Mass Reading and Reflection for Tuesday July 28th, 2026

First Reading: (Jeremiah 14:17–22)

Responsorial Psalm: (Psalm 79)

Gospel Acclamation

Alleluia, Alleluia.

The seed is the word of God; Christ is the Sower; all who come to him will live forever.

Alleluia, Alleluia.

Gospel: (Matthew 13:36–43)

Jesus left the crowds and went into the house. And his disciples came to him, saying,

"Explain to us the parable of the weeds of the field."

He answered,

"The one who sows the good seed is the Son of Man. The field is the world, and the good seed is the children of the kingdom. The weeds are the children of the evil one, and the enemy who sowed them is the devil. The harvest is the end of the age, and the reapers are angels.

Just as the weeds are gathered and burned with fire, so will it be at the end of the age. The Son of Man will send his angels, and they will gather out of his kingdom all causes of sin and all evildoers and throw them into the fiery furnace. In that place there will be weeping and gnashing of teeth.

Then the righteous will shine like the sun in the kingdom of their Father. Whoever has ears ought to hear.".

Reflection

The prophet Jeremiah presents before us a powerful lesson about repentance and God's mercy. Throughout Israel's history, God continually revealed Himself as a loving and compassionate Father. Despite the people's repeated unfaithfulness and tendency to turn away from Him, He never ceased inviting them back into His covenant love.

Yet there is an important truth we must never overlook: although God is infinitely merciful, we are not entitled to His mercy as though it were our right. God's mercy is always available, but we must humbly seek it. We must acknowledge our sins and ask for forgiveness.

In today's first reading, Israel finally comes before God and admits:

"We acknowledge our wickedness, O Lord... for we have sinned against you."

Only after this confession do they plead for mercy and restoration.

This teaches us that genuine repentance begins with honest self-examination. To acknowledge our guilt means to stop making excuses, stop blaming others, and accept responsibility for our actions.

How often do we say:

• "It was because of my spouse."
• "My coworkers made me do it."
• "If someone had not provoked me, I would not have reacted that way."

These excuses sound familiar because they echo the story of Adam and Eve. Adam blamed Eve. Eve blamed the serpent. Neither initially accepted responsibility for the choices they freely made.

The same temptation exists today. 

But true repentance sounds different. It says:

"I have sinned."

"It was my fault."

"I am sorry."

This is why at the beginning of every Mass we pray:

"Through my fault, through my fault, through my most grievous fault."

These words are not expressions of self-condemnation but acts of humility. They are declarations of truth before God.

Acknowledging our faults does not make us weak. Rather, it demonstrates spiritual maturity. A person cannot overcome a weakness they refuse to admit. Just as a sick person must first recognize their illness before seeking treatment, a sinner must recognize sin before receiving healing.

Many people remain spiritually stagnant because they refuse to confront their shortcomings. They defend themselves, justify their behavior, or point fingers elsewhere. Growth becomes impossible when responsibility is avoided.

The saints and great sinners who encountered God's mercy understood this truth.

• The Prodigal Son acknowledged his wrongdoing and returned to his father.
• Peter wept bitterly after denying Jesus.
• The woman caught in adultery stood before the Lord without excuses.

Each experienced restoration because each first acknowledged guilt.

This lesson also applies to our relationships with one another. When we hurt someone, a sincere apology can soften hearts and begin the process of healing. On the other hand, arguments, excuses, and self-justification often deepen wounds and prolong division.

Today, let us pray for the grace of humility. May we never be too proud in our sins or defensive about our faults. Instead, may we have the courage to say:

"Lord, I have sinned. I am sorry. Help me to change."

When we acknowledge our guilt and sincerely resolve to make amends, we open ourselves to God's mercy, His healing, and His blessings.

Amen.

Daily Mass Readings and Reflection for Monday, July 27th, 2026

First Reading: (Jeremiah 13:1–11)

Responsorial Psalm: (Deuteronomy 32:18–19, 20, 21)

“You forgot the God who gave you birth.”

