Past Liturgy Reflections - St. Joseph Catholic Church

Past Liturgy Reflections

John 20:1-9 ~ Rejoice!

This week Deacon Benjamin reflects on the significance of Easter, emphasizing that Jesus Christ’s resurrection distinguishes Him from other historical figures and forms the cornerstone of the Christian faith. He underscores how belief in the resurrection sustains hope and empowers believers to endure trials, ultimately leading to the promise of eternal life with Christ in Heaven.

Palm Sunday

This week Deacon Dick reflects on Jesus’ humble sacrifice, enduring suffering for the sake of love and salvation, as symbolized by the cries of “Hosanna” during his entry into Jerusalem. He contemplates the tension between acknowledging Jesus as the Messiah and understanding the true nature of his glory, highlighting the need for faithful commitment to Jesus, even in the face of the Cross.

John 11 1-45

In this week’s reflection on John 11:1-45, Sandra Hernandez emphasizes Jesus’ profound love for Mary, Martha, and Lazarus despite their suffering and eventual death. Through her personal experience of loss, she illustrates the importance of faith in finding hope and peace amidst challenges. Ultimately, the message highlights the power of faith in overcoming trials and finding joy in both this life and the promise of the next, encapsulated in Jesus’ declaration, “I am the resurrection and the life.”

John 4:5-42

This week Nancy Flores reflects on her journey of faith, noting her initial mechanical adherence to Catholic practices out of fear rather than intentionality. However, she describes how encountering Jesus transformed her perspective, leading to a deepening relationship and understanding of faith as a relationship rather than mere observance of rules. She emphasizes the shift from fear to love as the driving force behind her commitment to following God’s commandments and seeking reconciliation when she falls short.

Mark 9:2-10

This week, Vanessa reflects on her exhilarating yet challenging journey with Jesus, likened to climbing a high mountain despite personal limitations like age and health. However, she also finds solace and confidence in Jesus’ presence, realizing that success isn’t solely about personal capabilities but about faith in God’s plan. After experiencing the transformative encounter, she feels empowered to descend the mountain and engage with the world, sharing the joy and courage gained from the encounter with others.

Mark 1:12-15

This week, Laurie Lopez reflects on Lent as a time of renewal, like springtime when nature blossoms. Drawing connections between the readings, they see God’s promise of salvation echoed in Noah’s story and emphasized in Jesus’ resurrection. Though faced with trials (“desert”), Lent ultimately leads to spiritual growth and fulfillment as we embrace repentance and God’s kingdom.

Mark 1:29-39

In this week’s Gospel, Aaron describes how Jesus was incredibly popular and became the most famous person in history due to his miraculous abilities and positive message. However, the Roman Empire viewed him as a threat because his non-violent message and widespread following challenged their power and authority. In the end, we won.

Mark 1:21-28

This week Ron McKean, our Director of Music Ministries, reflects on a powerful moment in the synagogue in Capernaum where Jesus demonstrates his authority and the transformative impact he can have on individual lives. The encounter with a tormented man possessed by an unclean spirit highlights the clash between good and evil, reminding us that even in their darkest moments, Jesus sees and knows their struggles.

Mark 1:14-20

This week Grace reflects on how the Gospel passage emphasizes the simplicity of Jesus’ message, calling people to repent and believe in the Gospel. It highlights how Jesus chose His disciples, simple fishermen, who immediately followed Him, demonstrating their willingness to leave their old lives behind for the ultimate fulfillment in heaven. The passage also underscores the ongoing legacy of Jesus’ teachings and the importance of repentance, faith, and making righteous choices in building His community and church.

John 1:35-42

In this week’s reflection Deacon Benjamin takes to an important question Jesus asks the two disciples “what are you looking for?”. It’s a question we can all ask ourselves.The answers can help us never lose sight of Jesus and his true meaning in our lives.

Matthew 2:1-12

This week Deacon Dick reflects on the 3 magi who visited Jesus and how the newborn Jesus is revealed as the manifestation of the long hoped-for Messiah of the Jewish people, and the Son of God incarnate, and thereby the light of all nations as the prophet Isaiah claimed.

John 1:8

In this week’s reflection, Nancy Flores-Mai expresses joy and gratitude during Gaudette Sunday, reflecting on readings from Isaiah and the Gospel emphasizing God’s favor and the coming of Jesus. The reflection also conveys a personal commitment to share the joy and the Good News with others, particularly those who may not be aware of the love of God or the true meaning of Christmas.

Luke 2:10-11

Merry Christmas! This week Helen reflects on the proclamation given first to shepherds: “Do not be afraid, for behold I proclaim to you good news of great joy will be for all the people. For today in the city of David a savior has been born for you who is Messiah and Lord”

Mark 1:1-8

On this second week of Advent, Vanessa reflects on how the Gospel begins. “The beginning of the gospel of Jesus Christ…”. These words help awaken us and prepare our hearts for the coming of Jesus.

Let’s Do Advent This Year

This week, Laurie Lopez reminds us to “Do Advent” this year – “A time of waiting and preparation. We think of Mary waiting for Jesus. We also wait for many things in life.”

