Merry Christmas

BEADS OF JOY 12-25-12 “Merry Christmas”
©2012 James Dacey, Jr. OFS

My Friends,

Merry Christmas:
My dear sisters and brothers, today I only wish to share the early morning readings with you. Let us focus on our families today. As this new week continues we will be focusing on how we might RESPOND to Jesus in His birth, to Jesus in His poverty, to Jesus in His love for us and in our Trusting in Him.

Solemnity of the Nativity of the Lord (Christmas)

Reading 1 IsAIAH 62:11-12 (Restoration of Zion)

See, the LORD proclaims
to the ends of the earth:
say to daughter Zion,
your savior comes!
Here is his reward with him,
his recompense before him.
They shall be called the holy people,
the redeemed of the LORD,
and you shall be called "Frequented,"
a city that is not forsaken.

Responsorial Psalm Ps 97:1, 6, 11-12.

R. A light will shine on us this day: the Lord is born for us.
The LORD is king; let the earth rejoice;
let the many isles be glad.
The heavens proclaim his justice,
and all peoples see his glory.
R. A light will shine on us this day: the Lord is born for us.
Light dawns for the just;
and gladness, for the upright of heart.
Be glad in the LORD, you just,
and give thanks to his holy name.
R. A light will shine on us this day: the Lord is born for us.

Reading 2 TiMOTHY 3:4-7 (Various Ministries)

Beloved:
When the kindness and generous love
of God our savior appeared,
not because of any righteous deeds we had done
but because of his mercy,
He saved us through the bath of rebirth
and renewal by the Holy Spirit,
whom he richly poured out on us
through Jesus Christ our savior,
so that we might be justified by his grace
and become heirs in hope of eternal life.

Gospel LUkE 2:15-20 (The Visit of the Shepherds)

When the angels went away from them to heaven,
the shepherds said to one another,
"Let us go, then, to Bethlehem
to see this thing that has taken place,
which the Lord has made known to us."
So they went in haste and found Mary and Joseph,
and the infant lying in the manger.
When they saw this,
they made known the message
that had been told them about this child.
All who heard it were amazed
by what had been told them by the shepherds.
And Mary kept all these things,
reflecting on them in her heart.
Then the shepherds returned,
glorifying and praising God
for all they had heard and seen,
just as it had been told to them.

“Jesus, I Trust in You.”

Your Brother in Christ Jesus
and His Most Precious Mother Mary,
Jimmy (The Rosary Man) Dacey Jr OFS

Christmas Eve

BEADS OF JOY 12-24-12 “Christmas Eve”
©2012 James Dacey, Jr. OFS

My Friends,

Today’s blog will remain short and simple, its best we spend our time with our families during these most joyful of days. By the way Merry Christmas!!! Christmas can be such a joyful time of the year; it is so sad when many have memories that bring them sorrow. I pray that you are able to find the joy of Jesus in your heart during this season.

Today I’d like to reflect on the third Joyful Mystery of the Rosary. The Rosary is a prayerful reflection of scripture that reviews the significant events in the life of Jesus and Mary. Since tomorrow is Christmas Day let us reflect on The Nativity, the third Joyful Mystery. But let us remember today's main focus for all of us, should be spending time with our families. Here is my Decade Dedication to The Nativity...

The Third Joyful Mystery – The Nativity
Our Father…

1. And while [Mary and Joseph] were [in Bethlehem] / the time came for her to be delivered. (Luke 2:6) Hail Mary…
2. And she gave birth to her firstborn son / and wrapped him in swaddling clothes. (Luke 2:7) Hail Mary…
3. And [she] laid him in a manger, / because there was no place for them in the inn. (Luke 2:7) Hail Mary…
4. And in that region / there were shepherds out in the field, / keeping watch over their flock by night. / And an angel of the Lord appeared to them, / and the glory of the Lord shone around them, / and they were filled with fear. (Luke 2:8-9) Hail Mary…
5. And the angel said to them, / “Be not afraid; / for behold, I bring you news of a great joy / which will come to all the people.” (Luke 2:10) Hail Mary…
6. “For to you is born this day in the city of David / a Savior, who is Christ the Lord.” (Luke 2:11) Hail Mary…
7. “Glory to God in the highest, / and on earth peace among men with whom he is pleased!” (Luke 2:14) Hail Mary…
8. And going into the house / [the Wise Men] saw the child with Mary his mother. (Matthew 2:1, 11) Hail Mary…
9. And they fell down and worshipped him. / Then, opening their treasures, / they offered him gifts, / gold and frankincense and myrrh. (Matthew 2:11) Hail Mary…
10. But Mary kept all these things / pondering them in her heart. (Luke 2:19) Hail Mary…

~Glory be to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit./ As it was in the beginning, is now, and ever shall be, world without end. Amen.

