Mass Readings and Reflection for Friday March 27th 2026

First Reading (Jeremiah 20:10–13)

Responsorial Psalm: (Psalm 18)

Response: In my anguish I called to the Lord, and he heard me.

Gospel Acclamation: Glory and praise to you, Lord Jesus Christ.

Gospel: (John 10:31–42)

Reflection

The Gospel passage today tells us of the intention of the people to stone Jesus to death. Jesus asks them the reason for which they want to stone Him. For them, it is not for any good work, but for blasphemy. For them, He blasphemed by saying He was God, whereas He was a human being.

As we are approaching Holy Week, the readings begin to talk about plots to kill Jesus. The reason for which they want to stone Him is unfounded. They say He is claiming to be God, whereas He was a human being. But truly, Jesus was God.

Even after Jesus explained, telling them even from Scripture how they too were called gods because God lived in them, and how He is God because of His Father’s works, they still do not believe Him and still make an attempt to arrest Him. What more proof do they want? What is it that Jesus really did that merited stoning?

And even if they doubted that He was God, could they not see from the things He did, from His works, and even from the fact that the Father bore witness and testified and glorified Him?

But this is, however, just to let us see, beloved, that when people hate you and want to eliminate you, they will accuse you even for the good that you do. They will find fault with everything you do. Even for the good you do, even for the truth that you speak, they will create evil out of it just to destroy you.

Therefore, we can suffer for being good, and we can suffer for doing good. You can be hated and even killed for being good and for doing good.

But we are told that many of them later believed in Him after seeing His works and hearing His words. But the next worry is: where were these many who believed in Him when the others were accusing Him and killing Him? Could they not speak up to defend Him? Could they not stand up for Him?

This also is to tell us that many will see the truth, many will know the truth, but they will not be ready to stand up for us when we need it the most. Some people fear to identify with us in times of trouble because they fear their good name. They fear to be associated with us because we have been tagged with evil. So, though they know we are innocent, though they know the truth, they choose to be silent.

What do we do in the face of all this? Do we stop being good? Of course not. Do we also become evil like the evildoers? No, that is not the answer.

Let the evil of wicked people not change you from the good person that you are or from doing the good that you do. Just know that some people will never appreciate you, not even for the good you do, but keep doing good all the time. This is the great lesson to learn.

The people did not appreciate Jesus. They were ready to stone Him even for the fact that He was God. But you see, Jesus kept on doing good. He kept on being good.

Let us not give in to the evil of evildoers because they fail to appreciate us. And let us not stop doing good because some people do not seem to appreciate the good that we do.

It pays to be good. It pays to remain good. After all, we are not doing it for people; we are doing it for God. And it is that God who will glorify us.

So remember: yes, some people will never appreciate you or the good that you do, but keep doing good and keep being good all the same.

God bless you 🙏 

Mass Readings and Reflection for March 26, 2026

First Reading: (Genesis 17:3–9)

Responsorial Psalm: (Psalm 105)

Response: The Lord remembers his covenant forever.

Gospel Acclamation:

Glory and praise to you, Lord Jesus Christ.

Gospel: (John 8:51–59)

Reflection:

Jesus does not speak of Himself; He does not glorify Himself. Others glorify Him—especially God His Father. And why? Because Jesus was an obedient Son. He always did His Father’s will.

Now the question for us is this: Can God glorify me? Can God glorify you as He glorified Jesus? Is God proud of you? Is He proud of me? Can others speak highly of us, or do we feel the need to speak highly of ourselves?

Let us look at our lives. What are the kinds of things we do? What can people say about us, positively or negatively? Above all, let us do the things that will make God proud of us and that will bring Him glory.

It is in keeping His will, like Jesus did, in obeying His commandments, that we will be glorified. Then, at the end of our earthly life, we shall hear those beautiful words: “Well done, good and faithful servant. Come into the joy prepared for you.”

That is how God will glorify us by welcoming us into His eternal abode.

Except from Fr. Blessed 🙌 

Mass for the Solemnity of the Annunciation of the Lord Wednesday, March 25, 2026

First Reading: (Isaiah 7:10–14; 8:10)

Responsorial Psalm: (Psalm 40)

Response: Here I am, Lord; I come to do your will.

