BEADS OF JOY 10-28-16
“He Called His Disciples”
©2016 James Dacey, Jr. OFS
My Friends,
Today’s Gospel: Luke 6:12-19 (He Called His Disciples)
“In these days he went out to the mountain to pray; and all night he continued in prayer to God. And when it was day, he called his disciples, and chose from them twelve, whom he named apostles; Simon, whom he named Peter, and Andrew his brother, and James and John, and Philip, and Bartholomew, and Matthew, and Thomas, and James the son of Alphaeus, and Simon who was called the Zealot, and Judas the son of James, and Judas Iscariot, who became a traitor. And he came down with them and stood on a level place, with a great crowd of his disciples and a great multitude of people from all Judea and Jerusalem and the seacoast of Tyre and Sidon, who came to hear him and to be healed of their diseases; and those who were troubled with unclean spirits were cured. And all the crowd sought to touch him, for power came forth from him and healed them all.”
Reflection:
What is holding you back from giving 100%+ to God? Or is there anything holding you back? The chosen twelve were simple ordinary people, none were professed scholars, none were wealthy, none had any great political influence; they were all simple ordinary working men who dealt with the day to day issues of life. The vast majority of us fit into that category. When Jesus calls us to serve, most of us, at the time of our call, just like the disciples have little or nothing to offer; all we have is a heart with a desire to serve. We are then fashioned to His needs with our gifts and ability. We must allow the power of the Holy Spirit to mold us to what our Lord so desires of us by our gifts; placing full trust in Him as we begin this journey. If we allow it and we are open to the Holy Spirit leading us, it can be a most exciting journey.
All of us have some sort of a gift that God wants in His Kingdom. I know many who have said to me, “Jim, I can’t write, I don’t play an instrument, I can’t build things, I’m not creative, what can I do?” For starters, I always say, slow down and simply ask the Lord to guide you in your prayers. Two ways to look at this, more I guess if you want to take the time to see. But one way is maybe there is a gift inside you that by God’s grace through your love for Him it will come out; and the other is simple incredible gifts so many unfortunately overlook: like being a compassionate friend, having an understanding heart, being a devoted parent, being a devoted sincere spouse, being a selfless neighbor looking out for the well-being of the community. There are so many gifts that fill us, sometimes all we need to do is pray about what God wants of us and believe me, He will guide and direct you.
Never underestimate how God will utilize whatever it is we can do. Let us be like the disciples, and follow Jesus fully trusting in Him. When Jesus calls you to serve, don’t run away from the calling thinking; “I am useless I can’t be of any use.” You have been chosen, because God sees in you something very special, simply allow His light to shine through you. Allow your hands to be His. Allow your feet to be His. Let Jesus work His Will through you, so that His Will not only brings you closer to Him; but by your work, others are brought to Him. Trust is the key. Trust fully in Jesus without any reservation. Once the flood gates of your heart opens and you have allowed His love to flow through you; your life will become an amazing witness, many will love Jesus because you brought Him to them. I know in my heart many of you are on the same page I am on. If any of you have any questions or doubts know that your Priests or a close devout friend will be able to help you. I’m not a Priest or Religious, nor a scholar with any Biblical training, neither am I here for profit or gain. I am a simple man, a dad, a husband, a devout servant of Jesus. I am here sharing my faith, from my heart. My 33-year non-stop journey home and I have given all of you a window seat. I hope and pray for you every single day. Talk to you 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 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.
