Wednesday, May 27, 2026
The Day a Stranger Reminded Me About Our Common Humanity
I walked into CVS the other day with a simple plan: grab a few items and get out. Nothing special. But the moment I stepped inside, something unusual happened, something so rare now that it almost startled me.
A woman waiting at the cashier looked up, met my eyes, and gave me one of the warmest smiles I’ve seen in a long time. Not distracted. Not half‑present. A real smile.
Like humans do, I returned it and said hello. And just like that, a conversation erupted, naturally, effortlessly, the way it used to before the world got swallowed by screens.
I told her how refreshing it was to see someone not glued to a phone. Then I shared my two recent “experiments”, how I went into two different stores, intentionally leaving my phone in the car, hoping to talk to anyone who wasn’t staring at theirs. Both attempts failed.
She laughed, then admitted she had to “confess.” She lifted her hand and showed me her phone, which she had been hiding behind her.
“It died,” she said, smiling again.
We both burst out laughing. It was honest, human, and real.
In that small moment, we acknowledged something bigger than the two of us, how far we’ve drifted from each other, how much we’ve surrendered to these devices, and how strange it feels to meet someone who is actually present.
We ended our conversation with a simple agreement:
We have to strive, daily, to detach ourselves from these phones and talk to each other again.
A small encounter.
A warm smile.
A reminder that humanity isn’t gone, it’s just waiting for us to look up.
Mass Readings and Reflection for May 27th 2026
First Reading: (1 Peter 1:18–25)
Responsorial Psalm: Psalm 147
Response: Praise the Lord, O Jerusalem.
Gospel Acclamation:
Alleluia, alleluia.
The Son of Man came to serve and to give His life as a ransom for all.
Alleluia.
Gospel Mark: (Mark 10:32–45)
Reflection:
Reflecting on today’s Gospel, one striking moment stands out:
“When the ten heard this, they began to be angry with James and his brother John.”
Why were they upset? Was it because James and John asked for something inappropriate, or because the others had not thought to ask first?
It brings to mind a familiar childhood experience. Perhaps many of us remember a family outing when one sibling quickly shouted, “Shotgun!” to claim the front seat in the car. The others became upset-not necessarily because the seat itself mattered, but because someone else got there first.
Ironically, everyone was still heading to the same destination.
In the same way, Jesus teaches that what matters most is not where we sit in glory, but that we are with Him. Even more important is the path that leads there. The road to greatness is not paved with privilege, superiority, or power over others. It is paved with service.
Jesus says:
“Whoever wishes to become great among you must be your servant.”
The Son of God Himself came not to be served, but to serve. Jesus demonstrated this through His entire life, washing the feet of His disciples, healing the sick, comforting the brokenhearted, and ultimately offering His life on the Cross.
Jesus does not merely preach service; He lives it.
To follow Christ means embracing servant leadership. Service often requires sacrifice. We cannot truly help another person without giving something of ourselves, our time, energy, comfort, patience, or attention.
The measure of greatness in the Kingdom of God is humility, self-sacrifice, and unconditional love.
Many people look to saints like Saint Teresa of Calcutta for inspiration in serving others. Yet most of us are not called to extraordinary public missions. Perhaps we are called instead to the “Little Way” of Saint Thérèse of Lisieux.
Her spirituality focused on doing small things with great love. She believed even the smallest action could become holy when done for God. She once spoke about carefully folding napkins at the dinner table as though Jesus Himself were coming to dine.
That is the heart of Christian service.
Every day presents opportunities to serve:
letting someone with only a few groceries go ahead of us in line,
showing patience to an overwhelmed waitress,
holding an elevator door open,
sincerely listening to a spouse, child, or friend,
sharing food with a neighbour,
praying for someone quietly carrying a burden.
These acts may seem small, but in God’s eyes they are powerful expressions of love.
Peter reminds us in today’s first reading to “love one another deeply from a pure heart.” A pure heart is a servant’s heart, a heart like Christ’s.
True greatness does not consist in what we possess or in what position we hold. Greatness is found in how we love and serve others.
Amen 🙏
Tuesday, May 26, 2026
Mass Readings and Reflection on Tuesday May 27th 2026
First Reading: (1 Peter 1:10–16)
Responsorial Psalm: Psalm 98
“The Lord has made known His victory.”
Gospel Acclamation
Alleluia, Alleluia.
Blessed are You, Father, Lord of heaven and earth;
You have revealed to little ones the mysteries of the kingdom.
Alleluia.
Gospel: (Mark10: 28–31)
Reflection
Today’s Gospel focuses on the cost and reward of discipleship. Peter reminds Jesus that the disciples left everything behind to follow Him. Jesus does not deny the sacrifice involved in following Him; instead, He promises a deeper life and eternal reward.
True discipleship requires letting go of comfort, control, ego, sinful habits, and sometimes even personal expectations. Following Christ is not merely about receiving blessings, but loving and serving God because He is Lord.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)