“Dr. Patrick Soon-Shiong is a surgeon who made billions inventing cancer drugs. He says that Covid, and the vaccines that didn’t stop it, are likely causing a global epidemic of terrifyingly aggressive cancers.”

TIMESTAMPS: (0:00) Why Are Cancer Rates Rising in Young People? (6:16) What Is Causing This Cancer Epidemic? (14:52) Is There a Connection Between Covid and Cancer? (25:33) Why Dr. Soon-Shiong Never Got Covid (39:36) How Big Pharma Tried to Undermine Dr. Soon-Shiong (47:35) Dr. Soon-Shiong’s Analysis of RFK Jr. (1:02:47) The Healthcare Industry’s Conflict of Interest (1:05:51) How to Strengthen Your Immune System (1:10:32) What Your Doctor Won’t Tell You About How to Fight Cancer (1:20:58) Why Hasn’t Anyone Faced Consequences for These Crimes? (1:33:59) Why Dr. Soon-Shiong Bought the LA Times

VIDEO: https://x.com/TuckerCarlson/status/1904941620283253060

It is Tuesday of Holy Week. Jesus likely arises early, as did all the ancients. Days both ended and started early, at dusk and dawn, prior to the advent of electric lighting. They leave Bethany and head back to Jerusalem. Perhaps a few converts can be made before the transcendent events of the Passion begin.

It is only a couple of miles, mostly downhill, to Jerusalem. As they come down the steep hill they see the fig tree Jesus had cursed the day before.

As they were walking back in the morning, they saw the fig tree withered from its roots. Peter remembered it and said, “Look, Rabbi! The fig tree You cursed has withered.” (Mk 11:20-21).

Jesus had cursed the fig tree, a metaphor for the ancient chosen people, for lack of faith, justice, and charity, the expected fruits in its branches. (This was discussed in more detail in yesterday’s post.) The fig tree reminds us of the day of judgment. “Lip service” faith is easy, but Jesus is looking for real fruit in the branches.

The apostolic band walks on further with Jesus, and they eventually arrive at the Temple, where they are immediately confronted by the Temple leaders:

At their return to Jerusalem, Jesus was walking in the temple courts, and the chief priests, scribes, and elders came up to Him. “By what authority are You doing these things?” they asked. “And who gave You the authority to do them?” “I will ask you one question,” Jesus replied, “and if you answer Me, I will tell you by what authority I am doing these things. The baptism of John, was it from heaven or from men? Answer Me!” They deliberated among themselves what they should answer: “If we say, ‘From heaven,’ He will ask, ‘Why then did you not believe him?’ But if we say, ‘From men’…” they were afraid of the people, for they all held that John truly was a prophet. So they answered Him, “We do not know. And Jesus replied, “Neither will I tell you by what authority I am doing these things” (Mk 11:27-33).

Jesus questions their question with a question. He seems to engage in the Socratic method, making them examine their premises. In this dialogue the leaders are confronted with their own insincerity. They are asked to consider that their own “authority” is based not on truth, but on power and its trappings. They are asked to consider that they have “too much to lose” because they root their authority in the power and accolades of the people. They are not true leaders, for they do not seek the truth but rather only what confirms their power.

Do not scorn or laugh at them—many of us are in the same condition.

Jesus turns to them and others in the Temple area, teaching them in numerous parables (Mk 12:1). In these parables He lays bare their hearts and reminds them that although they are leaders they are refusing God’s offer of salvation and His invitation to the true feast to which their rituals point.

Jesus begins,

But what do you think? There was a man who had two sons. He went to the first and said, ‘Son, go and work today in the vineyard.’ ‘I will not,’ he replied. But later he changed his mind and went. Then the man went to the second son and told him the same thing. ‘I will, sir,’ he said. But he did not go. Which of the two did the will of his father? “The first,” they answered. Jesus said to them, “Truly I tell you, the tax collectors and prostitutes are entering the kingdom of God before you. For John came to you in a righteous way and you did not believe him, but the tax collectors and prostitutes did. And even after you saw this, you did not repent and believe him (Mat 21:28-32).

Lip service is not obedience. Their refusal to come to faith is disobedience to God. He desires obedience more than ritual observances and sacrifices (see Psalm 40:6).

