Your Faith Has Made You Well

BEADS OF JOY 11-18-13
“Your Faith Has Made You Well”
©2013 James Dacey, Jr. OFS

Today’s Gospel: Luke 18:35-43 (The Healing of The Blind Beggar) “As he drew near to Jericho, a blind man was sitting by the roadside begging; and hearing a multitude going by, he inquired what this meant. They told him, "Jesus of Nazareth is passing by." And he cried, "Jesus, Son of David, have mercy on me!" And those who were in front rebuked him, telling him to be silent; but he cried out all the more, "Son of David, have mercy on me!" And Jesus stopped, and commanded him to be brought to him; and when he came near, he asked him, "What do you want me to do for you?" He said, "Lord, let me receive my sight." And Jesus said to him, "Receive your sight; your faith has made you well." And immediately he received his sight and followed him, glorifying God; and all the people, when they saw it, gave praise to God.”

                                        

My Friends,

Today’s gospel speaks of a special healing, a special grace. The blind beggar (Bartimaeus) was in the right place at the right time, while surrounded by good friends. He learned that Jesus was passing (nearby) and he knew if Jesus would only hear his cry, He most certainly would be the one to heal him. Today let us Pray The Rosary with a sprinkle of today’s Gospel message in it. A most blessed Gospel Rosary Devotion to remember.

The 1^st Joyful Mystery –The Annunciation.
As I begin the Joyful Mysteries Lord, today’s gospel reminds me of the Annunciation. Just as Almighty God approached Mary, ever faithful and favored of God; Jesus approaches a blind beggar who is also faithful begging for mercy, knowing that Jesus was the only one who could heal him. One characteristic I see in both, is Humility. Today’s gospel is one of Joy and Healing, through the Mercy that You Lord give to all.

The 2^nd Joyful Mystery –The Visitation.
This second mystery Lord most sincerely blends into today’s gospel in many ways. I can see Love of Neighbor in those who made sure Bartimaeus got close to Jesus. In Bartimaeus eye’s He could not see the world, but his eyes knew Jesus. I pray that I am always led to help other, my neighbors (all) to You Lord. May Your love always dwell inside me, so that I may be Your hands and Your feet to rush those seeking You –to You.

The 3^rd Joyful Mystery –The Birth of Jesus.
In this mystery Lord there is much Joy. To the world a Savior is born. Bartimaeus was a blind beggar; there is no doubt that he was very poor. Just as Your life of Poverty Lord and Your complete Detachment from the things of this world was; is exactly how Bartimaeus lived until You healed him. Your mercy and Your love are the only treasure we seek.

The 4^th Joyful Mystery –The Presentation.
Obedience most certainly was part of today’s gospel Lord. Just as Mary and Joseph brought You to the temple with two turtle doves; the crowd brought Bartimaeus to You as You commanded them to. Your love for us is immeasurable and merciful always, no matter what we do; it is unearned and unconditional. May this Presentation represent our hearts presented to You Lord, always loyal to our allegiance to You.

The 5th Joyful Mystery -Finding in The Temple.
This fifth Joyful Mystery focuses on our Piety, our faith. –A life focused on always seeking out God. Today’s gospel most certainly helps me see and understand how Bartimaeus’ faith was recognized by You Lord; as he was seeking, searching and reaching out to You Lord. I pray that I may live a life with such faith, even in my suffering as Bartimaeus most certainly did.

Thank you Lord and Thank you Mary for being with me; as I prayed today’s Rosary while I combined my thoughts and reflections on God’s Word.  

LOVE YOU GUYS!!!!
Come PRAY THE ROSARY with us every evening Monday through Friday 9pm EST with our
"Our Lady's Rosary Text Vigil Group"…

Invitations posted daily… and throughout the evening…
https://www.facebook.com/RosaryManJim

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

I also invite you to follow me on Twitter and Pinterest:
https://twitter.com/Rosarymanjim
http://www.pinterest.com/rosarymanjim/

Persistently Pray - Unceasingly

BEADS OF JOY 11-16-13
“Persistently Pray - Unceasingly”
©2013 James Dacey, Jr. OFS

