The Secret Disciple

BEADS OF JOY 04-28-14
“The Secret Disciple”
©2014 James Dacey, Jr. OFS

Today's Gospel: John 3:1-8 (Nicodemus) “Now there was a man of the Pharisees, named Nicodemus, a ruler of the Jews. This man came to Jesus by night and said to him, "Rabbi, we know that you are a teacher come from God; for no one can do these signs that you do, unless God is with him." Jesus answered him, "Truly, truly, I say to you, unless one is born anew, he cannot see the kingdom of God." Nicodemus said to him, "How can a man be born when he is old? Can he enter a second time into his mother's womb and be born?" Jesus answered, "Truly, truly, I say to you, unless one is born of water and the Spirit, he cannot enter the kingdom of God. That which is born of the flesh is flesh, and that which is born of the Spirit is spirit. Do not marvel that I said to you, `You must be born anew.' The wind blows where it wills, and you hear the sound of it, but you do not know whence it comes or whither it goes; so it is with everyone who is born of the Spirit."

 My Friends,

I really love today’s gospel, it touches on a very important aspect of our faith, and that is being born again; or like scripture says, “born anew”.  Are you Born-Again in the Spirit? Has Jesus reached out to your heart and grabbed you? I’m saying it that way, because for me that’s exactly how it happened. Jesus literally grabbed my heart. At the time I was a self-proclaimed “atheist”; well at least I made it clear that I didn’t and couldn’t believe in a “God” with all the sorrow that was in the world.

Here is the direct link to: My Story
http://beads-of-joy-blog.blogspot.com/2010/01/my-story-1st-time-posted-here.html

If we can only understand how to stay focused on Jesus in our lives; this life would be a whole new experience, and honestly from my own journey it makes the difficult times so much easier to deal with. In today’s gospel Nicodemus had a genuine interest in understanding what Jesus was teaching about being born-again. Once our bodies are “born” there comes a time when the Spirit to must be “born” or should I say “re-born”. It is said, “Born-again”, because at inception our Spirit is born with our bodies; but after that when we are grown and we live a life focused on Jesus, our Spirit is born-again embracing Jesus in ways our young Spirit could not understand.

This new life gives us something better to live for. Let’s face it; we all have to believe in “something” if not, then your life will be lived and based on “nothing”. How sad that is. Too many people in this world believe so completely in themselves, what a train wreck that is. Can you imagine, you must be the one to give your life meaning and purpose and somehow make your death seem like it don’t stop all your life’s efforts and experiences. Our born again Spirit knows it will spend eternity worshipping and loving and honoring Jesus in Heaven. That is real, and that gives our life true meaning. Embrace Jesus and don’t waste what Jesus has given to you (to me); the chance –the gift of eternal life in Heaven with Him.

Pondering these thoughts: Are you born again in the Spirit? Has the Holy Spirit spoken to you either in your heart or in your mind, directing you to embrace and love Jesus in a whole new enlightening way? When you are born again, you will know, and honestly most people around you will also know. What will they know? There’s something different about you now. The Joy and Freedom you will experience in this new life of Christ will affect those around you, without a doubt.

LOVE YOU GUYS!!!!
Come PRAY THE ROSARY with us every evening Monday through Friday 9pm EST with our
"Our Lady's Rosary Text Vigil Group"…

Invitations posted daily… and throughout the evening…
https://www.facebook.com/RosaryManJim

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

I also invite you to follow me on Twitter and Pinterest:
https://twitter.com/Rosarymanjim
http://www.pinterest.com/rosarymanjim/