Sunday Mass and Gospel Reflection: Humility

First Reading: Sirach 3:17–18, 20, 28–29

Responsorial Psalm: Psalm 68:4–5, 6–7, 10–11
Second Reading: Hebrews 12:18–19, 22–24a
Alleluia: Matthew 11:29a
Gospel: Luke 14:1, 7–14

Mass Reflection
I made it to mass at work. It was nice and the homily was on point. Some reflection here. We all love to feel important. Jesus used the setting of a wedding banquet to teach us about humility, and we can see the same lesson play out in our daily lives.

Even in the workplace, people often want the best seats, the most recognition, or the highest visibility. Yet, when the CEO or someone of greater authority walks in, the “front seats” are quickly given up.

Today’s Gospel reminds us that these moments are not just about courtesy or workplace etiquette, they are about humility. The places of honor are not seized; they are given. And in God’s kingdom, those places will be opened to us at the right time, in His time.

I pray that we all cultivate true humility, remembering that every “high place” has its purpose and function, and it will be entrusted to us when it is our turn.

God bless you.
Happy Sunday!
-Pal Ronnie (from work, and now off to bed)

Mass on Sunday August 31st 2025

Today's Mass had one word to describe it---

Humility 

God bless you all.

And stay humble 😌 🙏 

-Pal Ronnie-

This Morning At Work: August 30th 2025 Look At that Weather

 

Mass Readings and Reflection August 30th 2025

First Reading: 1 Thessalonians 4:9–11

St. Paul said, “Indeed, you do this for all the brothers throughout Macedonia. Nevertheless we urge you, brothers and sisters, to progress even more.”

Responsorial Psalm: Psalm 98
Echoes, “The Lord comes to rule the earth with justice.”

Alleluia: John 13:34
R. Alleluia, alleluia.
“I give you a new commandment: love one another as I have loved you.”
R. Alleluia, alleluia.

Gospel: Matthew 25:14–30
And Jesus said in the parable, the master scolded the last servant saying, “You wicked, lazy servant! So you knew that I harvest where I did not plant and gather where I did not scatter? Should you not then have put my money in the bank so that I could have got it back with interest on my return? Now then, take the talent from him and give it to the one with ten. For everyone who has, more will be given and he will grow rich; but from the one who has not, even what he has will be taken away. And throw this useless servant into the darkness outside, where there will be wailing and grinding of teeth.”

Reflection

Today’s Gospel reminds us of the parable of the talents and the stern rebuke given to the servant who buried what was entrusted to him. It is a difficult passage, because it holds a mirror to our own lives.

Many of us look at what we lack and wonder why God did not give us more, more resources, more talents, more opportunities. Yet the truth is that whatever we have is precisely what God deemed sufficient for us. He entrusts us with these gifts not to compare them to others, but to use them faithfully.

The first two servants multiplied what they were given, no matter how much or how little. The third servant, out of fear or resentment, did nothing, and it was that refusal to try that brought judgment.

So the question for us is not, why don’t I have what others have? but rather, what am I doing with what God has given me? If we trust His wisdom and labor with love, He will multiply even the smallest seed.

Let us ask for the grace to see our gifts clearly, to use them generously, and to never bury them in fear or comparison.

God bless you, and have a wonderful day.

-Pal Ronnie-

Massive Friday Walker

 

Memorial of the Passion of St. John the Baptist

 

The first reading: Jeremiah (Jer 1:17–19).

The responsorial psalm: Psalm 71, with the response: “My mouth will tell of your salvation, Lord.”
The Gospel is taken from :Mark (Mk 6:17–29).

The girl hurried back to the king and made her request: “I want you to give me at once the head of John the Baptist on a platter.” The king was deeply grieved; yet because of his oath and his guests, he did not wish to break his word. Immediately he sent a soldier of the guard with orders. The soldier went and beheaded John in the prison, brought his head on a platter, and gave it to the girl, who gave it to her mother.

What are we going to die for? Today we recall how John the Baptist gave his life, his very head, for the truth. He was martyred because he fearlessly proclaimed what was right: that Herod’s union with Herodias was unlawful. For this boldness, Herodias conspired through her daughter Salome, and Herod, though reluctant, gave the command.

John the Baptist refused to compromise. If the price of truth was his head, then let it be so. He would not sugarcoat, he would not remain silent, he would not seek favor by keeping quiet. For him, truth was truth, and evil was evil, no matter who committed it.

This challenges us today: What is it that you would give your head for?

• Some will give their lives for love.

• Some for money, for country, for power, for honor.

• Others will do anything to save their lives, refusing to die for any cause.

But John teaches us that there is nothing more honorable, more dignified, than to give our lives for Christ, for truth, for justice, for the values of the Gospel.

How often have we chosen silence rather than truth, to protect ourselves, to preserve friendships, or to keep benefits flowing? How often have we allowed evil to thrive because we did not want to risk “losing our heads”?

The world still cries, “Give me the head of…”

• They want your head if you speak truth.

• They want your head if you defend justice.

• They want your head if you oppose corruption and evil.

• They want your head if your witness challenges their comfort.

And yet, Christ tells us:
“Whoever would save his life will lose it; but whoever loses his life for my sake will save it for eternal life.”

God bless you 

Pal Ronnie 

St. Augustine's Feast Day

 

“Stay Awake”: Mass Reading and Reflection: August 28th 2025

1st Reading: 1 Thessalonians 3:7–13

Psalm: Psalm 90
Gospel: Matthew 24:42–51 “Stay Awake”

“So that he may establish your hearts blameless in holiness before our God and Father, at the coming of our Lord Jesus with all his saints.”
1 Thessalonians 3:13

Today the Church celebrates the memorial of Saint Augustine, Bishop and Doctor of the Church. The readings remind us of a central truth: we are called to live worthy and blameless lives before God. Saint Paul exhorts the Thessalonians to remain steadfast in faith, to abound in love, and to prepare their hearts for the coming of Christ. In the Gospel, Jesus warns that those who live as hypocrites will face disaster, where there will be weeping and grinding of teeth.