Jesus warns them that their plots to kill Him will end badly:

A man planted a vineyard. He put a wall around it, dug a wine vat, and built a watchtower. Then he rented it out to some tenants and went away on a journey. At harvest time, he sent a servant to the tenants to collect his share of the fruit of the vineyard. But they seized the servant, beat him, and sent him away empty-handed. Then he sent them another servant, and they struck him over the head and treated him shamefully. He sent still another, and this one they killed. He sent many others; some they beat and others they killed. Finally, having one beloved son, he sent him to them. ‘They will respect my son,’ he said. But the tenants said to one another, ‘This is the heir; come, let us kill him, and the inheritance will be ours.’ So they seized the son, killed him, and threw him out of the vineyard. What then will the owner of the vineyard do? He will come and kill those tenants and give the vineyard to others. Have you never read this Scripture: ‘The stone the builders rejected has become the cornerstone. This is from the Lord, and it is marvelous in our eyes’?” (Mark 12:1-11)

At this, the leaders sought to arrest Jesus, for they knew that He had spoken this parable against them. Fearing the crowd, though, they left Him and went away (Mk 12:1-12). They will return shortly with other interrogators.

Matthew records that Jesus then told the following parable, likely to others in the Temple area. In it, He warns them of the urgency of the dramatic decision that is upon them. Do they want salvation in the way God offers? Do they desire the Kingdom of God and its values or do they prefer the present but passing desires of the world? Are they willing to be clothed in the garments of righteousness that God himself provides or do they prefer to wear the fashions of the world?

Once again, Jesus spoke to them in parables: “The kingdom of heaven is like a king who prepared a wedding banquet for his son. He sent his servants to call those he had invited to the banquet, but they refused to come. Again, he sent other servants and said, ‘Tell those who have been invited that I have prepared my dinner. My oxen and fatlings have been killed, and everything is ready. Come to the wedding banquet.’ But they paid no attention and went away, one to his field, and another to his business. The rest seized his servants, mistreated them, and killed them. The king was enraged. He sent his troops to destroy those murderers and burn their city. Then he said to his servants, ‘The wedding banquet is ready, but those I invited were not worthy. Go therefore to the crossroads and invite to the banquet as many as you can find.’ So the servants went out into the streets and gathered everyone they could find, both evil and good, and the wedding hall was filled with guests. But when the king came in to see the guests, he spotted a man who was not dressed in wedding clothes. ‘Friend,’ he asked, ‘how did you get in here without wedding clothes?’ But the man was speechless. Then the king told the servants, ‘Tie him hand and foot and throw him outside into the outer darkness, where there will be weeping and gnashing of teeth.’ For many are called, but few are chosen” (Matt 22:1-14).

Now come various interlocutors. Note that the Pharisees, Herodians, and Sadducees agreed on nothing but that Jesus had to go. They “teamed up” against the Lord! This indicates the depth of their fear: even enemies will be embraced to rid the city of this upstart preacher who so threatens their shared power.

Later, they sent some of the Pharisees and Herodians to catch Jesus in His words. “Teacher,” they said, “we know that You are honest and are swayed by no one. Indeed, You are impartial and teach the way of God in accordance with the truth. Now then, is it lawful to pay taxes to Caesar or not? Should we pay them or not?” But Jesus saw through their hypocrisy and said, “Why are you testing Me? Bring Me a denarius to inspect.” So, they brought it, and He asked them, “Whose likeness is this? And whose inscription?” “Caesar’s,” they answered. Then Jesus told them, “Give to Caesar what is Caesar’s, and to God what is God’s.” And they marveled at Him (Mk 12:13-17).

This is an attempt to draw Jesus into a cheap political debate and thereby cause division among His admiring crowd. Their concern about taxes is insincere because even those who dispute paying taxes to Caesar walk about with Caesar’s money. Jesus will not be called off message; He says to them, “[Give] to God what is God’s.” In this case what they are to give to God is faith in the one whom He has sent, Jesus.

