THE EXALTATION OF THE HOLY CROSS
September 13 & September 14, 2025
REFLECTION ON TODAY'S READING
Contemplating Salvation
On this first day of the week, together with the whole Church, we commemorate the Exaltation of the Holy Cross.
Reflect on the words: “For God did not send his Son into the world to condemn the world, but to save the world through him” (Jn 3:17).
As you contemplate the salvation offered by the Father in Jesus, remember that “we do not exalt crosses, but the glorious Cross of Jesus, the sign of God’s immense love, the sign of our salvation and the way to the Resurrection. And this is our hope.” (Pope Francis)
Pray the daily offering prayer, and seek to weave relationships of love with your brothers and sisters to whom Salvation is also offered.
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, John 3:13-17
As Moses lifted up the serpent in the wilderness, so must the Son of man be lifted up, so that whoever believes in him may have eternal life.
In John’s Gospel, Jesus’ death on the cross as well as his resurrection and return to the Father are one event. For him, the cross isa sign of exaltation. The serpent that Moses lifted up in the desert to offer healing to those injured by snake bites prefigures Jesus’ being lifted up on the cross, bringing salvation.
The eternal life God offers through Jesus is not life without end but life lived in the unending presence of God. That is why it can begin now in this life. The world to which God sends the Son is not a place but those people who are at odds with Jesus and God. Jesus is sent to this world as a gift. Only believers accept the gift.
Finally, God’s judgment on the world is not a future cosmic event but a present reality. God sent the Son out of love for the world. However, the world has to decide to accept him. Those who accept him have eternal life at the moment of the decision. Those who reject him don’t.
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(https://www.loyolapress.com/catholic-resources/liturgical-year/sunday-connection )
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A STEWARDSHIP MOMENT
Among the primary themes in today’s Gospel when we hear Jesus’ well-known parable of the Prodigal Son is forgiveness and the need to repent. But from a stewardship point of view what is also interesting is one of the secondary themes: the failure to use responsibly the gifts that have been so generously bestowed. The youngest son who demanded his inheritance and left home broke no laws or religious commandments. His wrong doing was that he wasted his inherited wealth, the abundant gifts given to him. His sin was in his extravagant living; squandering his gifts in pursuit of selfish pleasures. Good stewards acknowledge that everything they have comes from God, and they are required to cultivate these gifts responsibly. What are our God-given gifts? Do we use them responsibly? Do we exercise good stewardship over 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
Effective May 2021, the Thrift Store hours of operation became every Tuesday from 8 a.m. - 12 noon, and the 3rd Saturday from 8am to noon.