~Oh my Jesus, forgive us our sins. Save us from the fires of hell. Lead all souls to Heaven, especially those in most need of Thy mercy.

“Jesus, I Trust in You.”

Your Brother in Christ Jesus
and His Most Precious Mother Mary,
Jimmy (The Rosary Man) Dacey Jr OFS

4th Sunday of Advent

BEADS OF JOY 12-23-12 “4^th Sunday of Advent”
©2012 James Dacey, Jr. OFS

My Friends,

Today is the Fourth Sunday of Advent. In our lives, do we really recognize our Lord’s presence? Have you turned your life over to God, trustingly giving Him full control of everything? What is the significance of Mary’s visit to Elizabeth while she was pregnant? Did you know that it is the Holy Spirit within us that leaps with Joy- always leading us to, and always recognizes our Lord’s presence? Are you also ready to RESPOND to God’s love in your life? How we RESPOND shows Jesus how much we really love Him. This week our focus will be how we can RESPOND to Jesus. He loves us even when we don’t or won’t love Him in return; His love is unconditional. Mary our Lord’s Mother and ours; lovingly gave up her life to accept the sword that would pierce her heart. How can we live a life in response to her example? What we have to do in this life, is figure out this: How can I make Jesus the absolute center of my life?

Today’s gospel can be found in Luke 1:39-45 (The Visitation). I always love it when our days focus is on a mystery. The Visitation is the second Joyful Mystery, and that alone is exciting. Mary did receive a crown, a crown of Joy given to her for unselfishly being our Lord’s mother, the ark of the New Covenant; but we must note that she also received another crown for the pain and sorrow she will bear at the foot of His cross. The Visitation teaches us a lot about, self-giving to others and unselfishness. Today’s scripture captures me at this verse, “And why is this granted me, that the mother of my Lord should come to me?” When Mary saw Elizabeth, Elizabeth was shocked that Mary would be there for her, knowing she was the, “..mother of my Lord.”

Let us RESPOND together to such a loving, caring, merciful God. Christmas is just two days away. It’s so exciting and there is so much fun; just thinking about the Joy that baby Jesus will bring to the world. Many of you know how much I really love Praying The Rosary, and that nothing interferes with my relationship with my Lord. Today I challenge you to try to do the same in your own life. RESPOND to God’s infinite love by placing Him first and foremost in your thoughts and actions each day. When I gave my heart and life to Jesus back in 1983, you can understand the depths of my experience if you read “My Story” http://beads-of-joy-blog.blogspot.com/2010/01/my-story-1st-time-posted-here.html check it out, if haven’t yet. My whole life changed and my allegiance was fully to my Lord and the Rosary was my guiding light to Him every day. How did I RESPOND? I centered my life around my love for Him, trusting Him, and always turning to Him and always thanking Him; even in the hardest of times, still trusting Him. It has given such great strength through these trying times of Chrissy’s suffering.

“Jesus, I Trust in You.”

Your Brother in Christ Jesus
and His Most Precious Mother Mary,
Jimmy (The Rosary Man) Dacey Jr OFS

The Canticle of Mary

BEADS OF JOY 12-22-12 “The Canticle of Mary”
©2012 James Dacey, Jr. OFS

My Friends,
Today is another joyous day, "The Canticle of Mary" also known as "The Magnificat". This prayer is so moving, so powerful and so recognized by so many around the world. So today let us look at today's gospel Luke 1:46-56 (Mary's Song of Praise):

"And Mary said, "My soul magnifies the Lord, and my spirit rejoices in God my Savior, for he has regarded the low estate of his handmaiden. For behold, henceforth all generations will call me blessed; for he who is mighty has done great things for me, and holy is his name. And his mercy is on those who fear him from generation to generation. He has shown strength with his arm, he has scattered the proud in the imagination of their hearts, he has put down the mighty from their thrones, and exalted those of low degree; he has filled the hungry with good things, and the rich he has sent empty away. He has helped his servant Israel, in remembrance of his mercy, as he spoke to our fathers, to Abraham and to his posterity forever." And Mary remained with her about three months, and returned to her home."

