Zacchaeus Come Down

Today's Gospel is one of my favorite stories in the Bible. The story of Zacchaeus, found in (Luke 19:1-10), is a beautiful narrative of grace and transformation. As Jesus passes through Jericho, Zacchaeus, a chief tax collector (the IRS Director) of our time, and a wealthy man, climbs a sycamore tree to catch a glimpse of Him. He was a short man in stature accordingly and because he was hated for the exploitations in taxes, he was perhaps isolated. Zacchaeus was definitely an outsider, despised by his community for his role as a tax collector, a collaborator with the Roman oppressors, notorious for corruption and greed. When IRS agents come hard on us for unpaid taxes, imagine how we feel about that. I'm just trying to walk in the shoes of these people in the days of Zacchaeus and how people like him made them feel. 

Yet, as Jesus reached the spot, He looked up and said, "Zacchaeus, come down immediately. I must stay at your house today." This simple yet profound statement reveals the heart of the Gospel: no one is beyond God’s reach, and His invitation is extended to all. How comforting ? Our hearts might just be Zacchues in this story.

I digress, I just couldn't help but draw the parallels of Jesus and the IRS Agent (Zachaues). Most of us have surely been given anxiety when we hear the name IRS especially when we fail to get our taxes in order. Now we understand how the people felt about the man Jesus stated He was going to spend His evening at his house. 

Imagine today’s equivalent: Jesus walking into the town we live and announcing He is going to wine and dine with an IRS agent, a person many might associate with as a bureaucrat, audit, exploiter, and financial stressor. Like Zacchaeus, IRS agents are often viewed with skepticism or outright hostility. People might grumble, "Why would Jesus choose to spend time with them? Aren’t there more deserving individuals?"  

But Jesus doesn’t look at status, reputation, or public opinion. He looks at the heart. He knows that Zacchaeus or our modern equivalent IRS agent is more than their job or their past mistakes. Jesus sees their potential for transformation. It could also be that Zacchaeus, despite his material success, felt he was missing something profound in his life-the Eternal Word Himself -Jesus Christ. 

The Call to “Come Down”, Jesus' invitation to Zacchaeus begins with two powerful words: “Come down.”Zacchaeus was perched above the crowd, separated physically and metaphorically from those around him. His position in the tree reflects how he has lived his life—far removed, isolated, and distanced by his choices and the judgment of others. I'm sure most of us have been around people wildly successful by virtue of our worldly standards. Only God knows the kind of mental barrier that exists between us when we are with such individuals. The “us versus them” mentality is all too real. 

For us though, the call to “come down” might mean stepping away from pride, self-sufficiency, or the walls we build to protect ourselves from vulnerability. Also mostly from life of darkness to light- Jesus. Jesus meets us where we are, but He invites us to come closer, to step into community, and to open our hearts to His presence. This is how I see it when I'm in church. During communion, we vacate our seats and step closer to the source of life Himself at the altar. It's like our own version of “come down”. 

I thought it was a profound moment of Grace for this chief tax collector.When Jesus dined with Zacchaeus, it was a radical act of grace. In the eyes of the people, Zacchaeus is a sinner, unworthy of such attention. But Jesus doesn’t wait for Zacchaeus to clean up his life or prove his worthiness. Instead, His presence in Zacchaeus’ home catalyzes a change that no human can comprehend. This can be true for us too. 

Grace works the same way today. Jesus doesn’t wait for us to be perfect before He enters our lives. His love is the starting point, not the reward for good behavior. The transformation of Zacchaeus, his decision to give half of his wealth to the poor and repay those he cheated fourfold flows from encountering Jesus' unconditional acceptance of him as a sinner.  

 

Now we may wonder, what does all this mean for us? Are there people we judge as unworthy of grace, like the crowd judged Zacchaeus? How can we, like Jesus, extend love and dignity to those society looks down upon? The marginalized among us in society? Our labels of others as second class citizens, permanent underclass etc. Do we feel unworthy of Jesus’ attention, like Zacchaeus might have? His invitation to “come down” is for each of us, no matter our past failures or sins.  

Zacchaeus responded to grace with action. How do we respond to the grace we’ve received?

  

In my own reflection, if Jesus were to pass through our towns today, He might surprise us by choosing to dine with the most hated IRS guy, the corporate executive accused of greed, or the person we least expect. But His actions remind us that no one is beyond redemption. Yes, redemption. 

