Liturgy Message - St. Joseph Catholic Church - Page 2

Liturgy Message

Holy Week

Palm Sunday signals the upcoming end of Lent and the beginning of Holy Week. The day commemorates the spreading of palms and clothing in Jesus’ path as He entered Jerusalem prior to His crucifixion: They brought the donkey and the colt, placed their cloaks on them, and Jesus sat on them. A very large crowd […]

Lent

On the 5th Sunday of Lent we recall the raising of Lazarus. The raising of Lazarus is the sign of a new revelation that death is not final. Life is. Jesus said, “I am the resurrection and the life; whoever believes in me, even if he dies, will live, and everyone who lives and believes […]

Lent

On the 4th Sunday of Lent we recall that the journey from darkness to light, from blindness to sight, is found in all the readings. Samuel learns that even prophets need to have their eyesight checked. The church community in Ephesus is told by St. Paul that though they were once in darkness, now they […]

Lent

On the 3rd Sunday of Lent we recall that Jesus asks us to join him in faith like the living water offered to the Samaria woman. “Everyone who drinks this water will be thirsty again; but whoever drinks the water I shall give will never thirst; the water I shall give will become in him […]

Lent

As we enter this Lenten season, we recall the day Jesus took Peter, James, and John to a high mountain. And he was transfigured before them; his face shone like the sun and his clothes became white as light. Then from the cloud came a voice that said, “This is my beloved Son, with whom […]

Lent

As we enter this Lenten season, we recall the 40 days of Jesus being tempted in the wilderness. The story of Jesus’ time in the desert is always read on the first Sunday of Lent as a reminder that we are each called to explore our own temptations and the deserts within us that allow […]

Prepare the heart

This week as Ash Wednesday approaches, let’s prepare our hearts for the coming of Lent… a period for all of us to reflect more deeply upon the saving presence of Jesus in our lives and to weed out everything that stands between us and Jesus. Ash Wednesday Mass times are as follows: Mission: 8:00 AMMain […]

Perfect

In this week’s gospel, Jesus challenges us to go beyond our expected responses to human interactions. He says “…love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you“. Jesus’ examples may sound challenging – but his bigger challenge to us is what he really expects: “be perfect, just as your heavenly Father is perfect.” Mt […]

Choices

We are challenged in this week’s Gospel to make good choices, not just in our deeds, but in our hearts as well. Matthew 5:17-37 Do not take a false oath, but make good to the Lord all that you vow. But I say to you, do not swear at all. Let your “Yes” mean “Yes” […]

Light

We are challenged in this week’s Gospel to put our faith in action, in both words and deeds. Matthew 5:13-16 Jesus tells us “You are the light of the world…. Your light must shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your heavenly Father.” Please join us at Mass as we […]

Blessed

This week we draw inspiration from Matthew 5:1-12a where Jesus reminds us that those who are poor are actually wealthy. As we are inspired by Jesus’s love, let us help those in need by clicking here to donate to St Vincent DePaul. “Blessed are the poor in spirit,for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.Blessed are […]

Fishermen

This week’s Gospel comes from Matthew 4:12-23 where Jesus said to Simon, “Come after me, and I will make you fishers of men.”At once they left their nets and followed him. Jesus began to preach and say, “Repent, for the kingdom of heaven is at hand.” We usually think repentance means turning from sinfulness toward […]

The Holy Spirit

This Sunday we are reminded of the day God anointed Jesus of Nazareth with the Holy Spirit. John said “I saw the Spirit come down like a dove from heaven and remain upon him. I did not know him, but the one who sent me to baptize with water told me, ‘On whomever you see […]

Oh Come Emmanuel

On this holy day let’s remember those who have traveled far and wide to seek out the Lord, that we might follow their example and honor him as well. Lord,please give us their kind of courage.Let us follow you and your starsand find you at the endof all of our roads.

Oh Come Emmanuel

On this holy day let’s remember those who have traveled far and wide to seek out the Lord, that we might follow their example and honor him as well. Lord,please give us their kind of courage. Let us follow you and your starsand find you at the endof all of our roads. Please join us […]

Oh Come Emmanuel

O welcome, little Christmas Guest, Dear Jesus, from above;Upon Thy face, so pure and mild,We see God’s smile of love.Amen This little children’s prayer is at the heart of why Jesus was born, to share God’s love with us. As you share that love with each other, please celebrate the feast of Christmas each and […]

Advent

Advent comes into the darkness of our everyday lives with a promise of love and light, a challenge of conversion, a sense of discovery. Advent is a time to rediscover our faith, to explore who we are and who we follow. The prophets call us to believe in God’s promise – to take risks, to […]

