Heart, Mind, Soul & Strength

Beads of Joy 10-04-10

Heart, Mind, Soul & Strength
©2010 James Dacey, Jr. SFO

Hello Everyone,

Exciting, exciting, exciting, that about sums up today's gospel. In today's gospel the question is asked for all of us to read, "saying, "Teacher, what shall I do to inherit eternal life?" that's verse 25, followed by Jesus' questions about what's in the law, and Jesus asked the lawyer "What is written in the law? How do you read?" verse 26. Then in verse 27, the statement of all statements, the one verse that sums up so much about what our faith must truly be, "And he (the lawyer) answered, "You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, and with all your soul, and with all your strength, and with all your mind; and your neighbor as yourself." And Jesus said, "You have answered right; do this, and you will live." Talk about a very exciting special day in our faith, this is the foundation to our "everyday" with Jesus. I almost forgot to mention, today's gospel is Luke 10:26-37 (Greatest Commandment / Parable of The Good Samaritan). I came out of the gate a little bit to fast and a whole lot to excited. But all is good. lol.

Another very insightful, very enlightening verse happened at the end of the Parable of The Good Samaritan. Where in the last exchange of conversation occurred, "He said, "The one who showed mercy on him." And Jesus said to him, "Go and do likewise." We are to show mercy to others, always. So today we will reflect upon what we shall do, and how we are to be towards others. The complete summary of our faith. For starters let's look at the parable. Parables always tell such wonderful stories that help us deepen our faith. It appears that there was purpose in today's parable. This conversation Jesus had with the lawyer was not only interesting; but this lawyer, a man who was very familiar with Mosaic Law, was being tested by Jesus. He actually did very well, and Jesus acknowledged his correct responses. But this parable added a Samaritan into the mix. Yes a Priest and a Levite knew the law like the lawyer; but a Samaritan, why a Samaritan, he was just a mix of Jew and Gentile. But it was through the Samaritan's mercy and love for this man who was beaten up; that Jesus wanted to share how a person as neighbor less as Samaritan, compared to the Priest and Levite, could care so much.

First of all, it is my humble, yet very bold opinion that all politics should be put aside, this man left for dead on the side of the road should have been helped immediately. I know there was a chance at getting mugged yourself in the process if helping another, but sometimes you just have to run the risk at putting your life on the line, to be there for someone else. I don't believe that to be to bold and unachievable. We really must live in a such a way that we'd be willing to die to help or save another, whether we know them or not. Case and point: Chrissy's oldest brother Albert, was in NYC when he came upon a women being attacked. Albert had a black-belt in karate, and he was a good man, a husband and a dad. He knew what the right thing to do was, and so he did it. He came to the woman's defense and rescued and saved her from being hurt, raped or murdered. But he paid a price for his love and mercy for another. The attacker turned the gun on Albert and killed him. Very very sad story. But Chrissy's brother's unselfish, caring way saved the woman. He is a hero. I am sure God has rewarded his bold, selfless act of love and kindness.

We must be willing to embrace the cross of Jesus. But the cross we will bear, won't look like the one Jesus died upon. Ours might be cancer, or leukemia, or the loss of a loved one, or a special needs child that needs our attention 24/7. We all have our own crosses, this isn't a free ride to Heaven. And true to today's gospel and parable, as we bare these crosses, we must stick out or necks, dig deep in our pockets and place others before ourselves, always. God doesn't want 100% from us, I believe He wants 100,000% from each of us, when it comes to compassion and love for others. If there is anything we can take with us, as we leave pondering over today's gospel, let us consider these few closing thoughts: Jesus' love for us to save us, cost Him His life. How many countless America's have defended our freedoms and it cost them their lives. Look at 9/11, so many died trying to save others. Chrissy's brother Albert defended the woman being attacked and it cost him his life. There will always be a cost. Pray and ask God to guide your life, your choices and your challenges, so that you make the right choice when it comes to the love and compassion to your (our) neighbors.

"Jesus, I trust in You."


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

Today we pray the Joyful Mysteries
1. The Annunciation
2. The Visitation
3. The Birth of Jesus
4. The Presentation in The Temple
5. Finding of Jesus in the Temple