The Mercy of God: A Sunday Homily Reflection About the Prodigal Son

I attended Mass at St. Anne’s, and as always, the Scripture readings were beautifully connected—from the Old Testament to the New Testament and finally, the Gospel. The homily centered on one of the most powerful parables in Scripture: the Prodigal Son.

"But while he was still a long way off, his father saw him and was filled with compassion; he ran to his son, threw his arms around him and kissed him." – Luke 15:20

The priest began by pointing out an all-too-common misunderstanding in modern Christianity—not necessarily in the Catholic Church alone, but across many faith traditions. Many people believe that God rewards those who do good and punishes those who do bad. However, that is not what divine mercy is about. God's love does not operate on a simple transactional basis. His mercy is beyond our human comprehension.

The priest then delved into the Prodigal Son’s story with a fresh perspective. He reminded us that the son did not return home out of a sudden change of heart, a heart of penitence. He was driven by hunger, desperation, and the realization that even his father’s servants lived better than he did in this far away land. It was not a pure act of repentance but rather a practical decision born from necessity. Yet, despite this imperfect motive, the moment the father saw his son from a distance coming, he did not wait for him to arrive, kneel, or beg for forgiveness. Instead, he ran to embrace him, rejoicing at his return. Then He celebrated his Prodigal Son. It could be considered undignifying for the father to go after the son like He did. But that is how the mercy of God works. 

If God’s mercy were based on rewarding the good and punishing the bad, the prodigal son would have faced severe consequences for squandering his inheritance and disrespecting his father. But God’s mercy does not operate like human justice. Instead, it overflows with love, ready to embrace us even when we return out of need rather than perfect contrition.

This ties deeply into the Sacrament of Reconciliation which is often first to come to mind in relation to this Gospel reading. Too often, we think of confession as a place where we go to ask God for forgiveness, as if He has been withholding forgiveness until we repent. But in reality, God’s mercy has already been at work in us, and eventually drawing us back to Himself. It's possible that the father knew that this son was going to mess up in a matter of time and would end up coming back home.  

Confession therefore is not about earning His (the father's) forgiveness—it is about celebrating the forgiveness that has already been freely poured out to us.

God’s mercy to us is a mystery. It is beyond our human logic and fairness. Like the brother who was angry when he came home to a big celebration of his brother's return because he didn't understand. That is the mercy of God. It is bigger than our sins, bigger than our doubts, bigger than our failures and we will never fully grasp it. We may never fully understand it, but we are called to trust in it. To come home. To believe.

Amen.

Pal Ronnie 

Library Time

 

On Water: I Met a Patient Who Told Me She Doesn’t Drink Water 🚰

 

The other day at work, I had a patient who told me she doesn’t drink water, ever. And she wasn’t kidding. Her room was filled with different kinds of juices and sodas or soft drinks, and that’s all she drank. I asked her if she was serious, and she confidently said yes. Given her multiple health conditions, it wasn’t surprising. Don't forget by virtue of my professional training, I can be critical with my eyes aka assessment. 

While I was there, she accidentally knocked over one of her open bottles, spilling her juice on the table and the floor. The aide grabbed some paper napkins and tried to clean it up, but the drink left stains on the table and the floor. I pointed it out to the patient and it was a subject of education. I hope she paid attention. We can only always educate, but in the end, patients will always do what they want.  

Have you ever met someone who doesn’t drink water? For me, it was my first. I know people dont like to drink water but they do so with the knowledge of the benefits of water. Please let me know in the comments if you know anyone like this patient. I would love to hear it.

Live free, healthy and happy. 

I remain your pal,

Ronnie Law 

Food at Work: A Reflection on Diet and Health

Food is always a topic of conversation, and work is no exception. Recently, I found myself reflecting on this while a work with my patients, all of whom were diabetics. The youngest among them was a 46-year-old woman. That meant they were all living with type 2 diabetes, also known as adult-onset diabetes.  

We know that diabetes is directly linked to endocrine dysfunction, particularly when the pancreas struggles to produce enough insulin to meet the body's demands. In cases of type 2 diabetes, this dysfunction is often the result of dietary choices and lifestyle factors. In other words, what we eat or, perhaps more accurately, what we are fed, plays a major role in our health outcomes.  

Living in a consumer-driven society, many of us find comfort in food. Unfortunately, the cheapest and most accessible foods are often those with the lowest nutritional value and the highest potential for harm. Capitalism thrives on supply and demand, and the food industry is no exception. 

