Happy New Year 🙏

 

Recap 2025 for You and Happy New Year

As the year comes to a close, I sit and reflect on everything that happened in the calendar year 2025. A lot has happened for sure, in America and elsewhere. Below are some worth chronicling.

The BIGGEST & Most Sensational Stories of 2025

US & Israel Strike Iran
A coordinated military assault on Iranian nuclear facilities sends shockwaves worldwide.
The attack is framed as “defensive,” but critics call it a reckless escalation that risks all-out regional war.
Nuclear fears return to the global stage, raising questions about who controls the narrative of “threats.”

Benjamin Netanyahu Visits the White House Five Times
Bibi becomes Washington’s most frequent foreign visitor of the year, fueling speculation about covert agreements and wartime planning.
His repeated presence symbolizes the tightening U.S.–Israel alliance and reinforces accusations that American Middle East strategy is driven externally, not domestically.

Assassination of Charlie Kirk
A conservative firebrand is shot at a university event in Utah, triggering a political earthquake.
Conflicting reports and rushed FBI statements create a fog of doubt — conspiracy theories flourish, trust erodes, and political martyrdom reshapes the right.

Epstein Files Release-But Still No Truth
Over 300,000 documents are released, but heavy redactions protect elite networks once again.
The public gets scandal-fragments, not names.
Delayed transparency convinces many that America has “tiers of justice,” with the powerful shielded by selective secrecy.

Trump ICE Raids Escalate
New enforcement waves sweep neighborhoods and workplaces, sowing panic.
Citizens and even Indigenous people report wrongful detentions, exposing systemic chaos.
Critics argue the raids double as a surveillance expansion tool and a distraction from elite corruption.

“False Flag” Events Ignite Panic
Highly publicized attacks — including New Year’s Eve in New Orleans and National Guard shootings in DC, trigger national fear.
Commentators across the spectrum suggest manipulation: staged events to justify expanded security powers and normalize state intrusion.

Fake Ceasefire & Gaza Reconstruction Controversy
The October “peace plan” is sold as hope but experienced as displacement and strategic land acquisition.
Observers warn that “rebuilding” may mean profit-driven gentrification disguised as humanitarian aid.

LA Wildfires and the Politics of Land
Historic fires destroy thousands of homes, especially in middle-class Black communities.
Billionaire-controlled water resources hinder firefighting; developers swoop in.
Survivors call it “disaster capitalism made visible.”

MAGA Breaks with Israel
For the first time in decades, major right-wing voices openly criticize Israel over Gaza.
Greene, Rogan, and Bannon fracture MAGA consensus, redefining loyalty tests and reshaping conservative foreign-policy identity.

Zoran Mandami Wins NYC
A progressive triumph that immediately faces the machinery of compromise.
Mandami promises affordability but keeps establishment policing strategies and meets with Wall Street, exposing the limits of urban progressivism inside a capitalist power structure.

Marjorie Taylor Greene Resigns
Breaking with Trump over Epstein transparency and foreign wars, Greene steps down abruptly.
Her fall shows the cost of diverging from movement orthodoxy,  and hints at a future media empire built on grievance.

Nancy Pelosi Retires
After decades as a defining power broker, Pelosi steps away, symbolizing the sunset of Democratic centrism.
Her departure leaves questions: will progressives finally rise, or will donor-class politics reassert itself under new names?

Pal Ronnie
Happy 2026

Mass Readings and Reflection December 31st 2025

(Seventh Day in the Octave of Christmas)

First Reading: (1 John 2:18-21)

Responsorial Psalm: (Psalm 96:1-2, 11-12, 13)

R. Let the heavens be glad and the earth rejoice!

Alleluia: (John 1:14a, 12a)

The Word became flesh and made his dwelling among us;
to all who received him, he gave power to become children of God.

Gospel: (John 1:1-18)

In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. He was with God in the beginning.

Through him all things were made; without him nothing was made that has been made. In him was life, and that life was the light of all people.

The Word became flesh and made his dwelling among us, and we saw his glory, the glory as of the Father’s only Son, full of grace and truth. 

Reflection:

Theme of the Day: The Word Who Became Flesh

Today’s readings invite us to reflect on the identity of Jesus as the eternal Word, present with God from the beginning, before all creation. In the Gospel of John, we hear the profound truth that this Word became flesh and dwelt among us, revealing God’s glory and inviting us into relationship as children of God. 

The First Letter of John reminds us that faithfulness to Christ is demonstrated not by mere association, but by abiding in him, remaining in truth and love. Even as confusion and false teachings abound, we are called to stand firm in the truth that we have received through the Holy Spirit.

The Psalm urges all creation to rejoice before the Lord, anticipating the justice and salvation that the Word brings into the world. 

As we close the calendar year, may this Word, eternal, life-giving, and fully God, continue to shape our hearts and guide our steps.

God has been so good.

God bless you

Happy New Year

Pal Ronnie

Daily Mass Readings December 29, 2025

First Reading: (1 John 2:3–11)

Responsorial Psalm: (Psalm 96:1–2a, 2b–3, 5b–6)

R. Let the heavens be glad and the earth rejoice! 

Alleluia: (Luke 2:32)

R. Alleluia, alleluia.
A light of revelation to the Gentiles and glory for your people Israel.
R. Alleluia, alleluia.

Gospel: (Luke 2:22–35)

Reflection

Today’s readings draw a straight line between light, love, and revelation.

1. The First Reading: Love proves discipleship

John is blunt:

• You cannot claim to know Christ and harbor hatred.
• Love is not optional; it is the evidence of living in the light.
• Darkness is not just moral failure, it is blindness, confusion, and disorientation.

For many if us who values clarity, structure, and truth, John’s message resonates:
Love is the organizing principle of the Christian life.

2. The Gospel: Simeon sees what generations longed for

Simeon represents the faithful remnant, those who wait, pray, and trust even when God seems silent.

His words reveal three truths:

• Christ is salvation, not an idea, but a person.
• Christ is universal, “a light to the Gentiles.”
• Christ is divisive, not because He intends conflict, but because truth exposes hearts.