The message is clear. Each of us is invited to examine our lives. Are we living according to the Gospel or according to the world? To live a worthy life means to live a life of love, peace, forgiveness, mercy, kindness, and reconciliation. It means striving daily to avoid sin and to be ready for the moment when Christ returns or when death calls us home. The call is urgent, for only a life rooted in readiness can be considered truly worthy.

The sacramental life is an important part of this journey. Confession and the Eucharist strengthen us and give us the grace to persevere. Without these, we risk falling into the trap of hypocrisy, pretending to be righteous while living in contradiction to the Gospel. Jesus constantly condemned the hypocrites, not because they sinned, but because they refused to repent and hid behind a mask. The fate of such a life is disaster. But if we choose to live worthily in Christ, the reward is heaven, the joy of eternal life in the presence of God and the saints.

The life of Saint Augustine is a powerful testimony to this truth. Before his conversion, he lived an unworthy life. He fathered a child out of wedlock and pursued worldly pleasures. Yet through the ceaseless prayers of his mother, Saint Monica, and the grace of God, Augustine embraced the faith. He was baptized by Saint Ambrose, returned to Africa, and lived as a holy bishop for more than three decades. His writings and sermons shaped the Church profoundly, and he became one of the greatest theologians in history.

His story teaches us that every saint has a past and every sinner has a future. There is no sin so great that God’s grace cannot forgive. Augustine himself once lived in darkness, yet today we venerate him as a saint. If God could transform his life so completely, He can do the same for us. A saint is nothing more than a sinner who keeps trying, who never gives up, and who cooperates with grace.

Dear pals, the invitation stands before us. Which life will we choose? To live as hypocrites and face disaster, or to live as Christians worthy of heaven? Heaven is real, hell is real, and the choice is ours every day. When we fall, we can begin again by returning to confession and trusting in God’s mercy. Let us struggle daily to live as people who are blameless before Christ, never discouraged, always hopeful.

Through the intercession of Saint Augustine, may we also cooperate with the grace of God so that at our death we may be found worthy of eternal life. Happy feast day of Saint Augustine.

May God bless you.
Pal Ronnie

Reflections from the Streets of Yale University

For the past eleven weeks, I have been living in New Haven for work, driving almost every day through the heart of Yale University on my way to the hospital. 

This week, traffic near the campus has been heavier than usual. And that means students are back to school. So, I often find myself sitting at a red light, watching streams of young students crossing the streets, teenagers who may not fully grasp how fortunate they are to be walking the grounds of one of the most prestigious universities in the world.

Since time immemorial, higher education has been an institution reserved for the privileged and elites. Every now and then, doors open to admit students from underprivileged backgrounds, often through scholarships, but only for those who demonstrate remarkable promise. Yale, second only to Harvard in wealth and prestige, is more than just a university; it is a sacred ground of history, power, and academic pursuit. Driving through its campus, you can feel that weight.

The students here come from every corner of the globe, united by the pursuit of higher learning. Yet, it remains true that Yale is not for everyone. The cost of a single year runs into hundreds of thousands of dollars, placing it far beyond the reach of most families. But those who do walk its halls are being groomed for influence, future presidents, vice presidents, CEOs, CIA directors, Supreme Court justices, secretaries of state etc. That has always been the power of this place, and it will continue to be.

To be a teenager studying at Yale is no small privilege. It is a rare chance to stand among the next generation of leaders and decision-makers. My hope is that every young person there will quickly realize the gift before them, and takes full advantage of it.

That’s just my observation and two cents to share.

God bless,
Pal Ronnie

Pray Until Something Happens: St. Monica Pray for Us

Memorial of St. Monica: Mother of St. Augustine

First Reading: Thessalonians (2:9–13)

Responsorial Psalm: Psalm 139

Response: “O Lord, You search me and You know me.”

Gospel: Matthew (23:27–32)

"Woe to you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! For you are like whitewashed tombs, which outwardly appear beautiful, but within are full of dead men's bones and all uncleanness. So you also outwardly appear righteous to men, but within you are full of hypocrisy and iniquity.

Woe to you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! For you build the tombs of the prophets and adorn the monuments of the righteous, saying, ‘If we had lived in the days of our fathers, we would not have taken part with them in shedding the blood of the prophets.’

Thus you witness against yourselves that you are sons of those who murdered the prophets. Fill up, then, the measure of your fathers."

We are called to be sincere, faithful, truthful, and honest in our dealings with one another. There is no need to live in hypocrisy.

If you have been following the daily Mass readings, you will notice that for the past three days Jesus has been scolding the Pharisees for their hypocrisy. This repetition reveals how strongly He felt about this human behavior. If we substituted ourselves for the Pharisees in these texts, we might find the same patterns within us. Few of us want to admit it, but often we resemble those Jesus called “a brood of vipers.”

Jesus repeatedly declared “Woe to you, hypocrites!” not out of hatred, but out of grief, pity, and concern for their tragic fate. He accused them of blocking the kingdom of heaven for others while not entering themselves, of neglecting justice and mercy while clinging to minor details of the law, of appearing holy on the outside while being corrupt on the inside. He exposed their false piety and their pretense of honoring the prophets while inheriting the same murderous spirit.

His words cut deeply:

“You are like whitewashed tombs—beautiful on the outside, but full of dead men’s bones inside.”

Hypocrisy is deception, presenting an image of what we are not. Outwardly polished, inwardly corrupt. It is cosmetics on an unclean heart, light shining outside but darkness inside.

A sinner acknowledges weakness and seeks God’s mercy. A hypocrite hides behind a mask of holiness while living in corruption. Hypocrisy is more dangerous than sin because it pretends to be virtue.

