August 22, 2022

Posted on by Evelyn Rivera
My reflection:
“Look in the mirror and smile… and see an amazing person looking back to you. You really are someone special, and your presence is a present to the world around you.
When you’re counting your blessings, be sure to include the privilege of having a new sunrise every morning and a brand-new beginning every day.
Don’t ever give up on your hopes and dreams. Your happiness is depending on you to stay strong.” Douglas Pagels

August 21, 2022

Posted on by Evelyn Rivera
My reflection is from the Mercy Prayer Book:
“ God of all creation, at the dawning of this new day fill us with wonder and gratitude for the abundance of your blessings. We lift our hearts and voices to praise you for the beauty of the earth, the harvest of field and orchard. Give us hearts that long to share our abundance with those who suffer from want and hopelessness. We ask this in the name of Jesus. Amen”

August 20, 2022

Posted on by Evelyn Rivera
My reflection:
“You can have hope. Because it works wonders for those who have it. You can be optimistic. Because people who expect things to turn out for the best often set the stage to receive a beautiful result.
You can put things in perspective because somethings are important and others are definitely not.
You can remember that beyond the clouds, the sun is still shining. You can meet each challenge and give it all you’ve got.
You can count your blessings. You can be inspired to climb your ladders and have some nice, long talks with your wishing stars. You can be strong and patient. You can be gentle and wise.
And you can believe in happy endings. Because you are the author of the story of your life.” Douglas Pagels

August 19, 2022

Posted on by Evelyn Rivera
My reflection is from Living Faith:
Dry bones, hear the word of the Lord!… See! I will bring spirit into you, that you may come to life. Ezekiel 37:4–5
“A while ago, my prayer life seemed dry and empty. I felt bored and listless in prayer, out of touch with the grandeur of God. I decided to start taking pictures on my phone. I told myself that they didn’t have to be impressive or important. They just had to capture one moment of beauty each day. When I made a point to look, I started to see grace and beauty everywhere – that, of course, it had been so all along. I also noticed that most of my pictures were of the sky: the morning star above the horizon, black branches against the setting sun, moonlight streaming down on the treetops. Look up, God seemed to be saying. As I heeded this call, he brought the Spirit into the dry bones of my prayer life, reignited my awe of him and made me newly grateful for the world he made.
Awesome God, when I am dry and empty, bring your Spirit into me!”
Karla Manternach
Thank you God for renewing my spirit!

August 18, 2022

Posted on by Evelyn Rivera
My reflection is from Living Faith:
… a steadfast spirit renew within me. Psalm 51:12
“Recently I read a historical novel about three children of revolutionaries who were sent to Mexico during the Spanish Civil War.
They lived in deplorable, abusive conditions and state-run orphanages. Back in Spain, their father was shot, and their mother imprisoned. in the epilogue, we learn of the children’s leader lives how they became educated, raised families and did important work in the world. I was deeply moved by the resilience and their ability, after such childhood trauma, to choose life in love and to move forward. The lives of these three children, the fiction, we’re based on real incidents and factual details, which the author wove together to create this moving story.
When we are struggling, we must call out to the Lord to renew the divine spark within us that allows us to carry-on. Sometimes we must keep vigil for others who have tough life assignments. Our prayers can allow them to rest while we pray them into steadfastness.
Lord, renew my spirit!” Jennifer Christ

August 17, 2022

Posted on by Evelyn Rivera
My reflection is from Living Faith:
Are you envious because I am generous? Matthew 20:15
“The vineyard laborers who are hired at dawn were right.it wasn’t fair that they had toiled all day and yet received the same pay as those who went to work at 5 PM. Nor is it fair when someone else gets the promotion or award for which we are so qualified. Nor is it fair when other family members or neighbors appear to do little or nothing to earn the financial and physical health they enjoy, and we labor much more
and receive much less.
But if God were fair, we would all be headed for an eternity in Gehenna. God is loving, God is gracious, and yes, God is generous beyond our human understanding to everyone, not just those whom we believe have earned that love. The sweet deal that those late day laborers received is there for all of us, every day. Rather than grouse about the Lord’s generosity to others, may we offer thanks and gratitude for the many undeserving mercies showered upon us.
Jesus, may I focus on your love for me rather than measure it against your love for others.” Melanie Rigney

August 16, 2022

Posted on by Evelyn Rivera
My reflection:
“Prayer is awe, intimacy, struggle – yet the way to reality. There is nothing more important, or harder, or richer, or more life-altering. There is absolutely nothing so great as prayer.” Timothy Keller

August 15, 2022

Posted on by Evelyn Rivera
My reflection is today’s opening prayer at Mass:
“Almighty ever-living God, who assumed the Immaculate Virgin Mary, the Mother of your Son, body and soul into heavenly glory, grant, we pray, that, always attentive to the things that are above, we may merit to be sharers of her glory. Through our Lord Jesus Christ, your Son, who lives and reigns with you in the unity of the Holy Spirit, God, for ever and ever.”
Let us ask Mary to guide us through today in each day

August 14, 2022

Posted on by Evelyn Rivera
My reflection:
“Good or bad, feelings need expression; they must be recognized and given freedom to reveal themselves. Put away the myth that says you must be strong enough to face the whole world with a smile and a brave attitude all of the time. You have your feelings that say otherwise, so admit that they are there. Use their healing power to put the past behind you, and realize those expressive stirrings in your heart are very much a part of you. Use them to get better, to find peace within, to be true to yourself.” Barbara J. Hall

August 13, 2022

Posted on by Evelyn Rivera
My reflection:
“Even if you don’t have everything you want, even if you’re in pain or in need, you can choose to be joyful no matter what you’re experiencing. You are more than your body, your physical presence, and your material possessions. You are spirit. Do you have your mind, heart, and soul, and there is always something to be thankful for.” Douglas Pagels
God gives us so many gifts. Let us take the time each day and thank God for all the gifts that we have received