Today’s Gospel: Luke 18:1-8 (The Parable of the Persistent Widow) “And he told them a parable, to the effect that they ought always to pray and not lose heart. He said, "In a certain city there was a judge who neither feared God nor regarded man; and there was a widow in that city who kept coming to him and saying, `Vindicate me against my adversary.' For a while he refused; but afterward he said to himself, `Though I neither fear God nor regard man, yet because this widow bothers me, I will vindicate her, or she will wear me out by her continual coming.' And the Lord said, "Hear what the unrighteous judge says. And will not God vindicate his elect, who cry to him day and night? Will he delay long over them? I tell you, he will vindicate them speedily. Nevertheless, when the Son of man comes, will he find faith on earth?"

 

My Friends,

We may never know what the poor widow’s exact request was; but what we do know, is that her persistent, constant, unceasing approach for her request was heard and taken care of. There is much we can learn from this widow for our own prayer life. How is your prayer life? Yes we must trust in God all the time, yet in today’s parable Jesus tells us, “And will not God vindicate his elect, who cry to him day and night?” A persistent, consistent, constant, non-stop prayer life is so refreshing and honestly wonderful. Today let us embrace this blessed Gospel Rosary Devotion.

The 1^st Joyful Mystery –The Annunciation
In this first mystery Lord, I ask for your continued love and mercy. I admit Lord, I don’t know all things, and I don’t know what’s always best for me. But before You Lord in all Humility I offer up my prayers, my love and my absolute allegiance to You alone O Lord. Today’s gospel teaches me that my consistent, persistent prayer isn’t prayed in vain.  It is You Lord who tells me to continue these prayers; just as our Lady’s life was all about obedience to You. Mary has shown me by her actions that living a life fully devoted and open to God –will certainly have me before You, in a position that is most favorable. Thank you Lord.

The 2^nd Joyful Mystery –The Visitation
This most blessed second Joyful mystery Lord opens my heart to Others. Love of Neighbor is beyond simply accepting others with love. In this mystery and the gospel combined I see Lord how You want me to love and respond to my neighbor’s needs. I shall use common sense in any request, but Lord know that now I am more open to listen and to do all I can to answer their request in a way that You would want me to. Lord, I shall follow how our Lady, who immediately in haste rushed to her cousin’s side who was in need. Her unconditional love for others encourages me to always do that same.

The 3^rd Joyful Mystery –The Birth of Jesus
Lord, this third wonderful blessed mystery brings me such Joy. As I ponder my thoughts about today’s gospel in this incredible mystery, I understand how important it is that I remain focused more consistently in my prayer life. My detachment from the things of the world is the fruit I shall take from this mystery. You alone are all that I want Lord -all that I desire in this life Lord is You. My focus on You Lord shall only increase as my prayer life increases. Our Lady’s life was all about You, she said yes before she knew You and she remained with You always. -Always leading us to You. You are all I want and desire Lord.

The 4^th Joyful Mystery –The Presentation
As Mary and Joseph humbly brought You Lord to the Temple; I can see how their Obedience to God’s law and will draw me even closer to You Lord. Obedience isn’t always easy, but once “God’s Will” is more clearly understood –I can see how being obedient to You becomes more natural. In today’s gospel You tell us, “…he will vindicate them speedily.” My prayer life Lord will be magnified as I draw my life, my interests and my focus; more fully on You Lord. Mary and Joseph have been wonderful examples, teaching us how a consistent, persistent, unceasing obedient life to God’s law enriches our life, always leading us to You.

The 5th Joyful Mystery -Finding in The Temple
This is a wonderful mystery Lord for me to ponder. In my life Lord I shall have unwavering dedication to the sacraments and devotions that eternally honor You Lord. I can see only You, in my life, in my heart and in all that matters to me. As this widow stayed fully focused on her vindication before this unrighteous judge; I shall stay fully focused on You, the Holy Eucharist (YOU), my devotion to the Rosary –that is all about YOU. Thank you Lord for always loving me so much, most especially since I know I don’t deserve it. Glory and Honor and Praise to You Lord.

Today’s Joyful Mysteries has further filled my heart with the JOY knowing that You Lord have filled my heart with Your love.