Jesus’ challenge is as real for us today as it was for the Pharisees:

• Do our outward appearances match the truth within?

• Do our words of faith align with our actions in secret?

• Are we seeking God’s mercy with humility, or only seeking the approval of others?

May we ask God to cleanse us from within, so that our lives reflect truth, sincerity, and integrity, not just the appearance of righteousness.

And like St. Monica, we may learn to pray, persist, and persevere in our prayers when all seems lost and hopeless. The world does not always need to know what we are thinking or praying about. She did not give up on her son, and eventually St. Augustine converted, and now they are both saints. My grandma name is Monica. My former principal is also named Monica. 

Lord, free us from hypocrisy and give us the grace to live as true disciples like St. Monica. 

Amen

God bless you,

Pal Ronnie 

And with inspiration from Daily TV Mass and Fr. Blessed

And Jesus Scolding of The Pharisees Continues: Tuesday, August 26thMass Reading and Reflection

First Reading: 1 Thessalonians 2:1-8

Responsorial Psalm: Psalm 139
Alleluia: Hebrews 4:12
Gospel: Matthew 23:23-26

Today’s readings invite us into both challenge and comfort.

In the first reading from Paul’s letter to the Thessalonians, Paul recalls the suffering and mistreatment he and his companions endured in Philippi. Yet, he says, “we drew courage through our God to speak to you the Gospel of God.” Even in the midst of trials, Paul’s motives remained pure, he sought not to please people, but to please God. He speaks with tenderness, reminding the Thessalonians that they were dear to him, cared for with deep affection. His words reveal the heart of a true shepherd, one who pours himself out in love for those entrusted to his care.

Psalm 139 follows with one of the most beautiful assurances in all of Scripture: “You have searched me and you know me.” God knows us from our mother’s womb, understands our thoughts, and is familiar with all our ways. The psalmist marvels, “Such knowledge is too wonderful for me, too lofty for me to attain.” When we doubt God’s presence or question His love, this psalm reassures us that we are never forgotten, never unseen.

In the Gospel of Matthew, Jesus continues His woes to the scribes and Pharisees. He warns them, and us, about focusing on small details while neglecting the weightier matters: judgment, mercy, and fidelity. He accuses them of cleaning the outside of the cup while leaving the inside full of self-indulgence. His words remind us that discipleship must begin within. A polished exterior is meaningless if the heart remains untouched. When our hearts are transformed by grace, the beauty within flows outward naturally.

So today, we are called to re-center. Not to neglect the small things, but to place first what is most important: God’s mercy, justice, and fidelity. We are reminded to tend to the inside, our hearts and souls, trusting that when we seek first the Kingdom of God, everything else will be added in due time.

God bless you and have a wonderful day,
Pal Ronnie

And Jesus called the Pharisees Hypocrites

First Reading: 1 Thessalonians 1:5, 8–10

Responsorial Psalm: Psalm 149
Response: “The Lord takes delight in his people.”
Gospel Reading: Matthew 23:13–22

Today’s Gospel presents a powerful and challenging message from Jesus, who issues a series of stern warnings to the scribes and Pharisees. He calls them hypocrites, pointing out the glaring contradiction between their outward show of piety and their inward corruption. They recited lengthy prayers and were meticulous in religious observance, yet they exploited the vulnerable, “devouring the houses of widows,” and placed heavy burdens on others that they themselves would not carry.

This stark contrast forces a crucial examination of our own faith. It begs the question: Where does my own life show a disconnect between my prayers and my actions?

The Gospel’s theme, “The best prayer is to act justly,” cuts to the heart of the matter. Prayer is not a solitary act divorced from daily life; it is the foundation for building a right relationship with God and our neighbors. If our prayers are genuine, they must transform our conduct. We cannot claim to be prayerful while bringing pain to others. We cannot sit comfortably in church if we have used our power to maltreat others, denied workers their wages, or seized property from the weak.

As the prophets remind us, God rejects religious acts that are not accompanied by justice. Isaiah 58:3–5 condemns fasting that coexists with strife and exploitation. Amos 5:4 calls us to seek God by pursuing justice, not merely through empty rituals.

Therefore, the most powerful prayer we can offer may not be words alone, but a life of integrity. It is to refund what we have stolen, to seek forgiveness from those we have wronged, and to ensure we give justice to whom justice is due. Reconciling with an enemy or restoring a widow’s property becomes a profound act of worship. This is the prayer that truly delights the Lord, for it aligns our hearts with His just and compassionate character.

God bless you.
Pal Ronnie

How We Treat Sepsis

 BUFALO is how we treat sepsis:

A Brave New World of Artificial Intelligence

 

It’s a brave new world.

At the gym today, I spoke with a young woman heading back to college about how AI is about to turn education and other fields upside down.

What happens to the role of educators if education is outsourced to artificial intelligence?

Bad teachers will be definitely be replaced by AI.

But here’s the real question:

How will educators still in the business make sure students don’t get lazy in their research and overly dependent on AI?

Stay human, and that will be the only way we can win the war unleashed upon us by the powers that me. AI will never know what being human is about.

Pal Ronnie 

A Sunday Drive and a Simple Conversation that Connects

After church today, I did something I often enjoy I drove north. It’s become a kind of a ritual for me, a quiet joy ride, time to think, decompress, and let the day's reflections settle in. 

Just before reaching Wallingford, I pulled into an Exxon station to get gas. A white large Mercedes-Benz pulled up beside me, and its driver stepped out and walked into the store. As I waited, I glanced around and noticed a black-and-white photograph hanging in the window. Something about it caught my eye. 

When the man came back out, I complimented him on the picture. “It’s great to have a photo of a loved one,” I said. He smiled and explained that it was his wife’s high school class picture, taken back in 1980. “Almost half a century ago,” I commented, and he laughed.