The next opponents of Jesus are the Sadducees, who deny that there is a resurrection of the dead and seek to ridicule belief in Heaven through a complex and unlikely scenario:

Then some Sadducees, who say there is no resurrection, came and questioned Him: “Teacher, Moses wrote for us that if a man’s brother dies and leaves a wife but no children, the man should marry the widow and raise up offspring for his brother. Now there were seven brothers. The first one married and died, leaving no children. Then the second one married the widow, but he also died and left no children. And the third did likewise. In this way, none of the seven left any children. And last of all, the woman died. In the resurrection, whose wife will she be? For all seven were married to her.” Jesus said to them, “Aren’t you mistaken because you do not know the Scriptures or the power of God? When the dead rise, they will neither marry nor be given in marriage. Instead, they will be like the angels in heaven. And regarding the dead rising, have you not read about the burning bush in the book of Moses, how God told him, ‘I am the God of Abraham, the God of Isaac, and the God of Jacob.’ He is not the God of the dead, but of the living. You are badly mistaken (Mk 12:18-27).

Yes, they are badly mistaken; they seek to understand heavenly realities using earthly notions. Because the Sadducees only accepted the first five books of the Old Testament, Jesus uses a passage from Exodus as well as their own logic against them. The Sadducees denied the resurrection by saying that God is a God of the living, not the dead. If that be so, though, why does the Lord call himself the God of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob, all of whom have been dead for over four centuries? They must be alive to God! In this way, the Sadducees are set aside.

Finally, a scribe steps forth. Although he is likely seeking to refute Jesus, the conversation ends up being promising:

Now one of the scribes had come up and heard their debate. Noticing how well Jesus had answered them, he asked Him, “Which commandment is the most important of all?” Jesus replied, “This is the most important: ‘Hear O Israel, the Lord our God is One Lord, and you shall love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your and and with all your strength.’ The second is this: ‘Love your neighbor as yourself.’ No other commandment is greater than these.” “Right, Teacher,” the scribe replied. “You have stated correctly that God is One and there is no other but Him, and to love Him with all your heart and with all your understanding and with all your strength, and to love your neighbor as yourself, which is more important than all burnt offerings and sacrifices.” When Jesus saw that the man had answered wisely, He said, “You are not far from the kingdom of God” (Mk 12:28-34).

Speaking to His claim to be Messiah and Lord, Jesus invokes the authority of Scripture, reminding them that in Psalm 110 (a messianic psalm) the Messiah is called “Lord,” not merely the Son of David.

While Jesus was teaching in the temple courts, He asked, “How can the scribes say that the Christ is the son of David? Speaking by the Holy Spirit, David himself declared: ‘The Lord said to my Lord, “Sit at My right hand until I put Your enemies under Your feet.”’ David himself calls Him Lord. So how can He be David’s son?” And the large crowd listened to Him with delight (Mk 12:35-37).

Matthew records Jesus delivering a series of woes directed against the leaders and teachers of that time. These are delivered in a lengthy passage, which is available here: Seven woes. It is quite severe and shows a strong indictment of those who “major in the minors,” who maximize the minimum and minimize the maximum. Jesus concludes by saying,

You snakes! You brood of vipers! How will you escape being condemned to hell? Therefore, I am sending you prophets and sages and teachers. Some of them you will kill and crucify; others you will flog in your synagogues and pursue from town to town. And so upon you will come all the righteous blood that has been shed on earth, from the blood of righteous Abel to the blood of Zechariah son of Berekiah, whom you murdered between the temple and the altar. Truly I tell you, all this will come on this generation.

“Jerusalem, Jerusalem, you who kill the prophets and stone those sent to you, how often I have longed to gather your children together, as a hen gathers her chicks under her wings, and you were not willing. Look, your house is left to you desolate. For I tell you, you will not see me again until you say, ‘Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord’ (Matthew 23:33-39).

To emphasize the contrast, Jesus notes a poor widow who gives a small amount but in reality far more generously than do those “leaders” with hardened hearts. Matthew then observes,

Jesus left the temple and was walking away when his disciples came up to him to call his attention to its buildings. “Do you see all these things?” he asked. “Truly I tell you, not one stone here will be left on another; every one will be thrown down” (Matthew 24:1-2).