LOVE YOU GUYS!!!!
Come PRAY THE ROSARY with us every evening Monday through Friday 9pm EST with our
"Our Lady's Rosary Text Vigil Group"…

Invitations posted daily… and throughout the evening…
https://www.facebook.com/RosaryManJim

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

I also invite you to follow me on Twitter and Pinterest:
https://twitter.com/Rosarymanjim

http://www.pinterest.com/rosarymanjim/pins/

Rosary Man's Gospel Study

BEADS OF JOY 11-12-13
“Rosary Man’s Gospel Study”
©2013 James Dacey, Jr. OFS

My Friends,

Today I’d like to share with all of you, a most Joyous incredibly fun way to entrench yourself into scripture, more specifically the Gospels. This method is of my own design, one that I have used for about the past couple of decades. Do note that this method of study, is driven by my own personal deeply devoted love for Almighty God the Father, Jesus His only begotten Son, the Holy Spirit our Lord has given to each of us and our Lady –the one who has brought my Lord to me and through her Rosary brings me to my Lord.

Early on in my Spiritual walk I realized that scripture plays a most significant role in our Spiritual understanding and growth. Not only is it important that we read our bible every day; but through all this and my prayer life I was led to set=up a method by which I can entrench myself more fully, more consistently in my daily life. This method I am about to share, should you take the challenge will definitely change your life forever.

Mondays: The Gospel of Matthew
Read http://www.devotions.net/bible/40matthew.htm
Listen https://archive.org/details/the_gospel_according_to_st_matthew_ss_librivox
See: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fc8qOXeTsUQ

Tuesdays: The Gospel of Mark
Read http://www.devotions.net/bible/41mark.htm
Listen https://archive.org/details/gospel_according_to_mark_librivox
See http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rhjkxfiakLg

Wednesday: The Gospel of Luke
Read http://www.devotions.net/bible/42luke.htm
Listen https://archive.org/details/gospel_according_to_st_luke_ss_librivox
See  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2PHPLApTt7Y

Thursday: The Gospel of John
Read http://www.devotions.net/bible/43john.htm
Listen https://archive.org/details/the_gospel_according_to_saint_john_asv_ss_librivox
See  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5hexhw3wWmE

Friday: The Acts of the Apostles
Read http://www.devotions.net/bible/44acts.htm
Listen https://archive.org/details/acts_of_the_apostles_asv_ss_librivox0
See  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tRXNp6K5-JI

I encourage you… I challenge you…

LOVE YOU GUYS!!!!

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

Strength Can Be Found in Jesus

BEADS OF JOY 11-11-13
“Strength Can Be Found in Jesus”
©2013 James Dacey, Jr. OFS

Today’s Gospel: Luke 17:1-6 (Temptation to Sin) “And he said to his disciples, "Temptations to sin are sure to come; but woe to him by whom they come! It would be better for him if a millstone were hung round his neck and he were cast into the sea, than that he should cause one of these little ones to sin. Take heed to yourselves; if your brother sins, rebuke him, and if he repents, forgive him; and if he sins against you seven times in the day, and turns to you seven times, and says, `I repent,' you must forgive him." The apostles said to the Lord, "Increase our faith!" And the Lord said, “If you had faith as a grain of mustard seed, you could say to this sycamore tree, `Be rooted up, and be planted in the sea,' and it would obey you.”

My Friends,

Today we receive truly wonderful and insightful words from our Lord. We must obey what He teaches us. Let's keep in mind and thought, the reality of who Jesus is in our lives, we can start by identifying who Jesus is? We all know, He is God, Almighty God, and creator of the entire universe, Jesus is equally one third the Holy Trinity. Knowing and truly believing that with all your heart makes obeying Him a complete and utter pleasure every day. So now let's look at today's gospel.