Second Reading: (Hebrews 10:4–10)

Alleluia, Alleluia.
The Word of God became flesh and dwelt among us; and we saw his glory.
Alleluia.

Gospel: (Luke 1:26–38)

Reflection

Happy Feast of the Annunciation. 

Today, the Church celebrates the Solemnity of the Annunciation of the Lord, the moment when God’s eternal plan for the salvation of humanity began to unfold in time. This is the first Joyful Mystery, the moment when heaven touched earth in a decisive and irreversible way.

God had a plan to save the mankind from sin and death. But remarkably, He chose not to act alone. He chose to depend on a human channel. That channel was Mary.

Think about that.

God, who is all-powerful, chose to wait for the “yes” of a young woman. He chose cooperation over coercion. He chose invitation over imposition.

Mary did not fully understand what was being asked of her. She had never encountered an angel before. She was young, betrothed, and living in a society that would not easily accept her situation. Humanly speaking, everything about this request was overwhelming, even frightening.

And yet, her response changed history:

“Behold, I am the handmaid of the Lord; let it be done to me according to your word.”

That is availability.
That is surrender.
That is faith.

One of the greatest lessons from today’s solemnity is this: God works through available hearts, not perfect people.

We often wonder why God chooses certain people. Why Mary? Why Peter, with all his weaknesses? Why David, the youngest and least expected? Why Jacob, despite his flaws?

The answer is not perfection, it is disposition.

God does not choose the most qualified; He qualifies the chosen. He looks not at appearances, but at the heart. He looks for humility, docility, and willingness.

We are all, in a sense, blunt instruments. Imperfect. Limited. Broken in different ways. Yet in the hands of God, even a blunt instrument can accomplish something precise and beautiful.

What matters is not how sharp you are, but whether you are available.

Some people are talented but unavailable. Others are gifted but proud. Some have everything the world admires intelligence, beauty, wealth, but lack the one thing God desires most: a willing heart.

Mary had that heart.

She did not argue. She did not delay. She did not demand full understanding. She simply trusted, and said yes.

And that “yes” allowed the Word to become flesh.

Interestingly, God is still writing His story in the world today. And He is still looking for human channels. He is still asking:

• Can I use you?

• Are you available?

• Will you trust me even when you do not understand?

Too often, we respond with excuses:
“I am busy.”
“I am not ready.”
“I am not worthy.”

But God already knows all of that. He knows your weaknesses. He knows your limitations. He knows where you struggle.

And yet, He still calls.

Moses said he could not speak. Jeremiah said he was too young. But God did not withdraw His call, He supplied the grace.

Because grace builds on nature, and God’s grace is always sufficient.

What He needs from you is not perfection, but permission.

Not strength, but surrender.

Not brilliance, but availability.

So instead of asking, “Why does God use others?” ask yourself:
“Am I available for God to use me?”

Mary teaches us that greatness in God’s eyes begins with a simple, humble “yes.”

Today, let that be your prayer:

“Lord, I may be weak. I may be imperfect. But I am available. Use me for your glory.”

And if you can say that sincerely, then like Mary, you become a channel through which God can change the world.

Amen.

Top 10 New Headlines on Wednesday, March 25

1. U.S. Pushes Diplomacy and Military Pressure in Iran Conflict

• Donald Trump pursuing dual strategy: negotiations + troop buildup

• U.S. reportedly sent a 15-point plan to Iran covering:

  • Nuclear program

  • Ballistic missiles

  • Key shipping routes

• Plan delivered via Pakistan as intermediary

• Iran publicly denies negotiations

2. U.S. Deploying Thousands of Troops Near Iran

• ~2,000 paratroopers sent to region

• ~2,300 Marines arriving this week

• Possible targets include:

  • Strategic oil hub (Kharg Island)

  • Strait of Hormuz (critical global oil route)

• Iran continues missile launches despite pressure

3. Oil Routes Threatened as Tensions Escalate

• Strait of Hormuz effectively restricted

• Global energy markets rattled

• Conflict already driving rising oil prices

4. Wave of Attacks on Jewish Sites Across Europe

• Incidents reported in:

  • London

  • Belgium

  • Netherlands

• Targets include:

  • Schools

  • Synagogues

  • Ambulances

• Possible links to extremist groups 

• No confirmed perpetrators yet

5. Experts Warn Attacks Aim to Spread Fear and Confusion

• Analysts say incidents likely designed for:

  • Psychological impact

  • Media attention

• Warning: more attacks may follow

6. Democrats Flip Seat in Trump’s Backyard

• Surprise Democratic win in Florida district near Mar-a-Lago

• Part of broader trend:

  • Democrats flipped 20+ seats since 2024

  • Republicans flipped none

• GOP frames losses as typical post-election shift

7. Trump Criticizes Mail-In Voting—While Using It

• Trump voted by mail in same election

• Continues to claim (without evidence) that mail-in voting leads to fraud

8. Meta Hit with $375M Verdict Over Child Safety

• Jury finds Meta misled public about platform safety

• Instagram called a “breeding ground” for exploitation

• Case built using undercover investigators posing as minors

• More legal action expected

9. Big Tech Faces Growing Pressure Over Youth Protection

• Increased scrutiny on:

  • TikTok

  • Snap

  • YouTube

• Potential regulatory changes ahead

10. OpenAI Shuts Down Sora Video Tool

• AI video generator discontinued

• Reasons likely include:

  • High cost

  • Low adoption vs ChatGPT

• Signals shift toward more efficient AI products

Male or Female?

 

Mass Readings and Reflection March 24th 2026

First Reading: Numbers 21:4–9

Psalm: (Psalm 102)

Response: O Lord, hear my prayer, and let my cry come to you.

Alleluia:

Glory and praise to you, O Christ.
The seed is the word of God, Christ is the sower; all who come to him will live forever.

Gospel: (John 8:21–30)

Have you ever tried to give proof of something about which you spoke and others did not believe you? You gave details, you gave facts, and you gave proofs, but there was one last one that, even if everybody decided not to believe, that proof was the ultimate one, the last stroke that broke the camel’s back.

This is exactly what happened in today’s gospel passage.

Let us analyze and put meaning into this statement made by Jesus: “When you have lifted up the Son of Man, then you will know that I am he.” John 8:28.

If someone were to ask you to prove that Jesus is the Messiah, point to the cross. That is the ultimate proof.

Jesus had shown himself to the people as the Messiah. He proved it by his words of preaching and by the miracles that he worked. Yet even at that, some people refused to believe in him. Severally, they asked him, “What sign can you show us that you are the Christ and that you are from above?” (Matthew 12:38–40; John 6:30).

Even the disciples of John the Baptist came to Jesus and asked him, “Are you the Christ, or should we wait for another?” (Matthew 11:3).

Some others, after seeing his works and hearing him preach, said, “No one has ever spoken like this man. Could he be the Christ?” (John 7:41–42).

And even when he narrated to the woman at the well her past life, the woman ran and told the people, “I have seen someone who told me everything that I did. Could he be the Christ that we are waiting for?” (John 4:29).

Jesus himself asked his own apostles, “Who do the people say that I am?” And Simon Peter answered correctly, “You are the Christ, the Son of the living God.” (Matthew 16:13–16).

But the question remains: despite all of these proofs, why did the people keep doubting and not believing in his messiahship?

If they would not believe him nor his works, the final proof is what he tells them in the gospel passage of today. The cross will be the final proof of his messiahship.

“When you have lifted up the Son of Man, then you will know that I am he.”

You will look up to him whom you have pierced. You will know that I am he. For when the Son of Man will be lifted up, he will draw all men to himself (John 12:32).

You will know that I am he. That is to say, you will know that I am the Messiah. You will know that I am the chosen one, the anointed.

How was the cross the final proof of his messiahship? By the great signs that accompanied his hanging on the cross, we have identified six.

The first: the testimony of the soldier, the Roman centurion, when he saw how Jesus died. What was his testimony? “Truly this man was the Son of God.” (Matthew 27:54; Mark 15:39; Luke 23:47).

Second: the supernatural darkness that covered the area from noon till 3:00 PM when he died. The sun was darkened (Luke 23:45).

Third: the blood and water that gushed out from his side (John 19:34).