The Catechism of The Catholic Church also teaches us the following about this magnificent prayer:

The prayer of the Virgin Mary

2617 Mary's prayer is revealed to us at the dawning of the fullness of time. Before the incarnation of the Son of God, and before the outpouring of the Holy Spirit, her prayer cooperates in a unique way with the Father's plan of loving kindness: at the Annunciation, for Christ's conception; at Pentecost, for the formation of the Church, his Body. In the faith of his humble handmaid, the Gift of God found the acceptance he had awaited from the beginning of time. She whom the Almighty made "full of grace" responds by offering her whole being: "Behold I am the handmaid of the Lord; let it be [done] to me according to your word." "Fiat": this is Christian prayer: to be wholly God's, because he is wholly ours.

2618 The Gospel reveals to us how Mary prays and intercedes in faith. At Cana, the mother of Jesus asks her son for the needs of a wedding feast; this is the sign of another feast - that of the wedding of the Lamb where he gives his body and blood at the request of the Church, his Bride. It is at the hour of the New Covenant, at the foot of the cross, that Mary is heard as the Woman, the new Eve, the true "Mother of all the living."

2619 That is why the Canticle of Mary, the Magnificat (Latin) or Megalynei (Byzantine) is the song both of the Mother of God and of the Church; the song of the Daughter of Zion and of the new People of God; the song of thanksgiving for the fullness of graces poured out in the economy of salvation and the song of the "poor" whose hope is met by the fulfillment of the promises made to our ancestors, "to Abraham and to his posterity for ever."

2622 The prayers of the Virgin Mary, in her Fiat and Magnificat, are characterized by the generous offering of her whole being in faith.

I pray that this joyful day of reading our Blessed Mother's Canticle and seeing it's teaching in The Catechism has been as exciting as it was and is for me to share it with all of you. I pray that you continue to enjoy this wonderful beautiful Christmas week.

“Jesus, I Trust in You.”

Your Brother in Christ Jesus
and His Most Precious Mother Mary,
Jimmy (The Rosary Man) Dacey Jr OFS
Also posted December 22, 2010 with slight variations.

Repent - Prepare for Confession

BEADS OF JOY 12-21-12
“Repent – Prepare for Confession”
©2012 James Dacey, Jr. OFS

My Friends,

It’s been a busy couple of days. I hope this is very helpful. One good thing is that a list like this keeps you in check, especially if you examine your conscience as frequently (bi-weekly) as I do.

SEVENTH-&-TENTH-COMMANDMENTS
"You shall not steal." (Ex 20:15) "You shall not covet your neighbor's goods." (Ex 20:17)

• Did I steal, cheat, help or encourage others to steal or keep stolen goods? Have I made restitution for stolen goods?
• Did I fulfill my contracts; give or accept bribes; pay my bills; rashly gamble or speculate; deprive my family of the necessities of life?
• Did I waste time at work, school or at home?
• Did I envy other people's families or possessions?
• Did I make material possessions the purpose of my life?

EIGHTH-COMMANDMENT
"You shall not bear false witness against your neighbor." (Ex 20:16)

• Did I lie? Or do I lie?
• Did I deliberately deceive others, or injure others by lies?
• Did I commit perjury?
• Did I gossip or reveal others' faults or sins?
• Did I fail to keep secret what should be confidential?

OTHER SINS

• Did I fast on Ash Wednesday and Good Friday?
• Did I eat meat on the Fridays of Lent or Ash Wednesday?
• Did I fail to receive Holy Communion during Eastertime?
• Did I go to Holy Communion in a state of mortal sin? Without fasting (water and medicine permitted) for one hour from food and drink?
• Did I make a bad confession?
• Did I fail to contribute to the support of the Church?

