Lord, Teach Me

 Lord, teach me to pray especially when it's hard and difficult to do so.

Amen 

The People Were Looking Right at Jesus but didn’t Believe He was Who He Said He Was

 I will meet the Lord in a lot of people today

Amen 🙏 

Mass Readings and Reflection for Wednesday March 11th 2026

First Reading: Deuteronomy (4:1, 5–9).

Responsorial Psalm: (Psalm 147).

Response: Praise the Lord, O Jerusalem.

Gospel: Matthew (5:17–19).

Reflection 

Our readings today speak about the law, and the first thing we need to ask is: Which law are we talking about? Here we are speaking about the Mosaic Law, the law given by God through Moses to the people of Israel.

Jesus says in the Gospel that not one letter of the law will pass away until everything is fulfilled. To understand this, we must go back to the Book of Deuteronomy. When God gave the law to Moses, He instructed the people: do not add to it and do not subtract from it.

After the Israelites returned from their 70-year exile in Babylon, they were determined that such a disaster would never happen again. Their ancestors had strayed far from the law, and they believed that was why they suffered exile. But in their effort to avoid repeating that mistake, they did something else that was problematic. They began adding many interpretations and extra rules, sometimes losing the spirit of the law itself.

By the time Jesus appeared, some religious leaders had become so focused on strict interpretations that they misunderstood the true purpose of the law. When Jesus healed, forgave sins, or showed mercy in ways that did not fit their interpretations, they thought He was breaking the law.

But Jesus taught something deeper. The law itself does not save; the intention of the heart is what God looks for.

God had already summarized the commandments long before:
Love the Lord your God with all your heart, soul, and mind, and love your neighbor as yourself.

This was prayed every day in the Shema prayer, yet over time the people had forgotten the heart of it. Fundamentally, the law exists to help us love.

Now we are in the season of Lent, a time when we look back over our lives and examine ourselves honestly. The essential questions for us are simple but challenging:

• Have I loved God with my whole being, my heart, my soul, and my strength?

• Have I shown that love by loving my neighbor?

Often we respond with excuses: “Yes, but this person hurt me,” or “That person treated me unfairly.” But love does not include conditions like that. Love is love.

This is why Christianity can be difficult. The ability to love exists within us, yet we often struggle to live it out. Love requires sacrifice, just as forgiveness requires sacrifice.

Why should we forgive someone who has hurt us? Because we follow the example of Christ, the sinless one who gave His life for us.

Saint Paul once asked whether we have ever struggled in love “to the point of shedding blood.” Usually we have not. Yet even small acts of forgiveness can feel very difficult.

When we hold on to resentment, it becomes a spiritual toxin. Lent calls us to turn away from sin and to live the Gospel, and the Gospel is ultimately the Gospel of love.

But loving others can feel exhausting. It takes effort, patience, humility, and compassion. That is why we are given the Eucharist. In the Eucharist, Christ strengthens us so that we can live the law of love.

Whenever you find it difficult to forgive someone, look at a crucifix. Look at Christ on the cross. Even in His suffering, He prayed to the Father:

“Forgive them, for they know not what they do.”

That is the model for Christian life:
forgive, love, pardon, be merciful, be compassionate.

All these require energy. So we come to the Eucharist to be renewed and strengthened, so that we may live according to God’s law.

And in the end, fulfilling the law means one thing above all:

to love.

God bless you. 

Excepts from Dailt Mass Online. 

Pal Ronnie 

Mass Readings and Reflection for Tuesday March 10th 2026

First Reading: (Daniel 3:25, 34–43)

Responsorial Psalm: (Psalm 25)

Response: Remember your compassion, O Lord.

Gospel Acclamation

Alleluia, Alleluia.
Your words, Lord, are spirit and life; you have the words of everlasting life.
Alleluia.

Gospel: (Matthew 18:21–35)

Reflection:

The virtue of forgiveness requires sincerity. When we say we have forgiven someone who offended us, there should be no pretense. Sometimes people say, “I have forgiven you,” yet they still carry hatred, bitterness, and resentment in their hearts.

That is why Jesus says in today’s Gospel that we must forgive from the heart, not merely with our lips.

Many times we forgive with the mouth but not with the heart. True forgiveness means letting go of the bitterness that came from the offense. It means not carrying negative feelings toward the person who hurt us.

To forgive from the heart means wishing good for the offender, even when they caused us pain. It means being willing to help them if they are in trouble, instead of secretly hoping they will suffer the same hurt they gave us.

Forgiving from the heart also means not keeping score of wrongs. When God forgives us, He does not keep reminding us of our past sins. He does not count how many times we have fallen.

However, forgiveness does not mean a lack of wisdom. As human beings, we sometimes need to take precautions so that the same situation does not continue to hurt us.