What followed was one of those unexpected, refreshing conversations that can brighten your day. I learned that he works in the nursing home business and has a genuine passion for caring for the elderly. His dream is to one day own a nursing home himself. I shared that I also work in healthcare, at Yale at the moment and we talked about how rewarding, yet emotionally exhausting, it can be to care for others.

That short exchange reminded me of something I try to live by: Talk to strangers.

Find something kind, something human, something shared, and talk about it. You would be surprised where those small openings can lead. It doesn’t have to be deep or profound; sometimes just acknowledging the presence and worth of another person is enough.

At the end of the day, we all long to be seen for more than our flaws and shortcomings. We want to be recognized for the stories we carry, the good we try to do, and the love we give.

So, wherever your day takes you, whether it’s a church pew, a joy ride, or a gas station in a small town don’t miss the chance to connect.

We shook hands and went our separate ways and the man looked genuinely happy and so was I. All because of this simple connection.

God bless and have a wonderful day.

-Pal Ronnie-

Who will be Saved?

The priest began the homily with something very somber, and it immediately caught the attention of everyone in the congregation. He said, “Some of you in this church right now will go to hell.” What? Then, after a pause, he continued: “Now I’ve got your attention.”

From there, he spoke about the pursuit of success in society. If you want to be a surgeon, you begin by being a good student, earning good grades, getting into a strong university, passing your exams, and then pursuing fellowship. In sports, if you want to play in the NFL, you must eat well, practice, and remain disciplined. No pain, no gain is real.

The same, he said, applies to our salvation. We must be intentional about it, reading the Bible, studying the Church that Jesus Himself founded, fasting, and practicing charity. He reminded us that back in the day, many people could not read, but today, almost all of us can. Therefore, we have no excuse not to engage with Scripture.

It was one of those Sundays. The Gospel was hard to take, but it left us reflecting deeply on our salvation. Who will be saved?

Stay connected to God

God bless you 

-Pal Ronnie-

Sunday Mass Readings and Reflections on August 24th 2025

 

First Reading: Isaiah 66:18–21

"I am coming to gather all nations and tongues; they shall come and see my glory… they shall declare my glory among the nations… and some of them also I will take for priests and Levites, says the Lord."

Responsorial Psalm: (Psalm 117)
Response: “Go into all the world and preach the gospel.”

Second Reading: 

(Hebrews 12:5–7, 11–13)
"My son, do not regard lightly the discipline of the Lord… For the Lord disciplines the one he loves… Later it yields the peaceful fruit of righteousness to those who have been trained by it. Therefore, strengthen your weak knees and make straight paths for your feet."

Gospel: 

(Luke 13:22–30)
"Strive to enter through the narrow door, for many, I tell you, will seek to enter and will not be able… Some are last who will be first, and some are first who will be last."

Today’s readings express God’s universal saving will and the personal effort required from us. Yes, God wants you to be saved, but do you want to be saved? Heaven is wide enough for everyone, yet only those who cooperate with God’s grace will enter.

God has already provided everything: His Son’s sacrifice, the sacraments, His Word, and ministers of the Gospel. Isaiah assures us: “I am coming to gather every nation and every language.” The psalm echoes: “Go into all the world and preach the gospel.”

But the effort does not stop with God. Like a teacher who instructs diligently, the student must still study to pass. Likewise, salvation requires our cooperation, our prayer, repentance, discipline, and daily struggle against temptation.

This is why Jesus says: “Strive to enter through the narrow door.” The road to heaven is not smooth; it is narrow and demanding. Discipline, as Hebrews reminds us, may be painful at first, but it produces “the peaceful fruit of righteousness.”

The frightening reality is that familiarity with Christ is not enough. Saying “I was in church” or “I belonged to many groups” will not guarantee entry. What matters is living the life of faith and holiness. Will Jesus recognize you?

The Gospel challenges us not to focus on whether others will be saved, but to ask: “Will I be among the saved?” That is the real question.

Let us then desire heaven above all things, cooperate with God’s graces, and walk daily through the narrow door of discipline, holiness, and perseverance, so that we may be counted among the saints when they go marching in.

God bless you

Amen.

The Power of a Simple Phone Call

Every now and then, someone does something that touches me deeply. The other day, I was out on my usual therapeutic drive around Norford, CT, when my phone rang. It was an old colleague I used to work with in New York. She recently had a baby and is now home on maternity leave.

The reason for her call? Nothing urgent, nothing complicated, she simply thought about me and wanted to check in. That call made my day. At that moment, I really needed to hear a familiar voice, and there she was. She had always been a wonderful friend, and I truly enjoyed working with her.

With the exception of some family members, most of the calls I receive are tied to responsibility, things I need to do, problems to solve, tasks to manage. But this one was different. It carried no demands, no pressure, just kindness. And that felt good.

Sometimes, it’s the smallest gestures, a check-in, a few kind words, that remind us we’re seen, remembered, and valued. That’s why I wanted to write this down for the blog.

Have you had a moment like that recently, when someone reached out simply because they care. Pal Ronnie

More Than Paying Bills: Inspired By Prison Break

The other day, while pacing around in my room and brainstorming ideas, I had a realization: when I look back on my life, I don’t want money to be the driver of my memories. We didn't grow up with money and that perhaps is why my attitudes is so different with money. I don’t want my final reflections to be about bills paid, salaries earned, or promotions achieved. I want my memories to be about experiences, moments with people dear to me, laughter, joy, and the things that give life meaning.

For too many of us, life has been reduced to an endless cycle of making money just to pay bills. You get paid, you cover your expenses, you catch your breath for a few days, and then the grind starts all over again. The system is designed that way, but we also play into it. When we get a raise or make more money, instead of breaking free, we often buy more things and create more bills. The cycle continues.

