May 4, 2020

Posted on by Evelyn Rivera

My reflection today comes from Fresh Bread by Joyce Rupp:

“A man throw seed on the land. Night and day, while he sleeps, when he is awake, the seed is sprouting and growing; how, he does not know. Mark 4:26–2

I believe that this is one of the earth’s finest moments, that the sun lifting yellows and greens into life of tiny poplar leaves is much like God’s own Spirit of love lifting life into me.

I believe that the Word of God has many times been planted in my life, often because of another who received the seed in ready soil, brought forth a harvest, and shared that goodness with me.”

Today let us stop and thank God for the people who have nurtured us during our lives.

May 1, 2020

Posted on by Evelyn Rivera

For today’s reflection I am going to borrow from Father Jette’s homily, Sunday.
He shared two prayers:

The Jesus Prayer
Jesus, son of God, have mercy on me.
The Emmaus Prayer
Stay with us, Lord Jesus Christ, light in our darkness.

These two prayers are so simple and easy to pray and yet so profound.
Even after when we get back to our hustle and bustle, let us remember these prayers throughout our day.

April 29, 2020

Posted on by Evelyn Rivera

Today’s reflection comes from Give Us This Day:

“ I am struck by how God sees to good outcomes in each of today’s readings. In Acts, persecution scatters the followers of Jesus – and yet, wherever they go, the church puts down new roots, and sprouts appear. The Psalmist reminds us that God has turned the sea into dryland, making a way for his pilgrims. And Jesus says he will not lose anything that God gave him but will “raise it on the last day”
God had given him people, and Jesus assured his followers that they were safe in God’s holy grasp.

We so often try to control the details of daily life so that everything is “right “. We strive for comfort and certainty. We want to feel certain that we have done the right thing and then it will lead to the right outcome. The Scriptures don’t really encourage our control or our certainty. The sacred stories encourage us to trust God‘s love Dash and to stay close to Jesus.”
Vinita Hampton Wright

In this pandemic we are dealing with so much uncertainty. We are called to trust God and stay close to Jesus. Amen

April 28, 2020

Posted on by Evelyn Rivera

My reflection for today:

“Don’t let mistakes or misfortunes hold you down: learn from them, forgive yourself – or others – and move on. Do not be bothered or discouraged by adversity. Instead, meet it as a challenge. Be empowered by the courage it takes you to overcome obstacles. Learn something new every day.”  Ashley Rice

“No amount of straining, crying, or agonizing can remake one single day of the year that has passed. But a little careful planning and thoughtful working out can make many glorious days in the future.” Author Unknown

What holds us down during these days of the pandemic?
Where is God leading you and me during these times?
Have a great day, or as a friend of mine would say “make it a great day!”

 

April 27, 2020

Posted on by Evelyn Rivera

Today I was struck by these two reflections:

“Happiness cannot come from without. It must come from within. It is not what we see and touch or that which others do for us which makes us happy; it is that which we think and feel and do, first for the other fellow and then for ourselves.”
Helen Keller

“Whether we live in a 40 room mansion, surrounded by servants and wealth, or find it a struggle to manage the rent month to month, we have it within our power to be fully satisfied and live a life with true meaning.”
Regina Hill

All of us are called by God to live the life that we are given. God has given each one of us different gifts to share with others

April 26, 2020

Posted on by Evelyn Rivera

My reflection today is from today’s gospel reading.

Yes in spite of what we are feeling about this pandemic Jesus is in our house, in our hearts and in all those we love and those we don’t love. May God open our eyes to see what we are supposed to see.

 

April 24, 2020

Posted on by Evelyn Rivera

Today’s reflection comes from
a song by the Dameans
the words are by Darryl Ducote:

“ A rainbow makes a promise that life is here to stay
Promise means there’s more to life than what we know today
I can share tomorrow if there’s one to pledge at to
 I’d like to be a rainbow and promise life to you

All the joy we know now has come because we share
Dividing up the sorrow makes it easier to bear
So with our hearts together life is bound to grow
I promise you tomorrow from all the love I know

There’s much that we’ll discover on roads where love will lead

We’ll come to know our own heart as we answer each one’s needs
For in the life we promise there’s more to what we share
To lose ourselves in giving is to find God hidden there”

God’s rainbow for each of us

Image may contain: tree, plant, sky, grass, outdoor, nature and water

 

April 23, 2020

Posted on by Evelyn Rivera

Today’s poem is by Barbara Cage:
Find Something Every Day to Be Positive About

“Every day, be full of awareness of the beauty around you.
Be full of gratitude for friends and family, for the goodness you find in others, for your health and all you’re capable of.
Be full of acceptance of yourself and others – without conditions or judging, knowing that differences and changes make life interesting. Appreciate the gifts of laughter and fun in your life, and find contentment in knowing that you can always control your ability to look on the bright side”

Well there certainly are changes that are making life interesting for all of us.
Changes that we have no control over. 
When I decided that I was going to profess my final vows, I was sharing with my spiritual director.
She asked me how could I be so sure and I said:
“ God is faithful.” I still believe that today in spite of all that is going on our God walks with us and is faithful to us.

April 22, 2020

Posted on by Evelyn Rivera

 

Today’s reflection is a poem by T. L. Nash:

Life Is Everything You Make It… and More

“In life, there will inevitably be obstacles to encounter. But don’t worry that they will seem too great for you to handle, because you can. You may doubt yourself at times, but know that if you have faith, you have everything. Faith is the key to being successful.

If you know you are capable of anything because of who you are, you will always reach your destination. It may not always be easy, but it will always be worth it. Look ahead of you, never behind. Have faith in yourself. If you do, you will be amazed at what you can accomplish”

We are facing obstacles in our life but I believe our God is always walking with us.

No matter what we feel God is present in our life.

Be safe!