Posts by Arlene Braganza
Wisdom
Today’s Scripture readings have interesting views on wisdom versus foolishness and the dichotomy between these two opposites. St. Paul says, in his letter to the Corinthians, that “the message of the cross is foolishness to those who are perishing, but to us who are being saved it is the power of God.” Hold Fast to…
Read MoreHoly Grandparents
Today we celebrate a very special day for grandparents. It is the Memorial of Saints Joachim and Anne, Parents of the Blessed Virgin Mary. I wonder if they realized what a special child they had, since Mary was born without the stain of original sin? The Gospels of Matthew and Luke provide a detailed genealogy…
Read MoreFreedom: Follow the Lord
It’s interesting how the first and second readings today both use the word “yoke”. In the first reading from the Book of Kings, Elisha is plowing with twelve yokes of oxen. Obviously, he comes from a well-to-do family. Elijah went over to him and threw his cloak over Elisha. That must have been an indication…
Read MoreGo Forth
What a glorious day to celebrate today, being the Solemnity of the Feast of the Ascension!! Can you believe, it’s already 40 days since Easter?! Some parishes may celebrate this Feast on the following Sunday. After the Resurrection, Jesus was busy appearing to the Apostles in different locations, explaining the scriptures to the disciples on…
Read MoreChildren of God
“Blessed are you, Father, Lord of heaven and earth; you have revealed to little ones the mysteries of the Kingdom.” Bring the Children Today’s Gospel Acclamation is so interesting. It ties into today’s Gospel, where people were bringing their children to Jesus for Him to touch and bless them, but it caused the disciples of…
Read MoreModern Day Disciples
Proclaim God’s marvelous deeds to all the nations! That is today’s responsorial psalm. How many of us actually do that? Most of the time, we’re imploring God to hear and answer our petitions and grant us all our requests. Sometimes we remember to thank God for answering prayers, and sometimes we take them for granted.…
Read MoreHoly Family
What a great feast we celebrate today, the Feast of the Holy Family of Jesus, Mary, and Joseph! The timing of this feast is so perfect – it’s what Christmas is all about! I hope everyone had their family members around them to celebrate the birth of Jesus. Just 24 hours ago, we celebrated the…
Read MoreAdvent Is Coming
Today’s first reading sounds scary and apocalyptic, with horrendous visions of weird-looking beasts looking to devour and destroy anything in their paths. And then we have the image of the Ancient One with hair as white as wool, who I liken to God the Father. He was attended to by throngs of attendants and sat…
Read MoreBe Like Yeast or Mustard Seeds
When I read Paul’s opening line to the Romans in today’s first reading, “Brothers and sisters: I consider that the sufferings of this present time are as nothing compared with the glory to be revealed for us,” I take some comfort in this. I am sure all of us are carrying crosses of one kind…
Read MoreJealousy
Today is the feast of Saints Cosmas and Damian, twin brothers who were both physicians. By accepting no payment for their services, they attracted many to the Christian faith. These two saints are my birthday patron saints, interestingly, born in Arabia, as was I. Not much is known of them except that they suffered martyrdom…
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