Fourth: his promising heaven or paradise to the good thief: “Today you will be with me in paradise.” How can you promise to give what you do not have, or take a person to a place where you do not know nor have the keys to lead to that place?

Fifth: the cross being the symbol of our victory. We look up to Jesus. They will look on him whom they have pierced (John 19:37), in reference to the first reading of today. As Moses lifted up the bronze serpent, whoever was bitten and looked up to that bronze serpent lived, so too Jesus, lifted upon the wood of the cross, is our Savior, our healer. He is our healing, our blessing, our salvation. Until we look up to the cross, we shall never be saved.

Friends, salvation comes through the cross.

Therefore, all those who preach a prosperity gospel void of the cross, be careful. There is no salvation without the cross. It is through that cross, when we look up to him who has been pierced and lifted up upon the wood of the cross, that we shall be saved.

Sixth: it did not only end at death. Jesus conquered death. If it had ended on the wood of the cross, they would not be talking about him over two millennials. Look at the other thieves who ended on the cross. Jesus was not a common criminal like the others. He was nailed to the cross, he died, yet he conquered death. He did not end in death. He defeated the cross.

No one has ever risen from the dead.

So even for those who did not believe he was the Messiah, the cross, and all that happened while Jesus hung on it, and after he was taken down from it, especially the resurrection, all of these point to the fact that truly he was the Messiah.

Indeed, we have come to know that it is truly he.

This is what he said: “When you would have lifted me up upon the wood of the cross, then you will know that I am he.”

Truly, after looking at him on the wood of the cross, we have come to believe, from all the signs that happened, from the resurrection, we have come to believe that truly Jesus is the Savior and the Messiah.

Now, it is left for us to believe in him, not just to see it, but to express that belief by doing the things that he has asked of us, by showing our faith, and by knowing that there is no Christianity without the cross.

We are not ashamed of the cross. We are not defeated by the cross, because we know that after that cross comes the crown. After that Good Friday comes an Easter Sunday. After that pain comes gain.

Therefore, we are not afraid of the cross. We are not afraid of suffering, because we know that after that suffering, we shall conquer.

Indeed, Jesus is he, the Messiah, the Savior, the Christ, and he has proven it by what happened on the wood of the cross.

Amen.

Top 10 RISKIEST Foods (Based on Evidence)

“Risky foods” (from a health perspective) are foods that increase the chance of foodborne illness, toxicity, or long-term disease risk-especially if they’re improperly handled, contaminated, or consumed frequently.

These are top 10 ranked based on strength of evidence and  frequency of exposure risk

1. Mold-Contaminated Foods (Aflatoxins)

• Peanuts, corn, spices

Recognized by:

• International Agency for Research on Cancer

 Strongly linked to liver cancer

2. Alcohol (All Types)

• Wine, beer, liquor

 Dose-dependent cancer risk (Group 1 carcinogen)

3. Processed Meats

• Bacon, sausages, hot dogs

 Strong link to colorectal cancer

4. Charred / Burnt Meats

• Over-grilled steak, BBQ

 Forms carcinogens (HCAs, PAHs)

5. Deep-Fried & Burnt Starches

• French fries, chips, burnt toast

Acrylamide formation

6. High-Salt Foods

• Pickled vegetables, salted fish

 Increased stomach cancer risk

7. Salted / Preserved Fish

• Especially traditional salted fish

 Linked to nasopharyngeal cancer

8. Very Hot Drinks

• Coffee or tea >65°C

 Damages throat lining → cancer risk

9. Ultra-Processed Foods

• Packaged snacks, sugary cereals

 Associated with:

• Obesity

• Chronic disease (indirect cancer risk)

 10. Excess Sugar / Sugary Drinks

• Soda, candy

 Not directly carcinogenic—but:

• Drives obesity → increases cancer risk

How to Think About This (Most Important Part)

Risk is not binary—it’s about:

• Dose (how much)

• Frequency (how often)

• Preparation (how it's cooked)

• Context (your overall diet & health)

Simple Rule:

🟢 Eat more of:

• Whole, fresh, minimally processed foods

🔴 Limit:

• Burnt, processed, heavily salted, or contaminated foods

The Sin and Corruption We Are All Going to Pay For

Our great country, the U.S.A., has been torn apart by debt-slavery, gambling, pornography, and never-ending wars.