They crossed the Kidron Valley and went up on to the Mount of Olives. Matthew records,

As Jesus was sitting on the Mount of Olives, the disciples came to him privately. “Tell us,” they said, “when will this happen, and what will be the sign of your coming and of the end of the age?” (Matthew 24: 3-4)

Sitting atop the Mount of Olives, with Jerusalem displayed before Him, Jesus gives the terrifying and yet exhilarating “Mount Olivet Discourse.” It is quite lengthy and is available here: Mt. Olivet Discourse. In it, Jesus describes the coming destruction of Jerusalem, which took place in 70 A.D., forty biblical years after His Ascension. The destruction was the result of a foolish war with the Romans. Had the Jewish zealots accepted Jesus’ call to preach the gospel to the nations, the Romans would have been seen as brothers to convert rather than as enemies to kill. Over a million Jewish people died in that terrible war.

According to Matthew, Jesus also tells the “Parable of the Sheep and Goats” and the “Parable of the Wise and Foolish Virgins.” Mark concludes with this: And no one dared to question Him any further (Mk 18:34).

It seems it was back to Bethany that Tuesday night, likely to stay at the house of Martha, Mary, and Lazarus, but perhaps with Simon the Leper. It has been a long day of parables and teaching and of engaging with hostile opponents.

Tune in tomorrow, when it is “Spy Wednesday.”

The post What Was the Lord Doing on Tuesday of Holy Week? appeared first on Community in Mission.

PCR in a Wide Ranging Discussion with Nima on Dialogue Works

https://www.youtube.com/live/-pTo4lSicsA

Federal Government Freezes $2.26 Billion Funding to Harvard After It Refuses to Comply

Why Have American Taxpayers Been Giving Harvard, the richest private university in the world, equivalent to a hedge fund some say, $2.26 billion?

Clearly, the federal budget has been used as a money-laundering operation:  Take from the poor and give to the rich liberals.

https://www.theepochtimes.com/us/harvard-rejects-trump-administrations-demands-tied-to-9-billion-funding-5841811?utm_source=RTNews&src_src=RTNews&utm_campaign=rtbreaking-2025-04-14-5&src_cmp=rtbreaking-2025-04-14-5&utm_medium=email&est=mKv2rww7ja6561hmft6PchyL5uy6If1tM6qDRPUWExAhLwMe2cz8AQ== 

Market volatility is an inevitable part of investing. While short-term fluctuations can create uncertainty, a well-structured portfolio can help protect investments from volatility and ensure long-term financial stability. Managing market fluctuations requires a disciplined approach that includes diversification, asset allocation, and risk management techniques.

In this guide, we’ll explore why markets fluctuate, how investors can create a resilient investment strategy, and practical steps to navigate market turbulence with confidence.

Understanding Market Volatility

Market volatility refers to the degree of variation in asset prices over time. While some level of movement is normal, extreme fluctuations can create significant risk for investors. Some common causes of market volatility include:

• Economic Conditions: Inflation, interest rates, and employment data can influence investor sentiment.
• Geopolitical Events: Wars, trade tensions, and global crises often trigger sudden market shifts.
• Corporate Earnings Reports: Positive or negative earnings results can impact stock prices.
• Market Speculation: Rapid buying or selling can create excessive price swings.

While volatility can be unsettling, long-term investors can implement strategies to manage risk and stay on course toward their financial goals.

Diversification: The Key to Stability

One of the most effective ways to protect investments from volatility is through diversification. By spreading investments across various asset classes, industries, and geographies, investors reduce the impact of a single event on their portfolio.

A diversified portfolio may include:

• Stocks: Growth-oriented assets with long-term appreciation potential.
• Bonds: Fixed-income investments that provide stability and regular income.
• Alternative Investments: Assets such as real estate, commodities, and REITs that help hedge against inflation.

By maintaining a mix of high-growth and stable investments, investors can create a portfolio that withstands market downturns while still capturing long-term gains.

Asset Allocation: Finding the Right Balance

Asset allocation is the process of dividing investments among different asset classes based on financial goals, risk tolerance, and market conditions.

A well-balanced portfolio may include:

• Equities (Stocks): Typically offer higher returns but come with greater volatility.
• Fixed-Income (Bonds): Provide income and reduce risk during economic downturns.
• Cash Equivalents: Money market funds and Treasury bills provide liquidity.

How to Adjust Asset Allocation Based on Market Conditions

• In bull markets: Increase exposure to equities for growth opportunities.
• In bear markets: Shift towards bonds and defensive sectors to preserve capital.
• During economic uncertainty: Consider alternative assets like gold or real estate.

