Voices

The only voice that truly defines who we and our neighbors are, how much we matter, and our purpose and meaning in life, is the voice of God...

by Deacon Lorna Goodison on July 02, 2021

Voices

In this Sunday’s gospel (Mark 6:1-13), Jesus returned to his hometown. As Jesus taught in the synagogue on the Sabbath, there were many voices in the congregation; voices of family members, childhood friends, old neighbors and all others who knew Jesus as the ordinary hometown boy. The people’s challenge was to open their hearts to consider and give voice to the truth of who Jesus really was; to transcend familiar details such as Jesus’ earlier occupation and his family connections. They heard Him preach and teach with wisdom and were amazed by the “deeds of power” done through his hands, and yet they “took offense at him.”  

But Jesus did not rely on the voices of his hometown folk for his self-identity, or to give purpose or meaning to his being. Jesus knew He was the Holy One of God. He was the One on whom the Spirit descended and the voice from heaven declared “You are my Son, the Beloved…” Jesus, the incarnate Son of God knew His purpose was to bring God’s kingdom reign of love and mercy to earth by his ministry of teaching, healing and restoration to new life.

Jesus “could do no deed of power” in His hometown. This was not because the voices disabled his spirit, but because the people did not believe in the movement of God’s Spirit in Jesus. Receiving the gifts of God in Christ depends on heart-felt faith. Undeterred by unbelieving voices, Jesus remained faithful to his mission and continued teaching in the villages. He then sent his disciples out in the power of His Spirit, to join him in giving voice to God’s goodness by ministering to the sick and the needy.

We are reminded that the only voice that truly defines who we and our neighbors are, how much we matter, and our purpose and meaning in life, is the voice of God who “fearfully and wonderfully made” us. The One who loves us with an everlasting love invites us into His one Holy Family. He calls us to release our presumptions about others and share the glorious news of our common identity in Christ to all who are bound by the voices of the world.

Tags: jesus, god, voice of god, gospel of mark, voices

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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