“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, but believe.’” (John 20:27)
In my early 20s, I volunteered at a parish youth group. I witnessed teens encountering Jesus with a fresh, romantic wonder that reminded me of my own teenage conversion. But something had changed in me. I was quietly jaded and cynical. When teens shared stories of encountering Christ, I’d want to sarcastically murmur, “Well, good for you.” I had grown suspicious of the zeal I once knew.
Then we brought the group on a pilgrimage. I was standing in an old church in France, ignoring a long-winded tour guide. I found myself before a crucifix. In that moment, I heard something, not audibly, but unmistakably in my heart: “I came to be your friend… and you wish to be my enemy? Why do you stand far from me? I suffer gladly for you. I was pierced for you. Why do you run from me?” My heart opened. I saw how cold and cynical I had become. But Jesus had not given up on me. He had returned, and his mercy broke through.
So I can relate to the scoffing — and transformation — of Thomas when the Risen Jesus presents his wounds for inspection. Thomas is not simply doubting; he is guarded, suspicious, even cynical. But Jesus comes to him. No lecture. Just understanding and mercy. He invites Thomas to touch his wounds. This burns away his cynicism like the morning mist.
Divine Mercy Challenge: This week, rejoice with someone who is newly alive in faith. If your own heart has grown skeptical or tired, ask Jesus to help you. He will.
— 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 reinvigorated during this joyous season of Easter, devoting ourselves to the teaching of the apostles, prayer, and breaking bread together, much as the first disciples, let us pray to the Lord.
B. That our leaders in government, that they may be effective in achieving peace and defending the rights of all, especially children and the most vulnerable: we pray to the Lord
C. For young people, that they may listen for the Holy Spirit’s call and respond by spreading the Good News through lay, consecrated, or ordained ministry to the people of God, let us pray to the Lord.
D. That remembering the millions of victims of the Holocaust this Tuesday on Holocaust Remembrance Day may also remind us that hatred and resentment can lead to mistreating fellow children of God, let us pray to the Lord.
E. For all of us and our families, that our faith may be strengthened in our joining together to pray, worship, and break bread, 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
Due to the high demand of requests the Parish has received, the 2025 Paschal candle will be raffled off. Tickets can be purchased after Mass in the Madonna Plaza for five dollars per ticket or five tickets for twenty dollars.
We are hiring a part time bilingual receptionist. A job description can be picked up at the office or viewed on our Parish website.
On Saturday, April 18th there will be a one-day congress on the Mexican Martyrs at the Cathedral of Our Lady of the Angels. The event is bilingual and free of charge. Please join us to learn more about that persecution and the roots of many fellow Angeleno Catholics