Rebalancing your portfolio periodically ensures that your asset allocation remains aligned with your long-term strategy.

Defensive Investments for Market Stability

During periods of high volatility, certain investments can help stabilize returns and mitigate losses. Some defensive strategies include:

1. Investing in Defensive Stocks

Defensive stocks belong to industries that remain stable during economic downturns, such as:

• Healthcare (pharmaceuticals, hospitals)
• Consumer Staples (food, beverages, household products)
• Utilities (electricity, water, gas)

These companies provide essential goods and services, making them less susceptible to market downturns.

2. Adding Bonds to Your Portfolio

Bonds provide predictable returns and act as a buffer against stock market volatility. Some popular bond options include:

• Government Bonds (Treasuries): Low-risk investments backed by the U.S. government.
• Municipal Bonds: Tax-free income options for high-net-worth investors.
• Corporate Bonds: Higher yield bonds from stable companies.

3. Exploring Alternative Investments

Alternative assets can add diversification and protection during volatile markets. Some options include:

• Real Estate (REITs): Provides steady income and hedges against inflation.
• Commodities (Gold, Silver): Safe-haven assets during economic downturns.
• Hedge Funds: Actively managed strategies designed to reduce downside risk.

Including defensive investments in a portfolio can help reduce risk exposure while ensuring steady long-term growth.

Practical Strategies for Managing Market Fluctuations

Beyond asset allocation, investors can use strategic approaches to maintain discipline and avoid panic-driven decisions.

1. Dollar-Cost Averaging (DCA)

Dollar-cost averaging is a strategy where investors invest a fixed amount of money at regular intervals regardless of market conditions. This reduces the impact of short-term volatility and prevents emotional decision-making.

2. Portfolio Rebalancing

Over time, market fluctuations can shift the weight of asset allocations. Rebalancing restores your portfolio to its intended investment mix, ensuring that risk remains manageable.

3. Avoiding Emotional Investing

Investors often react emotionally during market downturns, leading to panic selling and locking in losses. Staying focused on long-term goals and maintaining a disciplined approach is key to investment success.

Staying on Course During Volatility

Market volatility is unavoidable, but with the right investment strategies, you can protect your wealth and capitalize on long-term opportunities. By focusing on diversification, asset allocation, and defensive investments, you can reduce risk and navigate market fluctuations with confidence.

At RIA Advisors, we help investors develop customized financial plans that balance risk and reward for long-term stability. Contact us today to create a portfolio that weathers market volatility and secures your financial future.

FAQs

How can diversification help protect my investments from volatility?

Diversification spreads risk across multiple asset classes, reducing the impact of a single market downturn on your portfolio.

What’s the best asset allocation for managing market fluctuations?

The ideal asset allocation depends on your risk tolerance, investment horizon, and financial goals. A mix of stocks, bonds, and alternative assets can provide stability.

Should I sell my investments during market downturns?

Reacting emotionally to volatility often leads to poor decisions. Long-term investors should focus on strategy and avoid panic selling.

How often should I rebalance my investment portfolio?

It’s recommended to rebalance your portfolio at least once a year or when asset allocations shift significantly due to market changes.

What is dollar-cost averaging, and how does it help during market volatility?

Dollar-cost averaging involves investing a fixed amount at regular intervals, reducing the impact of short-term price swings and minimizing emotional decision-making.

The post How to Protect Your Investment Portfolio from Market Volatility appeared first on RIA.

Never mind that “without faith, it is impossible to please God” (Heb 11:6)…

Catholic Answers: God Can Choose to Save Atheists!

The California-based non-profit organization Catholic Answers, which aims to explain and defend the Vatican II religion in full communion with ‘Pope’ Francis, is becoming a parody of itself.

One of the many things published on the Catholic Answers web site is a brief post with the intriguing title, “Can atheists be saved just by acting charitably?” The truly Catholic answer would have been fairly simple — something along the lines of, “Of course not; for ‘without faith it is impossible to please God’ (Heb 11:6).” … READ MORE

According to Matthew 21:10-17, Mark 11:15-17, and Luke 19:45-46, Jesus returns to Jerusalem today. Seeing shameful practices in the Temple area, He cleanses it. The Gospels also recount His weeping over Jerusalem and His cursing of the fig tree. Matthew and Mark relate that He returned to Bethany that night. Let’s look to the details. 