Mary’s pierced heart reminds us that discipleship includes joy and suffering intertwined.

3. The Octave of Christmas: Light is already shining

John says, “the true light is already shining.”
Simeon says, “my eyes have seen your salvation.”

Christmas is not just a memory, it is a present reality.
The Light has come, and darkness is already losing its power.

4. A question for prayer today

Where in your life is Christ inviting you to step out of darkness, resentment, fear, self-protection, and into the light of love?.

God bless you. 

Have a wonderful day. 

Pal Ronnie 

Holy Family Sunday

 

Mass readings and a reflection for Saturday, December 27, 2025

Mass Readings for December 27, 2025-(Feast of St. John, Apostle and Evangelist).

First Reading: (1 John 1:1-4)

Responsorial Psalm: (Psalm 97:1-2, 5-6, 11-12)

R. Rejoice in the Lord, you just!

Gospel: (John 20:1a, 2-8)

Reflection

1. The Word Made Visible

St. John the Apostle, whose feast we celebrate today, is profoundly connected to the revelation of Christ as the Word of Life. In the First Reading, John emphasizes that Jesus is not a distant idea but something seen, heard, touched, and lived- the eternal life made visible to us.
This reminds us that faith is rooted in real encounter with Jesus, not abstract belief.

2. Rejoicing in God’s Reign

The Psalm calls us to rejoice and give thanks. The Lord is king over all, and His justice and glory extend over the earth. Rejoicing isn’t just an emotional response, it’s a choice of trust and praise even when life’s challenges surround us, because God’s reign brings peace and right order.

3. Believing in the Risen Christ

The Gospel recounts the very first revelation of the empty tomb. Though it is an Easter scene, it is lifted into the Christmas season on this feast because St. John’s writings tie the Incarnation and the Resurrection together: the Word who became flesh is the same Life who conquered death.

John’s unique way of presenting this highlights what Catholics profess in every Mass:

“We proclaim to you eternal life, which was with the Father and was made visible to us…” 

4. Fellowship and Joy

A key theme in today’s readings is community and joy. John writes so that “our joy may be complete.” His invitation is not private but communal- we are called into fellowship with the Father, with Christ, and with one another. 

Have a wonderful weekend 

Pal Ronnie 

Daily Mass Readings and Reflection for December 26th, 2025

Feast of Saint Stephen, the First Martyr

First Reading: (Acts 6:8–10; 7:54–59)

Responsorial Psalm: (Psalm 31)

Response: Into your hands, O Lord, I commend my spirit.

• “Be my rock of refuge, a stronghold to save me.”
• “Into your hands I commend my spirit; you will redeem me, O Lord.”
• “Let your face shine upon your servant; save me in your kindness.”

Alleluia

Blest is he who comes in the name of the Lord.
The Lord is God and has given us light.

Gospel: (Matthew 10:17–22)

Jesus warns His disciples that they will face persecution:
They will be handed over to courts, flogged in synagogues, and brought before governors and kings for His sake.
But they are not to worry about what to say, the Spirit of the Father will speak through them.

Families will be divided, hatred will arise because of His name,
but the one who endures to the end will be saved.

Reflection: 

The Church places the feast of Saint Stephen immediately after Christmas, and at first it feels jarring, the joy of Christ’s birth followed by the violence of martyrdom. But spiritually, it is perfect.

1. Love Incarnate demands a response

Christmas is not sentimental; it is revolutionary.
God enters the world in weakness, and those who follow Him must be willing to love with the same costly courage.
Stephen shows what it means to take the Incarnation seriously:
to let Christ reshape one’s speech, actions, and even one’s death.

2. Stephen sees what others cannot

While his persecutors grind their teeth, Stephen gazes into heaven.
Persecution does not close his vision, it opens it.
He sees Christ standing at the right hand of the Father, as if rising to welcome His faithful witness.

3. The Spirit speaks through the faithful

Jesus’ promise in the Gospel is fulfilled in Stephen:
“It will not be you who speak, but the Spirit of your Father.”
Christian witness is never about eloquence; it is about surrender.
When the heart is aligned with Christ, the Spirit supplies the words.

4. Endurance is the mark of true discipleship

The Gospel ends with a sober truth:
“The one who endures to the end will be saved.”
Endurance is not gritting one’s teeth, it is trusting that Christ is worth everything.
Stephen’s final words echo Jesus Himself:
“Lord Jesus, receive my spirit.”
This is the victory of Christmas:
the Child in the manger becomes the Lord who receives the spirit of His faithful ones.

God bless you

Ronnie Law

Merry Christmas

 

Merry Christmas in New Zealand 🇳🇿

 

Mass Reading and Reflection for December 24th, 2025

First Reading: (2 Samuel 7:1-5, 8b-12, 14a, 16)

Responsorial Psalm: (Psalm 89:2-3, 4-5, 27 and 29)

R. For ever I will sing the goodness of the Lord.

Alleluia

R. Alleluia, alleluia.
O Radiant Dawn, splendor of eternal light, sun of justice:
come and shine on those who dwell in darkness and the shadow of death.
R. Alleluia, alleluia.

Gospel: (Luke 1:67-79)

Reflection

Today’s readings prepare our hearts as we stand on the threshold of the wonder of Christmas, the coming of our Savior. In the First Reading, God speaks through Nathan to King David, promising that his house and kingdom will stand forever. This points forward to the eternal kingship of Jesus, born of David’s line, whose reign is not of earthly power but of love and salvation.

The responsorial psalm echoes God’s faithfulness and the enduring covenant, a divine promise fulfilled in Christ. He is the promised Son whose life, death, and resurrection bring salvation to all.

In the Gospel, Zechariah proclaims the long-awaited salvation. Filled with the Holy Spirit, he recognizes that God has acted decisively: a Savior has come. He describes Jesus as the “dawn from on high”, a light breaking into the darkness, a powerful image for our Advent hope.

As we draw closer to celebrating Christmas, these readings call us to trust in God’s promises, rejoice in His faithfulness, and receive Christ as the guiding light in our lives. Just as Zechariah’s tongue was loosed to proclaim the Savior, may our hearts be open to proclaim Christ with joy in word and deed.

