26TH SUNDAY IN ORDINARY TIME
September 27 & September 28, 2025
REFLECTION ON TODAY'S READING
Eyes That See, Heart That Welcomes
Place yourself in Christ’s presence this Sunday, listening to His word: “If they do not listen to Moses and the Prophets, they will not be convinced even if someone rises from the dead” (Lk 16:30). Ask the Lord to open your ears, your eyes, and your heart, so that you may truly welcome Him, the Resurrection, into your life.
Seek to follow the example of St. Francis, living with humility and a welcoming heart toward all Creation. Recognize the interconnectedness of all things and let your actions reflect care, respect, and love for the world around you.
Pray the Daily Offering Prayer for the flourishing of all Creation, committing yourself to protect and honor it.
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.
Saint Joseph Church Makawao - Bulletin
The Gospel Reading, Luke 16:19-31
Jesus tells the parable of the reversal of fortunes between the rich man and the poor man, Lazarus.
A major theme in the Gospel of Luke is the importance of the care of the poor in the life of discipleship. In the parable found in today's Gospel, Jesus contrasts the life of a rich man and the poor man, Lazarus, who lives in the shadow of the rich man and his wealth. Both die. Lazarus finds himself in heaven; the rich man in the netherworld. The rich man asks for assistance from Lazarus in his torment. But Abraham reminds the rich man of the good things he had in his life and describes the current situation as a reversal of fortunes. The rich man then asks that Lazarus be sent to warn his family, but this is denied with the reminder that Moses and the prophets have warned of judgment for those who neglect the care of the poor.
In the context of Luke's Gospel, this parable, delivered in the presence of a crowd of listeners, is part of Jesus' response to some Pharisees. These Pharisees are described in Luke's Gospel as “loving money.” (Note: The Pharisees were followers of a sect of Judaism active before, during, and after Jesus' lifetime. They taught an oral interpretation of the Law of Moses as the basis for popular Jewish piety. They put less emphasis on Temple worship and more on applying the law to everyday life. Though they are often portrayed negatively in the Gospels, they shared many of Jesus' and the early Church's concerns about the law.) Jesus observed that the actions of some Pharisees betrayed misplaced priorities: they spoke one way, but acted in another. The story of the rich man and Lazarus demonstrates the importance of the care of the poor and is a reminder to those who would follow Jesus of the unimportance of wealth in the eyes of God.
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(https://www.loyolapress.com/catholic-resources/liturgical-year/sunday-connection )
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A STEWARDSHIP MOMENT
In today’s Gospel Jesus offers a warning about living selfishly in his parable of the Rich Man and Lazarus. The Rich Man holds sumptuous feasts and dresses in f ine clothes. But despite his affluence he does nothing to relieve the painful hunger and debilitating condition of his neighbor Lazarus. He neglects to love his neighbor as he loves himself and is sent to hell for his lifestyle and desire for self-gratification. The Rich Man represents those who spend their money on their own personal pleasures with no regard for sharing their material possessions with the poor and needy in their own neighborhood. Good stewards realize the practical implications of not only loving God, but loving their neighbor as they would love themselves. Who are the less fortunate in our neighborhood? Do we share a portion of our own blessings with them? .
—— (https://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
Every Tuesday from 8am - 12 noon, and every 1st and 3rd Saturday of the month, from 8am-12 noon. Donation drop offs are welcome and greatly appreciated every Monday from 8 - 12 noon, or during normal thrift shop hours.