You know all of us have some sort of "driving force" in our lives. Something that motivates, excites, thrills and pushes us to the next level; to the next day, to the next moment every day. What is it that toots your horn? A rather unique way to ask I think. Satan sets traps for us every day, he is the expert in deceit and lies. He to like God wants our soul, but the difference is with satan, after he embraces our soul and entangles us in his web of lies, murder and destruction, he will cast us into the lake of fire of all eternity and torment us and his intention is to keep us from God for all eternity. A hefty price to pay for living a life that pleases our worldly pleasures alone. Many people are misled by others who sometimes knowingly mislead them. A very wise man, my cousin told me, "No matter how much money you have you will never buy happiness and what really matters in life, look upon your family, your kids, your wife, your parents; it don't matter how much money you have, you can't buy all their love and support." That was the very wise words of my cousin Eugene Mosiello. Thank you cuz. Those words truly resonate, I appreciate your love in sharing such insight, and I love you dearly in return.

How much do you really trust that our Lord will help you resist sin? How much do you really trust that our Lord will help you through the fire of temptation? Sometimes it's the temptation that defeats us way more than the actual sin. Know that we do have the strength within us, through God's grace to defeat the temptations, put before us in our lives. Yes, I agree with you, sometimes it seems as though it is absolutely impossible. Is it a desire to something carnal? …or hateful? …or revengeful? …or mean and deadly? Do you feel led to destroy what is good? …to destroy what is life? …to think you, yourself are your own God? I know to some, that may seem a bit far-fetched, but scary as that may sound, so much of it and even more is true for so many of us. There is only one God, one Lord, one leader and enforcer of the law, and His name is Jesus. Leaders and tyrants and dictators come and go in this life, but Jesus remains ever eternal. Let us not try to live our lives the way we want to. I know that just turned off a whole bunch of you all, sorry, you don't have to like it. Just read God's word and you will simply see that we must surrender fully to His will, not our own. In doing so, and seriously doing His will, we will not so easily be led into sin, the very sin that in the end can and will destroy us. Yes temptation will always come, how we handle it will determine the eternal road we shall travel.

We need to be examples for others to witness. Our lives will never be perfect by any means. We all fall short, no one is perfect and no one is without sin. But how we handle that in our lives will be seen by many, and that example will either led or send away many to our Lord. Trying our best and never giving into the world's definition of happiness and pleasure and success is a wonderful first step for many of us. Jesus Himself clearly tells us, "I have not come to call the righteous, but sinners to repentance.” Luke 5:32. We are weak and we need Jesus, His love, His forgiveness and His help in defeating that which draws us away from Him. Refer to scripture for comfort, we are not alone as sinners. Jesus is with us with the help of the Holy Spirit, to help guide us back to Him through these temptations that mislead us. Look at what Mark 2:16-17 say, "When the teachers of the law who were Pharisees saw him eating with the sinners and tax collectors, they asked his disciples: “Why does he eat with tax collectors and sinners?” On hearing this, Jesus said to them, “It is not the healthy who need a doctor, but the sick. I have not come to call the righteous, but sinners.” Praise Jesus for loving all of us so much. Today let us look towards Jesus as we know and feel and sense temptation attacking us. He will be there to help us through. And when in doubt, share your true trust in our Lord, by praying to Him, "Jesus, I trust in You."

Helpful Prayer During Temptation
O Lord, I know I do not deserve your love and mercy, I know I am unworthy of it, I know I offend You often, I know You have loved me without me ever loving You. I come to You today Lord, trusting fully in You always -most especially in my failures. Lord, You alone are my refuge, clearly knowing that my ability to defeat the temptations in my life, can only be done through You and with You in my life. Today Lord I surrender all to You, “I can do all things in He who strengthens me.” Amen…

LOVE YOU GUYS!!!!
Come PRAY THE ROSARY with us every evening Monday through Friday 9pm EST with our
"Our Lady's Rosary Text Vigil Group"…

Invitations posted daily… and throughout the evening…
https://www.facebook.com/RosaryManJim

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

I also invite you to follow me on Twitter and Pinterest:
https://twitter.com/Rosarymanjim

http://www.pinterest.com/rosarymanjim/

Yours -Are His Hands

BEADS OF JOY 11-09-13
“Yours -Are His Hands”
©2013 James Dacey, Jr. OFS

Today’s Gospel: John 2:13-22 (Jesus Cleanses The Temple) “The Passover of the Jews was at hand, and Jesus went up to Jerusalem. In the temple he found those who were selling oxen and sheep and pigeons, and the money-changers at their business. And making a whip of cords, he drove them all, with the sheep and oxen, out of the temple; and he poured out the coins of the money-changers and overturned their tables. And he told those who sold the pigeons, "Take these things away; you shall not make my Father's house a house of trade." His disciples remembered that it was written, "Zeal for thy house will consume me." The Jews then said to him, "What sign have you to show us for doing this?" Jesus answered them, "Destroy this temple, and in three days I will raise it up." The Jews then said, "It has taken forty-six years to build this temple, and will you raise it up in three days?" But he spoke of the temple of his body. When therefore he was raised from the dead, his disciples remembered that he had said this; and they believed the scripture and the word which Jesus had spoken.”