God bless you and have a wonderful Christmas Eve.

Pal Ronnie

St. Joseph’s on Edward's Street

 

Mass Reading and Reflection for December 23rd 2025

Bible Verses (USCCB Daily Readings: Dec. 23, 2025)

First Reading: (Malachi 3:1-4, 23-24)--God promises to send a messenger to prepare the way for the Lord and to purify His people. 

Responsorial Psalm: (Psalm 25:4-5ab, 8-9, 10, 14)  “Teach me your paths, O Lord; guide me in your truth.” 

Gospel: (Luke 1:57-66): The birth of John the Baptist causes wonder among neighbors as Zechariah’s speech returns when he confirms the child will be named John.

Reflection: “Prepare the Way in Your Heart”

As we stand just days before Christmas, today’s readings draw our hearts deeper into the Advent journey of preparation and transformation. 

In Malachi, God reveals His plan to send a messenger to prepare the way- a messenger who both announces and makes ready the coming of the Lord. The Lord Himself is described like a refining fire, purifying what is impure so that our worship and lives may be pleasing to Him.

The Psalmist responds with longing: “Teach me your paths, O Lord…guide me in your truth.” Here we find a beautiful expression of Advent humility, a desire not simply to know God’s ways, but to walk in them.

The Gospel gives flesh to this promise in the birth of John the Baptist. Even his name, chosen not by human tradition but by God’s command, signals a new chapter in salvation history. The neighbors and relatives were filled with wonder, asking, “What then will this child be?” 

Like John, we are called to prepare the way for the Lord, but the preparation starts within us. This Advent season invites us to ask:

• What is God refining in my heart?

• Where do I need His cleansing fire to purify my intentions, attitudes, and choices?

• How can I make more room for Jesus in the final days before Christmas?

God does not come merely to be known, He comes to transform us. Advent invites us into this present transformation, a daily opening of our hearts to His grace.

God bless you 

Pal Ronnie 

When Living Becomes Optional: A Clinical Reflection on Aging, Loss, and the Will to Die

Every so often, a former patient returns to my thoughts, not as a case, but as a question. Today, I found myself reflecting on a patient I cared for years ago, a highly accomplished retired engineer whom I encountered during his transition into hospice care. He died shortly afterward.

From a clinical standpoint, his life history was unremarkable in the sense that it was complete. He had been married to the same woman for decades, built a family, enjoyed professional success, and lived long enough to see grandchildren. By most societal metrics, his life had been full and successful.

Yet, by the time he entered hospice, much of what once anchored his identity had already fallen away. His wife had died. His career had concluded. The rituals that once gave shape to time, holidays, routines, shared celebrations, had lost their meaning. Physical stamina and independence had declined, and with them the energy required to sustain daily life. What remained was not acute suffering, but an accumulation of losses.

At 92 years old, he appeared younger than his age. Cognitively intact and decisional, he refused all further medical interventions. His children attempted to persuade him otherwise, but he remained firm. He stated plainly that he was ready to die and wished to be left alone to do so. Clinically, he met criteria for hospice. Philosophically, he appeared to have completed his own internal reckoning.

He had been admitted from an elite assisted living facility, one costing over $40,000 per month. The environment was immaculate, the care comprehensive, the resources abundant. Yet none of these mitigated his conclusion. Comfort, wealth, and longevity were insufficient substitutes for meaning once meaning had already been exhausted.

We all know what life is. We know how it feels to be healthy and to be sick, to love and to be loved, to experience hatred, to find comfort in friends and colleagues at work, and to feel the sting of betrayal. These are universal human experiences, encountered by most of us well before old age. When someone lives to 92 and looks back upon decades of these emotional, relational, and physical cycles, the cumulative weight must be overwhelming. Most of us are far younger, yet we can already recognize fragments of these experiences in our own lives.

What I have come to recognize is that many individuals, after gradually relinquishing roles, relationships, and purpose, reach a point where continued existence feels less like living and more like endurance. The desire to die in such cases is not rooted in despair alone, but in completion. Life, as they have known it, has been fully lived.

This patient’s story illuminates an uncomfortable truth often avoided in modern medicine: extending life is not synonymous with preserving meaning. There comes a stage for some where the question is no longer how long one can live, but why one should continue to do so.

I pray that his soul is at rest.

Thanks for reading 

Drop me a comment 

Pal Ronnie

Mass Reading and Reflection for Monday, December 22, 2025

Further Reflection

(Psalm 37:4) “Delight yourself in the LORD, and he will give you the desires of your heart.”

Jeremiah 29:11 – “For I know the plans I have for you, declares the LORD, plans for welfare and not for evil, to give you a future and a hope.”

Gospel: (Luke 1:38) – “Behold, I am the servant of the Lord; let it be to me according to your word.”

(Romans 12:1)- “Present your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and acceptable to God, which is your spiritual worship.”

Reflection
Today’s readings center on trust, surrender, and gratitude.

In 1 Samuel 1:24–28, Hannah fulfills her vow by dedicating Samuel to the Lord. Her act teaches us that blessings are not for hoarding but for glorifying God. When we receive answers to prayer, do we return thanks and offer our gifts back to Him?

The Responsorial Psalm echoes Hannah’s joy: “My heart exults in the Lord.” It reminds us that God reverses fortunes—He lifts the lowly and humbles the proud. Advent calls us to humility and hope.

In the Gospel (Luke 1:46–56), Mary’s Magnificat mirrors Hannah’s praise. Mary rejoices because God’s mercy is faithful across generations. Her song invites us to magnify the Lord in our own lives, especially as we await Christ’s birth.

Christmas Theme:
Both Hannah and Mary show that true greatness lies in surrender. God works wonders through those who trust Him completely. As we approach Christmas, let us ask: Am I ready to offer my life, like Hannah and Mary, for God’s purposes?

God bless you,
Pal Ronnie

For Posterity

 

Mass Readings and Reflection for 4th Sunday of Advent Reflection “God With Us”

Readings for Further Reflection

First Reading: (Isaiah 7:10–14)
“Therefore the Lord himself will give you this sign: the virgin shall conceive and bear a son, and shall name him Emmanuel.”

