I still remember the first homily I ever preached as a new deacon. It was at the seminary, and the Gospel was this one: “Whoever loves father or mother more than me is not worthy of me.” (Matthew 10:37-38) Standing before more than 200 classmates and professors, I stumbled awkwardly through my words and realized how strange — almost insane — this teaching sounded. If anyone else said it, we would call it narcissistic or cultish.
And that is the point. I felt the weight of those words in my own heart then, as I still do today. Am I willing to live as though Christ’s claim on my love is absolute? Are you?
Over the years, I’ve learned that the more I do, the more everything else makes sense. Family, friendships, vocation, even my very self: all of it falls into place when my love for Jesus comes first.
That is why he dares to speak this way. Our Lord is not a cult leader hungry for control. He is the Son of God, the source of life and love itself. To put him before everything else is not to lose, but to find…everything, and everyone, in him.
This week, name one thing or one person you are tempted to place before the Lord. Then consciously offer it back to him in prayer.
— 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 reflect the extravagant generosity of God in giving of our time, resources, and energy to those in need of material assistance, let us pray to the Lord.
B. For our leaders as we celebrate the 250th anniversary of our nation’s birth, that they may always work to better implement the ideals of the time of its founding, let us pray to the Lord.
C. For freedom from violence in all our neighborhoods, public gathering places, and homes, and for all those whose lives have been affected by gun violence, let us pray to the Lord.
D. For Americans, that like the woman of Shunem, we may be hospitable and generous to strangers and refugees, immigrants and visitors from foreign lands, let us pray to the Lord.
E. For all of us, that like the small Christian community in ancient Rome we may think of ourselves as dead to sin and living for God in Christ Jesus, let us pray to the Lord.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 Señor de Esquipulas ministry is having a food sale today in the Madonna Plaza. We thank you for your support.
Dates for religious education enrollment can be found in our Parish bulletin and website.
