September 2, 2021

Posted on by Evelyn Rivera
My reflection today is from Living Faith:
From the day we heard about you, we do not cease praying for you… Colossians 1:9
“ Saint Paul is in prison, with a death sentence hanging over him. But all he sees is his beloved church in Colossae, filled with ‘the holy ones in light.’ I assume he was praying for their strength, their faith, they are perseverance. And, no doubt, they returned the favor, that Paul may not fail.
Prayer should be our constant commitment as well. We may be far apart, but praying for each other will bring us closer. And let us pray by name for all who have helped us. As I do in my work with the poor in Honduras, I have a prayer list! I’m sure Paul did the same. Indeed, the letter ends with names especially dear to him, including, ‘Luke the beloved physician,’ (Colossians 4:14) his constant companion. Let us pray!” Miguel Dulick
I remember there was a university that did a study on the effects of prayer. There was one group that was prayed for, another group was told they were being prayed for, and a group that was not being prayed for… Both groups that were being prayed for had a dramatic increase in healing.?

September 1, 2021

Posted on by Evelyn Rivera
My reflection today is from Fresh Bread:
At daybreak, Jesus left and went to a deserted place. Luke 4:42
“Jesus’ healing of Simon’s mother-in-law is one of my most loved gospel stories. We all know how worrisome a fever can be: it signals distress of some sort in the body, potentially serious. After the miraculous healing, many more sick people come, and Jesus heals them as well.
It’s exhausting tending the sick, and Jesus must have expended much energy in these healings. Next, he retreats to be alone for a while. He takes time and space to rest and regenerate before moving on to other towns, other work.
Jesus shows us that spaces are important. There is a rhythm to life. As in music, the rests are integral to the composition.
Jesus, help me to get balance in the doing and being. Help me to find you in both.” – Jennifer Christ
Jesus gave us so many life lessons. This is one of them we need to have a balance of prayer and action in our lives.?

August 31, 2021

Posted on by Evelyn Rivera
M reflection today is yfrom Living Faith:
…. they were astonished by his teaching because he spoke with authority. Luke 4:32
Years ago, I was standing in a line at the bank when a toddler suddenly ran up to me and threw her arms around my leg. As soon as I spoke, she realized she had mistaken me for her mother and ran toward the woman behind me who happened to be wearing the same colored slacks.
Like that little girl, I can initially be fooled by appearances. There are people, sometimes powerful ones, who attract us by championing some aspect of Christianity that is particularly important to us. However, when we listen carefully, we realize their words and actions do not flow from the Spirit of Christ. Whether in my own life or that of others, if something consistently fails to produce the fruits of the Spirit – that is, love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, generosity, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control -I know I have taken the wrong path.
Compassionate God, guide my choices so that they reflect your goodness.” Terri Mifek

August 30, 2021

Posted on by Evelyn Rivera
My reflection:
“Positive thinking is not the destination; it is the journey.
An optimistic person will be constantly challenged-by external circumstances as well as inner fears and doubts.
Always remember that these tests are like a ladder you must climb.
As you move past each rung, your optimism strengthens and your confidence begins to flex newly found muscle that you might never have developed otherwise.” -Montague Edwards

August 28, 2021

Posted on by Evelyn Rivera
My reflection is from Living Faith:
Well done, my good and faithful servant. Matthew 25:21
“Our word ‘talent,’ or gift, is derived from this Scripture passage. A talent was a huge sum of money – one estimate is 6000 days’ wages – so the master had entrusted something of great value to his servants. Imagine if we had been given the equivalent – one talent at today’s minimum wage would be half a million dollars– to be responsible for. Then imagine that all we did was buried in the ground.
Our talents are meant to multiply in service of God’s kingdom. To play it safe, to hide our talents so that no risk is incurred, is to waste our gifts. We may have been blessed with much or with little but our challenge is to bear fruit with what we have been given.
Tonight, when we go to bed, let us ask ourselves if we have made good use of the talents with which God has blessed us. May the Lord say to us, ‘Well done.’Lord, let me act boldly in faith and not hide my talents out of fear.’ ” -Greg Erlandson
This is a good opportunity to reflect on what are our gifts and talents. There are many people who look at others and say oh wow they are gifted, but forget to look and see the precious gifts and talents that they have.?

August 27, 2021

Posted on by Evelyn Rivera
My reflection:
“Listen to your inner voice; it is the most important connection between your head and heart. Leave self doubt behind; it serves only to make you hesitate. Never stop questioning, searching, and reaching; they are the only ways to stretch your mind and soul. No matter what you do in this life, remember it is never about the treasures you acquire; it’s about making certain it is life you treasure.” Lisa Crofton
I believe that our inner voice is God’s voice speaking with us.
That voice will help us to stop and see the beauty around us which reflects God’s generous love for us.❤️

August 26, 2021

Posted on by Evelyn Rivera
My reflection:
“Don’t worry about something after it’s done; it’s out of your hands then, too late, over! Learn the lesson and move on.
Have the attitude that no one, except you, owes you anything. Give without expecting a thank you in return. But when someone does something for you, be appreciative of even the smallest gesture. Choose your thoughts or your thoughts will choose you; they will free you or keep you bound. Educate your spirit and give it authority over your feelings. Judge no one, and disappointment and forgiveness won’t be an issue. No one can let you down if you’re not leaning on them. People can’t hurt you unless you allow them to.
Love anyway… for no reason… and give… just because.” Donna Fargo
I was struck by the phrase educate your spirit and give it authority over your feelings. God is present in our spirit so we have an excellent guide on the way.?

August 24, 2021

Posted on by Evelyn Rivera
My reflection:
“Look at life as a journey and enjoy the ride. Get the most out of the detours, and realize they’re sometimes necessary.
Do your best, but if what you’ve been doing has caused you discouragement, try a different approach. Be passionate about the process, but don’t be so attached to the outcome.
Wish the best for everyone with no personal strings attached. Applaud someone else’s win as much as you would your own.
Trust that there’s a divine plan, that we don’t always know what’s best for us. A disappointment now could mean a victory later, so don’t be disappointed. There is usually a reason.
Ask no more of yourself then the best that you can do, and be satisfied with that. Be compassionate toward yourself as well as others. Know your calling, your gift, and do it well.” Donna Fargo
This is a good reminder that God is always present with us. It is also a good reminder that we need to be gentle with ourselves.?

August 23, 2021

Posted on by Evelyn Rivera
My reflection is from Living Faith:
We give thanks to God always for all of you, remembering you in our prayers… 1 Thessalonians 1:2
“When Paul greeted the Thessalonians, he began by telling them he had prayed for them. This greeting assured them of his concern and care. When I tell someone, ‘I’ll pray for you,’ I take that commitment seriously because I know how much prayer makes a difference. Not because my prayers coerce God to act in a certain way, but because prayer offers support and encouragement by recognizing that God is involved in the situation. Many times when I’ve experienced the effect of someone praying for me, it empowered me to make it through whatever was happening. This experience has led me to want to pray for others. So each morning, a part of my quiet time includes a list of names – those for whom I’ve promised to pray. I hold the list in my hands and entrust them into God’s care, confident that they will be strengthened for their journey by the One who knows what they need.” Sr. Joyce Rupp, O.S.M.
I have a book that I list the names of those who have asked for prayers. It helps me keep connected.