Repentance - Jesus is Calling

Beads of Joy 03-12-11

Repentance -Jesus Is Calling
©2011 James Dacey, Jr. SFO

Hello Everyone,

Today is the first Saturday of the first week of Lent. Let's reflect on the last verse, "I have not come to call the righteous, but sinners to repentance." Well one thing is certain, we all know that we are all sinners. But we are not forever trapped with that title. By God's grace and love we are able to ask for forgiveness, and we are given the chance to repent for our sins, as often as we so desire. This is very important and very critical part of our preparation for Heaven, while here on earth. We shouldn't waste our time here thinking, this is no big deal; this is actually more important then many may realize.

During this Lenten Season, I recommend we all take the time to seriously do a very in-depth "Examination of Conscience". Let us show Jesus how important it is to each of us personally, to be right with God. Many many years ago, I bought a tiny little book called, "The Little Catechism of Confession", this book is such a blessing. It goes through every single commandment, and it helps you better understand the depths of each commandment; allowing you to see how many sins seriously connect to them. When I say, we have most likely in some way, have broken every commandment, many would think I am crazy. But sorry it's true. Please take the time to make yourself more pure before God. This is one of my biggest focuses this Lent. I am working on this in my journal, opening up to some down deep honest writing.

Let me give you some examples that will blow your mind. Let's look at the 5th Commandment "You shall not kill", I know most everyone can honestly say, "I am innocent, I never killed anyone." Ok, I agree with that, the outright commandment itself sounds like you must commit murder, but not Jesus' eye. To Jesus helping someone, advising someone, directing someone, or simply not disagreeing with someone who is going to have an abortion; is a breaking this commandment. In God's eye, if we support, promote or encourage anyone to kill something, someone or even themselves, then that is considered as if we ourselves did it. It goes even deeper in the 5th Commandment, anger, hatred, prejudice, recklessly endangering the life of another, diet pills.. and it goes on and on. Please seriously look at all the commandments in this very in-depth way. You will be very happy you did.

Today's Gospel: Luke 5:27-32 (Calling Sinners To Repent)
"After this he went out, and saw a tax collector, named Levi, sitting at the tax office; and he said to him, "Follow me." And he left everything, and rose and followed him. And Levi made him a great feast in his house; and there was a large company of tax collectors and others sitting at table with them. And the Pharisees and their scribes murmured against his disciples, saying, "Why do you eat and drink with tax collectors and sinners?" And Jesus answered them, "Those who are well have no need of a physician, but those who are sick; I have not come to call the righteous, but sinners to repentance."

Questions To Ponder Today:
-Do you point out other peoples sins?
-How grateful are you after confession?
-How often do you go to confession?
-Would you do like Levi? And leave everything for Jesus?
-Do you really seek and wish the best for others?
(Take the time to do a true examination of conscience today.)
And if you can, go Confession this afternoon.


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