Gospel Acclamation: 

“Of his own will he brought us forth by the word of truth that we should be a kind of first fruits of his creatures.” -James 1:18

Gospel: (Matthew 13:31–35)

Reflection

The first reading gives us a striking image: a linen waistcloth.

A waistcloth has a purpose. It is designed to be worn around a person's waist. Its usefulness is realized when it remains where it was intended to be.

But Jeremiah takes the waistcloth away from its proper place and buries it beside the river. After many days, it becomes spoiled and good for nothing.

God uses this simple object to teach Israel a profound lesson.

Israel had been created to cling to God. God had chosen His people, loved them, protected them, and given them a purpose. But they became proud and began to believe they could live without Him.

And that is the danger we face as well.

We Are Not Self-Made

How easily we begin to think that we are self-sufficient.

We look at our education, our careers, our money, our talents, our accomplishments, our homes, our possessions, and our abilities, and we begin to believe:

“I did this myself.”

But who gave us the life with which we accomplished these things?

Who gave us our talents?

Who gave us our intelligence?

Who gave us the opportunities?

Who gave us the strength to work?

Who gave us another day to live?

The answer is God.

Saint Paul reminds us:

“What have you that you did not receive?”- (1 Corinthians 4:7)

Everything we have ultimately comes from God.

Therefore, today's reading calls us to humility and gratitude.

The meditation's central message is not that human beings have no value. Quite the opposite.

We have extraordinary value because God has chosen us, loves us, and desires to use our lives for His purposes.

Just as the waistcloth was valuable when it remained attached to the person who wore it, we discover our true purpose when we remain attached to God.

Jesus says:

“Apart from me you can do nothing.”- John 15:5

That is a difficult statement for a culture that constantly tells us to be independent, self-made, and completely self-sufficient.

Christianity does not tell us that we are worthless.

It tells us something more beautiful:

Our worth does not come from ourselves. Our worth comes from God.

We are God's creation.

We are His children.

We are called to serve Him.

And when we surrender ourselves to Him, He can accomplish extraordinary things through ordinary people.

Then the Responsorial Psalm gives us a warning:

“You forgot the God who gave you birth.”

Forgetting God doesn't necessarily mean openly rejecting Him.

Sometimes we forget God simply by becoming too busy for Him.

We can become so consumed with work, money, success, relationships, entertainment, and personal ambitions that God gradually gets pushed into the background.

We may still call ourselves Christians, but God no longer occupies the center of our lives.

That is the danger.

Our blessings can become the very things that make us forget the One who gave them to us.

Your wealth should not make you forget God.

Your education should not make you forget God.

Your career should not make you forget God.

Your talents should not make you forget God.

Your success should not make you forget God.

Instead, the more God gives us, the more grateful we should become.

The reflection also gives us another important warning: do not become compromised.

Our Christian identity must mean something.

We are called to truth.

We are called to honesty.

We are called to integrity.

We are called to goodness.

We are called to holiness.

When we compromise our principles simply because doing so benefits us, we begin to lose the very identity God has given us.

Jesus teaches:

“You are the light of the world.” — Matthew 5:14

And:

“Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father who is in heaven.” - Matthew 5:16

Our lives should point back to God. The Mustard Seed and the Waistcloth

There is a beautiful connection between today's First Reading and Gospel.

Jeremiah teaches us that we must remain attached to God.

Jesus teaches us that God can accomplish great things through what appears small and insignificant.

The mustard seed is tiny, yet it becomes something great.

A person may feel insignificant, but when that person places his or her life in God's hands, God can use it for something far greater than the person could accomplish alone.

You don't have to be famous.

You don't have to be powerful.

You don't have to be wealthy.

You don't have to be important in the eyes of the world.

You simply need to remain close to God and available to Him.

God can take something small and make it fruitful.

Our Questions for Prayers and Reflection Today.

Today, we must ask ourselves:

• Have we become too self-sufficient and forgotten God?

• Do we recognize that everything we have ultimately comes from Him?

• Are we grateful for the gifts, talents, and opportunities God has given us?

• Have we compromised our values for money, success, approval, or convenience?

• Are we allowing God to use our lives for His purposes?

• What small thing can we place in God's hands today?