Responsorial Psalm: (Psalm 24:3–4)
“Let the Lord enter; he is king of glory.”

Second Reading: (Romans 1:1–7)

Gospel Reading: (Matthew 1:23)
“Behold, the virgin shall conceive and bear a son, and they shall name him Emmanuel, which means ‘God is with us.’”

Reflection

I went to Mass at the hospital chapel this morning. It was on point and ended exactly at 8:00 AM, just in time to return to my patients. The readings centered on the promise of Emmanuel, reminding us that God is truly with us in every circumstance.

Isaiah’s prophecy is fulfilled in today’s Gospel. Mary conceives by the Holy Spirit, and Joseph responds with faith and obedience. Emmanuel, God with us, is not just a title; it is a reality. In the hospital setting, this truth resonates deeply. God is present in every hallway, every bedside, every act of care.

The Psalm challenges us to prepare our hearts, to be clean in thought and deed as we await Christ. Paul reminds us that we are called to holiness, even in the ordinary tasks of life, whether administering medications or comforting families.

Joseph’s example teaches trust. He faced uncertainty but chose faith over fear. Like him, we are invited to surrender our plans and embrace God’s will, confident that His presence transforms every situation.

Advent is not passive waiting; it is active preparation. Today, I will strive to be a sign of God’s presence through compassion, patience, and hope.

God bless you and have a wonderful Sunday.

Pal Ronnie

Mass Readings and Reflection for Saturday, December 20, 2025

Readings

First Reading: (Isaiah 7:10–14)
The Lord offers Ahaz a sign, but Ahaz refuses. Isaiah proclaims: “The Lord himself will give you a sign: the virgin shall conceive and bear a son, and shall name him Emmanuel.”

Responsorial Psalm – (Psalm 24:1–2, 3–4ab, 5–6)
Refrain: “Let the Lord enter; he is king of glory.”
The psalm celebrates God’s sovereignty and calls for purity of heart to enter His presence.

Alleluia Verse
“O Key of David, opening the gates of God’s eternal Kingdom: come and free the prisoners of darkness!”

Gospel: (Luke 1:26–38)
The angel Gabriel announces to Mary that she will conceive by the Holy Spirit and bear Jesus, Son of the Most High. Mary responds with faith: “Behold, I am the handmaid of the Lord. May it be done to me according to your word.”

Reflection

1. God’s Promise of Emmanuel
Isaiah’s prophecy is central to Advent: God promises a sign of hope—a virgin bearing a son named Emmanuel (“God with us”). This is not just a prediction, but a declaration that God will dwell among His people.

2. Purity and Readiness
Psalm 24 reminds us that those who seek God must have clean hands and pure hearts. Advent is a time to examine our lives, repent, and prepare spiritually for Christ’s coming.

3. Mary’s Fiat: Model of Faith
Mary’s response to Gabriel, complete trust and surrender, embodies the ideal Advent posture. Her “yes” contrasts with Ahaz’s refusal, teaching us that openness to God’s will moves salvation history forward.

4. Christ as the Key of David
The Alleluia verse emphasizes Jesus as the one who unlocks eternal life and frees us from the darkness of sin. Advent invites us to let Christ open the doors of our hearts.

Practical Application

• Say “yes” to God: Reflect on areas where you resist God’s will. Pray for Mary’s humility and courage.

• Prepare with purity: Seek reconciliation, forgiveness, and inner cleansing to welcome Christ.

• Live Emmanuel: Recognize God’s presence in daily life, family, work, and even challenges.

• Be a sign of hope: Like Isaiah and Mary, bring hope to others through words and actions.

Verses for Meditation

• “The virgin shall conceive and bear a son, and shall name him Emmanuel.” (Isaiah 7:14)

• “Let the Lord enter; he is king of glory.” (Psalm 24:7)

• “Behold, I am the handmaid of the Lord. May it be done to me according to your word.” (Luke 1:38)

Theological Insights

• Incarnation as Fulfillment: Isaiah’s prophecy finds its ultimate fulfillment in Christ’s birth, God truly with us.

• Mary as the New Eve: Her obedience reverses Eve’s disobedience, opening the way for redemption.

• Faith over Fear: Gabriel’s “Do not be afraid” echoes throughout Advent, calling us to trust God’s plan.

Have a blessed weekend 

Pal Ronnie 

Mass Reading and Reflection for December 19th 2025

Readings

First Reading – (Judges 13:2–7, 24–25a)

Responsorial Psalm – (Psalm 71:3–4a, 5–6ab, 16–17)

Refrain: “My mouth shall be filled with your praise, and I will sing your glory!”

Alleluia Verse
“O Root of Jesse’s stem, sign of God’s love for all his people: come to save us without delay!”

Gospel: (Luke 1:5–25)

Zechariah and Elizabeth, a righteous but childless priestly couple, receive a visitation from the angel Gabriel while Zechariah burns incense. The angel announces that Elizabeth will bear a son named John, who will be filled with the Holy Spirit, prepare Israel by turning hearts back to God, and usher in the coming Lord. Because Zechariah doubts, he is rendered mute until the prophecy’s fulfillment. Elizabeth conceives and rejoices: “The Lord has looked upon my affliction.”

Reflection

1. God’s Choice & Divine Preparation

Both readings highlight God’s sovereign selection. Samson and John the Baptist are chosen before birth to serve pivotal roles in salvation history. This reminds us that God’s plan often unfolds long before we recognize it, calling for trust and openness to how He prepares each one of us.

2. Consecration & Commitment

The call to consecration is evident: Samson is bound by the Nazirite vow; John is filled with the Holy Spirit from conception. This underscores how God forms His messengers in holiness, preparing them spiritually for mission. Even today, we are invited to consecrate ourselves through prayer, virtue, and service.

3. Faith vs. Doubt

Unlike Elizabeth, who receives blessing with belief, Zechariah doubts Gabriel’s message and becomes mute. His silence is not merely punitive; it is a call to humble trust. During Advent, we examine our own doubts and learn to respond in faith, even when God’s promises seem unlikely.