Producers ensure that there is always more than enough of what people crave. The problem? The body does not work the same way—it cannot endlessly produce insulin to keep up with excessive sugar intake.  

I am reminded of the early days of the COVID-19 pandemic, particularly around March 18th, 2020, when stores were stripped bare, everything from groceries to toilet paper had vanished overnight. I remember telling a friend, "Just wait a week, and you'll see the shelves restocked beyond demand." Sure enough, I was right. The market is designed to ensure constant overproduction, whether it’s toilet paper or processed food.  

The food industry operates in a similar way. People are encouraged to eat and eat and eat, until they are sick. And that’s why I feel the need to talk about food today. Food can be medicine, but it can also be poison. 

It always bothers me to walk into a diabetic patient's room and see them feasting on pancakes drenched in syrup, bacon, coffee, and a banana—only to receive a tray of rice and other high-carb foods just a few hours later. It’s frustrating because I know how much diet affects their condition, yet the system continues to serve meals that worsen their health. To do my part, I just educate. 

My educated advice? Eat Mindfully.  

->Choose vegetables, lean proteins, and low-glycemic carbohydrates like quinoa over processed starches.  

->Avoid fruit juices—they are nothing but sugar water with chemicals that most people don’t even understand.  

->Remember this simple rule: If it doesn’t rot, it’s not real food.  

Not everything labeled as food is good for you. As always, I remain your favorite clinician and pal,  

God bless you 

Ronnie Law 

St. Anne’s On Transfiguration Sunday

Today, I went to Mass at St. Anne's again. It was a beautiful Mass said by the pastor. Most of the homily was centered on the Gospel reading where Jesus took Peter, James, and John to the mountain where He was transfigured. A voice from the cloud said:  

“This is my beloved Son, with whom I am well pleased; listen to him.” (Matthew 17:5)  

Peter, overwhelmed by the moment, suggested:  

“Lord, it is good that we are here. If you wish, I will put up three tents—one for you, one for Moses, and one for Elijah.” (Matthew 17:4)  

It was a beautiful day. Peter didn't want them to leave the mountaintop, but the mission was not there. They had to descend, for the will of God was to be fulfilled in Jerusalem.  

The pastor also reflected on the Old Testament reading, where God made a covenant with Abram, later named Abraham. God called him to leave his homeland and journey to a foreign land, promising:  

“Look up at the sky and count the stars—if indeed you can count them. Then he said to him, ‘So shall your descendants be.’” (Genesis 15:5)  

Astrophysics tells us that there are billions of stars in one galaxy alone, and we are just one of many galaxies—likely making trillions of stars in the universe. This helps us grasp the vastness of God's promise to Abraham. Unlike human promises, which can be easily forgotten or broken, God's word is steadfast and true. And did God fulfill His promises to Abrah? Resounding yes. 

There was a story of a young man who, after visiting his doctor and being diagnosed with a serious illness, pleaded and promised to donate a significant portion of his wealth to build a hospital if he was healed. The doctor did everything he could, and the man recovered and was healed. He had forgotten and years later, when the doctor reminded him of his promise, the man dismissed it, saying he would never have made such a commitment under normal circumstances. In short, I never made that promise. 

But “God is not like humans, that he should lie, not a human being, that he should change his mind. Does he speak and then not act? Does he promise and not fulfill?” (Numbers 23:19)  

We must be people of integrity. We must honor our promises and obligations to others. 

As we journey through this season of Lent, we, too, need transfiguration, not just in appearance, but in our way of life. Are we too attached to TV shows, gossiping, smoking substances that can have a negative impact on our health, drinking, gambling? Whatever it is, we need transformation. Like Peter on the mountaintop, we may be tempted to stay in our comfort zones, away from the world's troubles. But God calls us to come down from the mountain and fulfill His purpose.  

May we embrace true transformation, trusting in the promises of God.  

God bless, and have a blessed Sunday.  

Pal Ronnie 

Don't Judge a Book By Its Cover

We are all guilty of this, perhaps, every single one of us.  

Years ago, I was working in a hospital in Connecticut. One morning, I went into a patient's room for rounds, and during our conversation, the patient asked me why I was not out there protesting. This was during the time when the George Floyd protests erupted across major cities in America. George Floyd was killed by Derek Chauvin publicly.  

