THE FOURTEENTH SUNDAY IN ORDINARY TIME
July 5 & July 6, 2025
REFLECTION ON TODAY'S READING
Becoming a Friend of Peace
A new day begins, a day you receive from the Father. Begin by thanking Him for what is to come. Start your day with His Word, for it is the light that guides your steps: “In whatever house you enter, say first, ‘Peace to this house.’ If there is a friend of peace there, his peace will rest on him; if not, it will return to you” (Lk 10:5–6).
Ask yourself: What must you do today to live as a friend of peace? Are your home, your workplace, and your relationships places where peace dwells? And when your heart is troubled, where do you usually turn to find peace?
Ask the Lord: Help me throughout this day to sow peace around me. Pray that His peace may reign in your heart, in the world, and especially in countries at war.
Pray the Offering Prayer for the Pope’s intention and for the challenges of the day that the Lord will help you face.
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 10:1-12, 17-20
Jesus sends out 72 people to announce the coming kingdom.
Today's Gospel begins immediately after the final verse in last Sunday's Gospel. After strong language about the difficulties of discipleship, Jesus immediately appoints 72 people to go ahead of him to every town and place he plans to visit, proclaiming that the Kingdom of God is at hand. He sends them in pairs. In the Law of Moses two witnesses were needed for a testimony to be credible. It was probably also a safer way to travel.
Jesus admits it will be difficult, that he is sending them out like lambs among wolves. Yet they are to bring nothing with them, not even a money bag or sandals. They are to greet no one on the way so as not to be distracted from their mission. When they enter a house, their message is simply “peace.” The response they will receive may be positive or negative. Either way, they are to know that the Kingdom of God is at hand. They are not to demand special treatment but eat and drink whatever is given them. They are to stay in one house and are not to look around for one that provides better accommodations. They are to heal the sick as a sign that the Kingdom of God is at hand for them. Like Jesus' miracles, healing is a sign of the coming of the kingdom. If the town will not receive them, they are to shake the dust from their feet and move on. Even in the case of such rejection they should know that the Kingdom of God is at hand.
When they return from their journeys, they are rejoicing because their mission has been successful. Demons were under their power because of Jesus' name. Jesus may have sent them out as lambs among wolves, but at the conclusion of this passage he assures them that they have been given power over the enemy and nothing will harm them, not even serpents and scorpions.
A key theme of today's Gospel and last Sunday's Gospel is discipleship—its challenges, its difficulties, and its rewards. Sharing in the mission of Jesus is difficult, but everyone is called to do it, not just some professionals trained for ministry. Even for us today, the harvest is plentiful. We should pray to the master of the harvest to send out workers for his harvest. .
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(https://www.loyolapress.com/catholic-resources/liturgical-year/sunday-connection )
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A STEWARDSHIP MOMENT
“Who do you say that I am?” (Matt 16:15). The question Jesus poses to his disciples in today’s Gospel comes at a critical turning point in his ministry. Jesus truly wants his disciples to know how they understand him. He, in turn, wants to know if they have the courage and commitment to follow in his footsteps on the remainder of his journey to the cross. He also wants to know how they identify themselves as disciples. Good stewards know they are invited to let Jesus and their faith community call forth their deepest identity as followers of Christ Jesus. What is Jesus saying to you about your identity as his follower? Who do you say you are?
—— (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.