Prelude: The Scriptures record that Jesus went to Bethany on the Sunday evening after His triumphal entrance into Jerusalem (Palm Sunday):

[Jesus] went into the temple courts. He looked around at everything, but since it was already late, He went out to Bethany with the Twelve (Mk 11:11).

It is likely that Jesus stayed at the house of Martha, Mary, and Lazarus. Bethany was a mere two miles from Jerusalem (though a steep climb), just over the Mount of Olives.

Pain: The next morning (Monday) Jesus arises and goes back toward Jerusalem. Luke records that as He came over the crest of the hill on the Mount of Olives He wept:

As Jesus approached Jerusalem and saw the city, He wept over it and said, “If only you had known on this day what would bring you peace! But now it is hidden from your eyes. For the days will come upon you when your enemies will barricade you and surround you and hem you in on every side. They will level you to the ground—you and the children within your walls. They will not leave one stone on another, because you did not recognize the time of your visitation from God” (Lk 19:41-44).

Today on this spot there is a chapel named Dominus Flevit (the Lord wept), which is in the shape of a teardrop. From here Jesus could see the whole city spread out below. He could also see forty years into the future to the time when the Romans would destroy the city and Temple, the culmination of a horrible and pointless war (64-70 A.D.) for liberation from the Romans. Had Jesus’ message been heeded, the Romans would not have been regarded as enemies to kill but rather as brothers to convert to the gospel.

Passionate Anger: Mark recalls an event as they come down the hillside:

The next day, when they had left Bethany, Jesus was hungry. Seeing in the distance a fig tree in leaf, He went to see if there was any fruit on it. But when He reached it, He found nothing on it except leaves, since it was not the season for figs. Then He said to the tree, “May no one ever eat of your fruit again.” And His disciples heard this statement (Mk 11:12-14).

The fig tree is widely interpreted as representing the Jewish people. The Lord looked for fruits among His chosen people but found none. Jesus’ rebuke of the tree illustrates His righteous anger at and disappointment in their lack of the fruits of faith. Scripture says elsewhere,

And the men of Judah are [the Lord’s] pleasant planting; and he looked for justice, but behold, bloodshed; for righteousness, but behold, the outcry! (Is 5:6-7)

And Jesus told this parable: “A man had a fig tree planted in his vineyard, and he came seeking fruit on it and found none. And he said to the vinedresser, ‘Look, for three years now I have come seeking fruit on this fig tree, and I find none. Cut it down. Why should it use up the ground?’ And he answered him, ‘Sir, let it alone this year also, until I dig around it and put on manure. Then if it should bear fruit next year, well and good; but if not, you can cut it down’” (Luke 13:6-9).

Seeing no fruit in this last hour, Jesus in effect finishes the parable. The hour of judgment has come upon ancient Judah.

Many misunderstand the phrase that it was “not the season for figs,” falsely concluding that it was thus “unfair” to expect figs on the branches. However, it is for this very reason that one would expect to find figs growing in the branches, for if it were the harvest one would expect bare branches as the figs would have just been harvested. It is before the harvest that one expects to find figs, even if not fully ripe, growing in the branches. Seeing nothing but leaves, Jesus curses the tree.

Pivotal Event: The cleansing of the Temple was indeed a pivotal event. Here is Mark’s account:

And they came to Jerusalem. And he entered the temple and began to drive out those who sold and those who bought in the temple, and he overturned the tables of the money-changers and the seats of those who sold pigeons. And he would not allow anyone to carry anything through the temple. And he was teaching them and saying to them, “Is it not written, ‘My house shall be called a house of prayer for all the nations’? But you have made it a den of robbers.” And the chief priests and the scribes heard it and were seeking a way to destroy him, for they feared him, because all the crowd was astonished at his teaching (Mk 11:15-18).

The Lord’s grief and anger grow worse as He enters the Temple. What made him so angry? Mark’s Gospel states the reason most clearly: It is not the selling of animals (which were needed for the sacrifices) per se, but that they were being sold in a part of the Temple grounds reserved for the Gentiles to pray. This is an insult and amounts to a denial that the prayers of the Gentiles mattered at all. Jesus was about to die in order to reunite God’s scattered children. And I, when I be lifted up from the earth, will draw all people unto me (Jn 12:32).

