February 2026

I do not know if you have reflected on this point before, but I often wonder why many breakthroughs emerge only after a season of trial. Consider the story of Joseph and his brothers before he rose to greatness and was appointed prime minister in Egypt. He was hated by his siblings (Genesis 37:23-28), falsely […]

I was grateful last Wednesday when Fr. Ricky returned from his trip to attend Bishop Ramon’s consecration in Monterey and celebrated Ash Wednesday Mass with me for all of you. I would have done it regardless, but his presence brought a deep sense of relief, especially as I continue to strive to communicate meaningfully in

The ability to choose lies at the heart of human autonomy. When Moses declares that he has “set before you life and prosperity, death and doom” (Deuteronomy 30:15-20), he presents us with a decisive invitation to choose. Likewise, when Jesus says, “If anyone wishes to come after me, he must deny himself, take up his

I was reading a post about a few days ago attributed to “The Catholic Dailies” about Ash Wednesday, which made a powerful impression on me. After reading the piece and the strong instructions it contains, I reframed it to capture all the essential aspects I will share with you at this Mass. To start with,

Today is “Fat Tuesday,” a traditional observance in many places that marks the close of the extended Christmas and New Year festivities and invites us to prepare intentionally for the season of Lent.  Historically, people would empty their pantries of rich foods, meat, milk, and other indulgences, as a symbolic transition toward prayer, sacrifice, and

The human search for happiness touches every aspect of life, pointing toward areas such as health, stability, meaningful relationships, and the freedom to live with purpose and joy. Today’s readings remind us that true happiness is not merely a product of external success but the fruit of wise and faithful living. In the first reading

I have been a student for most of my life, and I remain a student even now. Along that journey, I have often heard the wisdom not to judge by appearance or to summarize a book by its cover. The contrast between the women in today’s first reading, referring to Solomon’s foreign wives (1 Kings

Today’s Gospel (Mark 7:14-23) reveals a wisdom that echoes what the Queen of Sheba recognized and admired in Solomon (1 Kings 10:1-10). Jesus points us toward a deeper, practical insight: the common-sense wisdom that not what enters from outside through food or drink can defile, but what emerges from within through thoughts that shape our

As we concluded last week, the weekly readings recounted the closing chapter of David’s life. Before his death, David expressed profound gratitude to God by promising to build Him a house of prayer. In response to this devotion, God made a counter-promise that He would build a house for David, establishing his lineage, and leaving

This Sunday’s liturgy draws our attention to the practical dimensions of Christian discipleship. We are familiar with the theological virtues of FAITH, HOPE, and LOVE, taught throughout Scripture, especially in First Corinthians (13:13), and affirmed by the Church’s Catechism as the bedrock of the Christian life. Each time we recite or sing the Creed, we

While preaching about David’s illicit affair with Bathsheba last week, Friday, I mentioned that King David reflects who many of us truly are: holy, devoted, and trustworthy, yet also frail, sinful, and weak.  Today’s first reading (Sirach 47:2–11) beautifully clarifies this reality, reminding us that, despite his wrongdoings, David was “like the choice fat of

As we celebrate the memorial of St. Agatha, the final speech of David to his son, Solomon, stands out as a source of instruction for us today. In the first reading (1 Kings 2:1-4, 10-12), King David urges Solomon to embrace courage, maturity, and obedience, grounding his leadership in faithful devotion to God. Interestingly, he