When I was 11, I was riding my bike on a Friday night in Scottsdale, Arizona. I saw giant spotlights swirling in the sky. Something amazing had to be happening. I pedaled after them with excitement. Sweaty and tired, I arrived, only to find a used car lot. Bright lights, flapping banners, inflatable balloon men swaying wildly in the wind. I stood there, heart sinking. All that spectacle, and all my effort … for this?
As life proceeds, we learn what it is like to pursue promising but fruitless searches. This week we hear Jesus ask the crowds regarding John the Baptist: “What did you go out to the desert to see? A reed swayed by the wind?” (Matthew 11:7). He’s not just describing the crowd’s mis-aimed pursuit. He’s naming our tendency to chase after what’s flashy but flimsy.
What are our swaying reeds? For me, it is endless video reels on my phone, worldly pleasures, entertainment in sports, and the good opinion of others. Inflated distractions that bend whichever way the wind blows. But they can’t satisfy my soul. What are your flimsy reeds?
John the Baptist wasn’t a swaying reed. He was rooted, grounded, unafraid to speak the solid truth. The people went to see him because, deep down, they were starving for something real.
This Advent, the Church asks us to reassess: What are we really looking for? Are we chasing the dazzling but hollow? Or are we seeking what is solid and lasting — that which points to Christ? — 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 here this (morning/afternoon/evening). We are so grateful and blessed to have you with us. As we settle in and prepare our hearts for Mass today, please take a moment to make sure your cellphones are turned off so as to not disturb our prayer.
(wait a few seconds)
Let us take a moment now to prepare for Mass and open our hearts and minds to the
message that will hear today. The intentions of this Mass are for all those in our special intention basket and for...
Everyone please stand and greet those beside you.
Mass Intentions
Universal Prayer (Petitions)
A. For the Church, that we may reach out with the joy of the gospel to all those who wonder if Jesus is the one who saves us or whether they should look for another, let us pray to the Lord.
B. That the world may bloom with justice and peace, let us pray to the Lord.
C. For the prophetic voices who speak out despite persecution, derision, or apathy, to help build the kingdom of God in our community, our nation, and our world, let us pray to the Lord.
D. That we may bring God’s compassion and care to those who are disabled, especially to those who find life burdensome, let us pray to the Lord.
E. 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
1. Today we have a second collection for the Retirement Fund for Religious. This fund provides housing, medical assistance, and essential support for thousands of aging religious. Please consider giving next week.
2. The Parish is selling Advent and Christmas reflection books, which offer simple yet enriching reflections for each day during Advent and Christmas. These can be purchased in the Parish Center for $2 each.
3.Adult Confirmation registration will take place today from 11:00am to 2:00pm and Wednesday, December 17, from 6pm to 8pm, and Sunday, December 21, from 11am to 2pm in the Parish Center. Classes will be held on Thursdays from January to April, from 7pm to 9pm.