For example:

• If someone betrayed your secret, you forgive them, but you may choose not to share secrets with them again.

• If someone misused money entrusted to them, you forgive them, but you may be careful about financial dealings in the future.

This is not hatred. It is prudence.

Forgiveness means removing hatred from the heart, but it does not mean ignoring lessons learned from experience.

Peter asked Jesus how many times he should forgive, seven times. Jesus answered, “Not seven times, but seventy-seven times.” This means forgiveness should not have limits.

At the same time, offenders also have a responsibility. If we hurt someone, we should sincerely apologize and show true remorse. Empty apologies without change make it harder for others to forgive.

Today Jesus calls us to forgive from the heart. Forgiveness is not easy, but it is possible.

We forgive not because the offender deserves it, but because God has forgiven us, and we too need His mercy.

Let us pray especially for those who are deeply hurt, those who feel betrayed, frustrated, and wounded by the actions of others, that God may give them the grace to forgive from the heart.

And let us also pray for those who have offended others, that they may be sincere in their apologies and willing to make amends.

May God help us all to walk the path of forgiveness.

Amen

Have a wonderful day 😊 

Mass Readings and Reflection for Monday, the 9th of March, 2026

Naaman the Syrian Commander 

First Reading: (Kings 5:1–15).

Responsorial Psalm: (Psalm 42)

Response: My soul is thirsting for God, the living God; when shall I see him face to face?

Gospel Acclamation

Praise to you, Lord Jesus Christ, King of endless glory.

“I hope in the Lord, I trust in his word;
with him there is mercy and fullness of redemption.”

Praise to you, Lord Jesus Christ, King of endless glory.

Gospel: (Luke 4:24–30).

Reflection

The Gospel passage today shows Jesus lamenting the lack of honor given to a prophet among his own people, his family, friends, relatives, and those who were most familiar with him. Yet strangers, those who were not part of his community, often gave the prophet greater honor.

What is the honor of a prophet?

First, the honor of a prophet is that he is respected because he is God’s messenger, God’s mouthpiece. Because he represents God, the respect given to God is also given to the prophet.

Second, the honor of a prophet comes from the people among whom he lives. They acknowledge him, they are proud of him, and they say to others: “This is our prophet.”

Third, the honor of a prophet lies in the fact that people listen to his words. Of what use is a prophet if the people do not listen?

Fourth, the honor of a prophet is seen when his people benefit from his ministry. For example, the first beneficiaries of a doctor should be his own family. That is part of the honor of the doctor, that his parents and relatives benefit from his training.

Jesus gives two examples today: Elijah and Elisha. They did not receive this honor from their own people. Instead, outsiders benefited from their ministry. The widow of Zarephath, a pagan woman from Sidon, benefited from Elijah. Naaman the Syrian, a foreigner, was healed through Elisha.

Even in the case of Jesus himself, many of his own people rejected him. Yet strangers and pagans often received him with faith.

Now we might ask, who are our prophets today? And do we give them honor?

First is Jesus Christ, the greatest of all prophets. In the past, God spoke through the prophets, but now he speaks to us through his beloved Son. We are a privileged generation. Do we listen to him? Do we give him the honor he deserves?

Second, think about our priests and pastors in our parishes. Do we listen to them?

Third, think about our parents. They are prophets too. They advise us, guide us, and sacrifice so that we may have a good future.

Also think about our teachers, good friends, and elders in the community who tell us the truth and correct us when we go astray. They are prophets in our lives. 

Even our children, with the talents God has given them, can be prophets in their own ways. Do we encourage their gifts, or do we dismiss them?

Today, friends, let us reflect on the prophets God has placed in our lives. Let us not be like those who had prophets among them but failed to benefit from them.

God bless you 🙏 

War in Iran Mimics Covid-19; Did we Forget?

Do we really have such a short memory?

About six years ago, there was an outbreak of a virus called COVID-19. To this day, its exact origins remain debated and unresolved. When it first began spreading, governments instituted lockdowns to “flatten the curve.” What was initially presented as a short-term measure lasted for months, and in many places nearly a year.

Now we see something similar in another context. In late February 2026, the United States joined Israel in launching military strikes against Iran. What many people assumed would be a short operation has already stretched beyond a week and continues to escalate. Conflicts like this rarely end quickly; once they begin, they tend to drag on far longer than originally promised.

For years, many hard-line voices in politics and media argued for confrontation with Iran. Now that the conflict has officially begun, the consequences are already being felt.

Energy markets reacted almost immediately. Oil prices have surged dramatically-jumping roughly 30% in a single week as fears grow about disruptions to Middle Eastern supply and shipping routes. Because oil is a global commodity, these shocks ripple across the entire world economy. The futures markets, both the West Texas and Brent oils are trading above $115/barrel. That is huge 😳. 