God Bless you for doing all you can to be pure before God.

“Jesus, I Trust in You.”

Your Brother in Christ Jesus
and His Most Precious Mother Mary,
Jimmy (The Rosary Man) Dacey Jr OFS

Repent - Prepare for Confession

BEADS OF JOY 12-20-12
“Repent – Prepare for Confession”
©2012 James Dacey, Jr. OFS

My Friends,

Let us continue to examine our conscience. It is so important that we all do our best before God, showing Him with our whole heart that we really truly love Him. It is so important that we use our lives to serve Him and honor Him and do so with a pure heart, living a moral life. This exercise is one I use often. We all need to examine our hearts, our lives and our intentions often; to keep them in check. I hope this is helpful.

FOURTH-COMMANDMENT
"Honor your father and your mother." (Ex 20:12)

• Did I disobey or disrespect my parents or legitimate superiors?
• Did I neglect my duties to my husband, wife, children or parents?
• Did I neglect to give good religious example to my family?
• Did I fail to actively take an interest in the religious education and formation of my children?
• Did I fail to educate myself on the true teachings of the Church?
• Did I give scandal by what I said or did, especially to the young?
• Did I cause anyone to leave the faith?
• Did I cause or start fights in my family?
• Did I care for my aged family and friends?
• Did I give a full day's work for a full day's pay?
• Did I give a fair wage to my employees?

FIFTH-COMMANDMENT
"You shall not kill." (Ex 20:13)

• Did I kill or physically injure anyone?
• Did I have an abortion, or advise someone else to have an abortion? (One who procures an abortion is automatically excommunicated, as is anyone who is involved in an abortion, Canon 1398. The excommunication will be lifted in the Sacrament of Reconciliation.)
• Did I use or cause my spouse to use birth control pills (whether or not realizing that birth control pills do abort the fetus if and when conceived)?
• Did I attempt suicide?
• Did I take part in or approve of "mercy killing" (euthanasia)?
• Did I get angry, impatient, envious, unkind, proud, revengeful, jealous, hateful toward another, lazy?
• Did I give bad example by drug abuse, drinking alcohol to excess, fighting, quarreling?
• Did I abuse my children?

SIXTH-COMMANDMENT
"You shall not commit adultery." (Ex 20:14) "You shall not covet your neighbor's wife." (Ex 20:17)

Note: In the area of deliberate sexual sins listed below, all are mortal sins if there is sufficient reflection and full consent of the will. "No fornicators, idolaters, or adulterers, no sodomites,... will inherit the kingdom of God." (1 Cor 6:9-10) "Anyone who looks lustfully at a woman has already committed adultery with her in his thoughts." (Mt 5:28)

• Did I willfully entertain impure thoughts or desires?
• Did I use impure or suggestive words? Tell impure stories? Listen to them?
• Did I deliberately look at impure TV, videos, plays, pictures or movies? Or deliberately read impure materials?
• Did I commit impure acts by myself (masturbation)?
• Did I commit impure acts with another - fornication (premarital sex), adultery (sex with a married person)?
• Did I use artificial birth control (by pills, device and withdrawal)?
• Did I marry or advise anyone to marry outside the Church?
• Did I avoid the occasions of impurity?
• Did I try to control my thoughts sexually?
• Did I engage in homosexual activity?
• Did I respect all members of the opposite sex, or have I thought of other people as objects?
• Did I or my spouse have sterilization done?
• Did I abuse my marriage rights?

Let us continue together to help each other and encourage one another, as we battle this spiritual warfare each day. Tomorrow I will share the balance of commandments. <3 u guys !!!

“Jesus, I Trust in You.”

Your Brother in Christ Jesus
and His Most Precious Mother Mary,
Jimmy (The Rosary Man) Dacey Jr OFS

Repent - Prepare for Confession

BEADS OF JOY 12-19-12
“Repent – Prepare for Confession”
©2012 James Dacey, Jr. OFS

My Friends,

Let us take the time to begin to prepare ourselves for a good confession. It is through the Examination of Conscience that we take the time to look through the Ten Commandments. Then review every possible aspect of that sin in our lives. Each day we will look over another couple of commandments. I hope this is helpful. Today we will look at the first three commandments.

