Tuesday, February 15, 2011

Do We Really Trust In Him?

Beads of Joy 02-15-11

Do We Really Trust In Him?
©2011 James Dacey, Jr. SFO

Hello Everyone,

The title says it all, so do we? In today's gospel it appears that the disciples have forgotten about how the Lord shall provide for them; and has always provided for them. How is it that those closest to our Lord were unable to know and believe that He would provide for them? The disciples also confused real bread with the bread of life, that our Lord gives us everyday. But you know, I guess when you are closest to the anxiety of stressful times; you can't so easily see that which maybe obvious, at least compared to someone from the outside looking in. It works both ways, you know. Anxiety can create an imbalance in your life, and I can really relate to that. If you are going through challenges at a particular moment; anyone looking in usually can't really relate fully to the impact of what you are going through. And I think the best way to explain it is like this; you know how you see a reporter out in a storm explaining it, telling you about the fierce winds and heavy stinging hard rain drops. And what is the typical reaction, "Wow, that looks horrible, it is really bad out." But honestly how could ever know the depths of the experience what they are, if we never got to actually experience it.

How do we deal with anxiety? If we are experiencing it, how do we handle it? And what if a family member or a friend is suffering in some way, and the burden on their heart is heavy, what can we do? I guess I don't have to say all that much, many people know what my family is going through. Well that is a good starting point on this topic today. See sometimes a family carrying multiple crosses really needs love, compassion and general kindness. We usually don't seek a pity party, or "Oh I feel so bad for you guys." Honestly that don't help at all when you are under the weight of fifty bazillions tons of stress hour after hour. Yes. You read that right, and that's on a good day. Today the gospel reflection is found in Mark 8:14-21 (True Bread). Our Lord's concerns were for that of the soul, not of the body; the disciples just didn't understand.

Do we really try our best to pray with the utmost confidence when we are faced with trials and anxiety that we just don't understand sometimes? You know sometimes we are put in a situation for a reason, and the situation may just be horrible, or devastating. But there's always a reason for everything that happens to us, God turns the bad into good. He himself does not minister the bad our way, He only transforms it into a good purpose and outcome. And unfortunately so many people just can't see that. The longer my own spirit has been in love with my Lord, and that I can say I fully accept any and all outcomes, took some time. But the misfortune of one, not only helps to awaken the soul of that person, but think of all the souls around that person. Many people have been spiritually healed by someone elses devastating accident that they survived, and even died in. Others have been saved sitting side by side, day after day with a loved one suffering with cancer, or any other disease.

Today let's consider a challenge for our own self in dealing with challenges, issues, anxiety, or whatever. Let us remember all of what Jesus has done for us and has given us. He died for us and Defeated Death for us. He remains in us through the power of the Holy Spirit. He unites with us, every single time we go to Mass and receive Him in the Holy Eucharist. He forgives us every single time we go to Confession. Let us think, He is present with us throughout our day and especially throughout our struggles. Keep your channel tuned to "Jesus" at all times, in all places and in all faces. Jesus is truly ever present with us everyday.

"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 Sorrowful Mysteries

1. Agony in the Garden
2. The Scourging at the Pillar
3. Crowing with Thorns
4. Carrying of the Cross
5. The Crucifixion of Jesus