Sunday, February 19, 2012

Seventh Sunday in Ordinary Time B

BEADS OF JOY 2-19-12
©2012 James Dacey, Jr. OFS

Today is the Seventh Sunday in Ordinary Time B
Today’s Gospel is: Mark 2:1-12 (The Healing of a Paralytic)

And when he returned to Capernaum after some days, it was reported that he was at home. And many were gathered together, so that there was no longer room for them, not even about the door; and he was preaching the word to them. And they came, bringing to him a paralytic carried by four men. And when they could not get near him because of the crowd, they removed the roof above him; and when they had made an opening, they let down the pallet on which the paralytic lay. And when Jesus saw their faith, he said to the paralytic, "My son, your sins are forgiven." Now some of the scribes were sitting there, questioning in their hearts, "Why does this man speak thus? It is blasphemy! Who can forgive sins but God alone?" And immediately Jesus, perceiving in his spirit that they thus questioned within themselves, said to them, "Why do you question thus in your hearts? Which is easier, to say to the paralytic, `Your sins are forgiven,' or to say, `Rise, take up your pallet and walk'? But that you may know that the Son of man has authority on earth to forgive sins" -- he said to the paralytic -- "I say to you, rise, take up your pallet and go home." And he rose, and immediately took up the pallet and went out before them all; so that they were all amazed and glorified God, saying, "We never saw anything like this!.”
1 – Our Father -10 Hail Mary’s –Glory be… - Oh My Jesus…

Reflection: My Friends; A most fantastic exciting miracle has taken place in Capernaum. Four very faithful friends were determined to get their other friend who was a paralytic before Jesus so he can be healed. Today we are reading and studying Mark 2:1-12 (The Healing of a Paralytic). I can only imagine the look on the face of those in the house, when they saw the roof section broken through as these four were lowering down their friend. The faith and determination of these four friends must have been breath taking.

Jesus was without a doubt happy with all their efforts. In verse 2:5, "When Jesus saw their faith, he said to the paralytic, "Child, your sins are forgiven." This mans healing was instantaneous. Do you realize how exciting it must have been for him? Now let's take this even further outside the box, how ever did those present in the house respond? I'm sure their are those who sincerely believed in Jesus; but consider this, what about those on the fence, or those who wanted to believe and those who were curious and didn't believe. That was all a bit long winded I agree, but you see how that was indeed an exciting moment for everyone no doubt. Would we believe even stronger if we seen it happen before our eyes? Or would we still doubt our own sight?

There are a few things we can understand in this miracle. For starters the forgiveness of sins healed the paralytic. Another incredible part of this miracle was that the bondage of the pain (the sin) was healed immediately. Jesus simply heals with the slightest utter of His will for us. And I noticed that in verse 10 leading into verse 11, Jesus was possibly speaking directly to the scribes who didn't believe in Him. His tone, I realize there is no "tone" in the written word, but verse 10 just seemed a bit misplaced, like all of a sudden a point needed to be made. I hope you can all follow that.

The end of verse 12 was a spectacular way to end the gospel reading, "They were all astounded and glorified God, saying "We have never seen anything like this." So many must have believed; after seeing that miracle, happen right in front of them. Praise Jesus for loving us so much, not only to die for me and you so that we may live eternally with Him; but for loving us so much that while He was here He healed so many.

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

PS.. Lent begins Wednesday February 22, 2012 (Ash Wednesday)

Sunday, February 12, 2012

Sixth Sunday in Ordinary Time B

BEADS OF JOY 2-12-12 
©2012 James Dacey, Jr. OFS

Today is the Sixth Sunday in Ordinary Time B
Today’s Gospel is: Mark 1:40-45 (The Cleansing of a Leper)

And a leper came to him beseeching him, and kneeling said to him, "If you will, you can make me clean." Moved with pity, he stretched out his hand and touched him, and said to him, "I will; be clean." And immediately the leprosy left him, and he was made clean. And he sternly charged him, and sent him away at once, and said to him, "See that you say nothing to any one; but go, show yourself to the priest, and offer for your cleansing what Moses commanded, for a proof to the people." But he went out and began to talk freely about it, and to spread the news, so that Jesus could no longer openly enter a town, but was out in the country; and people came to him from every quarter.”
1 – Our Father -10 Hail Mary’s –Glory be… - Oh My Jesus…