FIRST-COMMANDMENT
"I am the Lord your God. You shall not have strange gods before Me." (Ex 20:2,3)

• Did I doubt or deny that God exists? Do I question Him and compare Him to what others consider a God to them?
• Did I refuse to believe what God has revealed to us? Even when scripture plainly reveals these things to us?
• Did I believe in fortune telling, horoscopes, dreams, the occult, good-luck charms, tarot cards, palmistry and reincarnation? Does anything me life supersede God as my guide in my life?
• Did I deny that I was Catholic?
• Did I leave the Catholic Faith?
• Did I give time to God each day in prayer? Do I even pray?
• Did I love God with my whole heart?
• Did I despair of or presume on God's mercy?
• Did I have false gods in my life that I gave greater attention to than to Almighty God, like money, profession, drugs, TV, fame, pleasure, property, etc.? Or anything else?

SECOND-COMMANDMENT
"You shall not take the Name of the Lord your God in vain." (Ex 20:7)

• Did I blaspheme or insult God?
• Did I take God's name carelessly or uselessly?
• Did I curse, or break an oath or vow?
• Did I get angry with God?

THIRD-COMMANDMENT
"Remember that you keep holy the Sabbath Day." (Ex 20:8)

• Did I miss Mass Sunday or a Holy Day of Obligation through my own fault? What is it that is keeping me away from my Lord?
• Did I come to Mass on time? Leave early? Am I seriously mentally present?
• Did I do work on Sunday that was not necessary trying to purposely avoid Mass?
• Did I set aside Sunday as a day of rest and a family day?
• Did I show reverence in the presence of Jesus in the Most Blessed Sacrament?

I really hope this was helpful and insightful. The more purely we cleanse ourselves spiritual, the more we will live our lives even more pleasing to God.

“Jesus, I Trust in You.”

Your Brother in Christ Jesus
and His Most Precious Mother Mary,
Jimmy (The Rosary Man) Dacey Jr OFS

Repent - Unwilling To Listen

BEADS OF JOY 12-18-12
“Repent – Unwilling To Listen”
©2012 James Dacey, Jr. OFS

My Friends,

As Christmas draws near there is so much to think about, so much to reflect upon. This week we are reflecting on how we might better prepare for Christmas; this week let us focus on how we might REPENT to prepare. Looking at what Mary and Joseph had to battle with and confront; they handled it very well. When the angel sent them a message from God, they obeyed His every command. They didn’t even hesitate; full trust in God’s wish and desire from them, is exactly what they did. But what if they didn’t listen, what if they had the attitude that many have today, “No one’s going to tell me what to do!” What if they were unwilling to listen? Let us thank God for their obedience and love towards God to obey His words.

Today’s gospel is found in Matthew 1:18-25 (The Birth of Jesus). Today’s reflection of thought is opposite of what Mary and Joseph did. Is there a time that we are unwilling to listen? Are there times when we think to ourselves, “No way, I ain’t listening to them”? Today let us think about those times, maybe it’s something you just did today; or maybe it’s with a certain person every time you are with them. Sometimes we really have to listen.

We really need to REPENT not just for the sin, but also for the disobedience of not listening. This week we will be focusing on real examination of our conscience.

Examination of Conscience
6 STEPS FOR A GOOD CONFESSION

• Examine your conscience - what sins have you committed since your last good confession. When was your last good confession?
• Be sincerely sorry for your sins. Sincerely, with the intent not to commit them again.
• Confess your sins to the priest. Prepare yourself.
• Make certain that you confess all your mortal sins and the number of them. Seriously search your heart for your actions.
• After your confession, do the penance the priest gives to you. And keep yourself in check in your words and actions.
• Pray daily for the strength to avoid the occasion of sin, especially for those sins you were just absolved from, and the ones you fall easily to.

ACT OF CONTRITION (Learn this prayer for your confession)
O my God, I am heartily sorry for having offended You, and I detest all my sins because I dread the loss of Heaven and the pains of Hell, but most of all because they offend You, my God, Who are all good and deserving of all my love. I firmly resolve, with the help of Your grace, to confess my sins, to do penance, and to amend my life.  Amen.

