BEADS OF JOY 10-03-16
“Go And Do Likewise”
©2016 James Dacey, Jr. OFS
My Friends,
Today’s Gospel: Luke 10:25-37 (Go And Do Likewise)
“And behold, a lawyer stood up to put him to the test, saying, "Teacher, what shall I do to inherit eternal life?" He said to him, "What is written in the law? How do you read?" And he answered, "You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, and with all your soul, and with all your strength, and with all your mind; and your neighbor as yourself." And he said to him, "You have answered right; do this, and you will live." But he, desiring to justify himself, said to Jesus, "And who is my neighbor?" Jesus replied, "A man was going down from Jerusalem to Jericho, and he fell among robbers, who stripped him and beat him, and departed, leaving him half dead. Now by chance a priest was going down that road; and when he saw him he passed by on the other side. So likewise a Levite, when he came to the place and saw him, passed by on the other side. But a Samaritan, as he journeyed, came to where he was; and when he saw him, he had compassion, and went to him and bound up his wounds, pouring on oil and wine; then he set him on his own beast and brought him to an inn, and took care of him. And the next day he took out two denarii and gave them to the innkeeper, saying, `Take care of him; and whatever more you spend, I will repay you when I come back.' Which of these three, do you think, proved neighbor to the man who fell among the robbers?" He said, "The one who showed mercy on him." And Jesus said to him, "Go and do likewise."
Reflection:
We must be just like this good Samaritan in today’s gospel. Are you ready to lay down your life, offer up your treasures and even your time and love for your neighbor? WAIT! WHAT? Yep, this is part of the deal, read your contract, there’s no fine print. Just playing with you. LOL. On a serious note: When we embrace the Cross and follow Jesus and suffer for His sake; we include the fact that we are willing to lay down our lives for our neighbor, out of love and concern for them. And yes “neighbor” means all those people we could be kind to. They don’t have to necessarily live next door to us. We must be ready at all times to do good for our neighbor for their sake; just like God is always good to us. Being compassionate is very self-giving and most loving to those suffering.
Jesus not only taught us what true love was, He showed us by dying and rising on the Cross. There is no reason why we can’t have compassion and love for our fellow children of God. Not only will this help bring world-peace should we all agree upon this loving way of life; but think of how we could help end the suffering of so many who are forgotten. It bothers me when I hear of those who died on the street, or died alone at home because no one even checked in on them. How sad and how lonely that must be. Today I challenge everyone to reach out to your “neighbor” your “relative” your “friend” and see how they are doing!
Believe me when I say, you do not have to be a millionaire to care and bring hope and joy to those suffering. If I have learned anything through all our suffering (the past 6 years) it’s this. Those who have been the greatest most helpful and most compassionate to us, have been those with very little. It’s been the poorer of those we know who have helped us the most. Chrissy’s cancer and my strokes have made life a challenge for us and nearly made us homeless. Especially after my neurologist took me out of work for my safety (serious health issues). For several months (about 10) 12-18 people who cared separately sent us the means we needed to pay our bills (rent, utilities) and keep food on our table. Yes, I begged every day. But it was the little checks and the $5 bills wrapped in envelopes that brought hope and love into our home. We know who the “Good Samaritans” are! Those who stopped on the side of the road and helped us, they didn’t pass us, ignore us, seen we were suffering and did nothing. Instead they poured out their love and helped us. We are eternally grateful. That’s why when I say I love you guys, I really do. See y’all tomorrow.
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 Monday: We pray the Joyful Mysteries:
The Joyful Mysteries
1. The Annunciation (Humility) – Luke 1:26-28
2. The Visitation (Love of Neighbor) – Luke 1:39-45
3. The Birth of Jesus (Poverty of Spirit) – Luke 2:1-20
4. The Presentation (Purity of Mind and Spirit) – Luke 2:22-38
5. Finding in The Temple (Obedience) –Luke 2:41-50
I simply love mornings, because every morning begins with the Rosary.
Rosary Man Jim’s Joyful Reflection: http://beads-of-joy-blog.blogspot.com/2014/02/the-joyful-mysteries_10.html