Don’t get me wrong, paying bills is an accomplishment. It’s a blessing to keep the lights on, put food on the table, and handle responsibilities. But that shouldn’t be the only thing written on the story of our lives. No one wants their legacy to read: “They paid their bills and then died.”

The truth is, many of us have mastered the art of making money but forgotten the art of living. We’ve been trained to manage bills, but not to cultivate meaning. And without meaning, it’s no wonder so many people feel lost. Preaching to self. 

Living with purpose takes effort, especially in a system that pushes us toward endless consumption. It might take years of work to step outside that cycle. But the sooner we realize that life must be about more than paying bills, the sooner we can reclaim our time, our joy, and our freedom.

At the end of it all, I don’t want to look back and see only transactions. I want to look back and see life, truly lived.

I am thinking and planning on breaking out. Are you coming with me?

Pal Ronnie

The Allegory of the Cave 2025: Walking Around Fair Haven

In the past 24 hours your pal has not been feeling so great. So this evening, I went out for a walk along the Quinnipiac River and then ventured into Fair Haven. I saw homes so dilapidated, schools in the same condition. Residential houses were not any different. That kept me wondering what the long term prospect looks like.

I saw a man in the park shooting drugs into his left arm. The healthcare worker in me wanted to approach and tell him this was terrible for him, but I had no idea how he could react given that he was in desperate condition to get his high. I was praying, so I offered some prayers his way. God can help the addicts. Nothing is impossible with Him.

As I walked along the sidewalks in Fair Haven, I realized that stores were tight with security glass separating the customer from the cashier. It is one of those areas where robbery and theft are high. Then I started going deep into thought about the truth of our humanity.

Before that, I had met a man walking who introduced himself by saying he walks a lot. He said he was 68 and his belly is going down from all the walks and exercise. He looked great for his age. I commended him and encouraged him to keep it up. He told me he has been in the area for over 25 years. He is retired and easily gets bored. I told him to find something small to do to keep himself occupied. He said he would, and before we parted ways, he made sure to tell me his wife walked out on him one day saying she did not love him anymore. I told him that was unfair and terrible to go through. I wished him well as I continued on to look for a bathroom in Dunkin Donuts. I thought about how much this many told me in just the few minutes we met. It was mind blowing at best. We are in an undeclared loneliness pandemic. This one doesn't sell vaccines so who cares?. 

I got there at Dunkin but they would not allow me to use it, saying it was out of service. I know that location attracts a lot of unhoused people and they are seen as a nuisance to the business. At least that is where my thoughts landed. And I am not usually too far off. I went into the big grocery store, bought water and requested their restroom room. I will spare you the painful details of how I got to use it. 

Then the allegory of the cave came back to me from years ago, and I decided I must write this down in line with today's walk.

In Plato’s Allegory of the Cave, prisoners are chained in darkness, seeing only shadows cast on the wall. They mistake those shadows for reality because it is all they have ever known. Only when one is set free, dragged into the painful light, does he realize that what he thought was real was only an illusion. Sounds familiar today?

In 2025, humanity is in the cave again. The cave is not stone, cave, and darkness but glowing screens, endless feeds, and carefully engineered illusions to feed us 24/7. The shadows on the wall are not flickering firelight but headlines, algorithms, advertisements, and curated realities that mimic truth while concealing it. Many live and die never questioning the shadows, convinced that what they see is the whole of reality. Shall we start asking questions about how we were or are being educated? I wrote something earlier about education today. How about questioning the economy and our financial system? How about religion? How about the truth about our system of government? Is democracy real? Do our elected officials have the real power to manage the affairs of the state? 

Yet there are those who feel the chains. Most people sense that something is off, that the world is not as it appears. For them, the painful journey upward is learning to question, to endure the discomfort of doubt, and to face truths that may burn their eyes. In the blinding light of the sun lies unfiltered reality: a fragile planet, economic systems cracking under strain, communities fractured by division, but also the undeniable beauty of human resilience, creativity, and the possibility of renewal.

As in Plato’s tale, those who glimpse the light and return often meet hostility. Many would rather cling to the shadows than endure the pain of transformation. The deeper danger is that technology, politics, and distraction work together to keep the chains tight, to keep the shadows dancing so vividly that the real world feels unnecessary, even threatening.

Humanity in 2025 stands at a threshold. Remain in the cave, entertained and deceived, or risk the difficult path toward truth. The choice is collective as much as it is personal. And the question remains: will enough people endure the journey out of the cave to guide others toward the light?

If there was something we could do for each other, that would be to lead each other out of the cave. 

We must wake up.

Pal Ronnie

Schools and the Shaping of Minds

 

It's the beginning of the school year here in the Americas. My baby cousin started high school in Ohio, and my two little nephews went off to college in New York. That means summer is officially winding down.

I loved school, and everything I am can be traced back to school and education. I almost didn’t go to school because of the environment I found myself in during the early days of my life. But God being so good, I found my way to school. I am happy I did. If nothing else, the ability to express myself in speech and writing is a great gift to me. I like education so much that I wish I could spend my whole life just learning and studying everything every day.

That said, I have also looked at the structure of modern society and the way education has been shaped, and it gives me many questions with few answers. Some of my reading has led me to the following observations.

Throughout history, societies have used schools not only to educate but also to shape the way people think. In ancient Sparta, children were taken from their families and raised by the state to become warriors. Discipline, obedience, and loyalty to the city-state mattered more than family bonds. Similarly, in Prussia, a culture of strict military training and order turned schools into preparation grounds for war, giving the nation one of the greatest armies of its time. Even the lesser-known Astac shared in this pattern: war and militarism were considered natural, and education served that purpose.

In every case, schools were not neutral. They were systems designed to prepare the young for what the state needed most: obedience, labor, and war.