Advent

Advent comes into the darkness of our everyday lives with a promise of love and light, a challenge of conversion, a sense of discovery. Advent is a time to rediscover our faith, to explore who we are and who we follow. The prophets call us to believe in God’s promise – to take risks, to […]

Advent

During this holy season of Advent we are all being called on to prepare ourselves to commemorate the first coming of Christ. If we do that each year; if we let the full meaning of Christmas enter into our innermost being, then each year of our lives will be sanctified and a big step will […]

Be ready

The coming of Advent is a reminder to always be ready for when God arrives. The Gospel reads “If the master of the house had known the hour of night when the thief was coming, he would have stayed awake and not let his house be broken into. So too, you also must be prepared, […]

Share

This Sunday’s Gospel tells us of when Jesus prepares the Disciples for the challenges in the world as they share the word of God. “They will have you led before kings and governors because of my name. It will lead to your giving testimony.” Lk 21:5-19 Please join us at Mass as we celebrate this holy […]

Life

This Sunday’s Gospel tells us of the story where people questioned Jesus about life after death. Lk 20:27-38 In biblical history, in both the Old and New Testaments, God enters into a personal relationship with human beings, and that relationship cannot be destroyed, even by death. “Neither death nor life . . . will be able […]

Eager for Jesus

This Sunday’s Gospel tells us of the story of Zacchaeus who climbed a tree eager to see Jesus passing by. Lk 19:1-10 Zacchaeus is not a man who “lives right and does right.” He is a tax-collector, selfish and held in bad repute. God does not withhold love and grace from him. The Christ of […]

Humble

This week’s Gospel tells of the story when a Pharisee and a tax collector entered the temple to pray, one at the front exclaiming his virtues and the other in the rear unable to lift his eyes because of his sins. Jesus reminds us to remain humble in our approach “for whoever exalts himself will […]

Never ceasing

In this week’s Gospel we are reminded tonever become weary as we pray. Lk 18:1-8 I will pray without ceasing,All my love, my heart, I give to you.I will pray without ceasing,For all things you haveseen me through…Finally, I will pray without ceasing,For I know I can always depend on you.I love you Lord, Amen […]

Gratitude

This week we are reminded of the Gospel reading where only one of the ten healed lepers returned to Jesus to show gratitude. Lk 17:11-19 “Has none but this foreigner returned to give thanks to God?”Then he said to him, “Stand up and go;your faith has saved you.” Please join us at Mass as we celebrate this […]

Faith

This week we are reminded of the Gospel reading where the apostles said to the Lord, “Increase our faith.” Lk 17:5-10 Lord, we have your word.Faith can move mountains,uproot mulberry treesand plant them in the sea. Please, increase faith in our hearts and minds.Send us out armed for your workin your wonderful world. Please join us […]

Poor but rich

There was a rich man who dressed in purple garments and fine linen and dined sumptuously each day.And lying at his door was a poor man named Lazarus.When the poor man died, he was carried away by angels to the bosom of Abraham. The rich man also died and was buried, and from the netherworld […]

Wealth

In this week’s Gospel, we learn about the story of a steward who was challenged because he reduced the loan of his master’s debtors. This is not an easy parable because we are asked to live wisely with the gifts the Lord has given us. “Wisely” has to do more with our distribution of wealth […]

Found

Like the father who’s son returns home or the woman who finds her lost coin, Jesus tells us “Rejoice with me when I have found my lost sheep.’ … In just the same way there will be more joy in heaven over one sinner who repents than over ninety-nine righteous people who have no need […]

Your wisdom

This week’s prayer is inspired from the first reading in the Book of Wisdom. Wis 9:13-18b Lord, we have few clues as to what this world holds for us. We are puzzled by the things we can see,even more by the things we cannot see. Your Spirit from on highcan give us the warmth of your […]

The Banquet

In this week’s Gospel, Jesus tells us to help the least of our brothers.“When you hold a lunch or a dinner, do not invite your friends or your brothers or your relatives or your wealthy neighbors… Rather, when you hold a banquet, invite the poor, the crippled, the lame, the blind;” Lk 14:1, 7-14 Please join […]

The Narrow Door

In this week’s Gospel, Jesus tells us we must put in effort to enter his kingdom. “Strive to enter through the narrow gate, for many, I tell you, will attempt to enter but will not be strong enough… some who are first will be last and some who are last will be first.” Lk 13:22-30 […]

Persevere

This week’s second reading asks us to persevere in running the race that lies before us while keeping our eyes on Jesus. Heb 12:1-4 May all the saints in heaven help uskeep our eyes on you, Jesus,as we run the race.No looking back.Eyes on you. Please join us at Mass as we celebrate this holy seasonand find […]