As for the Temple being a den of robbers, the implication is that the dealings there are unjust and exploitative.

Why is this a pivotal moment? The action of Jesus is a prophetic judgment made in the very center of the Temple leaders’ power. The Temple was the locus of their power and prestige. It is not lost on them for a moment that Jesus has threatened all of this, not merely by what He has said but by his popularity among the people.

According to John’s Gospel (which actually remarks on this earlier in Jesus’ ministry), when the Temple leaders demanded a sign and an explanation for this action Jesus said,

Destroy this temple, and in three days I will raise it up again.” “This temple took forty-six years to build,” the Jews replied, “and You are going to raise it up in three days?” But Jesus was speaking about the temple of His Body (Jn 2:19-21).

This had a further impact on the Temple leaders, who would later accuse Jesus (at His trial) of threatening to destroy the temple (e.g., Mk 14:58).

Theologically, Jesus is saying that Temple worship is over. He is the temple. He is the priest. He is the lamb. It is His blood that will cleanse us. Temple worship is ended because what it pointed to (Jesus) is now here. Its purpose is fulfilled in Him.

Quite a day, this Monday of Holy Week! Can you sense the grief and anger of the Lord? Remember, His anger is a righteous one. Everything was being fulfilled for the ancient people, but many are rejecting the very one God has sent to save them. Jesus cannot remain indifferent to their tragic rejection. He both weeps and has a grieving anger.

Do we weep for the condition of our world? Do we pray and seek to call forth the fruits of faith, justice, and truth?

Jesus does not give up. He will spend the next day teaching and seeking to win as many as possible to the truth of the gospel.

The Scriptures conclude Monday of Holy Week in this way:

And he left them and went out of the city to Bethany, where he spent the night (Matt 21:17).

Perhaps Jesus is consoled in His grief and anger by the presence of friends like Martha, Mary, and Lazarus. Perhaps He finds solace in the company of His apostles and others. Scripture says,

A faithful friend is a sturdy shelter:
he that has found one has found a treasure.
There is nothing so precious as a faithful friend,
and no scales can measure his excellence.
A faithful friend is a medicine of life;
and those who fear the Lord will find him (Sirach 6:14-16).

Stay close to the heart of the Lord. Be His “consolation.” Be the reparation for the rejection by so many others.

The post What Was the Lord Doing on Monday of Holy Week? appeared first on Community in Mission.

Sen. Ron Johnson Says Top CDC Covid Vaccine Safety Official Might Have Deleted or Destroyed Key Records, Calls For Investigation

How did a Shimabukuro become head of America’s Immunization Safety Office?   Were there any ethnic Americans in the Biden Regime?  As today’s article makes clear, the Covid vax was far from safe.

https://www.thegatewaypundit.com/2025/04/sen-ron-johnson-says-top-cdc-covid-vaccine/ 

Recently, we have seen claims that the "collapsing" dollar will cause inflation. While a weaker dollar can create inflation, many factors impact prices. Accordingly, we have two issues with such dire statements. First, the dollar is not collapsing. Second, we have experienced much more significant dollar declines without an inflationary impulse.

The dollar has fallen nearly 10% since the new year. Yes, that is a big move for the dollar. However, context is vital. The graph below shows that the dollar, even after its decline, remains well above its average since the trough in 2008. The green dotted line shows that the dollar is at the lower end of its recent range. But it is still ten percent above the lows of the prior decade (red dotted line).

We circle the period from the dot-com bubble's peak to the financial crisis's worst days. The dollar fell from 120 to nearly 70, much more than the recent sell-off. During that period, CPI averaged 2.9%, compared to 3.1% in the ten years prior. The dollar collapse from 1985 to 1987 was met with lower inflation than the prior period.

A weaker dollar can be inflationary, but much larger forces are at work steering prices!

What To Watch Today

Earnings

Economy

Market Trading Update

Last week, we noted that the market was not expecting retaliation from China.

"Rather than coming to the table to negotiate, China responded with a reciprocal 34% tariff on the U.S. plus export controls on rare earth metals needed for technological production. China is playing "hardball" negotiating tactics with Trump. This was a smart move from a negotiating standpoint by China, allowing President Xi to open tariff discussions from a point of strength. However, without some resolution to the extraordinary tariffs, the market will remain in turmoil for quite some time."

