BEADS OF JOY 09-28-16
“Be Not Afraid”
©2016 James Dacey, Jr. OFS
My Friends,
Today’s Gospel: Luke 9:57-62 (Be Not Afraid)
“As they were going along the road, a man said to him, "I will follow you wherever you go." And Jesus said to him, "Foxes have holes, and birds of the air have nests; but the Son of man has nowhere to lay his head." To another he said, "Follow me." But he said, "Lord, let me first go and bury my father." But he said to him, "Leave the dead to bury their own dead; but as for you, go and proclaim the kingdom of God." Another said, "I will follow you, Lord; but let me first say farewell to those at my home." Jesus said to him, "No one who puts his hand to the plow and looks back is fit for the kingdom of God."
Reflection:
The title of today’s reflection comes from John Michael Talbot’s song “Be Not Afraid”. I have it playing in the background as I write today’s reflection. John Michael Talbot’s music has been in my heart and life throughout my entire 33-year spiritual journey. Some people have many different fears and reasons why they won’t follow Jesus or why they may hesitate to follow Him. I thought this song today might help those most, that is why I am sharing this song today. While our Lord wants us to love and respect all things and everyone; we must without hesitation always put Him above everything and everyone. Jesus must come first, always. There is no acceptable excuse or reason why He must come second.
Are you really ready to Follow Jesus? If you decide to, you must trust that you will have the strength to follow Him to the end. Through the power of the Holy Spirit and your faith, you will make it. But remember this, following Jesus comes with a price, true disciples will experience sacrifice and discomfort. Jesus has spoken of detaching ourselves from the things that hold us back, most especially things of this world. Nothing should come between us and the Lord. If you are a true believer and follower you must be willing to stay the course in all situations; there is no reason to turn back, no reason to leave your post, we must stay the course. I know this to well. But I did not do this with full knowledge. I did it because my heart is all wrapped up in my Lord and our Lady. A 33-year love affair I could not and will never abandon.
What happen? You ask? Here’s the short version: Chrissy’s illness began in May 2010. The ministry and my driving and my writing was in full force growing and the Lord was guiding and directing. While Chrissy was horribly ill she was unable to take care of herself, so I had to be her care-taker, while working, writing, taking care of the 3 kids, taking her to the doctors, etc., etc., etc. Oh yeah, while doing all I can to coordinate multiple daily rosaries and prayers and write my daily blog in reflection of the day’s gospel. Other than knowing it was our Lord that got us through that; there is no other way to describe how it would have been possible. There were days, no weeks that I went days with 1-2 hour naps and somehow survived. It’s a miracle both she and I have survived to this day. Never once did I walk away and abandon my post (aka, the ministry). I paused twice to just catch up, but there is no way I could ever stop! I can’t! Jesus is in my blood. The beads flow through my veins. I knew the cost when I began this journey. No I did not know the road ahead, but I knew I had to stay the course. Yes, the venue has changed a couple of times, but the message and the task remain the same. SHARE JESUS EVERYDAY! Without fear! Without worry about what others say! More to come tomorrow my friends. Enjoy the music…
Be Not Afraid - John Michael Talbot
LOVE YOU GUYS !!!!
Your brother in Christ Jesus
And His Most Blessed Mother,
Jim (The Rosary Man) Dacey Jr OFS
**(NEW DAILY FEATURE)
Today is Wednesday: We pray the Glorious Mysteries:
The Glorious Mysteries
1. The Resurrection (Faith) –Mark 16:1-8
2. The Ascension (Hope) –Luke 24:50-53
3. The Descent of the Holy Spirit (Love) –Acts 2:1-4
4. Assumption of Our Lady (A Happy Death) –Rev 12:1-6
5. The Coronation of Mary (Mary’s intercession) –Judith 15:9-10
Glory and Honor and Praise to You Lord Jesus!!!
Rosary Man Jim's Glorious Reflections: http://beads-of-joy-blog.blogspot.com/2013/05/the-glorious-mysteries.html
