In his song, “Lose Yourself,” the artist Eminem raps, “the mood all changed.”
We all know that moment when the mood changes, when life turns from lighthearted to deadly serious. That happens in today’s Gospel. Jesus has just heard that John the Baptist, his cousin, forerunner, and friend, has been murdered. As Matthew tells us, “When Jesus heard of it, he withdrew in a boat to a deserted place by himself.” Until now, he had been teaching in parables and healing quietly. But John’s death signals a new phase. The shadow of the Cross begins to fall. Evil shows its teeth.
And how does Jesus respond? Not with rage or despair. He goes to a lonely place to go into deep communion with his Father. From that silence comes action. He feeds the multitude. Out of grief comes generosity. Out of sorrow, life.
This is the rhythm of every disciple’s life. When tragedy or violence breaks our hearts, we face a choice. We can react, or we can retreat into prayer — like and with Christ. This is the hidden place where pain becomes compassion and compassion becomes self-gift.
Lord Jesus, when life intensifies, draw me into Your quiet strength. In that hidden place with You and the Father, turn my heartbreak into the bread of love for the world. 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 find ways to multiply the charity we provide, so that all who hunger are fed, and all who are in need will be satisfied, let us pray to the Lord.
B. That the fresh water around the world in lakes and rivers and streams may be made and kept clean and uncontaminated, so that all who are thirsty may come to the water and have plenty to drink, let us pray to the Lord.
C. For all who are thirsting for justice and peace, that they may be satisfied, let us pray to the Lord.
D. For those traveling during the summer months, that they may return refreshed and rejuvenated, let us pray to the Lord.
E. For our parish, that we may be moved to help our neighbors in need of food, clothing, housing, or welcome, so that through us the Lord may answer their prayers, 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 St. Vincent de Paul truck will be in the school parking lot next Sunday from 9:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. or until their truck is filled with your donations. Due to limited storage space, we ask that you not leave your donations at the parish office. We appreciate your generosity.
