It’s common to hear belief in Jesus and the Church mocked as blind faith and credulity. But in reality, it is deeply human and rational. Think about it: we rely on the testimony of others constantly. I trust chemists who certify the safety of toothpaste and cleaning products. I trust engineers when I use a microwave or drive over a bridge. Why? Because they have studied and seen what I have not, and their testimony proves itself in daily life. That kind of trust is not irrational; it is how human knowledge works.
In today’s Gospel, John the Baptist declares: “Now I have seen and testified that he is the Son of God” (John 1:34). That is the language of an eyewitness. It invites us into a very human act: trusting someone who has directly encountered something — or Someone — we have not yet fully seen ourselves.
The Church’s faith is built on this kind of reliable sight-based testimony. The Apostles did not make abstract claims. They saw, followed, suffered for, and proclaimed Jesus Christ. Over centuries, their witness — carried in Scripture, in the lives of the saints, and in the sacramental life of the Church — has proven dependable. We come to know its truth by assenting to it, by living and studying it, praying with it, trusting it.
Faith in Christ is not a childish leap into the dark. It is a step into the light of testimony that proves itself over time. — 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…
Mass Intentions
Universal Prayer (Petitions)
A. For the Church, that we may be a light to the nations and a sign of God’s love and mercy, so that the salvation of God may reach to the ends of the earth, let us pray to the Lord.
B. For our nation as we celebrate Doctor Martin Luther King, Jr., Day this Monday, that we may help bend the arc of the moral universe toward justice, let us pray to the Lord.
C. For Christians of every denomination on this first day of the week of prayer for Christian unity, that we may draw ever closer to each other as we live out our common baptism, let us pray to the Lord.
D. For those who work to promote the dignity of every human life, that they may help move the minds and hearts of people around the world, let us pray to the Lord.
E. For all of us gathered here today, that we may respond willingly and joyfully to God’s call whenever we hear it, 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 Amor por Teco foundation will be having a clothes and shoe drive today in the school parking lot from 8am to 4pm. We thank you for your generosity.
The Parish office will be closed Monday, January 19 in observance of Martin Luther King Jr. We'll continue to have daily Mass at 8am and 5pm, but there will be no confession or Exposition of the Blessed Sacrament.