“Jesus, I Trust in You.”

Your Brother in Christ Jesus
and His Most Precious Mother Mary,
Jimmy (The Rosary Man) Dacey Jr OFS

Repent - Refocus on Family

BEADS OF JOY 12-17-12
“Repent – Refocus on Family”
©2012 James Dacey, Jr. OFS

My Friends,

Today’s gospel has me thinking about family. I guess it should, it’s all about our Lord’s genealogy; which is actually in the essence of our spiritual life, our Spiritual Genealogy. Many of us are moms and dads, I realize many aren’t; keep in mind that this reflection will help all of us reflect in our own lives, with or without children, with or without a spouse. A good way to start is with this thought: As a family member, how many times have you said or done something that offended or worse, hurt someone else in your family horribly? What did you do about it? Did you fix it? Did you apologize? Or did you do it again to that same person? We have all been in that predicament indeed. You know what’s coming, it’s time to REPENT and think about what we say to each other, and how we treat each other.

There is something missing in today’s family, what is it? I think its loyalty, unconditional love and commitment to name a few. The lack of respect for one another is astonishing. No, I’m not talking about your family or even mine; rather I am going to suggest we generally focus on caring for each other more. The simplest way I have found that this become almost natural is this: Always place others wants, needs and desires before your own. I didn’t think it would be easy, it’s just really important that we do. There is no place for selfishness or empty conceit, not in a healthy family. Families need healing in today’s world, and we can do it.

Many of us deal with our own brokenness every day; sometimes that brokenness is rooted in family issues that need to be addressed. The first big step to help direct us in the right direction would be to seriously REPENT. To start with let us open our hearts before Jesus asking for forgiveness followed by fixing our relationship with that loved one. We are wounded inside, torn, shredded and wondering aimlessly trying to find out what is wrong; when all that we must do is mend our hearts together in unity with those we love. Are there issues with our parents? Our siblings? Our cousins? Begin with loving them like never before, unconditionally, that is the key. If you love someone with a list of do’s and don’ts and a list of complaints forget it. This journey to healing must be open, honest and caring. First clean your heart and make yourself spiritually right with God, and then ask for His guidance before you speak with your loved one. He will guide your heart. I hope and pray that this insightful reflection helps you get closer with your family, so that you may- Refocus on Family…

“Jesus, I Trust in You.”

Your Brother in Christ Jesus
and His Most Precious Mother Mary,
Jimmy (The Rosary Man) Dacey Jr OFS

3rd Sunday of Advent

BEADS OF JOY 12-16-12 “3^rd Sunday of Advent”
©2012 James Dacey, Jr. OFS

My Friends,

Today is the Third Sunday of Advent: Would you have traveled to listen to John the Baptist? Would you have questioned John? John’s message was all about Repentance, and it was rather practical. Are you ready to REPENT? This week we will reflect on how we might REPENT.  In the practical teachings of John the Baptist we learn a couple of things; for starters we must share our goods with others, especially with people and families we know who can’t even meet their basic necessities. Another important part of his message was about being fair with each other; never taking advantage of one another. This message for the times was probably more towards the tax collectors and sellers at the market who used scales. Today in our time, there are many more ways that we interact and that we can hurt, abuse or offend each other. Consideration for another is vital, John teaches that. Loving one another will later become one of our Lord’s key messages to us. Another part of John’s message I particularly liked was when he talks about us needing to be content with what we have.

Today’s gospel can be found in Luke 3:10-18 (The Preaching of John the Baptist). Repent my dear sisters and brothers, yes me to. Take it one day at a time and make clean your life, your thoughts, your words, your intentions, your ulterior motives, everything inside and out… This week’s messages and blogs will be focusing on that very thought.

Through the power of the Holy Spirit we begin this life in the Spirit so that we can clean up our life spiritually. Are we directing others to Jesus? Do you desire to be clean and ready in your Spirit, mind and body for Jesus? Let us begin and REPENT, making all things right in our lives. Together we can do this…

“Jesus, I Trust in You.”

