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.

Mass Readings and Reflection for March 7th, 2026

 

First Reading: (Micah 7:14–15, 18–20)

Responsorial Psalm (Psalms 103)

Response:
The Lord is compassionate and gracious.

Gospel Acclamation

Alleluia, Alleluia.

Gospel: (Luke 15:1–3, 11–32)

Reflection

Hospital are for sick people. How does a sick person get well if they do not first accept that they are sick and go to the hospital? If they keep denying it, hiding it, or pretending they are not sick, the sickness may kill them.

How does a student grow in knowledge if they do not first express their desire to learn? By going to school and attending lessons. If they are too full of themselves and think they know it all, they can never learn.

How does a sinner repent and become better if they do not first acknowledge their sin and see the need to make amends, to apologize, ask for forgiveness, and to change?

You can never help someone change from their bad behavior when they have not first accepted that what they did was wrong, and when they keep denying it or blaming everyone else instead of themselves.

Many persons have lost the sense of sin, and this is a very big problem. They no longer recognize what is sinful before God. Because of that, they see no need for confession, no need to say they are sorry, and no need for repentance.

People even argue when you point out their mistakes. They consider their actions normal and acceptable.

This is very dangerous.

What helped the younger son repent was that he came to his senses. He became conscious of his sin.

“I will arise and go back to my father.”

That moment of awareness was the turning point.

He said:
“Father, I have sinned against heaven and against you.”

That is where true repentance begins, the consciousness of sin and the desire to return and become better.

If we keep defending ourselves and blaming others, we will never see our faults and we will never grow.

Sometimes we trivialize sin:

“Is it that small thing I did that makes you angry?”

Or we justify it by saying others have done worse. But the fact that others sin does not make our own sin right.

If we lack the humility to ask forgiveness from those we hurt, we will never grow.

Sometimes we even justify revenge:
“I did it because they did it to me.”

But that attitude destroys repentance.

Beloved, when we lose the consciousness of sin, it is extremely dangerous. People live for months and years without going to the Sacrament of Confession because they no longer feel the need to repent.

But sin remains sin.

Do you recognize the sin you have committed?
Are you conscious of it?
Do you want to become better?

Until we reach that awareness, that something in our lives needs to change, we will never grow out of our waywardness.

The problem is not simply that we sin. The problem is refusing to acknowledge the sin and refusing to repent.

Let the younger son be our example.

Finally, beloved, we must also learn to rejoice when others change for the better.

The elder son became angry when his brother returned. Instead of celebrating his brother's repentance, he felt jealous.

This happens even today.

Sometimes when someone who has fallen returns to God, others react with resentment instead of joy.

But we should rejoice when the lost are found.

Let us imitate the mercy of the father in the parable and remember:

True repentance begins with the consciousness of sin and the desire to make amends and become better.

Amen

Daily Mass Readings and Reflection – March 6, 2026

First Reading: (Genesis 37:3–4, 23–24, 28)

“Israel loved Joseph more than his other sons. His brothers grew jealous, seized him, threw him into a pit, and sold him to traders for twenty pieces of silver.”

Responsorial Psalm: (Psalm 105):-Response: Remember the marvels the Lord has done.

Gospel Acclamation: (John 3:16)

Praise to you, Lord Jesus Christ, King of endless glory.
God so loved the world that He gave His only Son, so that everyone who believes in Him might have eternal life.

Gospel: (Matthew 21:33–43)

Reflection:

Today as we continue our Lenten journey, we have the beautiful but difficult story of Joseph. We know the story: he was sold into slavery by his own brothers, and eventually he was able to provide for the people during a time of famine. I really invite you to read the entire story of Joseph, but for today we can focus on the parallel between Joseph and the Gospel.

The name Joseph actually means to gather or to collect. Even though his brothers intended to destroy him, first wanting to kill him and then selling him into slavery, God used that very suffering to bring about something good. Joseph eventually becomes the one who gathers people together and distributes food during the famine. In the face of destruction, suffering, and betrayal, Joseph becomes a source of life, peace, and salvation for many.

We see a similar pattern in the Gospel. God prepared the vineyard and entrusted it to tenants, yet those tenants chose violence and destruction. Even when the landowner sent his own son, they rejected and killed him. But Jesus, the rejected Son, becomes the one who gathers all people to Himself on the Cross.

So both Joseph and Jesus reveal a heart that desires to gather rather than destroy. In the face of suffering, violence, and persecution, they respond by doing the will of God and bringing life to others. Ideally, that is the same heart we are called to have as Christians.

There is also a beautiful parallel in how salvation is given. Joseph brings salvation through food during a famine, distributing grain to keep people alive. Jesus brings salvation through the Eucharist, giving us His Body and Blood so that we may have eternal life. Through this sacred meal and sacrifice, He gathers us together and nourishes us.

So we ask for the grace to be like Joseph: that even in the face of pain, suffering, or injustice, we can still have a heart that seeks to gather others and do the will of God. We ask for the grace to keep our eyes fixed on Jesus so that we can be part of His work of redemption.

