Mass Reading and Reflection April 13th 2026

First Reading: (Acts 4:23–31)

Responsorial Psalm: (Psalm 2)

Response: Blessed are all who trust in you, O Lord.

Alleluia

Alleluia, alleluia.
If then you have been raised with Christ, seek the things that are above, where Christ is seated at the right hand of God.
Alleluia.

Gospel: (John 3:1–8)

Reflection:

The Gospel passage we have just listened to tells us about the visit of Nicodemus to Jesus. Nicodemus came to Him at night. He was a wealthy man, we recall that when Jesus died, it was this same Nicodemus who brought a mixture of aloes and myrrh to anoint His body, a very costly offering  (John 19:39). Only a wealthy man could have done that.

Nicodemus was also a Pharisee, one of those who strongly adhered to and defended the Mosaic Law. More than that, he was a ruler of the Jews, a member of the Sanhedrin, the council that judged religious matters.

So why would such a man go to Jesus?
The Pharisees were often opposed to Him. They saw Him as a threat, not a friend.

Yet Nicodemus came.

Why?
Verse 2 gives us the answer:
“Rabbi, we know that you have come from God as a teacher, for no one can do these signs unless God is with him.”

Nicodemus calls Jesus Rabbi-teacher, master.
This is significant. A ruler humbling himself to recognize truth. While others accused Jesus of working by the power of the devil, Nicodemus acknowledged that Jesus came from God.

But Jesus does not allow Nicodemus to remain at the level of admiration.
He challenges him: You must be born again, of water and the Spirit.

Nicodemus does not understand.
And yet, we see in him something powerful: a sincere desire for truth.

Though the Gospel does not explicitly describe his baptism, we see his transformation:

• He defended Jesus before the Pharisees (cf. John 7:50–51)

• He honored Jesus at His death with costly ointment (cf. John 19:39)

Nicodemus moved from curiosity… to conviction… to courage.

He became, in essence, a Pharisee who turned into a disciple.

What do we learn?

In the face of truth:

• Your position does not matter

• Your title does not matter

• Your group does not matter

What matters is your willingness to accept the truth.

Do not cling to your opinions simply because of pride.
Do not defend your stance just because of status.

Nicodemus had everything, wealth, influence, authority, yet he humbled himself.

He saw the truth…
and he followed it, even when it meant standing apart from his group.

A Question for Us

Can we do the same?

• Can you recognize the truth when it confronts you?

• Can you let go of your own ideas when they contradict the truth?

• Can you stand alone, if necessary, for what is right?

Nicodemus did.

While others rejected Jesus, he acknowledged Him.
While others mocked, he defended.
While others abandoned, he honored.

Be humble enough to give away your opinion and accept the truth.
Stand out from the group when necessary.

Let us pray for the grace:

• To recognize truth

• To accept it

• And to stand by it, no matter the cost

Amen.

By Fr.Blessed 

Divine Mercy Sunday April 12th, 2026

 

First Reading: (Acts 2:42–47)

Psalm: (Psalm 118)

“His steadfast love endures forever.”

Second Reading: (1 Peter 1:3–9)

Alleluia

“Blessed are those who have not seen and yet believe.”

Gospel: (John 20:19–31)

Mass Reading and Reflection for Saturday April 11th 2026

First Reading: (Acts 4:13–21)

Psalm: (Psalm 118)

The Lord is my strength and my might; He has become my salvation.

Alleluia

Alleluia, alleluia.
This is the day the Lord has made; let us rejoice and be glad.
Alleluia.

Gospel: (Mark 16:9–15)

Reflection:

Today’s message is about faith that moves from fear to bold witness.

In the Gospel, the disciples struggle with belief. Even after hearing that Jesus is risen, they doubt. Fear keeps them hidden, and uncertainty clouds their faith. Jesus rebukes them, not to condemn, but to awaken them. Faith is not based on seeing, but on trusting the truth revealed by Christ.

This same transformation is seen in the First Reading. Peter and John, once fearful, now stand with courage before powerful authorities. Though uneducated and ordinary, they speak with conviction. Why? Because they have encountered the risen Christ.

Their response is powerful:

“We cannot keep from speaking about what we have seen and heard.”

True faith cannot remain silent.

The Reflection reminds us that faith is not mere knowledge. If we see something, we know it, we do not need faith. But faith is trusting in what we do not see, grounded in the authority of Christ.

