Posts by Arlene Braganza
Children 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…
Read MoreStay Awake!
How many of you remember this children’s song? Stay awake, (clap, clap) be ready. (clap, clap) You do not know the hour when the Lord is coming. Stay awake, (clap, clap) be ready. (clap, clap) The Lord is coming soon! This children’s song for Advent was written by English born and raised, now USA resident,…
Read MoreA Paradox in Faith and Belief: Nothing is Impossible
Two Amazing Scenes Scene 1 – Abraham and Sarah are in their tent in the desert living their normal, monotonous lives. Abraham looks up and sees three strangers. In the Bedouin tradition of hospitality, he is quick to greet them and offer them rest and sustenance. He provides them with water for drinking as well…
Read MoreHelp Wanted and Needed
Today’s responsorial Psalm is resonating in my heart: “Show us, O Lord, the light of your kindness.” And the verses are true cries from the heart: – “Remember not against us the iniquities of the past” – “May your compassion come quickly to us” – “Help us, O God our savior” – “Deliver us and…
Read MoreThe Sheep and the Good Shepherd
Today’s Gospel reading gives us a beautiful visual of Jesus as the Good Shepherd as He tells us. “Amen, amen, I say to you, I am the gate for the sheep.” And again “I am the gate. Whoever enters through me will be saved” I don’t mind being considered a “sheep” as long as I’m…
Read More