Reflection: So what is stopping us from approaching Jesus like the leper did in today’s gospel? Leprosy is a disease; a disease nothing short of being the living dead. Sadly that is true. It’s a poison far worse than even cancer; in that little by little it takes over your entire body, till it has killed it. For the most part leprosy is incurable and the person with it will inevitably die. Well knowing all this, this man still approached Jesus with a humble deep faith. That faith is beyond what many may think is common sense thinking. Why ask for something you probably know for the most part, you probably won’t get anyway. And it’s not because you can’t have it; it’s more like the reality of, in this case it’s not medically even possible. Yet this man still came forward asking for a healing.

The lepers confidence and trust in approaching Jesus in the end, gave him exactly what he not only wished for; but he also asked. How can today’s gospel be embraced into our own lives? In other words if we are to “Live the Gospel” How in the world do we do it, in reflection to today’s reading? Today’s gospel to me shows us that we can boldly, yet very humbly and confidently approaching Jesus with the impossible, in the end He makes all things possible. Pray this little pray every single day, keep it at the edge of your thoughts constantly, and you will see more and more how Jesus does answer our prayers. Simple pray, “Jesus, I trust in You.”

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

Sunday, February 5, 2012

Fifth Sunday in Ordinary Time B

BEADS OF JOY 2-05-12 
©2012 James Dacey, Jr. OFS

Today is the Fifth Sunday in Ordinary Time B
Today’s Gospel is: Mark 1:29-39 (Jesus Heals Many)

And immediately he left the synagogue, and entered the house of Simon and Andrew, with James and John. Now Simon's mother-in-law lay sick with a fever, and immediately they told him of her. And he came and took her by the hand and lifted her up, and the fever left her; and she served them. That evening, at sundown, they brought to him all who were sick or possessed with demons. And the whole city was gathered together about the door. And he healed many who were sick with various diseases, and cast out many demons; and he would not permit the demons to speak, because they knew him. And in the morning, a great while before day, he rose and went out to a lonely place, and there he prayed. And Simon and those who were with him pursued him, and they found him and said to him, "Everyone is searching for you.” And he said to them, "Let us go on to the next towns that I may preach there also; for that is why I came out." And he went throughout all Galilee, preaching in their synagogues and casting out demons.”
1 – Our Father -10 Hail Mary’s –Glory be… - Oh My Jesus…

Reflection: Sometimes sickness is permitted by God and many ask why. It is permitted for the sole purpose of us glorifying God. Jesus was beaten, whipped and killed upon the Cross alone; shows us how through suffering, Jesus was made perfect before God and through that suffering we are brought to Him. Suffering is so misunderstood by the world. In today’s gospel there is no doubt in observation of Peter’s character, that Peter is one of our Lords most devoted followers, and his love for his mother in law is sincere, and most precious. He was truly a most commendable son in law. Today let us look at this healing, this wonderful miracle; and let us think about how we handle and consider the trials, struggles and even illnesses in our own lives and families. Here’s a thought, “Do we really place all our trust in Jesus when we are suffering?” It is when we are brought to our knees that we finally look up to God and ask why? It is that final humble approach that brings us to where we most certainly need to be before God respectfully.

On a personal note, there was a time when we lived a sort of Soprano lifestyle. No not mafia, I am referring to spending without concern or worry ever about money, we knew more cash would be in our hands tomorrow. A lifestyle, I can’t even begin explain properly. Think of this: Have you ever went shopping and just left and paid and swiped your debit/credit card and never knew or cared what you spent? Well we lived like that for more than two decades. It’s all different now, and with Chrissy’s life threatening illness we are also brought to our knees. When God wants our hearts fully, “His will” will take us directly to Himself. Suffering is indeed a blessing, an unexplainable blessing we must learn to embrace. Remember this, all suffering is followed by thanksgiving and blessings and praise to Almighty God for His love and mercy.

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