Thursday, April 9, 2026
Wednesday, April 8, 2026
Mass Readings and Reflection Wednesday, 8th April 2026
First Reading: (Acts 3:1–10)
Responsorial Psalm: (Psalm 105)
Response: Let the hearts that seek the Lord rejoice.
Gospel: (Luke 24:13–35)
Reflection
Today’s Gospel presents another post-resurrection appearance of Jesus. He appears to two of His disciples on their way to Emmaus. Just like in the case of Mary Magdalene, they did not recognize Him at first. This reveals something very particular about the resurrection appearances of Jesus: when He appears, He is often not immediately recognized.
These two disciples walked with Him, spoke with Him, and shared their sorrow, yet they did not know it was Him. This raises an important question many people ask: why did they not recognize Jesus after His resurrection? How is it possible that those who knew Him so well could fail to recognize Him within just three days?
There are a few reasons. First, after His resurrection, Jesus had a glorified body, different from the one He had before. Second, the disciples were overwhelmed with grief and disbelief, which clouded their ability to recognize Him. Third, and most importantly, Jesus chose to reveal Himself gradually. He wanted them to come to faith not just by sight, but through Scripture and understanding.
That is why He first explained the Scriptures to them, beginning with Moses and all the prophets. He helped them connect what had happened with what had already been foretold. Then, at table, He took bread, blessed it, broke it, and gave it to them. It was at that moment, the breaking of the bread, that their eyes were opened, and they recognized Him.
This was a journey: from the explanation of Scripture to the breaking of the bread. Through these actions, Jesus revealed Himself.
That Emmaus experience is exactly what happens at every Holy Mass. At Mass, we first encounter the breaking of the Word. The Scriptures are read, and they are explained. Jesus speaks to us and reveals Himself through His Word. Then we move to the altar, where the Word becomes flesh in the Eucharist. In the breaking of the Bread, Jesus reveals Himself again.
The Holy Mass, therefore, is our own Emmaus experience.
The question we must ask ourselves is: do we recognize Him?
Many times, we do not. During the Liturgy of the Word, we are distracted and fail to listen. During the consecration, we lose focus. We are physically present, but spiritually absent. And so, like the disciples at first, we fail to recognize Him even though He is right there with us.
If we truly understood that every Mass is an encounter with the risen Christ, our attitude would change. We would listen more attentively. We would participate more fully. We would recognize that Jesus is revealing Himself to us, first in the Word, and then in the Eucharist.
The Church teaches us something very important here: those who do not listen to the Word of God, who do not partake in the table of the Word, should not approach the table of the Eucharist. The two are inseparable. It is through both that Christ reveals Himself.
Therefore, let us pray for the grace to recognize Jesus each time we attend Mass. When the Scriptures are proclaimed, may we hear His voice. When the Bread is broken, may we see Him with the eyes of faith.
Every Mass is our Emmaus. Jesus walks with us, speaks to us, and reveals Himself to us.
May we not miss Him.
Amen
God bless you
Tuesday, April 7, 2026
Oil Dropped Because Iranians Will All Live
See above, oil dropped over 15% and 11% for WTI and Brent.
What is there not to like about anti-war efforts? The president has apparently reached a deal for a two-week ceasefire in Iran. Before that, he had threatened to wipe out an entire civilization. Is he God?
Whatever the deal is, we hope it holds. One thing is certain: we don’t want innocent people to die. Also, all those who thrive on bloodshed will not be happy about this, and that’s a good thing. Thank God for that.
If this drop holds, it will bring relief at the gas pump. I paid over $4 per gallon the last time I filled up. Flying may become a little cheaper, and so might groceries.
When the president of the United States speaks, people pay attention. Doesn't matter how deranged he might be. The lesson is, you can never underestimate a man with ego and unprecedented power. Don't try it. But who are Trump advisors? Don't answer that.
Madd Reading and Reflection April 7th 2026
First Reading: (Acts 2:36–41)
Responsorial Psalm: (Psalm 33)
Response: His merciful love fills the earth.