Let us hear His call to “come down”, to step away from whatever separates us from God and others and to joyfully welcome Him into our hearts and lives. Like Zacchaeus, we will find that His presence transforms us, enabling us to live with generosity, justice, and love. Amen.  

I remain your pal, 

Ronnie

The Mike Tyson's Fight Against Jake Paul-A Healthcare Perspective

Today, I want to discuss a boxing match just yesterday November 15th 2024 at the AT&T Stadium in Texas, that caught my attention. It featured the legendary Mike Tyson and social media influencer Jake Paul. At 58 years old, Mike Tyson remains one of the most iconic figures in boxing history with a record of 50 wins, 6 losses, and 44 knockouts, and this has made this appearance as part of what some people  speculate was a move to stay relevant. 

Mike Tyson's career is nothing short of remarkable and I wonder how much money they made from this fight to compare with his fortunes past or present. I will be curious to know. Mike, a true legend of the sport, Tyson has reportedly earned and spent over $400 million during his prime. 

If Mike still had a strong financial standing, I don’t believe he would be doing this. I am not saying this was all financially motivated. Of course, it could be that Mike also missed his past fame and glory. But he is still famous.  

However, as a healthcare professional, I find myself questioning the wisdom of a man in his late 50s stepping into the ring to face an opponent more than 30 years his junior.  

On the other hand, Jake Paul, at just 27 years old, has carved out a niche for himself in both entertainment and sports. Born in Cleveland, Ohio, Jake has gained fame for his YouTube exploits and recent forays into the professional boxing space.  

Like most of us, Mike's life has been filled with ups and downs, which have likely made him deeply reflective. Listening to him, it's clear he has valuable wisdom to share. One of his most famous sayings, "Everyone has a plan until you get punched in the face," resonates profoundly. It doesn't have to be physical. Mike, for the sake of your wisdom and legacy, please prioritize your health. I’m sure you already know the importance of that.

Society often pushes individuals into making choices they might not otherwise consider if financial pressures weren’t a factor. I firmly believe that if money weren’t involved, Mike Tyson would probably not have agreed to fight Jake Paul. To me, Jake is still a "boy", with no disrespect intended. The age disparity, coupled with the physical demands of boxing, makes this matchup difficult to rationalize.  

Unfortunately, the fight did not end well for Mike. It's true that the whole world got entertained by it and while both men undoubtedly walked away with significant paychecks, the risks to Tyson’s health cannot be ignored. Boxing is a brutal sport, and at Mike's age, the potential for severe injuries, including concussions, Chronic Traumatic Encephalopathy (CTE) or even a cerebrovascular accident (CVA), is alarmingly high.  

In my reflections on this, I believe there’s a time and place for everything. If Mike were in his 20s, 30s, or even 40s, hustling to build his career or secure his financial future, this fight might make more sense to me. However, at 58 years of age, stepping into the ring feels unnecessary and even reckless from a health standpoint.  

This commentary is not meant to disrespect either Mike Tyson or Jake Paul. I’m sure their match brought excitement to countless fans around the world. The fight was live streamed on Netflix with perhaps a billion eyeballs at a time. In fact, I first heard about the fight from a colleague at work. She was visibly thrilled and immediately asked if I planned to watch it. When I inquired further, she exclaimed, “Man, Mike Tyson is fighting tonight!” Her excitement planted the seed for this piece.  

While I absolutely respect the entertainment value of the event, I encourage readers to reflect on the broader implications. This isn’t a critique of boxing itself—I admire sports in general—but as someone in healthcare, I can’t ignore the potential health hazards of certain sporting activities, particularly boxing and of course American football. These sports have a high risk of causing long-term physical and cognitive harm to players.

I hope this article inspires you to also think critically about such events and their implications. Were you able to watch it, if yes, what do you think?. Please share your thoughts.

Please, also don’t take my perspective as criticism but rather as an independent observation and reflection.  

God bless you, and I remain your pal,

Ronnie  

Today's Reflection: The Days of Noah and St. Albert the Great Feast Day

 Today Reflection is from the Gospel of 

(Luke 17:26-37)

"As it was in the days of Noah, so it will be in the days of the Son of Man." 