4. Mission Before Messiah

John’s role is preparatory, turning hearts back to the Lord. Advent is likewise a time of inner preparation: aligning our hearts, repenting, and making way for Christ. Samson’s deliverance role echoes the urgency and magnitude of God’s redemptive work.

5. Trust Built Across Generations

From the barren womb to miraculous conception, God weaves a narrative of faith spanning generations. As Advent stewards, we participate in an ongoing story of trust, conversion, and readiness for Emmanuel.

Spiritual Application

• Recognize your preparation: What quiet stirring is God prompting in your life right now? Like Samson and John, are you being formed for a purpose you may not yet fully see?

• Respond in faith: Take your doubts to prayer. Ask for clarity and trust amid uncertainty, praying with Zechariah as he later regains his voice.

• Consecrate yourself daily: Small sacrifices, prayer, fasting, service, reinforce devotion and readiness for Christ’s coming.

• Prepare hearts: Who around you needs encouragement or repentance? Be a voice preparing the way through compassion and witness.

• Praise with conviction: Trust the psalmist’s example, your mouth, from youth onward, can overflow with praise for God’s justice, strength, and care.

Verses for Further Reflection

• “Your wife Elizabeth will bear you a son… he will be filled with the Holy Spirit even from his mother’s womb.” (Luke 1:13–15)

• “My mouth shall be filled with your praise, and I will sing your glory!” (Psalm 71:8)

• “No razor shall come upon his head… he shall begin to deliver Israel.” (Judges 13:5)

Theological Insights

• Preparation before arrival: God readies His messengers, judges like Samson and prophets like John, to prepare the world for true kingship, ultimately fulfilled in Christ.

• God’s promises unfold in His time: Zechariah’s muteness reflects God’s patient pedagogy, trust matures through waiting, not mere assent.

• Consecration precedes mission: From the Nazirite vow to Spirit-filled infancy, holiness comes before service. We, too, are called to wholeness before mission.

God bless you,
Pal Ronnie

The Two Brothers Are Home for Christmas

 

Mass Readings and Reflection December 18th 2025

First Reading: (Jeremiah 23:5–8)

Responsorial Psalm: (Psalm 72:1–2, 12–13, 18–19)

R. Justice shall flourish in his time, and fullness of peace forever.

Alleluia Verse

Alleluia, alleluia.
O Leader of the House of Israel, giver of the Law to Moses on Sinai: come to rescue us with your mighty power!
Alleluia, alleluia.

Gospel Reading: (Matthew 1:18–25)

Reflection

1. Expectation & Righteous Leadership

Jeremiah proclaims hope in the coming of a “righteous shoot” from the line of David, an ideal king who will reign with justice and secure peace for God’s people. This prophecy speaks directly to the heart of Advent: waiting not merely for change, but for a world reordered according to God’s justice.

2. Justice, Peace & Compassion

Psalm 72 expands this vision by describing the mission of the righteous ruler: to defend the poor, rescue the oppressed, and establish peace. Justice here is not abstract, it is compassionate, active, and attentive to the vulnerable. True leadership, the psalm reminds us, always glorifies God by lifting others up.

3. Joseph’s Obedient Justice

In Matthew’s Gospel, we see how God’s promise enters history through quiet faithfulness. Joseph is called a “just man,” and his justice is revealed through mercy. He chooses to spare Mary from shame, intending a quiet separation. When God intervenes, Joseph responds with obedience, courage, and trust. His actions mirror the righteous leadership foretold by Jeremiah, not through power, but through faithful surrender.

4. Emmanuel: God With Us

The names revealed in the Gospel, Jesus (“God saves”) and Emmanuel (“God with us”), express the heart of salvation. God’s justice is not distant; it enters our human condition. The promise given through Jeremiah is fulfilled not merely in kingship, but in divine love taking flesh and dwelling among us.

Personal Application

• Awaiting God’s Justice: What am I impatiently seeking resolution for? Advent invites us to trust God’s timing and purposes.

• Living Justly: How can my daily choices reflect mercy toward those in need? Even small acts participate in Christ’s justice.

• Heeding the Divine Call: Like Joseph, faith often requires obedience in uncertainty. What is God asking me to embrace?

• Welcoming Emmanuel: Pray for the grace to recognize God’s presence—in relationships, work, and even in trials.

Verses for Reflection

• “Behold, the days are coming… when I will raise up a righteous shoot.” (Jeremiah 23:5)

• “Justice shall flourish in his time, and fullness of peace forever.” (Psalm 72:7)

• “Joseph, son of David, do not be afraid… you are to name him Jesus… Emmanuel, God is with us.” (Matthew 1:20–23)

Theological Insight

• Kingdom of Justice: Jesus inaugurates the kingdom promised by Jeremiah—not through earthly might, but through spiritual authority rooted in love, sacrificial justice, and reconciliation.

• Model of Joseph: Joseph’s righteousness, expressed in compassion and prompt obedience, reveals how God safeguards His saving plan through faithful hearts.

I hope you receive something meaningful from this reflection.
God bless and have a wonderful evening.

-Pal Ronnie

I Would Be Unemployed

Mass Reflection Wednesday December 17th 2025

First Reading :(Genesis 49:2, 8-10)

Responsorial Psalm: (salm 72:1-2, 3-4ab, 7-8, 17)

“Justice shall flourish in his time, and fullness of peace forever.”

Alleluia (Gospel Acclamation)

“O Wisdom of our God Most High, guiding creation with power and love; come to teach us the path of knowledge!”

Reflection

Today’s readings draw us more deeply into the mystery of Advent preparation as we near Christmas.

In the First Reading, Judah’s blessing points ahead to a ruler from David’s line whose reign will bring justice and peace. This is fulfilled in Jesus Christ, whose coming we await with hopeful longing. The psalm echoes that yearning: we ask for a reign marked by justice and peace that extends to every nation and every heart.

The Gospel today invites us to ponder the human ancestry of Jesus. Sometimes it may feel distant or mere genealogy on the surface, but there is a profound truth here: God enters into human history and our human family. Jesus is connected to us, not only through divine mystery but through generations whose lives witnessed faith, struggle, promise, and fulfillment.