Just this week, news has it that the Trump administration has deployed 4000 soldiers to Venezuela which to many is an act of war. This was directly thought out by people in the administration tasked with war making, and subtle engineering of regime change overseas. The results? Deaths of countless civilians and permanent destruction of those societies. And then these people go home at the end of the day to hug and kiss their wives and children. That's how service to one's country looks like. 

The pattern continues in modern institutions. Yale, Harvard, and West Point Academy stand as examples of schools designed not just to teach knowledge but to train elites, soldiers, and leaders who serve the interests of their nation. A common thread runs through them: the separation of the child from the parent. Once under the authority of the institution, the child is shaped by the values, history, and worldview chosen by others.

And yet, there is an alternative. True mastery does not always require school. If a child spends ten years following an expert, whether in craft, trade, or knowledge, that child will, without question, become an expert too. The apprenticeship model shows that human beings learn best by living and doing, not just by memorizing and repeating.

But the structure most of us inherit is different:

Go to school.

Get into debt.

Find a job.

And then live the rest of your life within that cycle.

And the sad thing is that most of us, even though conscientious about this are paralyzed by this setup and are unable to break free it. If you dare, you are called all kinds of names.

School also implants ideas about the nation-state, a relatively modern invention. By shaping memory, rewriting history, and presenting one version of loyalty, it ensures that the individual identifies with a flag before they even know who they are. Take for example "I'm an American" or "I'm Russian". Most people have no idea what that truly means. 

True education should liberate the mind. Too often, it has been used to confine it. To many of us who have been through the system, that is considered a failure of our humanity. Life lived without freedom of the mind is not life at all.

So my dear friends and young people going to school, those are my observations and I hope this can get you pondering about education, too.

I will never promote stupidity. I love education but I also believe in self education backed by critical inquiries. 

God bless you, and

Keep learning,

-Pal Ronnie- 

Mass Reading and Reflection for the Memorial of St. Rose of Lima, August 23, 2025

Today the Church celebrates the memorial of St. Rose of Lima, Virgin, the first canonized saint of the Americas.

The first reading is taken from Ruth 2:1–3, 8–11 and 4:13–17. The responsorial psalm is Psalm 128: “Indeed, thus shall be blessed the man who fears the Lord.” The Gospel is from Matthew 23:1–12.

In today’s Gospel, Jesus speaks strongly against the scribes and Pharisees. He tells the crowds and his disciples: “Do whatever they tell you, but do not follow their example. For they preach but do not practice.” They lay heavy burdens on others but will not lift a finger to help. They love places of honor and public recognition, but their lives do not reflect the very truths they teach.

A story is told of a priest who once preached passionately about love and forgiveness. Yet only days later he was found filled with anger and bitterness. When confronted by his parishioners, he replied, “Do what I say, not what I do.” Dear friends, how often have we been guilty of the same? Our words may be true, even noble, but if our lives contradict them, those words lose their power.

Jesus challenges us to be leaders, whether in the Church, in our families, or in our communities, who lead by example. A good leader does not stand behind and say, “Go.” A good leader takes the first step and says, “Follow me.” Parents, for example, are the first teachers of their children. If they urge their children to pray but never pray themselves, their words will not convince. Children learn by imitation more than by instruction.

The same is true for all of us. We may teach what is good, but our teaching carries true weight only when people see us live it out. Words and deeds must go hand in hand. When they do, there is integrity, credibility, and grace. But when they do not, our speech becomes empty.

Today, as we honor St. Rose of Lima, we see an example of one whose life matched her devotion. Born in Lima, Peru, in 1586, she was known for her beauty and called “Rose” because of her radiant complexion. From her youth she practiced penance, prayer, and charity, inspired by St. Catherine of Siena. At age 15, she received the habit of the Dominican Third Order and lived a life of humility and service, caring for the sick and spending long hours in prayer. She died in 1617 and became the first saint of the Americas.

St. Rose did not only speak of holiness, she lived it. That is why her life continues to inspire us centuries later.

Let us pray, then, for the grace to live what we speak. May our words of encouragement, advice, and teaching be confirmed by the witness of our lives. Through the intercession of St. Rose of Lima, may our words and actions shine together as a light for others. Amen 🙏 

God bless you

Have a wonderful weekend 

Pal Ronnie

Bless the Lord, My Soul: Mass Reading and Reflections

Memorial of the Queenship of the Blessed Virgin Mary: August 22, 2025

Reading 1 (Ruth 1:16)

“Wherever you go, I will go; your people shall be my people, and your God my God.”

Note:
Ruth’s pledge of loyalty to Naomi is more than human devotion; it is a leap of faith into God’s promise. Her words invite us to reflect on our own commitments to God, family, and community. True love is not convenient but sacrificial. Bless the Lord, my soul, for devotion that transforms.

Responsorial Psalm (Psalm 146:7-8)

“The Lord secures justice for the oppressed, gives food to the hungry, and sets captives free.”

Note:
This psalm sings of God’s faithfulness to the forgotten. He is close to the widow, the orphan, the oppressed, and the stranger. We too are called to mirror this compassion. Bless the Lord, my soul, for the God who never abandons the vulnerable.

Alleluia (Psalm 25:4-5)

“Teach me your paths, my God, guide me in your truth.”

Note:
Life’s path is often unclear, but God’s truth lights the way. When we let Him lead, confusion gives way to clarity. Bless the Lord, my soul, for guidance that never fails.

Gospel (Matthew 22:37-39)

“You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart... and your neighbor as yourself.”

Note:
Jesus condenses the entire law into two commandments: love of God and love of neighbor. This is the foundation of all Christian living. Bless the Lord, my soul, for love that fulfills the law and unites us with God and each other.

God is good. Have a blessed day.

With love,
Pal Ronnie

Stay Focused on What Matters: God

Note to the Girls, 

Politics everywhere, hatred and division all over.