My Friends,

This scene is so unique and yet so important in our spiritual journey. What keeps you from being in God’s presence? Most people understand that the “Temple” the “Church” is the place where God dwells. With that said, this scripture captures the part of Jesus we don’t normally see, Jesus wasn’t happy and He, “..drove them out”. The only time we read about Jesus driving anything out, is when He drove out / cast out demons. Look at scripture that says just that:

Matthew 9:32-34 “As they were going out, a mute, demon-possessed man was brought to Him. After the demon was cast out, the mute man spoke; and the crowds were amazed, and were saying, “Nothing like this has ever been seen in Israel.” But the Pharisees were saying, “He casts out the demons by the ruler of the demons.”

Mark 1:33-34 “And the whole city had gathered at the door. And He healed many who were ill with various diseases, and cast out many demons; and He was not permitting the demons to speak, because they knew who He was.”

Mark 16:8-10 “They went out and fled from the tomb, for trembling and astonishment had gripped them; and they said nothing to anyone, for they were afraid. Now after He had risen early on the first day of the week, He first appeared to Mary Magdalene, from whom He had cast out seven demons. She went and reported to those who had been with Him, while they were mourning and weeping.”

1 John 4:17-19 “By this, love is perfected with us, so that we may have confidence in the Day of Judgment; because as He is, so also are we in this world. There is no fear in love; but perfect love casts out fear, because fear involves punishment, and the one who fears is not perfected in love. We love, because He first loved us.”

There are many others, but look at the last scripture, it speaks of casting out fear, interesting how Jesus “cast out” everything that works against us deepening our faith. Demons pull us away from God presence, God’s love and all that is good in His sight… Now with all that said let’s go back to today’s gospel.

Money-changers of the time weren’t always honest or sincere. In today’s Gospel, this activity is called a, “house of trade”, but in Mark’s gospel version he refers to this as a, “den of thieves”. My reflection is that Jesus’ physical aggression shows me how important it is for us to stand for what is RIGHT; and if those in this world wish to offend our Lord, His Temple and our Faith –We must defend them. Being Christian doesn’t mean being wimpy and soft and easily pushed around. On the contrary, if we are to be true to our faith, true to our belief and most certainly true to Jesus –We must be BOLD in His defense. Scripture does say, “Now you are the body of Christ, and each one of you is a part of it.” ~1 Corinthians 12:27

In today’s gospel the “money-changers” were doing there sinful deeds on Holy ground. How dare they do evil deeds at God’s house. Jesus’ response is encouraging and insightful –defending His Father’s honor, respect and temple. I am greatly encouraged by today’s gospel, I hope and pray that you are to.

“Christ has no body on earth but yours, no hands but yours, no feet but yours. Yours are the eyes through which Christ's compassion for the world is to look out; yours are the feet with which He is to go about doing good; and yours are the hands with which He is to bless us now.” ~St. Teresa of Avila

LOVE YOU GUYS!!!!
Come PRAY THE ROSARY with us every evening Monday through Friday 9pm EST with our
"Our Lady's Rosary Text Vigil Group"…

Invitations posted daily… and throughout the evening…
https://www.facebook.com/RosaryManJim

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

I also invite you to follow me on Twitter and Pinterest:
https://twitter.com/Rosarymanjim

http://www.pinterest.com/rosarymanjim/

True Cost of Discipleship

BEADS OF JOY 11-06-13
“True Cost of Discipleship”
©2013 James Dacey, Jr. OFS

 

