By Pat McCaughan
Los Angeles Bishop Antonio Gallardo Lucena spoke to the hearts, hopes and fears of the people of Iglesia de la Magdalena Sept 6, during the second official visitation of his episcopate, a service conducted mostly in Spanish.
“Gathered around the waters of baptism, we reaffirm our baptismal covenant. We celebrate those confirmed in the faith, share the Eucharist, and enjoy the gift of being together; and at the heart of everything we do today lies the core of our faith—trust, trust in God. Lord, may we trust in You with all our hearts,” he said, preaching in both Spanish and English.
Trusting in God with “all one’s heart is not always easy—especially when many in our community are experiencing fear,” Gallardo said. “Immigration policy is generating anxiety and separation, creating a painful sense that the dignity of all of us as immigrants is being called into question.
“In these moments, the apostle Paul reminds us that our trust cannot rest on our own strength, on political power, or on our ability to control what happens around us,” he said. “Trusting does not mean ignoring injustice or remaining passive; rather, it means facing the world knowing that our lives are ultimately in the hands of God—whose mercy is greater than our fear and whose love is stronger than the powers of this world. He offers wonderful counsel on how to live with this trust.”
Although “we may feel afraid, yet we say, “I will do this,” relying on God’s help; indeed, God is already at work within us,” Gallardo said. “So, dear people of La Magdalena, let us clothe ourselves in the Lord Jesus Christ—in compassion, so that we remain aware of the suffering of others; in His courage, to face life’s challenges and speak for justice as Jesus did; and in His mercy, so that we may serve others, forgive, and offer the grace we ourselves have received.
“Above all, let us be so deeply clothed in the love of Christ—the love that led Him to give Himself for us and for the world—that when people see you, they see Jesus Christ. When Christ is here, we can have hope amidst uncertainty; we can walk together toward God’s world and dream the dream God has for us.”
Mona González Gutiérrez, who was married and her children were baptized at La Magdalena, called it a “spiritual home, where I’ve grown not only in knowledge but also spiritually. I’m very happy and blessed to be part of it, and also to be part of the Episcopal Church, where we embrace, accept, and love everyone—where everyone is welcome—and that is the language of my heart,” she said through a translator.
The Rev. Roberto Martinez Morales, vicar, said the entire church community keeps telegraphing that message—in Spanish and English—the message of “the good news of God in Christ, and that everyone is welcome.”
Yancy Guerrero, a 20-year member, said Magdalena “is a very loving, kind, hardworking church and always open to welcoming new people. They give you a big hug when you need it!”
Frida Martinez said she and her sister help with both music and social media. “What we love about those two ministries is that we try to show everyone that faith—walking with God—isn’t about escaping reality, but about walking through real life with God. He always with us.”