Sometimes I feel capable of absorbing almost anything except God’s Word. My mind soaks up song lyrics, sports trivia, and endless online content. But what was the reading at Mass this morning? I struggle to recall. That realization discourages me, and it leads to an uncomfortable question. What is my heart really for? Is it shaped for constant information and distraction, or is it truly designed for God? Am I capable of deeply receiving His Word?
Jesus speaks directly to this today with a simple image. “The seed sown on rich soil is the one who hears the word and understands it.” By comparing the Word of the Kingdom to a seed, Jesus reveals something hopeful about us. The human heart is made for that seed. Soil and seed belong together. No matter how compacted, rocky, or overgrown the ground has become, the Sower never stops sowing.
God loves our hearts. He sees them as a farmer sees his fields, full of potential. Human hearts can indeed “understand the Word.” Understanding does not mean mastering information. It means letting the Word sink in, interacting with it, and giving it a home. It means trusting that, beneath the surface, God is at work in quiet and hidden ways.
When we allow the Holy Spirit to loosen the soil of our hearts through prayer, repentance, and simplicity, the same Word that created the universe begins to bear fruit in us, 30, 60, even a hundredfold.
Lord Jesus, Sower of life, soften the soil of my heart. Let Your Word take root in me again, and bring forth the fruit You desire. Amen.
— Father John Muir
©LPi
General Mass Notes
Welcome
Good afternoon and welcome to St. Joseph,
As we begin our liturgy, we would like to extend a special welcome to everyone visiting our parish for the first time. We also warmly welcome all of you who are here today. We are so grateful and blessed to have you with us. As we settle in and prepare our hearts for Mass, please take a moment to make sure your cell phones are turned off so as not to disturb our prayer.
(Wait a few seconds to allow people to turn off their phones)
Let us now take a moment to prepare for Mass and open our hearts and minds to the message we will hear today. The intentions of this Mass are for all those in our special intention basket and for…
Please stand and greet those beside you.
Mass Intentions
Universal Prayer (Petitions)
A. For the Church, that we may be inspired to spread the good news of God’s infinite love and redemptive mercy, allowing both to bear fruit through us, let us pray to the Lord.
B. That we may increase our care for our common home, assuring that it will remain more and more fertile and hospitable for scores of generations to come, let us pray to the Lord.
C. For just wages and safe working conditions for all those who sow, cultivate, and harvest our fruits and vegetables, especially migrant laborers, let us pray to the Lord.
D. For victims of gun violence and their families, that they may receive justice and healing, along with the realistic hope that one day it will end, let us pray to the Lord.
E. For those who have dedicated their lives to spreading God’s word, especially those who sow it on rocky ground or among thorns or face persecution or hardship for their work, let us pray to the Lord.
F. For all the prayers that we hold in the silence of our hearts; for all our intentions spoken and unspoken, and for (read all intentions from 1st page), let us pray to the Lord.
Announcements
The Men's ministry is having a food sale today in the Madonna Plaza. We thank you for your support.
The Amor por Teco foundation is having a clothes and shoe drive today from 8am to 4pm in the school parking lot. We thank you for your generosity.
Dates for religious education enrollment can be found in our Parish bulletin and website
On Sunday, July 19, Catholics worldwide will support the annual Peter’s Pence Collection, assisting Pope Leo in his ministry and charitable outreach. Every contribution helps provide aid to those affected by war, disaster, poverty and displacement, while expressing communion with the Holy Father and participation in the Church’s mission.