In this Advent season, God’s ways continue to unfold in the ordinary rhythms of life and family. Just as God worked through each ancestor in Jesus’ lineage, He works in our families and in our lives to draw us closer to Him.

As we prepare for the birth of Christ:

• Reflect on how God has worked in your own story.

• Pray for the justice and peace spoken of in the psalm.

• Open your heart to the coming of Christ, not only at Christmas, but into your daily life.

Come, Lord Jesus.

Maranatha!!

God bless you 🙌 

Pal Ronnie 

I Took a Look to See How Many People TunedIn

 

Power, Optics, and the Candace Owens Moment

Yesterday, leading podcaster Candace Owens and Charlie Kirk’s widow, Erika Kirk, met privately in Tennessee for a reported four-and-a-half-hour conversation. Both confirmed the meeting themselves. On the surface, it was framed as a productive sit-down. But as with most things at this level of media and influence, there is far more happening behind the scenes than the public is meant to see.

Most people still believe these moments are innocent and organic. They are not.

Today, Candace appeared live on her YouTube show. While at work, I checked the live viewer count out or curiosity and saw something have never witnessed before: over 300,000 people watching live. That number is staggering. Since September 10th, the day Charlie Kirk passed, her live viewership has been consistently massive. That is real power.

So much power, in fact, that people unfamiliar with how this world works were genuinely worried about her safety ahead of the meeting. Viewers and fans warned her not to drink water, not to touch anything, not to let her guard down. She followed those instructions precisely. No drinks. No physical contact. That alone tells you how charged the moment was.

After work, I watched bits of the replay. Honestly, not much came from it. So I went to the comments section and that’s where the temperature was. Many of her own supporters were unhappy. Some believed she significantly toned things down after the meeting, some said she was looking nervous particularly around her investigations and allegations involving TPUSA leadership, donor money, and even private aircrafts on the day of.

That’s where the real story may be.

Candace had openly encouraged donors to request refunds. That kind of statement doesn’t just irritate leadership, it threatens the structure itself. Their lifeline is donor money, remember? And it’s important to be precise here: this isn’t about Erika Kirk as a widow. It’s about TPUSA as an organization and its new leadership responding to a level of influence that had become too large to ignore. They know how much they are losing to the public opinion and it was fuel by Candace. She has refused to settle for the package narrative of what happened on the fateful day. Nobody in America with a platform would risk anything to tackle that investigation. She did and as a result has attracted alot admirers from around the world while attracting critics as well. This has been a challenge for that outlet and the government. 

That, in my view, is why Erika flew to Nashville. Not for optics. Not for healing. But because something had to give. They have to protect what Charlie built. The wife even said it by quoting Nehemiah of the Bible about building when they call him. They will not let TPUSA fall. They will anything tk keep it going. It's a juicy organization and alot of people lives depends on it. No matter what it will take, they will do it to keep it going. 

For Candace’s financial influence is undeniable. Many accused her for doing all this for money. I wouldn't blame her. She has so much attention that,  the cost of security alone will be enormous. Price of fame and power are high. Anyone who watches her streams sees the cash roll in, sponsors and people lining up to support her in real time. That kind of independent funding that terrifies institutions. It disrupts control. She now get more views than some establishment media outlets. It's eating them that this podcaster is eating their lunch. 

What’s interesting is how quickly supporters on both sides also began to fracture. TPUSA held a town hall last week where some audience members were dismissed or insulted for asking uncomfortable questions about everything.  Brain rot? . Candace, meanwhile, has at times dismissed critics as naïve or dishonest, even when people are clearly intelligent and paying close attention to everything going. 

Many viewers left mainstream media years ago because of this exact behavior, only to discover that independent media is not immune either. It too can be managed, shaped, and infiltrated by special interests groups. 

Candace Owens, in my view, is not entirely organic. She occasionally digs into provocative territory, but only so far. This is a classic strategy known as limited hangout, revealing just enough truth to build trust, while keeping the deeper layers untouched.

There is a lot to learn here about power, influence, and narrative control if people are willing to observe instead of cheer.

Learn from it.

God bless,
-Ronnie

Mass Reading today Tuesday December 16th 2025

First Reading: (Zephaniah 3:1-2, 9-13)

Responsorial Psalm: 

(Psalm 34:2-3, 6-7, 17-18, 19, 23)

R. The Lord hears the cry of the poor.

Alleluia:

“Come, O Lord, do not delay; forgive the sins of your people.” 

Gospel: (Matthew 21:28-32)

Jesus tells a parable of a father and his two sons. One first says he will not work in the vineyard, but later repents and goes; the other says he will go, but does not. Jesus asks: Which son did the father’s will? The answer is the one who acted, not merely spoke. Jesus then teaches that tax collectors and sinners are entering the Kingdom of God before those who say “yes” but do not change their hearts, because they believed John the Baptist’s call to repentance.

Reflection

Today’s readings center on authentic conversion of heart, an Advent theme that invites us not just to say we will follow God, but to change and act in accordance with His will.

In the First Reading, the Lord speaks to a people distant from Him, promising to purify them so they might call on His name with one heart. This purifying work is not merely external; it’s a transformation of speech, action, and trust. In the Psalm, we’re reminded that God hears the cry of the poor and saves those who are humble and brokenhearted. The Lord does not reject the contrite: He draws near to them.

The Gospel parable cuts to the heart of discipleship. Both sons said things that sounded good, but only the one who changed his mind and acted did the will of the father. Jesus points out that God desires deeds of repentance more than empty words. Those we might overlook, sinners and outcasts who recognized their need for change, entered the Kingdom ahead of those confident in their own righteousness but resistant to repentance.

As we continue Advent, God is inviting each of us to an interior conversion: To examine not just our intentions, but our actions. To turn from what keeps us distant from Him. To be people whose lives reflect our decisions to follow Christ.

“Lord, purify our hearts and make us doers of Your Word, not merely hearers.”
Amen. 

God bless you 🙏 

Today Is Today: The Tale of Two Grieving Women-A Wife (Erika) vs. A Friend(Candace)

Yesterday, around 8 p.m., Erika Kirk, the widow of Charlie Kirk, posted on X that she would be holding a private meeting today with one of America’s most influential podcasters, Candace Owens. According to her post, the purpose of the meeting is to “iron things out.”