Let us never forget the God who gave us birth.

Let us never allow our blessings to make us arrogant.

Let us never confuse success with self-sufficiency.

And let us never become so distant from God that we lose sight of who we truly are.

The Lord says:

“I made the whole house of Israel and the whole house of Judah cling to me.”-Jeremiah 13:11

May we remain close to Him.

For when we remain in God's hands, our lives have purpose, our gifts have meaning, and even the smallest things we do can become instruments of His grace.

Amen

Microsoft By the Numbers This Summer 2026

 

Mass Readings and Reflection On Sunday, July 26th, 2026

First Reading: (1 Kings 3:5, 7–12)

Responsorial Psalm: (Psalm 119:57, 72, 76–77, 127–130)

Response:-“O Lord, how I love your law.”

Second Reading: (Romans 8:28–30)

Alleluia: (Matthew 11:25)

Alleluia, alleluia.

“Blessed are you, Father, Lord of heaven and earth; you have revealed to little ones the mysteries of the kingdom.” (Matthew 11:25)

Alleluia, alleluia.

Gospel: (Matthew 13:44–52)

Reflection

What is your treasure and what is my treasure?

Every one of us has something we consider extremely valuable. For some, it may be a dream home. For others, a beautiful car, the latest phone, a successful business, financial security, education, travel, or a particular position in life.

When something is truly important to us, we are willing to sacrifice for it.

Parents sacrifice enormously for their children's education. Someone may sell property to finance a business or pursue an opportunity abroad. Another person may work countless hours to acquire the home or car they have always wanted.

What we treasure determines what we are willing to sacrifice.

That is precisely the point Jesus makes in today's Gospel.

The man who discovers the treasure in the field recognizes its value immediately. He does not hesitate. He goes away, sells everything he has, and buys the field.

The merchant who discovers the pearl of great value does exactly the same thing. He recognizes that what he has found is worth more than everything he currently possesses.

Jesus is asking us to make the same discovery about the Kingdom of God.

Is Heaven Really Our Greatest Treasure?

Jesus tells us plainly:

“For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.” -Matthew 6:21

That verse forces us to examine ourselves.

We may say that heaven is our greatest treasure, but do our lives demonstrate it?

If we treasure our careers, we make sacrifices for them.

If we treasure financial security, we save and invest.

If we treasure education, we study.

If we treasure our families, we make time for them.

If we treasure heaven, what are we willing to sacrifice for it?

This is where today's meditation becomes especially challenging.

The things we need to “sell” are not necessarily our houses, cars, careers, or possessions. The things that most need to be surrendered are the vices and sins that prevent us from becoming the people God calls us to be.

We need to sell our pride.

We need to sell our anger.

We need to sell our lust.

We need to sell our envy and jealousy.

We need to sell our gossip.

We need to sell our wickedness, laziness, resentment, dishonesty, and selfishness.

These are the things that cost us far more than any earthly possession ever could.

The Gospel message brings to mind the rich young man who approached Jesus and asked:

“Good Teacher, what must I do to inherit eternal life?” - Mark 10:17

Jesus challenged him to surrender what stood between him and God. The young man could not make that sacrifice.

“He went away sorrowful, for he had great possessions.” - Mark 10:22

He wanted eternal life, but he was unwilling to give up what had become more important to him.

And this is the question today's Gospel places before each of us:

What is standing between me and the Kingdom of God?

Perhaps it is not money.

Perhaps it is pride.

Perhaps it is an addiction.

Perhaps it is an unhealthy relationship.

Perhaps it is resentment toward someone who hurt us.

Perhaps it is our unwillingness to forgive.

Perhaps it is our obsession with status, possessions, recognition, or the approval of other people.

Whatever it is, Jesus asks us to recognize the greater treasure.

Solomon had the opportunity to choose whatever he wanted, yet he asked for wisdom.

The psalmist declares that God's law is more precious than gold.

Saint Paul reminds us that God is working toward our ultimate good.

And Jesus tells us that the Kingdom of Heaven is worth everything.

The message is remarkably consistent:

Do not trade eternal treasure for temporary possessions.