Choose wisely

I know nothing of hatred, intolerance, racism,sexism, bigotry, indoctrination, homophobia and prejudice.I don’t yet understand things like love, compassion, integrity,tolerance, human decency and truth.For the first and most important formative years of my lifeall I will know is what you teach me.Choose wisely. Please join us at Mass as we celebrate this holy seasonand find ways we […]

Wealth

In this week’s Gospel we are reminded that earthly treasuresare of no value in God’s eyes. Jesus said “Take care to guard against all greed, for though one may be rich, one’s life does not consist of possessions… All who store up treasure for themselves are not rich in what matters to God” Lk 12:13-21 […]

Seek

In this week’s Gospel, Jesus tells us we will find God’s giftswhen we seek him out. Lk 11:1-13 “And I tell you, ask and you will receive;seek and you will find;knock and the door will be opened to you.For everyone who asks, receives;and the one who seeks, finds;and to the one who knocks, the door […]

Finding God

In this week’s reading, a woman named Martha welcomed Jesus into her home. She was busy serving her visitors while her sister Mary sat and listened to Jesus. Jesus then said “Martha, Martha, you are anxious and worried about many things. There is need of only one thing. Mary has chosen the better part and […]

Love… Shared

In this week’s Reading we are reminded of the love Jesus wants us to share with others. Lk 10:25-37 “You shall love the Lord, your God,with all your heart,with all your being,with all your strength,and with all your mind,and your neighbor as yourself.” Please join us at Mass as we celebrate this holy seasonand find ways we […]

Share

In this week’s Gospel Jesus appoints others to spread his word and share the good news that “The kingdom of God is at hand for you.”Lk 10:1-12, 17-20 When we listen, let us comfort with your word. We may be the only Bible that people ever read. When we talk, let it all whisper of […]

Follow

This week we are reminded of Jesus’s Gospel words“If anyone wishes to come after me,he must deny himselfand take up his cross daily and follow me.” These words remind us of the commitment needed to truly follow Jesus. We should say a daily prayer, and most importantly follow his example to love and help our […]

The Trinity

This week we are challenged with the Trinity where theFather, Son, and Holy Spirit are one. The dogma of the trinity poses a great intellectual challenge. But to honor the Trinity we do not need to understand fully. All we need do is recognize that each of us reveals a facet of God’s glory. Please join […]

The Spirit

When the time for Pentecost was fulfilled, they were all in one place together. And suddenly there came from the sky a noise like a strong driving wind, and it filled the entire house in which they were. Then there appeared to them tongues as of fire, which parted and came to rest on each […]

Proclaim

Today we remember the words Jesus spoke before rising to Heaven.“Go into the whole world and proclaim the gospel to every creature.Whoever believes and is baptized will be saved” Jesus,through love, in love and with love,let us proclaim your Gospel to every living thing.Let us work with you, Lordin love, with love and through love. […]

You are in Me

In this week’s Gospel, Jesus said “On that day you will realize that I am in my Father and you are in me and I in you. Whoever has my commandments and observes them is the one who loves me. And whoever loves me will be loved by my Father, and I will love him […]

Love

This week’s Gospel has a simple message:Love one another. Jesus said:“My children, I will be with you only a little while longer.I give you a new commandment: love one another.As I have loved you, so you also should love one another.This is how all will know that you are my disciples,if you have love for […]

Hear my voice

This week’s Gospel has a simple message:Jesus loves you. Follow him. Jesus said:My sheep hear my voice;I know them, and they follow me.I give them eternal life, and they shall never perish.” (Jn 10:27-30) Please join us at Mass as we celebrate this holy seasonand find ways we can be inspired by Jesus’s love.

Feed the Soul

In this week’s Gospel, Jesus asks not only that we love him, but to help others learn to love and follow Jesus as well. Jesus said to him the third time,“Simon, son of John, do you love me?” Peter was distressed that Jesus had said to him a third time, “Do you love me?” and […]

Believe

In this week’s Gospel Jesus recognizes his many believers. Jesus came, although the doors were locked, and stood in their midst and said, “Peace be with you.” Then he said to Thomas, “Put your finger here and see my hands, and bring your hand and put it into my side, and do not be unbelieving, […]

Alleluia

Alleluia! He is Risen! The word ‘Alleluia’ will feature abundantly in the Church’s liturgy for the Fifty Days of the Season of Easter. Saint Augustine, writing in the IV century, said: “We are an Easter people and Alleluia is our song.” The word comes from the Hebrew ‘Hallelujah’ and means ‘Praise the Lord.’ Please join us […]