Sunday, March 20, 2011

Rise and Have No Fear

Beads of Joy 03-20-11

Rise and Have No Fear
©2011 James Dacey, Jr. SFO

Hello Everyone,

What an absolutely incredibly breath-taking glimpse, the disciples must have had; seeing Jesus is in His Transfigured state. Jesus knew well that Calvary was ahead, the cross he would bear for us; He knew He had to fulfill God's will and die for us. Yet in this magnificent display of power, Jesus exposed His true self. And to be with the old testament leaders, was probably beyond any power the apostles could have ever imagined: Moses was one of God's most trusted men who He shared His law on Mount Sinai with, and Elijah was one of God's greatest prophets. And to think Peter, James and John, three of our Lord's most beloved Apostles were present to witness such an incredible event. So how can we translate this event into a Lenten Reflection?

Jesus has given us the chance, through the eyes of His apostles to see Him in all His glory before us. Giving us the confidence and encouragement many of us need to continue following Him. Jesus never has to prove to anyone who He is, or that indeed He is God's Son. I see this display of power as a sort of "smile" come down from Heaven upon us. Did that make sense? It's like an approval smile, full of love. Anyone who don't personally know our Lord, or they don't believe to begin with, won't get anything out of this scripture. But if you are a believer and you know, that you know who Jesus is, then you see that smile from Heaven; kinda of solidifying our bond to Him. Did any of that make sense? Please tell me if I go to far off into a loop.

So today in celebration of this Magnificent sight, like the Apostles let us celebrate and honor many Jesus. While we duly note Moses' role and Elijah's role in the old testament leading up to Jesus. Let us be bold as we move forward in our faith, staying fully focused on Jesus. Just like Jesus said to the apostles, "Rise and have no fear." We to must do all we can to be bold in our faith. Do not be afraid !!! God is with us on this journey. We do not walk this walk alone, by no means. Keep His word, the word, close to your heart; learn scripture, get comfortable with having your nose in your bible frequently. Learn the stories, old and new testament, get familiar with names, places, events. If you can do this with your spouse, your kids, close sisters and brothers in the Lord, then do it. And to the best of your ability I once again encourage a transformation of your life, fully focusing on Jesus 24/7/365. Pray through this Lenten Season for that burning desire inside your heart.

Today's Gospel: Matthew 17:1-9 (The Transfiguration)
"And after six days Jesus took with him Peter and James and John his brother, and led them up a high mountain apart. And he was transfigured before them, and his face shone like the sun, and his garments became white as light. And behold, there appeared to them Moses and Elijah, talking with him. And Peter said to Jesus, "Lord, it is well that we are here; if you wish, I will make three booths here, one for you and one for Moses and one for Elijah." He was still speaking, when lo, a bright cloud overshadowed them, and a voice from the cloud said, "This is my beloved Son, with whom I am well pleased; listen to him." When the disciples heard this, they fell on their faces, and were filled with awe. But Jesus came and touched them, saying, "Rise, and have no fear." And when they lifted up their eyes, they saw no one but Jesus only. And as they were coming down the mountain, Jesus commanded them, "Tell no one the vision, until the Son of man is raised from the dead."

Questions To Ponder Today:
-Has Lent been a good experience for you so far?
-What is one of your biggest goals this Lenten Season?
-Are you seeking God's presence in your life?
-Have you yet been to confession during Lent?
-Is your Spirit Alive and on Fire for Him?
(This week hook up with a dear friend; chat, coffee, reconnect)
If too far away: send an email, find then on

Facebook, call them, send them a letter...
Share Jesus with them...


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

Today we pray the Glorious Mysteries

1. The Resurrection
2. The Ascension
3. The Descent of The Holy Spirit
4. The Assumption
5. The Coronation