A friend of mine wrote an imaginative reflection on the raising of Lazarus that caught me off guard. She proposed that when Jesus called Lazarus from the tomb, the man was not joyful but angry and annoyed. After so much suffering, maybe death felt like a release. He had finally escaped the pain. And then, suddenly, Jesus’ voice cuts through the silence: “Lazarus, come out!” (John 11:43) The light stings his eyes. The pain returns. And now he is dragged back into a world that had broken him.
It startled me at first, but the more I sat with it, the more it made sense. Sometimes, people do not want to be raised. Not at first. Think of those in the grip of addiction, despair, or numbness. The tomb can feel safer than the risk of living again. Yet Jesus, moved by the grief and faith of others (Martha, Mary, the community) calls the dead man out. Lazarus obeys. But he is still bound, head to foot. Jesus says to the bystanders, “Untie him and let him go” (John 11:44).
That is often how healing happens: slowly, reluctantly. Not just by a personal decision, but through the love and persistence of others. Resurrection is not always euphoric. It may begin in protest and confusion and only later turn to gratitude and freedom. But Christ’s voice breaks through, anyway.
Lenten challenge: Who in your life needs to be called back to life? Pray for them. If that person is you, listen for the voice. It is calling even now. — Father John Muir
General Mass Notes
Welcome
Welcome
March 22, 2026 · Fifth Sunday of Lent
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 bear witness to the presence of the Holy Spirit who dwells in us, breathing life into the tombs of sin and despair, let us pray to the Lord.
B. That leaders of wealthy nations may work to release poor countries from the bonds of crushing debt, which disproportionately burdens the poorest of the poor, let us pray to the Lord.
C. For those suffering in the depths of injustice, poverty, or neglect, that God will be attentive to their cries, let us pray to the Lord.
D. For those preparing for the Easter sacraments, especially those among us, as they die to their old ways and find new life in the light of the Lord, let us pray to the Lord.
E. For all those who grieve the loss of a loved one, that they may be consoled by the words Jesus proclaimed in the Gospel, 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
Today, the Señor de Esquipulas, is having a food sale in the Madonna Plaza. Funds from this food sale will be used for their annual procession.
Due to the First Reconciliation for our religious education students, there will be no confessions on Mondays in March.
Next weekend is Palm Sunday, and the beginning of Holy Week. We have additional Spanish Masses at 9:15 a.m. and 2:30 p.m. in the Redahan Hall. The Parish will distribute free palms at the beginning of every Mass. In addition, SEARCH Ministry will sell palms to generate funds for its yearly retreat.
The Parish is selling Lenten reflection books that offer simple yet enriching reflections for each day of Lent. These can be purchased in the Parish Center for $2 each.