Today's gospel maybe too harsh for many. I find it to be “inspiring truth” to me. Jesus never said following Him was going to easy. The cross He asks for us to embrace and follow in this gospel in verse 33 says this, “So therefore, whoever of you does not renounce all that he has cannot be my disciple.” Today's gospel is Luke 14:25-33 (Sayings about Discipleship). Some might interpret this has a very hard saying from our Lord, but we must understand the importance of us placing Him first in our lives, period. Just take a look at the first three verses, “Now great multitudes accompanied him; and he turned and said to them, "If any one comes to me and does not hate his own father and mother and wife and children and brothers and sisters, yes, and even his own life, he cannot be my disciple. Whoever does not bear his own cross and come after me, cannot be my disciple.” Verses 25-27. We are to "hate" and "bear", my research shows that obviously we are not to "hate" as in the meaning of the word the way we use it. My research found that hating something back then, meant “to prefer it less”. Language was strong so that there was complete clarity in the message that no one at all must be in our lives first, before God. All the cost have been taken into consideration as that echoes in this scripture.

Yes I will be the first to tell you that “the cost” to take up your cross and follow Him; truly, will cost you your earthly life, some friends and all of the world's treasures. Many close friends (not necessarily school friends) of the past, who initially knew me as a “Jesus freak” have abandoned me. I care and I do pray for them, but, oh well what can I do? Along with the loss of many of my other acquaintances, I often deal with dirty looks or wise remarks when I speak of Jesus, and believe me I speak of Him a lot; most especially when it comes to our ministry. Through the years the wise remarks have lessened and my answers have gotten more Christ-like. And now in my old age (lol), I don't ever get anger when someone’s ignorance of God or Jesus or our Lady -attacks me. I instead pour out His love inside me all over them, usually that always puts out the flame of hatred they have towards me, because of God or Jesus or our Lady. Which brings to mind a question, I thought of this when I was doing all my reading while researching: What is the cost and risk, that was spoken of in the gospel, and why is it so important to plan ahead? The answer is more insightful than straight forward. Jesus guarantees us success when we follow Him, that's a true biblical fact. So with that said, we begin following Him knowing what will inevitably happen. What does that do? It should give us the “kahunas” to forge forward sharing His love with everybody. LOL. So be BOLD in the Lord...

So now we know that in order for us to “FOLLOW JESUS” it will cost us literally everything. Hmm…, are you still following my blog now, it's no joke, this is for real, I surrendered my embrace of this world a long time ago. Nothing here will get us there (Heaven that is…). If you hold on to the things of this world they will become the anchor that won't allow you to freely, quickly follow Him. Now consider: Is what Jesus is offering to us, worth everything, is the cost to receive "Eternity in Heaven with Him" too much for you to bear? I hope that was rhetorical. Of cause it's worth every bit of it and more. “One mere drop of His precious blood is worth more than every single possession, and every kind of wealth in the entire universe.” –you can quote me on that… We are God's children, we should be screaming and shouting with JOY, that we have such an awesome, loving, caring God and Father in Heaven. We should do anything and everything we possibly can to do whatever it'll take to be with Him. Consider scripture as your guide (use my Mon-Fri Gospel challenge) and Jesus' own words as the directions. Also PRAY THE ROSARY every single day; 20 decades… We must give our Lord 24 hours of every day, and then fit everything else in. You will regret not doing that. Please I beg of you to put Jesus absolutely first all the time.

So as we wind down this very exciting, very direct gospel and blog, do you see what we really need to do? Do you see how important it is for us not even to put any person before Him? Anything or anyone worshiped and thought of before God is "idolatry" in some form. And our God is a loving, merciful, forgiving, caring God; but He wants no other Gods before Him. So we must trust in His word, His promises and the depths of His love for us; so that when we put every single thing we possesses and cherish on the line for Him, we know we are doing the right thing. Praise Jesus for today's very powerful reading. I really hope you to get excited and all wound up with overflowing Joy after reading today's gospel. We know the ending of the story, we know what God has promised; now it's up to us. Drop everything and put everyone on hold and RUN after Him with every single bit of energy and excitement that you have inside your heart. Become like me, a goofy, all wound up strange excited child of God. My Joy is ALWAYS in Him. He sets my heart a flame with His love. He is all I think of 24/7/365... Just do it. Pray to Him constantly, day in and day out, "Jesus, I trust in You."

