December 11, 2021

Posted on by Evelyn Rivera
My reflection is from Living Faith:
… give us new life, and we will call upon your name. Psalm 80:19
“A fellow parishioner had a heart attack, and the story goes that he promised God that if he survived, he would spend the rest of his life serving God. He recovered and began an extraordinarily successful charitable organization that collects and distributes household furniture and goods to the poor. By keeping his promises, this man touched countless lives. His fidelity echoes God’s faithfulness to us.
During Advent we watch, wait and long to experience God entering our lives. We may want a flashy miracle, but perhaps we can take a lesson from the man in my parish and notice our God-given deepest longings. Maybe it is an inner nudge to begin a deeper prayer life or to reach out to someone in pain? Perhaps it is time to seek help in letting go of our anger?
Or it is time to listen to someone who may hold an opposing point of view?
What choice might you make that would give you ‘new life’ during this Advent season?” Terri Mifek
Let us take time to reflect on what will make our Advent time special.

December 10, 2021

Posted on by Evelyn Rivera
My reflection:
“May every day of your life bring you fresh hopes for tomorrow – because hope gives all of us a reason for trying.
May each new day bring a feeling of excitement, joy, and a wonderful sense of expectation.
Expect the best and you’ll get it.
May you find peace in simple things because those are the ones that will always be there” Regina Hill
May this season of advent bring us peace and joy!?

December 9, 2021

Posted on by Evelyn Rivera
My reflection:
“Don’t just have minutes in the day, have moments in time.
Balance out any bad with the good you can provide. Know that you are capable of amazing results. Surprise yourself by discovering new strength inside.
Add a meaningful page to the diary of each day. Do things no one else would even dream of. There is no greater gift than the kind of inner beauty you possess. Do the things you do… with love.
Walk along the pathways that enrich your happiness. Taking care of the ‘little things’ is a big necessity.
Don’t be afraid of testing your courage. Life is short, but it’s long enough to have excitement and serenity.
Don’t let the important things go unsaid. Do the things that brighten your life and help you on your way. Live life to the fullest; make each day count.” Collin McCarty

December 8, 2021

Posted on by Evelyn Rivera
My reflection today is from Give Us This Day:
”Christine took a terrifying leap of faith: she quit her job as a corporate trainer and began a second career as a prison chaplain. I thought about Christine. I thought about the way she said yes to God’s invitation. And it occurred to me that her story was not so different from the story of that young woman from Nazareth. Just like Mary, when Christine said yes to God, Christ came into the world. Every yes to God’s call is an incarnation of Jesus Christ. He takes on flesh in our lives of love and service. That night I wrote in my journal, ‘Christ enters the world again and again!’
The feast of the Immaculate Conception is about Mary, not Jesus. But isn’t it always all about Jesus? Isn’t it all about the call to welcome Christ into our lives and bring him forth into the world?”  Edward P. Hahnenberg
How do we bring Christ into the world? Let us pause and reflect on how we can be like Mary, bringing Christ into our needy world.?

December 7, 2021

Posted on by Evelyn Rivera
My reflection:
“Sometimes it’s the little things that mean the most: the song of a bird, a warm breeze blowing through the trees, a friendly voice on the other end of a telephone, a note written by a friend to us when we need encouragement, the wag of a dog’s tail as we come home from a hard day at work.These things are intangible – we cannot put a price tag on what they mean to us or how they help us to feel abiding peace even in the midst of turmoil.” Heather Parkins
God gives us those moments of peace and joy.?

December 6, 2021

Posted on by Evelyn Rivera
My reflection:
Today is Saint Nicholas day. Nicholas may be the most popular saint of all time. Thousands of churches are named after him. He seems to be portrayed by artists more than any other saint, with the exception of Mary. There are hundreds of delightful legends about him. However historians know almost nothing for sure about his life.
A story is told about a man who is so poor that he could no longer buy food for his family. He was going to sell his daughters into slavery so they wouldn’t starve. Bishop Nicolas found out about this. So at night he tossed three bags of gold into their house through a window.
The name Santa Claus means Saint Nicholas. in the 1800s, New York department stores began to hire men to dress up as Saint Nicholas so that more shoppers would come in to buy Christmas presents.
With all the hustle and bustle getting ready for Christmas let us pause and remember the Spirit of Saint Nicholas.

December 5, 2021

Posted on by Evelyn Rivera
My reflection:
“Life can be so busy, and we sometimes take for granted the important little things that make us smile. Look at the sunset, share a cup of coffee with your best friend, or hear the wind rustle through the trees. Take some time to listen to life and feel the sun on your face. Stop to watch butterflies in your garden.”
During this Advent time let us take the time to recognize God’s presence in our life. O come, O come, Emmanuel

December 4, 2021

Posted on by Evelyn Rivera
My reflection:
“Always see the goodness in this world, do your part in helping those less fortunate, walk hand-in-hand with those of less talent, follow those of more knowledge, and be an equal with those who are different. Find your special purpose in this world so full of choices, and help lead those who stray. Become your own individual – set yourself apart from those who are the same.
Have the self-confidence to say no when it is necessary and the strength to stand alone. Give yourself the approval to love and respect everything that you are and will become. Reap the fruits of your talents, walk with pride down the road of life, be humble in your successes, and share in the praises and joy of others. Most of all, be happy. For when you are happy, you have the key that will open all of the world’s doors to you.” Jackie Olson

December 3, 2021

Posted on by Evelyn Rivera
My reflection:
“Imagine life as a game in which you are juggling five balls in the air. You name them – work, family, health, friends, and spirit – and you’re keeping all of these in the air. you will soon understand that work is a rubber ball. If you drop it, it will bounce back. But the other four balls-family, health, friends, and spirit are made of glass. If you drop one of these, they will be irrevocably scuffed, marked, nicked, damaged, or even shattered. They will never be the same. You must understand that and strive for balance in your life.”
Brian Dyson
I find this image very interesting but very true. Let us pause and remember what is important in our life. ?

December 2, 2021

Posted on by Evelyn Rivera
My reflection:
“Go outside and look at the sky. Soak in the atmosphere. Enjoy the colors of the landscape. Feel the textures of every place you are that you’re thankful for. Smile at the world. Don’t allow any negative feelings to creep into your consciousness. Feel the power of your own acceptance. Put a positive spin on every thought you have.
Make every day special. On it. Enjoy it. Bask in the glory of life. Appreciate the gift of your own life.” Donna Fargo
God has given us so many gifts. Let us stop and thank God for all the gifts that we have received especially the gift of life.?