THE FIFTH SUNDAY OF LENT
March 16 & March 17, 2024
REFLECTION ON TODAY'S READING
Begin the day in gratitute for the example of the life of Joseph of Arimathea who stood up for our Lord Jesus Christ when everyone turned their backs on him. Jn 12:20-32. "Very truly I tell you, unless a kernel of wheat falls to the ground and dies, it remains only a single seed. But if it dies, it produces many seeds". The Lord invites us to lose our life for Him, "To follow Christ means to give one's life to save souls" says the Pope. To give one's life, one must have the heart of Jesus. Recognize where the Lord is inviting you today to give your life like so many who gave themselves to the end, to martyrdom. Prayer of offering... with Mary I offer you my journey for the mission of the Church... ..
Under the directive from the Diocese of Honolulu
St. Joseph Church has set up an egiving program to allow parishioners and guests an easier way to give. It will also allow the donors to: 1. Give from anywhere using a computer, tablet, or smartphone. 2. No need to find a check or stop by the ATM. 3. Use your Checking/Savings Account or your Debit/Credit Card. 4. Schedule gifts to occur automatically. Click on the give now link or on your phone using my parish app. “All must give as they are able, according to the blessings given to them by the Lord your God.” Deuteronomy 16:17
Online donations may be made at any time from the comfort of your own home or any place with internet access. Online donations are credited to your tax statement for the end of the year (except when made anonymously)and you can change your account preferences and donation amounts at any time.
New documents from the Vatican:
Saint Joseph Church Makawao - Bulletin
Dear Brothers and Sisters in Christ,
Today’s Gospel reading is taken from the Gospel of John. We are reading much further into John’s Gospel than we have for the past two weeks. Chapter 12 of John’s Gospel is a preparation for the beginning of the passion narrative to follow. Jesus has just raised Lazarus from the dead—an important sign in John’s Gospel, which inspired many people to believe in Jesus. This event also marks the turning point in Jesus’ conflict with the Jewish authorities. John’s Gospel tells us that the Sanhedrin met after this event and made plans to kill Jesus. In the 12th chapter of John’s Gospel, Jesus is anointed at Bethany and enters Jerusalem in triumph. We again see evidence of the significance of the raising of Lazarus to this event; John reports that the crowds also gathered to see Lazarus.
Following his triumphant entry into Jerusalem, Jesus predicted his suffering, death, and Resurrection and prepared his disciples to believe in the salvation that his death would accomplish. Using the metaphor of the grain of wheat, Jesus presented the idea that his dying would be beneficial. He also taught that those who would be his disciples must follow his example of sacrifice. This theme will be repeated in John’s account of the Last Supper, when Jesus washed the feet of his disciples as an example of how they must serve one another.
The final section of today’s Gospel might be read as John’s parallel to the agony in the garden. Unlike the Synoptic Gospels, the Gospel of John does not record Jesus’ anguished prayer in the garden of Gethsemane before his arrest. Although comparable words are found in today’s reading, Jesus gives a confident response to the question he raises when asking God to save him from his impending death. After announcing his conviction that it is for this purpose that he came, a voice from heaven speaks, as if in answer to Jesus’ prayer. This voice, like the one heard at Jesus’ baptism and at Jesus’ Transfiguration—events reported in the Synoptic Gospels but not in John’s Gospel—affirms that God welcomes the sacrifice that Jesus will make on behalf of others. In John’s Gospel, Jesus teaches that this voice was sent for the sake of those who would believe in him.
In today’s Gospel, we also hear Jesus speak about the cosmic framework against which we are to understand his passion, death, and Resurrection. Through his death and Resurrection, Jesus conquered Satan, the ruler of this world. In this way the world is judged, but the judgment is not condemnation. Instead, through Jesus’ dying and rising, salvation is brought to the world.
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(https://www.loyolapress.com/catholic-resources/liturgical-year/sunday-connection )
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LIVESTEAMING MASS
For those of you that are not physically able to attend mass you may go to the Catholic Herald and see the listings of parishes that live streams or go to the Cathedral Basilica of Our Lady of Peace, downtown Honolulu will continue to live stream on Sundays at 10 AM, Weekdays at 12 PM, Saturdays at 12 PM and 5 PM https://www.cathedralofourladyofpeace.com/LiveStream.html .
A STEWARDSHIP MOMENT
If your parish celebrates the Mass for the Third Scrutiny for catechumens preparing for Baptism at the Easter vigil, you may hear the Gospel story of Jesus raising his friend, Lazarus, from the dead. One of the many lessons learned from this Gospel story is that of Martha’s confession of faith in her friend: “Yes, Lord. I have come to believe that you are the Christ, the Son of God, the one who is coming into the world.” Raising Lazarus from the dead was a miracle and a clear display of God’s power. It was also an unmistakable sign that Jesus was the Christ. Good stewards of their faith see signs of Christ’s presence all around them and are eager to respond in faith. The stewardship question for us is: Who or what will be the Lord of our lives? Will it be Christ Jesus? And if so, how will we respond to him? Are we willing to walk in his footsteps and follow his example?
If your parish does not celebrate the Mass for the Third Scrutiny for catechumens, you may hear the Gospel story of Jesus inviting his disciples into a great mystery with curious pronouncements: Those who love their lives just as they are will lose them. If a grain of wheat dies, it will bear much fruit…What does Jesus mean? The climactic event of Jesus’ passion and death is drawing closer; a time when the great confrontation between Jesus and the powers of darkness take place. When Jesus is lifted up, he will draw all to himself. The Christian steward knows life can’t be lived in complacency. We are called to die to self, bear more fruit, be raised up with Jesus. Jesus brings discomfort to those who are comfortable. Jesus urges us to give witness in his name. How will we respond?
— (https://www.catholicstewardship.com)
EUCHARISTIC ADORATION OF THE BLESSED SACRAMENT
First Thursday of Every Month. Come anytime between 5-6:30 pm.. All are Welcome!
THRIFT SHOP HOURS OF OPERATION
Effective May 2021, the Thrift Store hours of operation became every Tuesday from 8 a.m. - 12 noon.
SOCIAL OUTREACH MINISTRY
The Food Pantry holds a drive by distribution, every third Thursday from 8-9 a.m. or while supply lasts. To qualify simply signup as you drive up. The Food Pantry is also accepting non-perishables. Thank you!