For context, Charlie Kirk, founder of Turning Point USA, died on September 11 under circumstances that have since ignited what many are calling one of the most significant conspiracy debates of our time, echoing the deep distrust and unanswered questions that defined the post-1963 Kennedy-American political psyche. Official narratives from government sources, as well as from TPUSA itself, have been inconsistent and fragmented. As a result, a large portion of the American public, and observers around the world, have refused to simply accept the story as it has been presented.

Candace Owens, who once worked alongside Kirk and publicly considered him a friend, has emerged as the most vocal and relentless figure questioning what truly happened that day at Utah Valley University. Through her platform, she has pushed back against official explanations and has continued to probe details many believe were glossed over or ignored.

Tensions between Owens and Erika Kirk have been visible. Words have been exchanged publicly, and many observers believe the relationship has shifted from disagreement to outright adversarial. This makes today’s meeting a high-stakes moment. Supporters, critics, and onlookers across the country, and around the world, will be watching closely to see whether clarity, reconciliation, or further division emerges.

As for me, I’m heading off to work.

Still, the moment calls for reflection. Thinking critically matters. It is easy to take sides. It is even easier to accept whatever narrative is fed to us, especially when it comes wrapped in emotion, loyalty, or outrage. But that kind of consumption is not healthy, intellectually or otherwise.

We do not have to choose sides.
If there is truth, strive to be on its side.

Have a wonderful week. 

Pal Ronnie

Mr. Larry Ellison Briefly Became the Richest Man in the World

Larry Ellison briefly became the richest man in the world this year after Oracle’s stock surged to around $345 per share. Since then, the stock has fallen to roughly $188, wiping out more than $180 billion in paper wealth. That drop is staggering by any standard.

And yet, despite the loss, Ellison’s power has not diminished. In fact, it has expanded.

In August 2025, Skydance Media completed its acquisition of Paramount Global, creating a new entity now known as Skydance Paramount. The deal was funded by Larry Ellison, even though the company is formally controlled by his son, David Ellison. With that acquisition, an extraordinary number of media properties were brought under one roof: Paramount Pictures, Paramount+, Showtime, CBS, Nickelodeon, MTV, Comedy Central, and more.

While David Ellison is often presented as the face of this media empire, the reality is that this consolidation represents an extension of Larry Ellison’s broader portfolio. Through Oracle, Ellison already controls massive portions of global data infrastructure. With Skydance Paramount, he now controls a significant share of American media production and distribution.

This concentration of power becomes more troubling when viewed alongside Ellison’s political relationships. Larry Ellison is ethnically Jewish, though not religiously observant, yet he has been one of the largest private donors to the Israeli Defense Forces, contributing tens of millions of dollars over the years. He is also a close personal friend of Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, who has vacationed with his family on Ellison’s private Hawaiian island. Their relationship spans decades and extends into legal and political matters, including Netanyahu’s corruption trial.

If a U.S. billionaire maintained this level of financial, personal, and political intimacy with the leadership and military of China, it would provoke immediate outrage. Yet in this case, the response has largely been silence. The double standard is difficult to ignore.

The situation grows even more concerning when TikTok enters the picture.

Following a 2024 congressional ban and renewed trade negotiations with China, the Trump administration pressured ByteDance to sell TikTok’s U.S. operations to a consortium of American companies. The largest financial stake in that consortium belongs to Oracle. Not only does Oracle hold the biggest ownership share, it also hosts all U.S. TikTok data on its servers. Even more consequential, Oracle alone was granted access to TikTok’s proprietary algorithm, with authority to modify it for American users.

This means that one company — already deeply embedded in U.S. government contracting and now heavily invested in mainstream media — controls the infrastructure, data, and recommendation engine of the most influential social media platform in the country. The implications are enormous. Algorithms shape what people see, what ideas spread, and which voices are amplified or silenced.

This is no longer a theoretical concern about influence. It is operational power.

What we are witnessing is vertical integration at an unprecedented scale. Content is created in studios owned by the Ellison family. That content is licensed and distributed by companies they control. It is aired on television networks and streaming platforms they own. It is promoted and circulated on a social media platform whose data, algorithm, and backend infrastructure are controlled by Oracle.

Every step of the media supply chain, from creation to distribution to amplification, runs through the same family-controlled ecosystem.

And the consolidation does not stop there.

After Skydance Paramount’s acquisition of CBS, the company made key editorial hires clearly aimed at reducing adversarial coverage of Donald Trump. At the same time, Skydance Paramount launched a bid to acquire Warner Bros., setting off an auction that drew in Netflix. Warner Bros. ultimately agreed to a deal with Netflix for its studios and streaming services, but the transaction now awaits regulatory approval from the Trump administration.

Here lies the leverage.

Warner Bros. owns CNN, a network Trump has long despised. The Ellisons have reportedly suggested that if they acquire Warner Bros., CNN would be reshaped into a more Trump-friendly outlet. This puts the president in a position to decide whether media consolidation benefits his political interests. The supposed neutrality of antitrust enforcement becomes questionable when personal relationships, political loyalty, and media influence intersect so directly.

At this point, the question is no longer whether this concentration of power is unusual. It is whether it is compatible with a functioning democracy.

Media is arguably the most powerful force in modern society. It shapes public opinion, frames reality, and defines the boundaries of acceptable discourse. When that power is concentrated in the hands of a single corporate network with deep political and foreign-state entanglements, the risk is obvious.

This is not about left versus right. It is about whether a democratic society can tolerate a system in which one private interest controls studios, networks, streaming platforms, social media infrastructure, user data, and algorithms, while simultaneously wielding immense political influence.

If this were happening under Chinese ownership, the alarm bells would be deafening. The fact that they are not ringing now should trouble everyone.

The question remains open, and urgent: Should this be allowed?

These studies and writings are are not meant to portray hate to anyone or heritage, far from it. But it has so much to do with learning about business, politics and power. In fact, it helps you understand how the world really works. 