Your Brother in Christ Jesus
and His Most Precious Mother Mary,
Jimmy (The Rosary Man) Dacey Jr OFS

Prepare - To Meet The Lord

BEADS OF JOY 12-15-12
“PREPARE – To Meet The Lord”
©2012 James Dacey, Jr. OFS

My Friends,

Let us continue to PREPARE, Christmas draws near and Jesus will be here. Throughout the entire Old Testament the focus was all about pointing us in the direction of the Lord, John the Baptist was the last to direct us. Shall we focus and PREPARE our lives and our thoughts in preparation of Jesus’ arrival. He is coming you know. Our lives must be all about getting ourselves prepared for eternity. We have more than enough time to PREPARE; even though we don’t really know how long we will live.

You know I believe God is a very merciful God, and He really really wants all of us to be with Him in Heaven, no matter who we are. I see end of life suffering, especially for non-believers, as time for those who don’t believe to turn to Him. Of cause we must turn away from our sin and ask for forgiveness; I see the end of life in long suffering, as that time gifted to us by God. At that time most are surrounded by family and friends who mourn and pray by their bedside. Long suffering has purpose the way I spiritually understand it. God really loves us with a capacity we won’t ever understand. Here is an interesting conversation my two sons had; Charlie said, “I have so many questions I want to ask God when I see Him.” Travis immediately jumped in and said, “I believe the minute we see God, all the questions we ever wondered and thought about, will be immediately answered just in seeing Him and we won’t have to ask anything.” I felt blessed to hear this conversation between our 12 year old and our 16 year old. The insight was astonishingly impressive. God is most certainly a part of their daily thoughts. Praise Jesus.

Today’s gospel is found in Matthew 17:9a, 10-13 (The Coming of Elijah). Today we end week 2 of Advent and tomorrow begins week 3. Week 3 will begin the week of focus on Repentance. As we PREPARE for His arrival, we must repent; we must cleanse our spirit and prepare our lives, so that we might be able to give all we have to Him. Our purpose in life must include our Lord, without Him, our purpose has no purpose. As this New Year approaches, plan and PREPARE to change the things in your life that you really want to change. It’ll be a fresh new start for all of us; to be closer and closer to our Lord.

“Jesus, I Trust in You.”

Your Brother in Christ Jesus
and His Most Precious Mother Mary,
Jimmy (The Rosary Man) Dacey Jr OFS

Prepare - For Resistance

BEADS OF JOY 12-14-12
“PREPARE – For Resistance“
©2012 James Dacey, Jr. OFS

My Friends,

Are you teachable and receptive to our Lord’s teachings? Does the life you live help you; better PREPARE yourself to hear our Lord’s message more clearly? It is always the humble at heart that easily finds and hears and knows Jesus, when we seek Him. It is humility that plays a significant role in our life’s journey leading to our Lord. So when we PREPARE, let us keep all these things in mind. We will be called names; people will make up stories to try to discredit us, and make us appear horrible. Let not our hearts be troubled; by the foolishness of fools. Stay strong in your faith and live with your shield locked in the upward position. <Smile> what does that mean? Jesus died for us, saving us, to protect us from the depths of hell; so that we might be united with Him. He is our shield; He is the one who will always deflect the abuse and hateful words against us. PREPARE for the treasures in Heaven that far exceed all things combined here on earth.

Today’s gospel is in Matthew 11:16-19 (Jesus’ Testimony to John). It is usually jealousy that leads to vengeance against another. Sad by most times that is so true. The Pharisees hated John, yet John never stopped nor ceased in his efforts to warn others to PREPARE the way of the Lord. We must truly remain humble at heart, never allowing jealousy or wasteful desire for worldly things; including titles in our name, letters at the end of name representing some place we went for worldly education or anything that takes our attention away from Jesus.

Let us also refer back to a blog I wrote in 2009:
http://beads-of-joy-blog.blogspot.com/2009/12/wisdom-is-justified-by-her-deeds.html

Insightful reflection about this short gospel reading where verses 18-19 share of a very little known parable. "The Parable of the Children's Game"

I invite you to look back on this earlier blog. Thank you.

“Jesus, I Trust in You.”

Your Brother in Christ Jesus
and His Most Precious Mother Mary,
Jimmy (The Rosary Man) Dacey Jr OFS