I responded to the patient, "Well, if I were out there protesting, who would be taking care of you here?"

The patient looked at me and smiled. I then added,"Protest is not for everybody. It is for people who have money, time, and privilege. Many of those out there don’t have to worry about next month's bills because they have enough, and they also have time. Most of us have to work—if we don’t work, we don’t eat. We literally eat what we kill." 

She looked at me again, surprised by what I said. She later admitted that she hadn’t expected that response from me. But I was happy to share my perspective with her.  

I have never been to a protest. I had people invite me to a few, but I always used work as an excuse.  

Personally, I believe that many of the people who protest professionally are getting paid to do so.  

So, do you judge a book by its cover? Just because I look like a protester doesn’t mean I am one.  

Events & Timeline Related to This Piece: 

- George Floyd was killed on May 25, 2020, by former Minneapolis police officer Derek Chauvin. 

- Chauvin was convicted on April 20, 2021, of second-degree unintentional murder, third-degree murder, and second-degree manslaughter. He was sentenced to 22.5 years in prison.  

- In Connecticut, numerous peaceful protests occurred in response to Floyd's death, including events in cities like Stamford, Norwalk, Bridgeport, New Haven, Meriden, and Hartford.  

- As of March 2025, discussions have emerged about pardoning Derek Chauvin. Conservative commentator Ben Shapiro has urged President Trump to pardon Chauvin for his federal crimes related to Floyd’s death, arguing that Chauvin was unjustly convicted due to societal pressures and political influence that tainted his trial.  

- However, President Trump has stated that he is not considering such a pardon.  

Ben Shapiro’s proposal to have Chauvin pardoned brought this memory back to me. I don’t think such a pardon would be a good idea, it would cause a major racial divide or rift in America. But people like Shapiro tend to capitalize on racial tensions, and I hope nobody pays attention to the bait he’s throwing out there.  

God bless, and have a great evening.

Pal Ronnie

Mass Reflection St. Anne’s March 9th 2025

 

The Mass was beautiful at St. Anne's on JFK Boulevard. They opened the main church after renovating it. It is beautifully designed inside, and the Mass was said by a visiting Nigerian priest. The Gospel was taken from the three Temptations of Jesus Christ after His baptism. This, by the way was the first Sunday of Lent.

Remember, after Jesus’ baptism, He was led by the Holy Spirit into the desert, where He fasted for 40 days and 40 nights. After His 40th day of fasting, He was being tempted by the devil.

The First Temptation

"If You are the Son of God, command that these stones become bread." (Matthew 4:3)

Because of the fasting, Jesus was very hungry and could have used something to eat. Imagine the timing of this temptation, very important. But He responded:

"It is written, ‘Man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word that proceeds from the mouth of God.’"(Matthew 4:4)

This temptation signifies the desires of the flesh—our cravings for personal comfort, indulgence, greed and self-satisfaction. However, Jesus' fasting was not about Himself or His physical needs; it was about fulfilling the will of God the Father. He remained focused on His divine mission: the salvation of mankind. Jesus resisted the temptation for instant gratification and kept His eyes on the bigger picture—God's Divine plan for salvation of man.

The Second Temptation

"If You are the Son of God, throw Yourself down. For it is written: ‘He shall give His angels charge over you,’ and, ‘In their hands, they shall bear you up, lest you dash your foot against a stone.’" (Matthew 4:6)

This temptation was rooted in the desire for power. Satan wanted Jesus to prove His divinity by performing a miraculous act, but Jesus recognized this as a distortion of true power. He responded:

"It is written again, ‘You shall not tempt the Lord your God.’" (Matthew 4:7)

True power comes from God, and Jesus had already received spiritual strength through His fasting. Satan wanted to divert that power for self-glorification, but Jesus refused. This temptation reflects humanity’s constant hunger for power—whether political, financial, or academic. Many people seek power not to serve others but to control, manipulate, and insulate themselves from vulnerability. It's not hard to find this in our fallen world. However, power should be a responsibility, not a tool for oppression. Power in the hands of bad people is lethal. 

The Third Temptation

"All these things I will give You if You will fall down and worship me." (Matthew 4:9)

Satan was being transactional, offering Jesus all the material wealth and glory of the world in exchange for worship. But Jesus rebuked him, saying:

"Away with you, Satan! For it is written, ‘You shall worship the Lord your God, and Him only you shall serve.’" (Matthew 4:10)

This temptation highlights the human desire for wealth, status, and material possessions. Many people, in their pursuit of success, compromise their values and even "sell their souls" to achieve their worldly goals. But Jesus knew that nothing Satan offered could compare to the eternal glory of God. 