These are sins that God hates. This should be preached frequently in church. How often do you hear this in your place of worship?

Please be honest 🙏 🙂 

Is This Market Manipulation?

Mad Monday March 23rd, 2026 and the markets were absolutely wild this morning.

Early signs pointed to serious instability, not just in oil, but in the bond market. The 10-year Treasury yield surged to 4.45%, signaling deeper financial stress. Analysts warned that the bond market was becoming a bigger threat than energy prices.

Then, everything shifted.

Within hours, President Donald Trump intervened, postponing planned strikes on Iranian power plants and energy infrastructure for five days. The decision followed warnings that continued escalation could trigger major market fallout.

And that’s when the most important move happened:

Oil prices dropped.

Not slightly, sharply.

Brent crude futures plunged as much as 14% at one point, before stabilizing. Even after recovering some ground, prices were still down significantly from their peak.

Let that sink in.

Oil prices didn’t rise with tension, they dropped the moment policy shifted. 

That drop wasn’t random. It came right after signals that escalation might pause. It came before markets fully opened. And it came as investors recalibrated expectations around war risk and supply disruption.

But the story doesn’t end there.

Within minutes, Iran denied that any real negotiations were taking place. That uncertainty caused oil prices to rebound partially, erasing nearly half of their losses.

Still, even after the rebound, crude hovered around $90 per barrel, down from the highs, but far from stable.

Gas prices are pushing toward $4 per gallon nationally, with some states far exceeding that. In California, prices are nearing $6 per gallon.

And when oil spikes, or even stays elevated those costs ripple outward:

• Truckers pay more for diesel

• Businesses pay more to transport goods

• Consumers pay more for everything they need on a daily basis. 

One truck driver reported spending $1,800 in diesel in a single week, a 40% increase from normal costs.

That cost doesn’t disappear. It gets passed down the chain.

At a recent town hall, a young worker asked a simple question:

“How does a war halfway across the world help me?”. 

It’s a question many Americans are asking, especially as prices rise at the pump, in grocery stores, and even at fast-food counters.

Officials continue to frame the situation as:

“Short-term pain for long-term gain.” lies. 

But markets operate in real time, and so do people’s lives.

Analysts suggest there may be a two-week window to stabilize the situation. If tensions around the Strait of Hormuz continue, oil prices could spike again. This price gyrations are hurting and not helping anybody around the world. 

So, is this market manipulation? Yes, if you ask me. Somebody is always benefiting whether the prices are going up or down. 

But to many, there are no clear evidence of deliberate manipulation.

But the timing is hard to ignore:

• Policy shifts

• Market reactions

• Oil price swings

All happening within hours.

But don't forget, whether you support this government or not, we are all going to feel their policy impacts. 

Stay sharp!

Pal Ronnie

Top 10 SAFEST Foods (Protective / Lowest Risk)

These foods are consistently linked with lower cancer risk and overall health benefits.

1. Cruciferous Vegetables

• Broccoli, kale, cauliflower

• Contain compounds that support detox pathways

2. Berries

• Blueberries, strawberries

• High in antioxidants → reduce cellular damage

3. Colorful Vegetables

• Carrots, peppers, spinach

• Rich in vitamins + protective phytochemicals

4. Legumes

• Beans, lentils, chickpeas

• High fiber → supports gut health

5. Whole Grains

• Oats, quinoa, brown rice

• Linked to lower colorectal cancer risk

6. Fatty Fish

• Salmon, sardines

• Omega-3s → anti-inflammatory effects

7. Nuts (Properly Stored)

• Almonds, walnuts

• Healthy fats + antioxidants
  ⚠️ Avoid moldy peanuts (aflatoxin risk)

8. Fresh Fruits

• Apples, citrus

• Fiber + vitamin C

9. Olive Oil (Extra Virgin)

• Anti-inflammatory

• Core of Mediterranean diet

10. Coffee & Tea (Warm—not hot)

• Linked to reduced risk of:

  • Liver cancer

  • Endometrial cancer

Avoid very high temperatures (>65°C)