LOVE YOU GUYS!!!!
Come PRAY THE ROSARY with us every evening Monday through Friday 9pm EST with our
"Our Lady's Rosary Text Vigil Group"…

Invitations posted daily… and throughout the evening…
https://www.facebook.com/RosaryManJim

Your brother in Christ Jesus
And His Most Blessed Mother,
Jim (The Rosary Man) Dacey Jr OFS
My Revised and Revitalized blog from: Sept. 9, 2010

I also invite you to follow me on Twitter and Pinterest:
https://twitter.com/Rosarymanjim

http://www.pinterest.com/rosarymanjim/

They Cannot Repay You

BEADS OF JOY 11-04-13
“They Cannot Repay You”
©2013 James Dacey, Jr. OFS

Today’s Gospel: Luke 14:12-14 (Humility and Hospitality) “He said also to the man who had invited him, "When you give a dinner or a banquet, do not invite your friends or your brothers or your kinsmen or rich neighbors, lest they also invite you in return, and you be repaid. But when you give a feast, invite the poor, the maimed, the lame, the blind, and you will be blessed, because they cannot repay you. You will be repaid at the resurrection of the just."”

My Friends,

How do you help others? How do you decide who you will help and who you won’t help? Hmm, yes a rather interesting thought to begin today’s blog with. But honestly, let us consider the purpose and end game of why we help others. Why do many pay extra attention to successful, wealthy, worldly people? Is it because you will be “paid back” or maybe you’ll be the one who will be there to “catch the crumbs”, “receive gifts”??  There are indeed many things to consider. Our ulterior motives in many ways will be our undoing and in the end will destroy us.

Generosity not only demands that our hearts love and charity guide it; but even more so our generosity must demand honest sincere self-sacrifice. Self-sacrifice doesn’t mean you invest in debt that someone else will owe you; rather self-sacrifice is debt we owe to Jesus our Savior. When we help others without ever seeking anything in return, we are returning to Jesus –His love for us. Remember Jesus gave His very life to save ours. We’ll never be able to pay Him back, so in turn with our lives, let us give it to Him as a living-sacrifice. Are you following me? With all that said –every chance we get let us help others (who are unable) to pay us back, never selfishly seeking anything in return.

LOVE YOU GUYS!!!!

Come PRAY THE ROSARY with us every evening Monday through Friday 9pm EST with our
"Our Lady's Rosary Text Vigil Group"…

Invitations posted daily… and throughout the evening…
https://www.facebook.com/RosaryManJim

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

I also invite you to follow me on Twitter and Pinterest:
https://twitter.com/Rosarymanjim

http://www.pinterest.com/rosarymanjim/

Make Haste and Come Down

BEADS OF JOY 11-03-13
“Make Haste and Come Down”
©2013 James Dacey, Jr. OFS

Today’s Gospel: Luke 19:1-10 (Jesus and Zacchaeus)”He entered Jericho and was passing through. And there was a man named Zacchaeus; he was a chief tax collector, and rich.  And he sought to see who Jesus was, but could not, on account of the crowd, because he was small of stature. So he ran on ahead and climbed up into a sycamore tree to see him, for he was to pass that way. And when Jesus came to the place, he looked up and said to him, "Zacchaeus, make haste and come down; for I must stay at your house today." So he made haste and came down, and received him joyfully. And when they saw it they all murmured, "He has gone in to be the guest of a man who is a sinner." And Zacchaeus stood and said to the Lord, "Behold, Lord, the half of my goods I give to the poor; and if I have defrauded any one of anything, I restore it fourfold." And Jesus said to him, "Today salvation has come to this house, since he also is a son of Abraham. For the Son of man came to seek and to save the lost.”

My Friends,

Very interesting insight to today’s gospel. How would you react if Jesus said to you, “___, make haste and come down; for I must stay at your house today!” We know that no one is perfect, no one is without sin; but the real question and thought I guess would be: How ready for Jesus’ arrival are we? Would we have to ask Him to please wait outside, I need to clean up and put away (hide) those things I’d be ashamed for you to see Lord. Or rather, can we say, “Praise Jesus, come into my home anytime You desire Lord, I am always ready for You.” Zacchaeus’ heart was forever changed after spending time with Jesus. Zacchaeus was not popular in a good way, he was a ruthless tax collector that abused his authority and stole from many, by overcharging them. But today was going to change his heart forever –today Zacchaeus wanted God’s mercy and forgiveness for all he had done; he wanted to be right with God.

