April 8, 2023

Posted on by Johanna Garcia
My reflection:
Do what rivers do. They flow on and move forward, gathering strength along the way. And they occasionally have turbulent times to deal with, but they always-always – find a way to get where they’re going.” Douglas Pagels
We are fortunate to always have God flowing with us.

April 7, 2023

Posted on by Johanna Garcia
My reflection is from Living Faith:
For this I was born and for this I came into the world, to testify to the truth. John 18:37b
“Good Friday seems anything but good. Hasn’t Jesus just undergone horrific torture during his passion and crucifixion? Wasn’t he laid in the tomb? Isn’t he dead? Isn’t the story over? This is what the ways of the world may incline us to think. But far from death, life will have the ultimate victory. Truth will reign again.
We live in an era of deception and faulty – when it seems that the truth is negotiable or can even be changed. Whether in terms of the human person as God made us, of human life or otherwise, we must proclaim truth and reality. And let us begin by celebrating the truth itself (or rather Himself): Jesus Christ, who will rise to new life in a few days.
Lord Jesus Christ, thank you for your sacrifice on the cross. May we always remember the true depth of your love for us.”
Mr. Justin McLain, O.P.

April 6, 2023

Posted on by Johanna Garcia
My reflection is from Living Faith:
…. Jesus knew that his our had come to pass from this world to the Father. He loved his own in the world and he loved them to the end. John 13:1
In my fifteen years as a hospice volunteer and being with loved ones of dying relatives, I’ve known an awesome sacredness mixed with aching sadness when someone’s death approaches. I imagine a similar atmosphere during Jesus’ farewell to his beloved disciples – the palpable sense of love, the excrutiating depths of sorrow . The tenderness as he expressed his love for his friends was only surpassed by the astounding gesture as he wrapped a cloth around his waist and bent to wash their sweaty, dirty feet. John’s account of this does not mention tears, but surely they were a wash in the disciples’ hearts that evening. Now is the time to strengthen and expand that kind of love in us so that when the time arrives for our departure, our hearts will be a similar overflowing container of love.” Sr. Joyce Rupp, O.S.M.

April 5, 2023

Posted on by Johanna Garcia
My reflection:
“Let me do my work each day; and if the darkened hours of despair overcoming, and not forget the strength that comforted me in the desolation of other times.
May I still remember the bright hours that found me walking over the silent hills of my childhood, or dreaming on the margin of the quiet river when I light glowed within me, and I promised my God to have courage I’m in the tempests of the changing years.
Spare me from bitterness in the sharp passions of unguarded moments. May I not forget that poverty and riches are of the spirit. The world knows me not, made my thoughts and actions be such as shall keep me friendly with myself.
Lift my eyes from the earth and let me not forget the uses of the stars. Forbid that I should judge others lest I condemn myself. Let me not follow the clamor of the world, but walk calmly in the path.
Give me a few friends who love me for what I am; and keep ever burning before my vagrant steps the kindly light of hope.
And though age and infirmity overtake me, and I come not within sight of the castle of my dreams, teach me still to be thankful for life, and for times olden memories that are good and sweet; and may the evenings twilight find me gentle still.”  Max Ehrmann

April 4, 2023

Posted on by Johanna Garcia
My reflection is:
“To live in a state of grace means to be fully in tune with your spiritual nature and a higher power that sustains you. Grace comes when you are able to move from your lower self, where your ego dictates the path that ‘should’ be rightfully yours, to your higher self, where you are able to transcend your ego and expand into your greater good. It comes when you shift from a ‘me’ centered reality to an understanding of the bigger picture. Grace comes when you understand and accept that the universe always creates circumstances that lead every person to his or her own true path, and that everything happens for a reason as part of a divine plan….
In the state of Grace you trust in yourself and the universe. You can celebrate other peoples blessings, knowing that their gifts are right and appropriate for them and that the universe has your gift right around the
corner. ” Cherie Carter-Scott, PhD

April 1,2023

Posted on by Johanna Garcia
My reflection is from Living Faith:
I will turn their morning into joy… Jeremiah 31:13
“Today’s first reading is filled with good news. God, through the prophet Ezekiel, promises to unify the dispersed children of Israel adding, ‘I will be their God, and they shall be my people’ (Ezekiel 27/27). In contrast, the Gospel contains bad news: The leaders of the Pharisees and Sanhedrin plan to kill Jesus.
On some days, we, too, experience good news: the birth of a baby, help from a friend, the coming of spring. At the same time, we can receive bad news: the diagnosis of a serious illness, the break up of a cherished relationship, a financial setback.
As we move into Holy Week,let us remind ourselves that good news and bad news are often intertwined. Before his arrest (bad news), Jesus gives us the Eucharist (good news!). And his terrible death will lead to his glorious resurrection – the best ‘Good News’of all!
God of my whole life, thank you for being with me all my days, in times of bad news and good news.” Sr. Melannie Svoboda, S.N.D.
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March 31, 2023

Posted on by Johanna Garcia
My reflection:
“People are often looking for ways to measure the worth of their lives. The most fortunate among them come to realize that you need not have the finest education to possess the greatest wisdom or the biggest bank account to feel rich beyond measure. For if you are joyful and share your bliss at every turn, then you walk among the most successful beings to ever grace this earth.” Lynn Keachie

March 30, 2023

Posted on by Johanna Garcia
My reflection:
“Make time in your busy schedule now and then to contemplate and slow way down – to gaze at the landscape, marvel at the beauty and the majesty of the trees, and look up until you can almost touch that big, out of reach blue sky. Be thankful you can see
Be still and hear the sound around you. Listen to the birds speaking their own language. Here the universe singing in the world making its music in concert with the rhythms of the traffic. Tune in to those melodies in your heart for inspiration. Be glad you can hear.
Breathe in hope and joy, and feel the life-giving air. Breathe out fear and regret. Don’t worry about doing anything this moment except being where you are. Feel the harmony of your relationship with every living thing. Be mindful of the people who are positive influences in your life.
Take the time to fall in love with life with the innocence and wonder of a child.” Donna Fargo