Matthew 25:31-46

In this week’s Gospel, Grace reflects on how meaningful it is to give. “Amen, I say to you, whatever you did for one of the least brothers of mine, you did for Me.’”

Matthew 25:14-30

In this week’s Gospel Aaron reflects on our talents that God has given us. “Don’t you want more out of life?! You certainly don’t have to be rich, but when God gives you talents, do not waste them.”

Matthew 25: 1-13

This week, Rowena reflects on the parable of the 10 virgins. “We are called to a joyful and intimate relationship with Jesus and to share His love with others. We must always carry with us the premium fuel of our faith to keep our lives lit. “

Matthew 23:1-12

This week’s Gospel from Matthew reminds us that Jesus is present and with us. “We are fortunate and blessed to be led and mentored by someone who lives these very words, incorporates these basic values and practices exactly what he preaches every day, every minute.”

Matthew 22:34-40

This week Gina reflects on our greatest love… our love for God. “Earthly happiness and riches will fade away after we die but in the presence of God, what we’ve done here in this world will matter. We are a gift from God and we are so blessed.”

Matthew 22:15-21

This week Deacon Benjamin reminds us that gifts await us in heaven. But those treasures depend on how we love and serve God. “Do we bear the image of the company logos, team colors, or brand symbols that we proudly wear? Or, do our lives truly reflect the image and likeness of the loving and merciful God…”.

Matthew 22:1-14

This week, Deacon Dick asks us to build a relationship with God with appreciate for our faith built day-by-day. “The Lord inviting us to a banquet is one of the favorite images in Jewish Messianic times”

Matthew 21:33-43

This week, Sandra reflects on how we are asked to be good stewards of God’s creations. “We should live our lives as though we will be judged tomorrow.”

Matthew 21:28-32

This week Helen reflects on Jesus’ parable about the two sons. Is it easy to say “yes” and not follow through? Let’s read how our actions help us enter the kingdom of God.

Matthew 20:1-16a

This week, Nancy Flores reflects on how the Gospel and the Lord have become part of her life, and how He can be part of ours also. “I know in my heart I am a beloved child of God.”

Matthew 18:21-35

This week, Vanessa reflects on the Gospel readings about forgiveness. It’s sometimes hard, but what does it feel like when we do forgive? “May we know the true freedom that comes from forgiving from our heart.”

Matthew 18:15 -20

This week, Laurie Lopez reflects on how we should handle conflicts and the importance of community. “We are reminded whenever two or more are gathered together there is he in there midst.”

Matthew 16:21-27

This week Gina reflects on our distractions from pursuing a long-lasting relationship with God. In many ways we are like Peter who sometimes lost sight of Jesus’s ministry and discipleship.

Matthew 16:13-20

This week, Aaron reflects on who Jesus is and the meaning of “Messiah”. Aaron absolutely loves history (we’re sure you can tell) and had a good time writing this piece. We hope you enjoy it.

Matthew 15:21-28

In our reflection this week, Rowena reminds us to have an honest and open heart to Jesus when life challenges us. “Jesus shows us that He came for everyone. Jesus, the Man, is also Divine Love. Many witnessed that by His word, alone, the woman’s daughter is healed.”

Matthew 14:22-33

This week, Ron reflects on our faith. “Jesus is the center and model for our daily lives. I remind myself to trust Jesus always, not just when convenient and easy.”

Matthew 13:44-52

This week Deacon Benjamin reflects on what the readings tell us about heaven. “Jesus wants us to understand that the kingdom of heaven is worth more than any material possessions we may have. Fix our eyes on Jesus knowing that what we go through in this life is short-lived, where the reward in heaven is eternal.”

16th Sunday of Ordinary Time

This week, Deacon Dick reflects on how God looks upon His creation. “Humans are created in the image and likeness of God. Humans are created to know love and serve God, and capable of being with God in the end of time for eternity.”

The Gospel of Matthew 13:1-23

This week, Sandra Hernandez reflects on our efforts as we bring God’s word to heart. “If God’s words are received, believed, respected and followed our faith will be like the seeds that fell on good earth and produced much good fruit.”

Reflection on Matthew 11:25-30

This week Helen Campbell reflects on what’s important in life. “How often do I put my concerns ahead of what is really important? Are ‘things’ dominating my life? What do I value most?”

The call to discipleship

This week, Nancy Flores-Mai reflects on the call to radical discipleship. “Jesus, coming and sharing in our humanity, is our model of holiness. In His ministry we see Him welcoming the stranger and socializing with people of all ranks, the rich and poor alike.”

Matthew 9:36-10:8

This week Gina Mehta reflects on how we can serve Jesus by reaching out to the community, even beyond our comfort zone. “The harvest is rich but the laborers are few”.

John 14:1-12

Deacon Benjamin reflects, God is made visible in the person of Jesus, true God and true man. Jesus reveals the love that God has for us and the plan He intends to lead us back to God…

Matthew 10:26-33

This week Vanessa Barrett prayed Lectio Divina with the gospel reading for this Sunday and was immediately attuned to the phrase “do not be afraid”. I read somewhere that this phrase appears in the Bible 365 times.