People are going to become very angry at both the U.S governments and at Israel for involving U.S in this conflict. If you think criticism is strong now, you may not have seen anything yet.

Some people say this won’t affect them because they don’t drive. But you don’t have to drive to feel the impact. The effects go far beyond cars.

Think about the diesel trucks that deliver food to grocery stores. When fuel prices rise, transportation costs rise. When transportation costs rise, the price of nearly everything else follows.

Oil Prices Today Sunday March 8th 2026

 

Jesus and the Samaritan Woman Sunday March 8th 2026

Bible Verses for further Reflection 

First Reading: (Exodus 17:3–7)

Responsorial Psalm: (95:1–2, 6–9)
Seond Reading: (Romans 5:1–2, 5–8)
Gospel: (John 4:5–42)

Reflection 

The readings today revolve around one powerful symbol: thirst.

In the first reading, the Israelites were physically thirsty in the desert. Their thirst leads them to complain and doubt God. They begin to question whether God is truly among them.

But this story is not only about water. It is about the deeper thirst of the human heart-the thirst for security, meaning, and the presence of God.

The Gospel shows us another kind of thirst.

The Samaritan woman comes to the well at noon, probably to avoid the people of the town because of her difficult past. She is thirsty not only for water but also for acceptance, dignity, and love. Jesus sees her deeper thirst and offers her something greater than physical water.

He offers living water , the life of God within the soul.

Many people today are like the Israelites and like the Samaritan woman. We search everywhere to satisfy our thirst. We look for fulfillment in success, possessions, relationships, or status. Yet even after obtaining these things, the heart still feels empty.

Why?

Because the deepest thirst of the human person is a thirst for God.

St. Paul reminds us in the second reading that God has already poured His love into our hearts through Christ. The living water we seek is the grace and mercy that flow from Him.

The Samaritan woman experiences a transformation when she encounters Jesus. She comes to the well looking for water but leaves with something far greater. She leaves behind her jar and becomes a witness to Christ.

This is also the invitation of Lent.

Lent invites us to examine where we are seeking satisfaction. Are we drinking from wells that leave us thirsty again? Or are we coming to Christ, the source of living water?

If we truly encounter Jesus, our lives change. Like the Samaritan woman, we begin to share our faith with others.

Today Christ speaks the same words to each of us:
“Whoever drinks the water that I shall give will never thirst.”

Let us come to Him with open hearts and allow His grace to fill the deepest thirst of our souls.

Amen.

God bless you 🙏 

Operation Epic Fury is One Week Old

How Global Events Affect Everyday Life

Today, we live in a deeply interconnected global system. Yet many people prefer not to think about events happening in other parts of the world, especially wars. A common response during discussions about international conflict is, “It doesn’t affect me.” But in reality, that is rarely true.

Consider the recent conflict involving the United States, Israel, and Iran. When bombs fall in a place like Tehran, the effects may seem distant to someone living in Los Angeles or any other American city. However, in a globalized economy, events in one region can quickly ripple across the world.

Within a week of the conflict escalating, oil prices increased by nearly 30 percent. That rise alone places additional financial pressure on people everywhere. Higher oil prices often translate into higher transportation costs, which in turn can drive up the price of everyday essentials such as groceries, household goods, and other basic items.

Some analysts suggest that the economic effects will be felt most strongly in Asia. But Asia is one of the largest manufacturing hubs in the world, and much of what is produced there is sold in the United States. When supply chains shift or costs increase overseas, American consumers often feel the impact as well.

The reality is that in a connected global economy, no country exists in isolation. A conflict thousands of miles away can still influence prices, markets, and daily life at home.

We may not always see the connections immediately, but they are there.

Stay curious.

Pal Ronnie 

A Brief Reflection on Workplace Profiling

Being profiled is a real experience. I have been working in multiple hospitals since 2019. My routine is simple: I arrive, show my ID, identify myself, complete my assignment, and after a long 13-hour shift, I head bsck home.

One particular day stands out. I was working on one of the islands a day after severe snowstorm. Despite the weather and road conditions, I still went to work, because that’s the responsibility that comes with the job. After finishing a long and hectic session, I started my trip home, exhausted from the day.

That’s when I was profiled by the hospital security. 

After everything, showing up during bad weather, doing the work, and finishing a demanding shift, it was beyond irritating to deal with that experience. Situations like this can be frustrating, especially when you are simply trying to do your job and go home.

If things like this have never happened to you, consider yourself fortunate. Profiling is not something everyone experiences, but unfortunately, some people are targeted more than others.

For a long time, I tried not to think about it too much, especially while at work. When you are wearing scrubs and carrying your ID badge, you expect that to speak for itself.

Still, experiences like this stay with you. It's simply evil. 

Have a great day.