That battle persisted this week as Trump raised tariffs on China to 104%, and China then retaliated with a further tariff increase of 84%. However, as we said last week, any good news would cause the market to rally sharply. On Wednesday, President Trump announced a 90-pause on the full effect of new tariffs. Interestingly, the same headline sent stocks surging on Monday but was quickly deemed "fake news" by the White House. I suspect that Monday was a "leak" by the White House to test the market response, and President Trump kept that announcement handly to stave off a further decline in the markets. Whatever the reason, the markets needed the break. Here is Trump's full statement:

From a technical view, the market completed an expected retracement from the October 2022 lows. Last week, we laid out the potential correction levels.

1. The recent lows are around 5500. (That level was violated)
2. Immediately below that is the 38.2% retracement level at 5134 (Is being challenged)
3. Lastly, the 50% retracement level at 4816 should hold, barring the onset of a fiscal event or recession.

Notably, we stated that:

"The market should be able to find some support at this level and muster a short-term rally next week. However, there is a downside risk to 4816, which would be a 50% retracement of the bull market rally. Any positive announcements over the weekend could spark a relatively robust reversal rally, given the more than three-standard deviation gap between where the market closed and the 50-DMA."

That 38.2% retracement level, using the bull market from October 2022 lows, was broken early Monday morning as stocks plunged lower amid rising tariff concerns and a blowup in the bond market. However, the market finally tested the 50% retracement level on Wednesday morning. Given the deep oversold condition, President Trump's announcement to pause tariffs led to the 3rd largest single-day rally since WWII. For now, the market should be able to hold support at the previous lows and hopefully find a bit more relief into next week.

As I noted in the previous two weeks, we strongly lean toward the potential of the markets beginning a more extensive corrective process, much like in 2022. We will revisit that analysis in this weekend's newsletter. However, while we are concerned about a continued correction process as markets realign prices to forward earnings expectations, there will still be strong intermittent rallies. As noted last week, nothing in the market is guaranteed. Therefore, we continue managing risk accordingly, and as we stated last week and executed on Wednesday, we are now in "sell the rally" mode until the markets find equilibrium. When that will be, we are uncertain, so we continue to watch the technicals, make small moves within portfolios, and reduce volatility risk as needed.

The Week Ahead And PPI

PPI was much weaker than expected. The headline figure was -0.4 % versus expectations of +0.2%. Moreover, the core number was -0.1 %, 0.4% less than expectations. The data within PPI that feeds PCE prices also point to a weaker PCE report later this month.

Retail sales data on Wednesday, Fed speakers, and earnings will be interesting, but tariff discussions and volatile market activity will likely dominate the headlines. Retail sales could be strong if consumers started to stockpile goods in March. Yet, they could also be weak if consumers start to pull back on spending as recession fears increase. Regarding the Fed, we are listening closely for signs that liquidity is becoming problematic. Accordingly, will they offer any prescription ideas to potentially increase liquidity?

As shown below, courtesy of Earnings Whispers, there are a few big earnings announcements, but the following week will pick up significantly.

The markets will not be open on Friday for the Good Friday holiday.

The Consumer Is Tapping Out

The recent implementation of tariffs has the media buzzing about increased recession odds as the consumer faces potentially higher costs. While recent economic reports, like the latest employment report, still show robust growth, those data points run with a lag that hasn’t yet caught up with reality.

As we have discussed, the American consumer is the backbone of the U.S. economy and comprises nearly 70% of the GDP calculation. While GDP surged following the economic shutdown due to the massive flood of stimulus that fueled a savings surge, consumption as a percent of the economy has remained flat since the turn of the century. The reason is that despite the surge in savings, the consumer was also faced with rising inflation, which left them struggling to make ends meet.

This dilemma is better illustrated by the chart below. The blue line is the personal savings rate, and the red line shows the debt needed annually to bridge the gap between the inflation-adjusted cost of living and savings and incomes. As shown, at the turn of the century, the consumer was no longer able to fund their living standard through just income and savings. The fact that consumers were forced to take on increasing debt levels to maintain their living standards explains why consumption as a percent of GDP has remained stagnant over the same period.

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