ThOuGhTs, iDeAs, oPiNiOnS, cHaTtEr

First Saturday of March 2026

I observe the First Saturday devotion.  Since it is also grocery day, I would have to leave earlier so that I would be the first in the queue for confession.  Left with my favorite Omega Speedmaster 38mm on my left wrist and my Apple watch on my right.

It was easy to find a parking slot.  Doing groceries is also a breeze as there are still a few customers.  After paying our purchases, left Edgar, the driver, to bring home our purchases while I proceeded to Sto. Niño de Paz Greenbelt Chapel.

I was the third in the queue for the Sacrament of Reconciliation.  The priest was not yet in the confessional when I arrived.  Prayed the Act of Reparation for the first Saturdays of the month before queuing. 

After the confession, did a fifteen minute meditation of the Ascension of the Lord.

I was able to finish my morning prayers and join the community to pray the Rosary.

The Mass presider is Fr. Lawrence.

The reading from Micah is a prayer to God as a forgiving Father and for us to put our trust in Him. God’s mercy is always greater than our stubbornness. He shows delight in showing compassion to us. 

In the Gospel, Jesus shows us the different movements of the human heart:

Young son. We desire freedom without responsibility. Life in our own terms. Eventually, self-centered life makes us hungry. The young son is also hopeful—courage to return. 

Older brother. He did what was expected of him but eventually he became resentful. Outwardly close to God. Pride in our heart. We become judgmental towards others. Mercy we receive from God is mercy others may need from us. 

Father. He goes out to his children. 

The parable reminds us that we see ourselves either on the two sons. The good news, God is the same. 

After the Mass, I visited the Mary, Mother of Hope Chapel at The Landmark.  Lunch is at the Food Center of the department store.  It is also here where I bought items needed for the wedding I would be attending--shoes, bag, knee-hi stocking.

Bought USB-C to Lightning cable.  I was able to buy hair clips with "pearls" at Broadway Gems.

Walked back to Greenbelt Chapel to attend the anticipated Mass.

I was able to join the community to pray the Divine Mercy Chaplet and the Rosary.

The anticipated Mass presider is Fr. Joel.

The well is the place where people talk, exchange news, gossip, etc. But that well became the salvation of the Samaritan woman when she conversed with Jesus. 

God will satisfy our deepest thirst. He is our living water. 

After the Mass, I went to The Landmark Supermarket to buy fruits (oranges and strawberries) for my niece.  She has had a fever since Wednesday.  She said she no longer has a fever and colds.  She still has coughs. 

posted by ~GFA~ @ 3/07/2026 10:27:00 PM