Stay out of identity politics, they divide and distract us from what matters most: the Word of God. If we are honest with ourselves, we can see areas in our lives that have been improved, not because of politics or politicians, but because of God’s guidance.

Keep your focus on Him, on His Word, and on the people you love, especially your parents. 

Let faith, not politics, shape your life and decisions.

-Uncle Ronnie

I found this interesting 🤔

 https://x.com/CollinRugg/status/1957823231441960989?t=fjqXytpTdwjj4KdKN5qWZQ&s=19

Feast of Pope St. Pius X

Today is the feast of Giuseppe Sarto, later Pope Pius X, and then a Saint. He was born in Riese, Italy, in 1835. He served faithfully as parish priest, bishop of Mantua, and patriarch of Venice, always living with simplicity, humility, and fortitude. In 1903, he was elected pope and took the name Pius X.

He encouraged frequent reception of Holy Communion, especially among children, began the codification of canon law, and fought theological errors threatening the Church. He died in 1914, at the beginning of the First World War.

St. Pius X, pray for us.

God bless you!

Today Mass Readings and Reflections August 21st 2025: The Wedding Banquet

 

First Reading: (Judges 11:29–39)

 Responsorial Psalm: (Psalm 40)

 Response: “See, I have come, Lord, to do your will.”

 Gospel: (Matthew 22:1–14)

“Bind him hand and foot, and cast him into the outer darkness, where there will be weeping and gnashing of teeth. For many are called, but few are chosen.”

Meditation Theme: Many are called but few are chosen

The parable of the wedding banquet in today’s Gospel touches us in many ways. God Himself has given us the invitation to the banquet of heaven. It is not His will that anyone should be lost, but that all may share in eternal life.

But first, what is this banquet?

It is the beautiful kingdom of heaven, described by the prophet Isaiah: “On this mountain the Lord of hosts will prepare a banquet of rich food and choice wines for all peoples.”

It is also the marriage feast of the Lamb in the Book of Revelation, when the Bride has made herself ready.

Finally, it is experienced here and now in every Holy Mass, at the table of the Word and the table of the Eucharist, a foretaste of that heavenly banquet.

Everyone is invited. But we are also called to go out and invite others:

Those who have not heard the Word of God.

Those who have drifted away from the faith.

Our own family members, neighbors, and colleagues who live without reference to God.

If we have already tasted the goodness of the Lord, then like the servants in the parable, we have a mandate to extend the invitation to others.

Yet we must also examine ourselves. Some who are baptized and confirmed, even communicants, do not approach the Eucharist because they feel unworthy. Their wedding garment has been stained by sin. This parable reminds us of the importance of repentance and the sacrament of confession, so that we may put on again the garment of grace.

How can we serve this invitation?

By our lives: A holy life attracts others to Christ more than words.

By our words: Encouragement, exhortation, and gentle correction can invite others to conversion.

By sharing the Gospel: Passing along reflections, meditations, or even recounting the Sunday Gospel with someone who missed Mass is an act of evangelization.

We may never know how many souls we touch by our witness. Perhaps a family member returns to church, perhaps a co-worker changes their ways. Every act of faith can serve as a personal invitation to the Lord’s banquet.

God bless you 🙏

 Pal Ronnie

Is It Really Smoke Free Zone?

 

Mass Reading and Reflection for Wednesday, August 20, 2025

First Reading: (Judges 9:6–15)

Responsorial Psalm: (Psalm 21)

“In your strength, O Lord, the king rejoices.”

Gospel: (Matthew 20:1–6)

The first reading today gives us the parable of Jotham, son of Gideon. It is a story of trees seeking a king. They ask the olive tree, but it refuses, saying, “Shall I leave my fatness by which both gods and men are honored?” They ask the fig tree, but it too declines. They turn to the vine, but it refuses, unwilling to abandon the joy of its fruit. At last they come to the buckthorn, which they accept. The buckthorn promises shelter, though it has no shade, and warns that fire will come forth from it to devour even the mighty cedars of Lebanon.

The parable is striking, for it reflects what happens in society and in politics. Sometimes the most worthy do not step forward, while those least able to lead seize the chance. Out of greed and selfish ambition, the bramble pushes itself forward. It knows it cannot offer shade, yet it pretends. It knows it cannot give fruit, yet it promises plenty. It threatens fire to any who oppose it.

One of the greatest virtues is to know ourselves. Man, know thyself. To know our competencies and our weaknesses is wisdom. You must not be the leader if you are unfit for the role. To acknowledge your incompetence is not shame, it is humility and it saves both you and your people from ruin.

We see in our world how often weak and selfish people campaign for power. They do not enter politics to serve, but to enrich themselves. They promise prosperity, they swear to build bridges even where there are no rivers. Once in office, their incompetence becomes clear, and the people suffer. Those who vote for such leaders also share in the guilt, for they know the bramble is thorny yet they choose it anyway.

The lesson of the buckthorn is clear. Leadership is not about domination or threats. It is about providing shelter, fruit, and care for the people. No one can give what they do not have. A true leader must bring what is good within them for the good of others.

Let us pray, then, for leaders in every nation. May they serve with honesty and competence. May they accept opposition and listen to those who differ from them, rather than destroy them. And let us also pray for ourselves, that we may recognize when we are not fit to lead, and that we may support those who are called and equipped for the task.

Leadership is part of life. We cannot escape politics, but as Christians we are called not to mirror the world’s politics of greed and self-interest. Christ calls us to lead in humility and truth. Many competent and charismatic people remain hidden, perhaps because they refuse to play the dirty games of politics. Yet the world still needs them, and we must pray that God will raise up leaders who promise only what they can give, and who serve with sincerity.

Are you a leader? How do you lead? Are you buckthorn, thorny and self-serving, or do you provide fruit, shade, and life for others? May God give us the grace to know ourselves clearly, to vote wisely, and to serve faithfully in every position entrusted to us.

