. Silent One, I love you. In the silence of eyes, I see you. In the silence of unspoken words, I hear you. In the silence of a sudden touch, I feel you. In the silence of a flower’s fragrance, I smell you. In the silence of bread and wine, I taste you. Sensual God, I love you! I love you in the silence: silent Father, silent Son, silent Holy Spirit. Silent One, I love you! (The Reverend Harry A. Wiggett 1882-1962)

Tags: healing, teach, silence, heal, preach, caring, enthusiasm, desert, stillness

About the Author
Deacon Lorna Goodison

Reverend Lorna Goodison was ordained to the Diaconate on April 29, 2007. After discerning a call to ordained ministry, Deacon Lorna completed a process of spiritual discernment and pursued three years of study at the Diocesan School for Christian Studies. She also completed three units of hospice care training through Vitas and for a short while she was a volunteer Chaplain. Highlights of her continuing education activities include a guided visit to Israel and attending the Festival of Homiletics in Boulder, Colorado.

Soon after her ordination, Deacon Lorna was called to serve as Deacon at St. Mary Magdalene. She initiated an outreach ministry to the homeless at St. Laurence Chapel, obtaining the support and involvement of most members of the congregation. This ministry remained a vibrant outreach of the Church until the Chapel closed in 2019.  Other outreach ministries formed include an informal group of members who stay in touch with members who are ill and shut-in. Deacon Lorna remains committed to both the in-reach and outreach ministries of the Church. She has led quiet day reflections for groups within and outside of St. Mary Magdalene. She has often led Deacon’s Masses at small churches without a priest. Of all the ministries in which Deacon Lorna participates, she is most humbled and grateful to be involved in the ministry of praying with congregants facing life’s challenges.

Deacon Lorna serves the Diocese of Southeast Florida as a member of the Disciplinary Committee. She also serves on the Board of Deacons.   

Professionally, Deacon Lorna worked for some years in Human Resource Departments as a Training Manager, but most of her working years were spent in Social Work. She worked with at-risk teenagers counselling them and guiding them to resources to build a meaningful future. The last twenty years of her profession, were spent working with Seniors, guiding them to the resources needed to maintain their safety and independence. She holds a bachelor’s degree in Social Work and a master’s degree in Adult Education. She is now retired, cherishes some alone time for prayer and reflection, but divides her time between the Church and her family which consists of two daughters, their husbands and three grandchildren.

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