Everything we accumulate in this life will eventually be left behind. Houses, cars, careers, money, titles, technology, and possessions all belong to this world.

But the Kingdom of God is eternal.

Jesus therefore asks us to order our lives according to what lasts.

“Do not lay up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moth and rust consume and where thieves break in and steal, but lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven.” - Matthew 6:19–20

The Christian life requires sacrifice, but it is not a miserable sacrifice. The man in the parable sells everything with joy because he has discovered something infinitely more valuable.

When we truly recognize the worth of Christ and His Kingdom, giving up sin should not feel like losing something precious.

Today, let us ask ourselves:

• What is my greatest treasure?

• Where is my heart truly invested?

• If heaven is my treasure, what am I willing to sacrifice for it?

• What vice or sin do I need to surrender?

• Is there something I value more than my relationship with God?

• What can I do today to honor and care for an elderly person or grandparent?

May God give us the wisdom of Solomon to recognize what truly matters. May He give us the courage to surrender everything that separates us from Him. And may we have the joy of the man who discovered the treasure in the field-the joy of knowing that nothing in this world is worth more than the Kingdom of God.

Amen

Things They Don't Teach In School

 

This Was Reason for the Blood on the Street (Wall Street) On Friday

 

Daily Mass Readings and Reflection Friday, July 24th, 2026

First Reading: (Jeremiah 3:14–17)

Responsorial Psalm: (Jeremiah 31:10–12b, 13)

Response: The Lord will guard us as a shepherd guards his flock.

Alleluia: (Luke 8:15)

Alleluia, alleluia.

Blessed are they who have kept the word with a generous heart and yield a harvest through perseverance.

Alleluia, alleluia.

Gospel: (Matthew 13:18–23)

Reflection

Today's Gospel invites us to examine not the quality of God's Word but the condition of our hearts. The seed is always good because it is the Word of God. The difference lies in the soil that receives it.

Jesus explains four responses to God's Word.

The first is the hardened heart. Like seed that falls along the path, the Word never takes root because it is not understood or welcomed. The evil one quickly steals it away before it can transform the person.

The second is the shallow heart. These are people who receive God's Word with enthusiasm and joy, but their faith has no deep roots. When trials, suffering, or persecution come, they quickly abandon the Gospel. Their commitment depends on convenience rather than conviction.

The third is the distracted heart. The seed begins to grow, but it is choked by worldly concerns, anxiety, material possessions, ambition, and the constant distractions of daily life. The Word remains present but becomes unfruitful because other priorities occupy first place.

Finally, there is the good soil. These are the men and women who hear God's Word, understand it, persevere through difficulties, and allow it to shape their lives. Their faith produces abundant fruit according to the gifts God has given them.

The Gospel also reminds us that Jesus Himself was rejected. He was opposed by many, including some from His own hometown, the religious leaders who valued legalism over mercy, and even His own disciples, who were often slow to understand His mission. Yet Jesus never stopped sowing the seed of God's Kingdom.

We are called to imitate His perseverance. Rather than judging how much fruit others produce, we should focus on making our own hearts fertile soil. God does not expect the same harvest from everyone. Some bear thirtyfold, others sixtyfold, and still others a hundredfold. What matters is that we faithfully cultivate the gifts He has entrusted to us.

May we ask the Lord for hearts that are receptive, faithful, and fruitful, so that His Word may flourish within us and bring abundant blessings to others.

Amen

Watching For Earnings Call Tonight July 23rd 2026

Based on historical earnings reactions, current setups, and what the market is rewarding/punishing right now.

The market's current mood: Investors are punishing:

• weak guidance,
• margin compression,
• heavy capex,
• any AI story that isn't producing cash flow.

They're rewarding:

• revenue acceleration,
• free cash flow,
• raised guidance.

Highest Expected Volatility

INTC (Intel) ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

Expected move: ±12–18%

Options are reportedly pricing roughly a 15% move, above Intel's recent historical average earnings reaction. Investors are focused on:

• 18A manufacturing progress
• AI/data center growth
• Foundry business execution
• Gross margins

Bull case

• Revenue above ~$14.4B
• Strong margins
• Positive foundry commentary

Bear case

• Foundry losses widen
• AI story disappoints
• Weak Q3 outlook

My expectation: Slight beat, volatile conference call. Stock direction likely determined by guidance more than earnings.