As I was praying about these readings, I was reminded of one of my favorite passages from Scripture, (Romans 8:28)
“We know that all things work for good for those who love God, who are called according to His purpose.”

Joseph had no idea why those terrible things were happening to him. He could not see how God would use them. But in the end, God worked through the suffering and brought good from it. God used even the evil actions of others to bring about salvation.

During this Lenten season, as we prepare for Easter, we are invited to trust that God is working in our lives as well. Even when we do not understand what is happening, we believe that in the end God wins and His plan will prevail.

Another theme in today’s reading is jealousy and comparison. Joseph’s brothers saw that their father loved him more, and their jealousy turned into hatred and destruction. The same thing can happen in our own families, workplaces, and communities. When we compare ourselves with others or envy their gifts, that jealousy can slowly lead to division and sin.

But God loves each one of us personally and uniquely. If someone else receives certain gifts or talents, it does not mean we are unloved. God pours His grace into every life in a unique way.

So during this Lenten season we are called to renounce comparison and jealousy, trusting that we are seen, known, and loved by God.

And finally, like the psalmist reminds us today, we should remember the marvels of the Lord, the ways God has worked in salvation history and the ways He has worked in our own lives.

When we remember His faithfulness, it strengthens our trust as we continue our journey of faith.

God bless and have a wonderful weekend. 

Oil Prices Today

 

Public Skepticism Toward the War in Iran Started by the United States and Israel

Infotainment Only:

The U.S. Secretary of War, Pete Hegseth, has been aggressively making the case for America’s current military engagement Iran. His messaging emphasizes strength, national security, and the necessity of action. Yet across the country, many Americans remain deeply skeptical. For a large portion of the public, the government’s attempt to sell another war runs into a powerful wall of historical memory.

A Generation That Has Seen the Cost of War

For many Americans, especially those who have lived through the past two decades, war is no longer an abstract concept. It is associated with long conflicts, heavy financial costs, and human loss.

History has shaped this perception. During the Vietnam War, the United States entered a conflict that was initially justified as necessary to stop communism. What followed was a prolonged and brutal war that lasted nearly two decades. More than 58,000 American soldiers died, and the war ultimately ended without the decisive victory many leaders had promised. Public trust in government messaging about war suffered greatly.

Decades later, the same skepticism resurfaced during the War on Terror. After the attacks of September 11 attacks, the U.S. launched military campaigns in Afghanistan and Iraq. Both wars lasted far longer than initially predicted. The war in Afghanistan stretched nearly twenty years, becoming the longest war in American history, while the Iraq War reshaped the entire region with consequences that are still unfolding today.

For many Americans watching events today, those conflicts are not distant history, they are recent memories.

The Financial and Human Cost

Another factor fueling skepticism is the immense cost of modern warfare. The wars in Iraq and Afghanistan together cost trillions of dollars and resulted in the deaths of thousands of American service members and hundreds of thousands of civilians abroad. Veterans returned home with lasting physical and psychological wounds.

These realities have changed the way many Americans evaluate government calls for military action. Instead of assuming quick victories, people increasingly ask difficult questions:

• How long will this conflict last?

• What will it cost?

• What is the real objective?

• And how does it end?

These questions often emerge long before public support can fully form.

A New Media Landscape

Another major difference today is the decentralization of media. During earlier wars, information flowed primarily through a handful of television networks and major newspapers. Today, information spreads through social media platforms, independent journalists, podcasts, and citizen commentary.

This decentralized environment has two major effects:

1. Government narratives face immediate scrutiny.

2. Alternative perspectives circulate rapidly.

While censorship and content moderation debates continue, the reality remains that Americans now encounter far more viewpoints about war than previous generations did. This makes it harder for a single official narrative to dominate public opinion.

The Growing Gap Between Government Messaging and Public Sentiment

Government officials may present war as necessary or inevitable, but public attitudes have evolved. After decades of costly military engagements, many Americans have become wary of promises of quick victories or clean resolutions.

Political leaders can attempt to frame the conflict as a matter of national security, strategic competition, or moral obligation. Yet the public memory of past wars, Vietnam, Iraq, and Afghanistan, continues to shape how those arguments are received.

For many citizens, the lesson of the past half-century is simple: wars often last longer, cost more, and produce more complex outcomes than leaders initially suggest.

A Simple Reality

In the end, government officials can try to sell a war as much as they want. But the American public is no longer as quick to buy the argument. The experiences of the past, from Vietnam to the War on Terror-have left a deep imprint on the national consciousness.

For many Americans today, skepticism toward war is not a political position. It is a conclusion drawn from history. So next time you see Pete on TV pushing for American support of this war in America, think about why he and the president are pushing it so hard. They need the public's consent. It is that important. 

Oil Prices Today March 5th 2026

 It’s been less than a week since the war in Iran started. A barrel of crude oil was about $65 per barrel. It’s now over $85 for Brent today. That is how working class and poor people pay the price of wars. 

Nothing divides people like politics and war. Now we know why we are so polarized in America today 😮😮