In today’s Gospel, Jesus warns us about the coming of the Kingdom of God. He compares it to the days of Noah and Lot (Nephew of Abraham) times when people were so absorbed in their daily lives that they failed to see the impending judgment of God. They were eating, drinking, marrying, partying, and working, normal, everyday activities, but eventually their indifference to God’s warnings led to destruction.  Try having a conversation about God around here, if you are not careful, someone will hurt you. 

This passage also challenges us to reflect on how we live our lives in the present times. Are we so consumed by the busyness of life i.e. our jobs, social media, entertainment, and endless commitments, that we fail to notice the signs of God’s presence and guidance?  

St. Albert the Great, whose feast day we celebrate today, offers us a profound example of attentiveness to both the mysteries of God and the world around him. He was known as the "Universal Doctor" ; he was a scientist, theologian, and philosopher, a man who integrated faith and reason. St. Albert teaches us that God’s truth is not just in sacred Scripture but also in creation, in the very fabric of our daily lives. He reminds us to seek God in everything, from the beauty of the natural world to the complexities of human relationships and modern challenges. Now you know why on my days off, I explore nature, meditate deeply about life and nature and more importantly, study the ways of God. We were created for this. 

Looking at Our World Through the Eyes of Noah

In 2024, like in the days of Noah, we face many distractions. A key distraction? technology-a tool that has connected us like never before, but it also isolates us more than we can imagine. I always hear from my patients about this and I like to tell them that the greatest global pandemic nobody is talking about because it doesn't sell vaccines is loneliness. We have lost our way with excessive use of technology. We scroll on our devices endlessly, consume information mindlessly, and chase success or pleasure, often forgetting our deeper purpose. Yet, Noah saw beyond the noise of his time. I'm sure he was mocked for building the ark by the detractors of his day. But he listened to God and prepared for what was to come. Are we listening to God’s voice today?  

These disasters we see, the climate irregularities, economic uncertainty, wars, and the massive moral decline, might all feel overwhelming, but they are also wake-up calls. I recently had a patient tell me in our exchange that she doesn't believe in anything. She only believes in living life to the fullest and in pleasure. Out of curiosity, I asked what she does for a living. Her answer, ready? An adult entertainer-a PG version of a lifestyle worthy of moral bankruptcy. You be the judge.

All these signs of the time we live are just to remind us that this world is temporary and fleeting. Like Noah, we are called to live with an eternal perspective, building an “ark” of faith and hope in our families, communities, and workplaces.  

The Days of Lot In Today's World

Jesus also mentions Lot and the destruction of Sodom, emphasizing that we must not look back like Lot's wife. In our modern lives, this could mean not clinging to things that hold us back spiritually: our attachments to materialism, resentment, or sinful habits, prejudices etc. things that prevent us from fully embracing God’s plan for us. What do we need to leave behind to follow Christ more faithfully? Dear Lord, expose the Lot in us.

Living in Urgency and Not in Fear

All through 2024, many of us felt and have been feeling the weight of inflation, political uncertainty, and moral decay and confusion in our communities. With all that in mind, it’s so easy to grow fearful or apathetic, thinking, “What difference can I ever make?” or “My life is not worth anything” Yet, Jesus’ warning in these gospels are not meant to instill fear in us but to inspire some readiness in us. He calls us to live each day with purpose, aware that His Kingdom is already breaking into the world.  

Like St. Albert, we are invited to respond with both faith and action. This might mean using our talents and resources to help others, standing firm in our moral convictions, or simply being present to God in prayer amid all of life’s chaos.  

Watch and Pray🙏 

The key message of today’s Gospel is watchfulness. Jesus reminds us that His coming will be sudden, and we must be prepared. This doesn’t mean abandoning our responsibilities or living in anxiety. Instead, it means bringing Christ into the ordinary moments of our lives, our work, relationships, and even our  daily challenges.  

As St. Albert showed, there is no divide between faith and the world. Every moment in our walk in this life is an opportunity to glorify God. In 2024, this might mean being a voice of reason in a polarized and divisive society, caring for the environment we inhabit, supporting each other in managing life’s burdens and or simply listening to a struggling friend.  

Let us not be like those in Noah’s time who were too busy to notice the signs of God’s presence. Instead, let us live with readiness, trusting that God’s grace will guide us.  

May we heed to our Lord Jesus’ call to be watchful, seeing His presence in our lives and responding with faith, love, and courage. And may St. Albert the Great intercede for us as we seek to glorify God in our ordinary, extraordinary lives. 