Like the disciples, we may begin with fear, doubt, or hesitation. We may choose the “safe option,” avoiding risk or witness. But an encounter with the risen Lord changes everything. Fear gives way to courage. Silence gives way to proclamation.

A simple but profound image captures this: the “exit sign” in a church. What we receive inside the church, Word, Eucharist, prayer, must come alive when we leave. Faith is not meant to remain inside walls; it must be lived.

So the challenge is clear:

• Do we merely say we believe, or do we truly trust and live it?

• Do we give God our leftovers, or our first and our best?

The risen Christ gives us a new beginning. Like the apostles, we are sent, not because we are perfect or qualified, but because we are called.

And so, like Peter and John, may we have the courage to say with our lives:

We cannot remain silent.

Amen.

God bless you 

Jesus the Cornerstone Rejected and Mass Readings and Reflection April 10th 2026

First Reading: (Acts 4:1–12)

Psalm: (Psalm 118)

The stone rejected by the builders has become the cornerstone.

Alleluia

Alleluia, alleluia.
This is the day the Lord has made; let us rejoice and be glad.
Alleluia.

Gospel: (John 21:1–14)

Reflection

Today’s readings reveal a powerful truth: what is rejected by the world, God can transform into the foundation of glory.

In the First Reading, Peter stands before the very authorities who rejected Jesus. Yet he does not shrink back. Filled with the Holy Spirit, he proclaims with courage that Jesus, the rejected one, is now the cornerstone of salvation. The message is clear: human rejection does not determine divine purpose.

The Gospel mirrors this reality in a more personal way. The disciples return to fishing, perhaps discouraged and uncertain. Despite their efforts, they catch nothing. Their nets are empty, just like their hopes.

But everything changes with one presence: Jesus.

At His word, their emptiness becomes abundance. Their failure becomes fruitfulness. Their confusion becomes clarity.

This is the pattern of the Christian life.

How often do we experience “empty nets”?

• We work hard but see no results.

• We try to fix relationships but remain wounded.

• We pray, yet feel unheard.

In those moments, it can feel like rejection, by others, by life, even by God.

But the Gospel reminds us: Jesus stands on the shore of our lives, even when we do not recognize Him. He does not condemn; He provides. He does not abandon; He restores. He even prepares a place at the table for us.

The same Jesus who was rejected, crucified, and abandoned is now the risen Lord who feeds, heals, and calls us forward.

So the question becomes:
Will we trust Him enough to cast our nets again?

Because in Christ:

• Rejection becomes purpose.

• Emptiness becomes abundance.

• Failure becomes mission.

And like the disciples, we are invited not just to believe, but to come, sit, and share in His life.

Amen.

God bless you

April 9th 2026 Mass in Picture

 

Mass Readings and Reflection Wednesday, 8th April 2026

First Reading: (Acts 3:1–10)

Responsorial Psalm: (Psalm 105)

Response: Let the hearts that seek the Lord rejoice.

Gospel: (Luke 24:13–35)

Reflection

Today’s Gospel presents another post-resurrection appearance of Jesus. He appears to two of His disciples on their way to Emmaus. Just like in the case of Mary Magdalene, they did not recognize Him at first. This reveals something very particular about the resurrection appearances of Jesus: when He appears, He is often not immediately recognized.

These two disciples walked with Him, spoke with Him, and shared their sorrow, yet they did not know it was Him. This raises an important question many people ask: why did they not recognize Jesus after His resurrection? How is it possible that those who knew Him so well could fail to recognize Him within just three days?

There are a few reasons. First, after His resurrection, Jesus had a glorified body, different from the one He had before. Second, the disciples were overwhelmed with grief and disbelief, which clouded their ability to recognize Him. Third, and most importantly, Jesus chose to reveal Himself gradually. He wanted them to come to faith not just by sight, but through Scripture and understanding.

That is why He first explained the Scriptures to them, beginning with Moses and all the prophets. He helped them connect what had happened with what had already been foretold. Then, at table, He took bread, blessed it, broke it, and gave it to them. It was at that moment, the breaking of the bread, that their eyes were opened, and they recognized Him.

This was a journey: from the explanation of Scripture to the breaking of the bread. Through these actions, Jesus revealed Himself.

