The Joyful - Daily Walk 4/5

Beads of Joy 06-17-10

The Joyful - Daily Walk 4/5
©2010 James Dacey, Jr. SFO

Joyful Walk - 4/5
Hello Everyone,

This has been a fantastic week reflecting upon the Joyful Mysteries and how each mystery not only affected Jesus, Mary and Joseph; but also how do we fit into that experience. Today is the fourth Joyful Mystery - The Presentation of Jesus in the Temple. A most unique story surrounds this most special mystery. Let us consider Simeon and Anna, and the wisdom they certainly showed in awaiting for the arrival of their Messiah. No doubt in their old age, their must have been challenges; and what about the families who had to tend to them, as they waited with faith, hope and trust at the Temple. Another possible thing was the loneliness from time to time they most certainly had to have, while patiently, very insistently waiting. Can we be patient and steadfast knowing and trusting in God with the same faith? I don't know, that depends on so many variables. And you see I think that that is the problem with the society thinks today. Instead of having that unwavering, unquestionable faith to remain strong; we expect answers from God to be immediate and to our understanding that makes us stand apart from Simeon and Anna.

Dependency a very real element in this experience at the temple and in the lives of many of us. But can we take care of one another as we age with love, respect and true understanding of ones faith and trust in God? I think we can, and I am willing to say that many already do. Let us be like those who took care of Simeon and Anna. They understood to some degree that Simeon and Anna, both holy devout people who were rested in the Holy Spirit, were following the heart of God to see the baby Jesus. There is no way I would think that these two who remained in the temple, were their completely on their own, without any help. Someone I am sure made sure they got food, and they were able to wash and even keep some sort of clean or cleaner smelling clothes on. Do you see what I am getting at here. This mystery shares not only the glory and awesomeness of Jesus being presented at the Temple; but also the love and devotion and caring that took place behind the scenes for the devout. How can we be like that towards others? How simple is it really?

Love, Respect and a choice to help others keep their dignity. No doubt that Simeon was old, and Anna it's said to have been eighty-four years old. Yes I understand there are many spry energetic people at those ages and older. But considering the time of Jesus and the lack of living comfortably and stress-free, would only age anyone. They may have even been disabled, we don't know that for a fact. But what we do know is that they were able to remain in the temple praising God and waiting on the arrival of Jesus. Simeon knew that near his death would be when he would meet Jesus. His life was directed by the Holy Spirit, he allowed God to be the center of all things to him. Our family and friends that we know who are elderly who wish to continue worshiping God, going to Mass, being at Eucharistic adoration; we need to help them, willingly behind the scenes.

I challenge you to help someone, maybe go to a nursing home, and attend a Mass service there with a resident who really wants to go but can't or has too many challenges to go alone. Think of them as a Simeon or Anna when you spend time with them. Allow your heart to really care for them. You can also do this with maybe a neighbor, or someone you know who really wants to go to Mass but is unable to go. If you don't know anyone in this situation, ask around, ask friends if they have a relative who speaks about going to Mass but has no way of attending. You can minister to them by uniting them with Jesus and the Eucharist and at the same time have some really special fellowship. A new close brother or sister in the Lord. Like I brought my grandmother to be united with her husband at the cemetery in answer to her prayers; you to can answer the prayers of those seeking to be with Jesus.


Your brother in Christ Jesus & His Most Blessed Mother,
Jim (The Rosary Man) Dacey Jr SFO