These readings today were indeed loaded with rich lessons from every angle. The Old Testament passage offers deep insight, and then in the Gospel, Jesus gave us the parable of the laborers in the vineyard.

I was reminded of something I witnessed recently. I watched a show where, after the program, people expressed appreciation to the host by sending him money. Depending on the size of the gift, the host would often devote more time to speaking on the topics those people wanted him to address. Some even sent thousands of dollars. I thought to myself, That’s a lot of money, I wouldn’t have given that. But then I realized: it was their money, their motives, their choice.

And that, my friends, helps make the Gospel parable clearer. We often look at others and judge: That person is not worth this or that. Yet God, in His generosity, gives each of us different gifts, some more, some less. The point is not comparison, but gratitude.

There is no need to be jealous of others and their blessings. God’s gifts are freely given. Let us rejoice in what He has entrusted to us, and trust His generosity toward all.

God bless you.

 Amen.

I remain,

 Pal Ronnie

Wars and Rumors of Wars: Russian and Ukraine War Continues

 

The war in Ukraine has been raging for over three years now, with no sign of peace. History teaches us that wars are often profitable, and that reality ties closely to today’s gospel readings, which remind us how easily human ambition and wealth can become obstacles to God’s kingdom.

After the Alaska summit with President Putin, President Trump hosted yet another high-stakes meeting yesterday at the White House with eight European leaders to discuss the war. 

Those leaders who joined Volodymyr Zelenskyy in Washington, D.C. included, 

United Kingdom Prime Minister Keir Starmer

Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni

French President Emmanuel Macron

German Chancellor Friedrich Merz

Finnish President Alexander Stubb

President of the European Commission Ursula von der Leyen

NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte (Note: Rutte is Prime Minister of the Netherlands, the actual NATO Secretary General is different)

This was not an ordinary summit. The BBC described it as a wartime crisis meeting, an urgent show of unity and support for Ukraine during escalating tensions with Russia. Among the key topics on the agenda were:

Security guarantees for Ukraine, including proposals similar to NATO’s Article 5 mutual defense commitments

Europe presenting a united front, rejecting any forced territorial concessions to Russia

Building momentum toward peace talks, including discussions about possible trilateral negotiations with Zelenskyy, Trump, and Putin. That could actually happen soon rather than later. 

It is worth mentioning that, the Prime Minister of UK Starmer called the outcome “real progress, a historic step” toward peace and security for Ukraine, for Europe, and for the United Kingdom.

We can all agree that these discussions are complicated, layered with politics, diplomacy, and power. Yet in less than twenty-four hours, reports emerged of massive multiple attacks across Ukraine.

It raises the question: were the Alaska talks on Friday and the White House gathering yesterday genuine efforts for peace, or mere theater? Could they even have been a subtle green light to Putin to continue his campaign of bombing and territorial ambitions?

Trump may soon find himself in a position where he feels like a rock caught in a hard place. What can he truly offer to resolve a war he once promised to end? The world watches, waiting to see. Best case for Mr. Trump might be to get the two leaders into the same room together to talk vis-a-vis and be the moderator. 

Meanwhile, there is yet another war ongoing in Gaza with so much suffering. That atrocity would soon be two years old and no solution to ending it. That, my friends, is where we are. Profits and wealth over human lives. 

-Pal Ronnie-

Mass Reading and Reflection for Tuesday, August 19, 2025

Reading I: Judges 6:11–24a

Responsorial Psalm: (Psalm 85)-“The Lord speaks of peace to his people.”

Gospel: (Matthew 19:23–30)

The Gospel today is sobering but beautifully honest: “It will be hard for one who is rich to enter the kingdom of heaven… it is easier for a camel to pass through the eye of a needle than for one who is rich to enter the kingdom of God.”. What a vivid imagery?

This is a strong metaphor, utterly intentional, and full of hyperbole. It is not about a literal gate in Jerusalem. That story about the “eye of the needle” gate is almost certainly a pastoral myth, and scholars find no evidence for it.

Jesus is making a clear point: it is practically impossible for wealth to be an obstacle free path to the kingdom of God. He is not saying that money in itself is evil, nor that we should become anxious about modest possessions. “Blessed are the poor in spirit,” we remember. What matters is balance.

So where are our hearts? Do we love God, or money? You cannot serve both God and mammon the Bible says. Your love determines your direction. Your money, your time, your vacations, your priorities, everything will either serve Him or something else.

Jesus reassures us: “For man this is impossible, but for God all things are possible.” Then He gives the promise: “Everyone who has given up houses or brothers or sisters or father or mother or children or lands for my name’s sake will receive a hundredfold and inherit eternal life. But many who are first will be last, and the last will be first.”

This promise is not abstract. It is lived out powerfully by missionaries, by religious sisters, by those who give up so much yet radiate joy. Sometimes, instead of arguing someone into belief, the stronger invitation is, “Walk with me, come and see.” Lives lived fully for Christ speak louder than words.

When others meet these sisters, perhaps in a shelter or through humble service, they often say: “They have nothing, but they are happier than me.” That is the Gospel lived. He who gives up much will receive so much more. It is an invitation to live that way. It is not theory, it is real, and we see it.

Yet we must be careful not to oversimplify. It is tempting to think that poverty automatically brings salvation, and that wealth automatically condemns. But wealth itself is not the problem. The problem is attachment. It is the heart.

Imagine presiding over violence, suffering or oppression if the poor and innocent just to stay wealthy and powerful. That is what this passage could point to. On the other hand, even the poor can cling tightly to the little they have, fists closed, hearts closed, unwilling to learn or to open themselves to others. That too is attachment.

Today’s Gospel is deep, challenging, and wide open for reflection. It asks us to examine our hearts. Where is our treasure? What holds our love?

God bless you,

 -Pal Ronnie-