The word of the Lord is faithful
His works are trustworthy
His mercy and love fill the whole earth
Alleluia: Alleluia, alleluia!
This is the day the Lord has made; let us rejoice and be glad in it.
Alleluia!
Gospel: (John 20:11–18)
Reflection:
Jesus calls you by your name so that you may recognize Him.
The turning point in today’s Gospel is simple but powerful:
Mary recognizes Jesus the moment He calls her by name.
Before that:
She saw Him, but did not know that was Him.
She heard Him, but did not recognize His voice.
She spoke to Him, but thought He was a stranger.
One word changed everything: “Mary.”
1. Recognition comes through relationship
Jesus did not reveal Himself through a miracle or dramatic sign.
He revealed Himself through a personal call.
From “sir” → to “Rabboni”
From confusion → to recognition
From sorrow → to faith
Key message: we recognize Jesus deeply only when we have a personal relationship with Him.
2. Jesus knows you personally
Just as He called Mary,
He calls us by your name.
Not in general
Not as part of a crowd
But personally and intentionally
He knows you, he knows me, He sees us. He calls us.
3. Why we fail to recognize Him
Like Mary, we often:
Are overwhelmed by sorrow
Distracted by life
Surrounded by noise
This world is noisy. Too noisy.
There are many voices competing for our attention.
Key message: If we are not attentive, we may miss the voice of Jesus, even when He is right in front of us.
4. Jesus speaks in everyday moments
Jesus still appears today:
In our struggles
In our daily routine
In unexpected encounters
But the question is: Do we recognize Him?
5. There is no need to be afraid
When Jesus calls us by name, it means:
He knows us
He is near
He is present in our lives and situation
Key message: If Jesus knows our name, we are never alone.
Just like Mary:
Listen for His voice
Pay attention
Build a relationship with Him
Because at the moment He calls our name…..Everything can change.
Monday, April 6, 2026
Trouble With Working Class People
This is how the average person lose money in the system through wars.
Mass Readings and Reflection Monday (April 6, 2026)
First Reading: (Acts 2:14, 22–33)
Responsorial Psalm: (Psalm 16)
Response: Preserve me, O God, for in you I take refuge.
Gospel: (Matthew 28:8–15)
Reflection
Happy Easter. It is one day after resurrection Sunday and we are still within the octave of Easter, and throughout this week, the readings focus on the post-resurrection appearances of Jesus. He shows Himself to His disciples in different ways and moments, leaving no doubt that He is truly risen from the dead.
In today’s Gospel, the women experience mixed emotions, fear and great joy. Fear at what has happened, yet overwhelming joy that the Lord is risen. But something striking happens: although the apostles are in Jerusalem where everything took place, Jesus does not immediately appear to them there. Instead, He instructs them to go to Galilee. Why Galilee?
Galilee is where it all began. It is where Jesus started His ministry, where He taught them, performed miracles, and revealed His identity. Yet at that time, they did not fully understand Him, especially His predictions about His suffering, death, and resurrection. Now that these things have come to pass, they are asked to return to that beginning so they can understand the end.
The journey back to Galilee is therefore a journey of faith. It is like reading a book or watching a movie: the ending may not make sense unless you revisit the beginning. When you connect the beginning to the end, clarity emerges. The apostles needed to return to Galilee to remember, to connect, and to finally understand.
This message applies to us today. If there are things in our lives we do not understand, go back to our own “Galilee”, the place where it all began.
Finally, the Gospel reminds us of the soldiers who witnessed the truth of the resurrection but chose silence because they were bribed. Even today, many know the truth but refuse to speak because of personal gain. They allow falsehood to spread rather than stand for what is right.
We must ask ourselves: Do I know the truth, yet remain silent because of fear, pressure, or gain?
Let us pray for the grace to:
Speak the truth boldly
Refuse to be silenced by compromise
And return to our Galilee whenever life does not make sense
So that, by reconnecting with our beginnings, we may better understand our present and walk forward in faith.
Amen. Happy Easter.
God bless you 🙏
Sunday, April 5, 2026
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