Take care

Pal Ronnie 

Mass Readings and Reflection for December 15, 2025

First Reading: (Numbers 24:2-7, 15-17a)

Responsorial Psalm: (Psalm 25:4-5ab, 6-7bc, 8-9)

R. Teach me your ways, O Lord.

Alleluia: (Psalm 85:8)

Alleluia! Show us, Lord, your steadfast love, and grant us your salvation.

Gospel: (Matthew 21:23-27)

 Reflection

Today’s readings invite us into deeper spiritual awareness and honest conversion.

In the first reading, Balaam, originally a foreign prophet not called to Israel, is overtaken by the Spirit of God and speaks blessings over Israel. His words unexpectedly become a vision of hope: the tents of Jacob are beautiful, and a star will rise out of Israel, a prophecy Christians see fulfilled in Christ, the true Light and King.

This tells us that God’s revelation is not contained by human expectations. God can work through anyone whose heart is open. Like Balaam, we are called to be persons whose eyes are open to God’s movement, especially where we least expect it.

The Psalmist responds: “Teach me your ways, O LORD.”
This is more than a mental request, it’s a plea for conversion of the heart. We pray not just to know God’s paths, but to walk them humbly, relying on His mercy, especially when our sin obscures our vision.

In the Gospel, the religious leaders demand to know by what authority Jesus speaks and acts. But their hearts were closed by fear of the crowd and by pride. They fail to recognize the true authority of God incarnate in Christ.

Their question becomes ours:

• Do we seek Christ on our own terms, demanding proof?

• Or do we, like Balaam, let God open our eyes, even when He comes in unexpected ways?

In Advent, we prepare not only for the birth of Christ at Christmas but for His coming into our daily lives. Today’s readings encourage us to:

• Ask the Holy Spirit to open our eyes to God’s presence.

• Seek God’s pathways with humility and trust.

• Recognize Christ’s authority in Scripture, Sacraments, and in the humble workings of our hearts.

I pray you have a wonderful day. 

God bless you

Pal Ronnie 

3rd Sunday of Advent December 14th 2025

First Reading: (Isaiah 35:1 to 6a, 10)

Responsorial Psalm: (Psalm 146:6 to 10)

Second Reading: (James 5:7 to 10)
Be patient, brothers and sisters, until the coming of the Lord.

Alleluia: (Isaiah 61:1)
The Spirit of the Lord is upon me because he has anointed me
to bring glad tidings to the poor.

Gospel: (Matthew 11:2 to 11)

Jesus said to them,
Go and tell John what you hear and see.
The blind regain their sight.
The lame walk.
Lepers are cleansed.
The deaf hear.
The dead are raised.
The poor have the good news proclaimed to them.
Blessed is the one who takes no offense at me.

Reflection

This reflection begins at Mass at Saint Mary’s Parish on the Yale University campus.
The church is beautiful and full of history. Just walking in, you can smell the history there, and it is where Blessed Michael McGivney is buried, the founder of the Knights of Columbus.

This was the 5 p.m. Mass, and we had our first big snow of the year. Despite the snow and the difficult roads, the church was full. People still came. I believe many, like me, could not make the morning Masses.

The priest spoke about actions, not words.
Like Jesus once said, not everyone who says Lord, Lord shall enter the kingdom.

Again,
“Not everyone who says to me, Lord, Lord, will enter the kingdom of heaven, but only the one who does the will of my Father.”
(Matthew 7:21)

Jesus showed what he meant.
He washed the disciples’ feet.

“So if your Lord and Teacher have washed your feet, you also ought to wash one another’s feet.”
(John 13:14)

What was once the task of slaves, Jesus chose for himself.

“What you did for one of the least brothers of mine, you did for me.”
(Matthew 25:40)

The readings today are not explanations.
They are evidence.

Jesus does not argue who he was to his disciples. He shows it. And that can be revealed to us as well if we walk with him.

“Tell John what you hear and see.”
(Matthew 11:4). This is what the Kingdom looks like.

It was a beautiful Mass, and I wanted to share this nice and quick.

God bless you.
Have a wonderful evening.

Pal Ronnie

Mass Reading and Reflection on Saturday December 13th 2025

First Reading: (Sirach 48:1-4, 9-11)

Responsorial Psalm: (Psalm 80:2ac and 3b, 15-16, 18-19)

R. Lord, make us turn to you; let us see your face and we shall be saved.

Gospel: (Matthew 17:9a, 10-13)

Here Jesus reveals the deeper meaning of Elijah’s return: He has already come in John the Baptist, who prepared the way for Christ’s arrival. Yet, John was not recognized for who he was, and would suffer for his fidelity. In the same way, Jesus Himself will suffer at the hands of those who do not recognize Him.

Reflection

Today’s mass readings shine with Advent fire, not only warmth, but a refining blaze that purifies and prepares the heart for the Lord’s coming.

Elijah’s life teaches us that God’s word is not comfortable, it convicts, challenges, and calls us to renewal. His example reminds us that true faith is active, not passive. When we let Scripture and God’s voice burn away our complacency, we find hearts ready to receive Christ. 

A Cry for Restoration

Psalm 80 becomes our prayer in Advent: “Lord, make us turn to you.” This is not a casual request,  it’s a longing for God to revive what is weak, heal what is fractured, and restore what has wandered away. As the psalm pleads for God’s face to shine upon us, we too are invited to seek His presence with honesty and depth. May we focus our attention on Him and not the fleeting materialistic world we inhibit. 

Recognizing God’s Voice

In the Gospel, Jesus links Elijah to John the Baptist, the prophet who prepared Him. But John went unrecognized and rejected. How often do we fail to see God at work because He comes in unexpected ways, in quiet voices, in humble servants, or in moments of suffering? 

Saint Lucy’s Witness

Saint Lucy, whose memorial we celebrate today, is a powerful companion for this journey. Her name, meaning “light,” is a sign of the radiant faith that does not dim even in the face of death. Like her, we are called to let our faith burn brightly, a witness that draws others toward Christ just as Elijah’s fire called Israel back to God. Happy feast day to all who bears the name Lucy especially my aunty Lucy. 

God bless you 

Pal Ronnie