That Emmaus experience is exactly what happens at every Holy Mass. At Mass, we first encounter the breaking of the Word. The Scriptures are read, and they are explained. Jesus speaks to us and reveals Himself through His Word. Then we move to the altar, where the Word becomes flesh in the Eucharist. In the breaking of the Bread, Jesus reveals Himself again.

The Holy Mass, therefore, is our own Emmaus experience.

The question we must ask ourselves is: do we recognize Him?

Many times, we do not. During the Liturgy of the Word, we are distracted and fail to listen. During the consecration, we lose focus. We are physically present, but spiritually absent. And so, like the disciples at first, we fail to recognize Him even though He is right there with us.

If we truly understood that every Mass is an encounter with the risen Christ, our attitude would change. We would listen more attentively. We would participate more fully. We would recognize that Jesus is revealing Himself to us, first in the Word, and then in the Eucharist.

The Church teaches us something very important here: those who do not listen to the Word of God, who do not partake in the table of the Word, should not approach the table of the Eucharist. The two are inseparable. It is through both that Christ reveals Himself.

Therefore, let us pray for the grace to recognize Jesus each time we attend Mass. When the Scriptures are proclaimed, may we hear His voice. When the Bread is broken, may we see Him with the eyes of faith.

Every Mass is our Emmaus. Jesus walks with us, speaks to us, and reveals Himself to us.

May we not miss Him.

Amen 

God bless you

The TruthSocial to Spare Iran’s Annihilation Today

 

Oil Dropped Because Iranians Will All Live

See above, oil dropped over 15% and 11% for WTI and Brent.

What is there not to like about anti-war efforts? The president has apparently reached a deal for a two-week ceasefire in Iran. Before that, he had threatened to wipe out an entire civilization. Is he God?

Whatever the deal is, we hope it holds. One thing is certain: we don’t want innocent people to die. Also, all those who thrive on bloodshed will not be happy about this, and that’s a good thing. Thank God for that.

If this drop holds, it will bring relief at the gas pump. I paid over $4 per gallon the last time I filled up. Flying may become a little cheaper, and so might groceries.

When the president of the United States speaks, people pay attention. Doesn't matter how deranged he might be. The lesson is, you can never underestimate a man with ego and unprecedented power. Don't try it. But who are Trump advisors? Don't answer that. 

These Men are not What You think, kids: Trump is 79 and Bibi is 76

 

Madd Reading and Reflection April 7th 2026

First Reading: (Acts 2:36–41)

Responsorial Psalm: (Psalm 33)

Response: His merciful love fills the earth.

• The word of the Lord is faithful

• His works are trustworthy

• His mercy and love fill the whole earth

Alleluia: Alleluia, alleluia!

This is the day the Lord has made; let us rejoice and be glad in it.
Alleluia!

Gospel: (John 20:11–18)

Reflection:

Jesus calls you by your name so that you may recognize Him.

The turning point in today’s Gospel is simple but powerful:
Mary recognizes Jesus the moment He calls her by name.

Before that:

• She saw Him, but did not know that was Him.

• She heard Him, but did not recognize His voice.

• She spoke to Him, but thought He was a stranger.

One word changed everything: “Mary.”

1. Recognition comes through relationship

Jesus did not reveal Himself through a miracle or dramatic sign.
He revealed Himself through a personal call.

• From “sir” → to “Rabboni”

• From confusion → to recognition

• From sorrow → to faith

Key message: we recognize Jesus deeply only when we have a personal relationship with Him.

2. Jesus knows you personally

Just as He called Mary,
He calls us by your name.

• Not in general

• Not as part of a crowd

• But personally and intentionally

He knows you, he knows me, He sees us. He calls us.

3. Why we fail to recognize Him

Like Mary, we often:

• Are overwhelmed by sorrow

• Distracted by life

• Surrounded by noise

This world is noisy. Too noisy. 
There are many voices competing for our attention.

Key message: If we are not attentive, we may miss the voice of Jesus, even when He is right in front of us.

4. Jesus speaks in everyday moments

Jesus still appears today:

• In our struggles

• In our daily routine

• In unexpected encounters

But the question is: Do we recognize Him?

5. There is no need to be afraid

When Jesus calls us by name, it means:

• He knows us 

• He is near

• He is present in our lives and situation

Key message: If Jesus knows our name, we are never alone.

Just like Mary:

• Listen for His voice

• Pay attention

• Build a relationship with Him

Because at the moment He calls our name…..Everything can change.