Satan’s tactics are still the same today, he tempts us with the flesh, power, and material wealth in the world. However, Jesus' victory over these temptations reminds us that we must remain steadfast in our faith, especially during Lent. This season of fasting and prayer should redirect our focus from worldly desires to God, just as Jesus did in the wilderness. He won this on our behalf. God will never leave us or be away from us because of our sins, but our sins can keep us away from Him.

The priest also shared a reference he watched online that was powerful using the image of tree roots during Lent. He explained that during this season, tree roots grow deeper into the soil, gaining nutrients, strengthening the tree and preparing it for new growth in spring. Similarly, Lent should be a time for us to build our spiritual roots, deepening our faith and drawing closer to God.

Interestingly, he noted that in the Germanic language, the word "Lent" means "spring"—a time of renewal and transformation. Additionally, "Lent" is the past tense of "lend," reminding us that everything we have in this life is temporarily lent to us by God. One day, we will have to account for how we used the gifts He has given us.

Lent is also slow in French, a time to slow down from our pursuit of materialism to reflect and grow our spiritual life. 

It was a profound and beautiful Mass, and I pray that this reflection on the three Temptations of Christ will help guide us through these 40 days of Lent. May our spiritual roots grow deeper, and may our faith in God become stronger and magnified.

Amen

Pal Ronnie 

Trump’s Tariffs Tuesday

Hi Everybody,

Today is Tuesday, March 4th, 2025. Today marks the first day of Trump's tariff kicking in.  I wrote about this in the past. 

Remember when Trump was imposing a 25% tariff on Mexico, Canada, and 10% on China? Well, that takes effect today. The market didn’t have a good day. The reaction was very steep. All the indices dropped significantly, and while most recovered some of their losses, they still ended the day deep in the red.  

Tonight at 9:00 p.m., Trump will be addressing Congress in a joint session.  

I just got home from work. I wasn’t able to follow the news today or listen to anything about world affairs, so hopefully, I will have time to catch up tonight. Or maybe I will just go to sleep and ignore it all.  

Stay tuned, and if anything noteworthy comes from the speech, I will be happy to write about it.  

Have a great and wonderful evening. God bless you.  

I remain your pal, 

Pal Ronnie 

Breaking News: Trump Administration is Halting All U.S. Military Aid to Ukraine

In a major shift in foreign policy, the Trump administration has officially halted all military aid shipments to Ukraine. This decision marks a significant turning point in the ongoing war between Ukraine and Russia, which began in February 2022.  

For the past three years, the United States has been Ukraine’s most crucial ally, providing billions of dollars in military hardware and support to help defend that nation against Russian aggression. However, tensions between Trump and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky came to a head during their Oval Office meeting last Friday, which reportedly did not go well. I wrote about that earlier. 

Following the breakdown in talks, Zelensky left the U.S. and immediately traveled to Europe, meeting with UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer and other European leaders. While Ukraine may now look to the UK and other NATO allies for additional support, America’s withdrawal from the effort raises serious questions about the future of the conflict.  

With the U.S. stepping back, how long can Ukraine sustain its fight against Russia? Will Europe be able to fill the gap left by America? We will be watching closely to see how this unfolds.

Stay tuned, 

Pal Ronnie

Tiktok Fame Gone Wrong: A Flight Attendant Fired After Viral Twerking Video

A friend and I often discuss the impact of social media in our time, and today, she sent me a video that perfectly illustrated our ongoing conversation. The video showed an air hostess or flight attendant twerking in an empty plane with the Alaskan Airline, which quickly went viral. Unfortunately for her, it also reached her superiors attention, resulting in her immediate termination.  

This incident was so unfortunate. The young woman was later interviewed on a local TV channel, crying as she explained that she had just completed her six-month probation at a job she loved. She never imagined that making the video would lead to her being fired.  

The lesson here is clear, how on Earth could someone use company property, while in uniform, to create inappropriate content? Whether the plane was empty or not, the lack of professionalism was unbelievable.  

I hope all the TikTok enthusiasts and other platforms take this as a lesson, don’t risk your job for viral fame. Now, she will have more online attention at home than ever, but at what cost?  

I remain your friend.

Ronnie Law