BEADS OF JOY 09-16-16
“Women Disciples of Jesus”
©2016 James Dacey, Jr. OFS
My Friends,
"Soon afterward he went on through cities and villages, preaching and bringing the good news of the kingdom of God. And the twelve were with him, and also some women who had been healed of evil spirits and infirmities: Mary, called Magdalene, from whom seven demons had gone out, and Joanna, the wife of Chuza, Herod's steward, and Susanna, and many others, who provided for them out of their means.”
Reflection:
Are you ready to serve the Lord using your own personal resources (aka: cash, time, treasures, skills, etc.)? WHAT? Someone once said to me, “I thought the church did that?” You know what my answer was before I even type it here, I told him, “We are the church!” It baffles me how anyone who says they love Jesus then nickel dimes Him about such petty expenses; and yet Jesus openly and willing gave His life to save ours, without reservation or complaint. What we do know about these women who served Jesus and the disciples: some had money, but most didn’t; but they all gave of their time and services to serve their Lord. Why is that so difficult for some?
Why is it that the tendency of mankind is to want to be served, rather than to serve? Even Jesus said He came to serve, not be served. We must embrace the lowest place and know that that place of a servant unto our Lord is the place we should desire to be. Living a selfless sacrificial life that is humble and giving is good; not only in our love for our Lord, but it is good for society as a whole. Imagine if countless thousands, even millions upon millions in all communities around the world would live a selfless sacrificial life. There would be World Peace! No one would be hungry! No one would be living on the street. Kindness and compassion would cover the streets. It kind of sounds like Heaven.
Jesus knows our hearts and the depths of our intentions. If all you can do is simply wipe the sweat off the brow of someone’s forehead or give them a glass of water, and you can’t afford to or you are unable to do anymore, that is ok. Jesus knows this and loves you so much for all you have done. Every little bit counts, every ounce of love counts, every embrace of compassion counts. Jesus knows our hearts and the depths of our intentions. He alone knows when we have given our all. But keep in mind He also knows when we hold out, meaning that we have much more -but we either don’t or won’t give to His Church or others. That’s all I’ll say about that. But, we simply must remember everything (money, skills, gifts, ability, etc.) we have, was first God’s; we have been fully entrusted with it. It is what we do with it, that is going to matter. Pray that God gives you the love and compassion for our Lord that you need, to guide your heart. Trust in Him and He will guide you. Cheerio, till tomorrow my good friends.
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 Friday: We pray the Sorrowful Mysteries:
The Sorrowful Mysteries
1. Agony on the Garden (Sorrow for sin) –Matt 26:36-46
2. Scourging at the Pillar (Purity) –Mark 15:1-16
3. Crowning with Thorns (Moral Courage) –Matt 27:27-31
4. Carrying of the Cross (Patience) –Mark 15:20-22
5. The Crucifixion (Perseverance) –Luke 23:33-46
Thank you Lord for loving us so much…
Rosary Man Jim’s Sorrowful Reflection: http://beads-of-joy-blog.blogspot.com/2014/02/the-sorrowful-mysteries_11.html
FRIDAY’S I share this meditation I wrote back in 2010. Here I share my own personal insight and experience, as I journey with our Lady from station to station.
Many Franciscan groups around the world use this for their own group gathering while they meditate the Stations with our Lady. http://beads-of-joy-blog.blogspot.com/2010/03/marys-way-of-cross.html It is unique and emotionally very moving as you move from station to station… From my heart to yours.