SMMT (Summit Therapeutics) ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

Expected move: ±10–20%

This trades more on:

• Ivonescimab updates
• Trial data
• Regulatory commentary

Not really an earnings stock. Any clinical update can overwhelm financial results.

APPF (AppFolio) ⭐⭐⭐⭐

Expected move: ±8–15%

AppFolio has a strong record of beating expectations.

Last quarter:

• EPS beat
• Revenue grew 20%+ YoY.

With software names, investors want:

• subscription growth
• operating leverage
• AI monetization

Expectation: One of the higher probability beats tonight.

DECK (Deckers Outdoor) ⭐⭐⭐⭐

Expected move: ±8–12%

Historically one of the strongest operating companies in retail.

Market focus:

• HOKA growth
• Inventory levels
• Full-year guidance

If HOKA remains >20% growth, stock likely rallies.

Potential Positive Surprises

SAP ⭐⭐⭐⭐

SAP has become one of the market's favorite enterprise software names because of:

• cloud transition
• AI integration
• recurring revenue growth

Recent acquisitions show management is aggressively investing in AI and enterprise data infrastructure.

Expectation: Beat-and-raise more likely than miss-and-cut.

HIG (Hartford)

Insurance has been one of the market's strongest earnings groups.

Things investors like:

• pricing power
• higher investment income
• reasonable valuation

Expectation: Low drama quarter.

SSNC (SS&C Technologies)

Quiet compounder.

Investors will watch:

• recurring revenue
• margins
• wealth-management software demand

Historically tends to have smaller earnings reactions.

Potential Negative Surprise Risk

DLR (Digital Realty)

The AI/data-center theme has driven expectations sky-high.

Good earnings may already be priced in.

Risk:

• slower leasing
• capex concerns
• weaker guidance

RNG (RingCentral)

The market has become skeptical of UCaaS/cloud communications names.

Must show:

• enterprise growth
• stable retention
• AI monetization

Anything less can hurt the stock.

MXL (MaxLinear)

Historically volatile semiconductor name.

Investors want:

• inventory normalization
• networking demand improvement

Could easily move 10%+ either way.

Regional Banks

ASB

COLB

FIBK

GBCI

These typically trade on:

• Net Interest Margin
• Loan growth
• Credit quality
• Deposit trends

Current environment favors banks if:

• credit remains clean
• NIM stabilizes

I'd rank:

1. COLB
2. FIBK
3. GBCI
4. ASB

for probability of positive reaction.

Energy / Commodity Names

OVV (Ovintiv)

Watch:

• production guidance
• shareholder returns
• oil price outlook

Likely tied more to commodity commentary than earnings.

NEM (Newmont)

Gold miner.

If gold remains strong:

• cash flow
• production
• AISC costs

matter most.

Could be one of tonight's more interesting calls.

REITs

REXR

Industrial REIT.

Watch:

• occupancy
• rent spreads
• Southern California demand

Usually moderate earnings reaction.

ORC

Mortgage REIT.

Mostly interest-rate sensitive.

Higher volatility than most REITs.

Small-Cap Wildcards

OPTT

Very speculative.

Small earnings numbers matter less than:

• contracts
• backlog
• financing

Could move double digits.

EBC

RHI

Typically, guidance-driven. RHI is often viewed as an employment/economy indicator.

My "Most Likely Winners Tonight"

1. SAP
2. APPF
3. HIG
4. SSNC
5. DECK

Biggest Upside If They Beat

1. INTC
2. SMMT
3. APPF
4. DECK
5. MXL

Biggest Blow-Up Risk

1. INTC
2. SMMT
3. MXL
4. RNG
5. DLR

If I were trading purely on historical post-earnings reactions and current sentiment, INTC, APPF, DECK, SAP, and SMMT are the names I'd have on the screen immediately after the close. Their conference-call commentary is likely to matter more than the headline EPS number. 

Wealth Creates Options

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