Amen.

I remain your pal,

Ronnie

A Season of Beauty and Human Connections from Near and Far

This time of year is absolutely beautiful. I'm in a new part of the state, so I don’t have much to compare it to, but this fall-to-winter bridge season is just epic. The trees still hold a few leaves, while most have already drifted to the ground. Now is the time you get to see your neighbors' homes and discover hidden streets you didn’t know existed. It’s just gorgeous.

Even though the weather was a bit chilly, I made my way to the beach at Sayville. It was nice, one of those moments that feels refreshing in its simplicity. I met a lady there, also out enjoying the beauty of the day. She was on the phone, so we didn’t get to chat, but she gave me a warm hello. Around here, that’s big; a friendly smile and greeting go a long way.

I hope wherever you are, the weather is just as pleasant as it was here today.

I also had the chance to reconnect with an old friend, George. George and I went to college together, and he has been down in Tennessee for a while now. He loves it there so much that I doubt he will be moving back to the East Coast anytime soon, though his family is still in New York. He mentioned he is currently on vacation in the Dominican Republic and has recently picked up a new hobby: biking! I had no idea he had taken it up, but he sounded happy, and I’m sure he’d look happy if I could see his face beyond the helmet.

Georgie is the Middle Biker Below.

As I was headed home, I decided to grab a cup of coffee because I hadn’t had one in two days. I stopped by Brownstone Coffee in Sayville. It was very nice, and I ended up with a cup of coffee and three poached eggs. The young lady who waited on me was very pretty, and I later learned that she's interested in becoming a radiology technician and is currently in school for it. As you all know by now, healthcare is my ally and I always have a thing or two to talk about almost anything in the field. Her name by the way is Lexi. I asked her permission to mention her in this piece, and she said sure. She was very pleasant and polite. I hope she maintains that. I asked how long she has been working there, and she said about four years in total with the company.

By the time I got back to my car, it was almost 3 p.m., and I saw a Catholic Church from across the coffee house called St. Lawrence the Martyr. I decided to stop in for the Divine Mercy hour.

It was great and I remembered you all in my prayers.

Below is an inside view of St. Lawrence the Martyr Church in Sayville, NY. It is very nice and unique structure as you can see. I have never seen any church like that.

Interestingly enough, when I headed out to go home, I ran into the young woman, Lexi in the parking lot yet again. Some serendipity? Simply amazing!

All in all, as you can see, these seamless moments reminded me as I reflected on my way around the simple joys of life: going outside, breathing in fresh air, and sharing a smile here and there with strangers. These are what really matter to us as humans.

I pray and hope you too, can find the time to do the same and soak in the beauty of the season wherever you may find yourself.

God bless you,  

And I remain your pal,  

Ronnie

A Reflection on Today's Gospel: The Kingdom of God From Within Us

Today, I had the blessing of attending Mass at St. Joseph the Worker, a parish that's beginning to feel like home. 

The homily was centered on a powerful gospel passage where Jesus says, “The Kingdom of God is within you” (Luke 17:21). This simple yet profound statement speaks to the heart of our faith, urging us to look inward for the divine presence rather than waiting for it to descend from above in some supernatural way.

The priest gave us a beautiful, practical interpretation. He explained that the Kingdom is indeed within us when we live in awareness of God’s presence. It grows as we forgive those who have hurt us, when we generously share our talents and treasures, and when we acknowledge the brokenness of the world—our own sins included—and strive to be better.

Many of us may feel disappointed or confused by this idea, as we often hope for a grand and miraculous coming of God’s Kingdom to save us some day. Yet, as the priest reminded us, through our baptism, our faith, and the sacraments, we have already been invited to activate this Kingdom here and now. 

In every moment that we perceive God’s goodness, in His creation, in acts of kindness, in our own capacity for love, we are witnessing the Kingdom of God.

May this reflection stir your spirit as it did mine. The Kingdom is alive within each of us, waiting to be nurtured and shared. 

I hope you find a moment today to recognize it in your own heart and in those around you.

