Evelyn Rivera – Page 49 – Our Lady Queen of Angels Parish

January 16, 2022

Posted on January 19, 2022 by Evelyn Rivera

My reflection:

“Wrap your arms around life and be the exceptional person you are meant to be

Understand that you’re not alone and lots of people are praying for you

Block out any negative chatter and only listen to the positive voices within you

Value your resilience and keep your integrity

Be your own advocate and treasure your unique qualities and great potential

Live your life in a spirit of cooperation with others

Be someone who thinks outside limitations when you know you need to make a change

Know that attitude is a choice and you can win any battle

Remember that fear must have your permission to occupy your mind

Believe in miracles and realize that God is on your side

Trust that all things are possible (and there are no exceptions) if you can only believe” Donna Fargo

January 15, 2022

Posted on January 15, 2022 by Evelyn Rivera

My reflection is from Living Faith:

I did not come to call the righteous but sinners. Mark 2:17

“Saul and Levi are a study in contrasts. Saul looks as if he would be a great king for Israel. He has a fine pedigree, he’s tall and handsome, and he’s extremely responsible. But as a king, Saul will be a failure. in contrast, there’s Levi (Matthew). By collecting taxes for the Romans, he is a traitor to his people. And, like many tax collectors of his day, Levi was probably a cheat as well. But as a disciple of Jesus, Levi will prove to be the real thing.

There are several lessons here: first, you can’t tell a book by its cover. Second, Jesus came to call not perfect people, but ordinary sinners like you and me. And finally, our shortcomings and failures cannot excuse us from accepting Jesus’ invitation: ‘Follow me.’

Jesus, let nothing – not even my unworthiness – get in my way of following you a new each day.”

Sr. Melannie Svoboda, S.N.D.

January 14, 2022

Posted on January 15, 2022 by Evelyn Rivera

My reflection is from Give Us This Day:

“Two years ago, while dealing with a serious health problem, I had a deep and abiding sense of being held and supported by a strength that came from beyond my own resources. It came from friends who carried me into the presence of Jesus. They didn’t carry me in on a mat the way friends brought a paralyzed man into Jesus’ presence. No one dug through a roof and removed it. Rather, my friends carried me to Jesus with the resources of faith and in prayer. For the strength and healing that came from that grace, I am deeply grateful.

To demonstrate his authority to heal the deepest, most hidden part of our life through forgiveness, Jesus heals the paralyzed persons physical needs. Body and spirit belong together; the gift of God‘s grace is for life in its fullness. All our needs for healing can be carried into the presence of Jesus.”

I can’t believe how appropriate this is for me at this time. I would like to thank all who carried me into the presence of Jesus. So many people have been so generous. Amen

January 13,2022

Posted on January 15, 2022 by Evelyn Rivera

My reflection is from Living Faith:

“The Israelites believed God wouldn’t allow them to be defeated, but defeated they were. So after losing their first battle with the Philistines they decided to carry the sacred ark of the Lord of hosts – the very presence of God – the next time around. That didn’t work either. This second defeat was even more disastrous: thirty thousand foot soldiers died! In addition, the ark of God was captured. What were the Israelites to think? Why had God abandoned them?

We have all had times when we wondered if God was truly present with us, times when our prayers were not answered as we had asked. In times of serious illness, tragic death, or some other catastrophe, it can be easy to say with the psalmist: ‘Why do you hide your face, oh God?’ yet faith calls us to trust that God is with us even when we feel abandoned or lost or when our prayers are not answered according to our plan.

Prayer is not a magic formula and does not guarantee an outcome. Still, we are called to make our needs known and to trust that God will indeed answer, even if the answer does not come in the manner we desire or in the time frame we wish. That is true faith.

When it seems that our prayer has not been heard or answered, faith allows us to cry aloud to God: Lord have mercy! Lord have mercy!”

Sr. Anita Louise Lowe

January 12, 2022

Posted on January 12, 2022 by Evelyn Rivera

My reflection is from Give Us This Day:

“I believe I am finally beginning to understand the words in the Gospel of John where Jesus promises us the advocate – the Holy Spirit – and promises us we will never be alone: ‘I will not leave you orphaned’ (John 14:18). When I think of these words and repeat them to myself, something inside shifts and brings a bit of light into the dark loneliness. Remembering that God promises to be with me and that I am never alone is deeply comforting. When I first began to understand this years ago, it caused a life-altering shift, one I am still trying to deepen and believe in more.

It comforts me to know that I am not left on my own to figure out things. I am not alone in growing in my relationship with God. I am not alone in making any decisions. I am not alone in walking through joys or heartbreaking sorrow.

God is always with me, residing in that chapel I carry with me wherever I go. God‘s friendship and presence are unshakable gifts of companionship and give me a reason to hope. I am never alone, because God is with me. I know and believe this in my bones because of my own experience of God‘s presence.” Becky Eldridge, The Inner Chapel

I can say I agree with Becky 100% but there are times when God‘s presence is not totally felt. There were some days in the hospital that I was questioning God’s presence. but knowing so many people were praying for me gave me much help. I know what got me through this minor ordeal (compared to what some people are going through) was knowing of all my family and friends praying for me. Thank you!

January 11, 2022

Posted on January 12, 2022 by Evelyn Rivera

My reflection is from Living Faith:

Eli, thinking her drunk, said to her… Sober up from your wine.” 1 Samuel 1:13–14

“As our plane taxied down the runway, the woman next to me began to recite the Hail Mary aloud. She was oblivious to those around her. Instead of finding comfort in the familiarity of her prayer, I was unnerved. Did she sense trouble? Were we going to crash? How silly of me to get all wound up, but I really wanted her to stop. She kept on until we reached cruising altitude.

Not unlike Eli, I wondered what was wrong with her. Then it hit me. The only problem was my rush to judgment. She was anxious about flying so was I. When the plane’s captain announced we would land in 20 minutes, the Hail Mary started up again. This time I prayed one silently. The woman’s prayers no longer alarmed me. Perhaps they grounded her. After all, the gift of prayer grounds us all, no matter our altitude- or attitude.” Gail Goleas

I am so grateful for all the people who have prayed for me during this past hospital stint. All those prayers gave me the grace to get better each day. I’m not 100% better but I am feeling great. I am so thankful for all my family and friend’s support

January 4,2022

Posted on January 4, 2022 by Evelyn Rivera

My reflection:

“Take a moment to think about how many people have smiled because of you-about all the lives you’ve changed for the better, sometimes without even trying.

Take a moment to look back at all the joy you’ve caused and all the good you’ve done, even when you thought you were at your worst.

Take a moment to remember how much love you sent out there and how much you matter to people, just because you’re you.” Irina Vasilescu

Let us remember that God is present as we journey along our way. Sometimes we never know how we have touched someone’s life.

January 3, 2022

Posted on January 4, 2022 by Evelyn Rivera

My reflection:

“You’re strong like a beautiful tree in the forest. You have experienced the winds of change and challenge, and you are still standing. Like enduring roots reaching down into the earth, your foundation of faith and spirituality will keep you firmly planted.

When you’ve done all you think you can, stay determined. When you’re doubtful and frustrated, don’t despair. When you can’t see you tomorrow, just get through today.

Honor your hearts direction. Stand your ground. Storms and the weather made the big tree strong, and it’s still standing, too, just like you.

In the feelings that you keep to yourself, you may sometimes have questions. Guard your confidence and promise yourself that you were born to win and not lose, and with gods help, you will be empowered mightily.” Donna Fargo