Sunday, January 7, 2018

They Rejoiced Exceedingly

BEADS OF JOY 01-07-18
“They Rejoiced Exceedingly”
©2018 James Dacey, Jr. OFS

My Friends,


Today’s Gospel: Matthew 2:1-12 (The Epiphany of The Lord)
“Now when Jesus was born in Bethlehem of Judea in the days of Herod the king, behold, wise men from the East came to Jerusalem, saying, "Where is he who has been born king of the Jews? For we have seen his star in the East, and have come to worship him." When Herod the king heard this, he was troubled, and all Jerusalem with him; and assembling all the chief priests and scribes of the people, he inquired of them where the Christ was to be born. They told him, "In Bethlehem of Judea; for so it is written by the prophet: `And you, O Bethlehem, in the land of Judah, are by no means least among the rulers of Judah; for from you shall come a ruler who will govern my people Israel.'" Then Herod summoned the wise men secretly and ascertained from them what time the star appeared; and he sent them to Bethlehem, saying, "Go and search diligently for the child, and when you have found him bring me word, that I too may come and worship him." When they had heard the king, they went their way; and lo, the star which they had seen in the East went before them, till it came to rest over the place where the child was. When they saw the star, they rejoiced exceedingly with great joy; and going into the house they saw the child with Mary his mother, and they fell down and worshiped him. Then, opening their treasures, they offered him gifts, gold and frankincense and myrrh. And being warned in a dream not to return to Herod, they departed to their own country by another way.”

Reflection:
“When they saw the star, they rejoiced exceedingly with great joy;” Today is the Feast of the Epiphany of The Lord. The twelfth day after Christmas is also known as the Little Christmas. Back in the day when our kids were little, on this day every child received one gift. Just moments after the blessing of our home. Their presents at the blessing was important, so they participated in our prayers and listened to its meaning. Chrissy and I and whoever was home at the time, did this together up till 2015. Last year we were too numb, but this year (today) it’ll be me and Travis and Charlie. Here is a quick explanation to what the inscription means.

The Blessing of The Home

The blessing of home (as well as proclaiming the date of Easter) on the Feast of the Epiphany, twelve days after Christmas. Family and friends gather together as they ask for God’s blessing on their homes. For all who live there and visit here. They also invite Jesus to be a daily guest in their home, in all their travels, all their conversations, all their work and play, and most especially in all their joys and sorrows. One way to acknowledge this and celebrate this, is by writing in chalk over all the doorways in your home: 20 + C + M + B +18. The C, M, B represent the names of the Magi, Casper, Melchior and Balthazar. There is also a Latin representation of the letters: Christus Mansionem Benedicat which translated means “May Christ Bless This Home”. The 20 and the 18 represent the year. And the “+” signs represent the sign of the cross. It is a reminder to all who enter, and it’s also an outward symbol of your faith.

While writing this inscription over your doorways in chalk, pray this prayer: “The three Wise Men, Caspar, Melchior, and Balthazar followed the star of God’s only begotten Son who became human two thousand and eighteen years ago. May the light of Christ bless our home and all who live here and visit here, and He remain with us throughout the new year. We ask this through Christ our Lord, Amen.”


Pondering these thoughts today: Today, St. John Chrysostom, Archbishop of Constantinople, has a wonderful reflection from his homily of The Gospel of Matthew. "Note how fitting was the order of events: the wise men saw the star, were received by the Jews and their king; they heard prophecy to explain what had appeared; the angel instructed them; and then they journeyed from Jerusalem to Bethlehem by the guidance of the star. From all this we learn that this was not an ordinary star, for no other star has this capacity to guide, not merely to move but to beckon, to “go before them,” drawing and guiding them along their way. The star remained after bringing them to the place, in order that the child might also be seen. For there is nothing conspicuous about the place. The inn was ordinary. The mother was not celebrated or notable. The star was needed to manifest and illumine the lowly place, until they had reached their destination at the manger."

LOVE YOU GUYS !!!!

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

Today is Sunday: 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. The Assumption of Our Lady
(Grace of 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 Christ!

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