In faith and love,  

I remain your pal, Ronnie

How to MAGA: My Five Pointers Post-2024 Elections

A lot has been going on since the recent elections and I started writing this piece a few days ago to share. America is a truly great nation and its greatness has impacted the world in all the good, bad and ugly ways imaginable. But living here also reveals areas where America has fallen short of its full potential. This is why the MAGA slogan resonated so strongly with most Americans in 2016. Today, too many people struggle with joblessness, lack of housing, crushing debt, and the resulting issues of addiction, whether to alcohol, drugs, or unhealthy habits online. With the MAGA slogan back in focus, now is the time to rally behind it for a greater America for all. There’s no need for hate or resentment, those can only hold us back. A good and truly great America benefits everyone. 

With Mr. Donald J. Trump going back to Washington, if I were close to the President-elect, I would suggest a focused and inclusive agenda to "Make America Great Again." These actions are grounded in practical policies, and would serve all Americans across the political spectrum. As a nation, we need healing after the divisive nature of recent campaigns. When we sift through our differences, we find that, fundamentally, we all want the same things for our country. Below are some core priorities I would suggest as Trump heads back to Washington come January.

First, ending conflicts abroad. While some argue that war can drive business, it ultimately brings devastation, especially to those most affected by its carnage. For the American public, stability at home relies on a stable world. Prioritizing diplomacy to address conflicts like those in Ukraine and Gaza would reduce global suffering and enhance America’s international standing. Redirecting resources from foreign conflicts to domestic needs allows us to rebuild from within, fostering peace and strengthening alliances. Anyone who drives through American cities can see the urgent need for infrastructure improvements, yet billions are diverted abroad for wars that many Americans feel disconnected from. A quick conversation with people often reveals that they’re unhappy about excessive spending on foreign conflicts like Ukraine's. Many Americans might not even locate Ukraine on a map, underscoring how little these foreign involvements resonate with their daily concerns.

Second, revitalizing domestic manufacturing. To restore America’s economic backbone, we need to protect and grow our manufacturing base. This means incentivizing companies to keep production within our borders, investing in infrastructure, and offering training programs to develop a skilled workforce. A robust manufacturing sector creates jobs, reduces dependence on foreign imports, and enhances economic resilience, which can help us withstand future crises. During the COVID-19 pandemic, we saw the downsides of outsourcing essential goods, especially when labor strikes disrupted basic supplies. Next time you’re shopping, take a moment to check where products come from—you’ll find most are from overseas, especially China. To truly MAGA, we must bring back “Made in America” to our stores. It’s a significant undertaking, but one that will benefit everyone.

Third, safeguarding free speech. Free speech is the lifeblood of American democracy. Protecting this right, while also recognizing the need for accountability (especially in cases of incitement or harm), allows for a society where everyone can voice their perspectives responsibly. Encouraging open dialogue fosters understanding and trust, ultimately strengthening our democratic foundation. Since 2020, we’ve seen unprecedented levels of censorship, threatening a unique aspect of American democracy. To MAGA, free speech must be upheld and allowed to thrive.

Fourth, raising wages and reducing inflation. Economic security begins with a living wage. Many Americans work multiple jobs just to make ends meet. A truly “great” America is one where a family can rely on a single job in the family to survive. Raising the minimum wage would help lift families out of poverty, but it must be carefully implemented to avoid inflationary effects like we have at the moment. This is also where experts in economics can balance wage increases with stability. By also supporting strategies to curb inflation, like boosting energy independence and streamlining supply chains. America can make daily essentials more affordable and preserve purchasing power. We have sufficient energy resources right here within our borders; let’s use them to fuel a MAGA economy.

Fifth, promoting family values and ethical standards in medicine and beyond. To support healthy families, it’s crucial to uphold ethical standards in medicine. For example, doctors should be disincentivized from promoting life-altering procedures, such as gender-affirming surgeries, without stringent, evidence-based protocols. Policies like this can protect vulnerable individuals and promote accountability. Family-centered policies foster trust and support for all Americans. The food industry should also be held accountable for selling products that contribute to widespread health issues. With figures like RFK Jr. possibly influencing policy, we could also pursue initiatives to make America healthier, which could be part of a “Make America Healthy Again” (MAHA) campaign.

By focusing on these priorities, we can address pressing economic, social, and ethical issues, allowing America to grow stronger from within. This agenda emphasizes peace, prosperity, and well-being for all citizens. With a united effort, we can chart a course toward a nation that upholds its values, respects its people, and stands strong on the world stage.

I still remain your pal,

Ronnie Law