Zacchaeus’ experience with Jesus not only changed his heart and his life; but his generosity of repentance, changed the whole community as he made restitution with so many from all the evil he has done against them. One man’s changed heart changed many. Can you to change like that when you are with Jesus? My life has never been the same since Jesus came into my life. His presence forever changed the way I act, speak and treat others. Zacchaeus’ experience is one for us to learn from and return to time and time again to remember…

Please take a moment and read what St. Augustine of Hippo said in his sermon about today’s gospel: “The Lord, who had received Zacchaeus in his heart deemed himself worthy to be received in his house. He tells him: Zacchaeus,  come down quickly, for I must stay in your house. (Luke 19:5) He considered seeing Christ as a good luck.    And he who considered seeing Him as great and ineffable luck, found himself worthy to have Him at once in his house. Grace is infused. Faith moves through love, Christ is received, who was already dwelling in the heart. Zacchaeus tells Jesus: Lord, I will give half of my goods to the poor, and if I have cheated anyone, I will pay him back fourfold.(Luke 19: 8) It is as if he said: I am keeping half of my wealth, not to possess it, but to have something from which I pay people back. Behold, this is what it means to receive Jesus, that is, to receive Him in the heart. Christ was truly there; He was in Zacchaeus, and by his inspiration, he said to himself what he was hearing from his heart. It is what the Apostle says: May Christ dwell in your hearts through faith. (Ephesians. 3: 17)

Since it was Zacchaeus, the chief tax collector and a great sinner,  that crowd, believed to be of sound mind, was preventing him to see Jesus. They were filled with awe and found reproachable the fact that Jesus entered into a house of sinner, which is the same as finding reproachable a doctor, who enters the house of  the sick. Since Zacchaeus turned to be an object of mockery as a sinner, those sick ridiculed him, he who was already restored to health.  The Lord responded to those deriders: Today salvation has come into his house. (Luke 19:9) Behold the reason why I entered this house: Today salvation has come. Had the Savior not entered, truly salvation must not have come to that house”. (Sermon 174,5-6)

God Bless you my sisters and brothers, have a blessed Sunday.

LOVE YOU GUYS!!!!
Come PRAY THE ROSARY with us every evening Monday through Friday 9pm EST with our
"Our Lady's Rosary Text Vigil Group"…

Invitations posted daily… and throughout the evening…
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Your brother in Christ Jesus
And His Most Blessed Mother,
Jim (The Rosary Man) Dacey Jr OFS

I also invite you to follow me on Twitter and Pinterest:
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You Are The Messiah, Lord

BEADS OF JOY 11-02-13
“You Are The Messiah, Lord”
©2013 James Dacey, Jr. OFS

Today’s Gospel: John 11:17-27 (The Death of Lazarus) “Now when Jesus came, he found that Lazarus had already been in the tomb four days. Bethany was near Jerusalem, about two miles off, and many of the Jews had come to Martha and Mary to console them concerning their brother. When Martha heard that Jesus was coming, she went and met him, while Mary sat in the house. Martha said to Jesus, "Lord, if you had been here, my brother would not have died. And even now I know that whatever you ask from God, God will give you." Jesus said to her, "Your brother will rise again." Martha said to him, "I know that he will rise again in the resurrection at the last day." Jesus said to her, "I am the resurrection and the life; he who believes in me, though he die, yet shall he live, and whoever lives and believes in me shall never die. Do you believe this?"  She said to him, "Yes, Lord; I believe that you are the Christ, the Son of God, he who is coming into the world."”

My Friends,

Why did Jesus wait so long? What is the reason why Lazarus had to be left to die? I have considered many explanations in my own reflections. What seems to make sense to my understanding is this: 4 days in the tomb no doubt says Lazarus is indeed dead. And then Jesus, the Christ, the Son of God arrives. Though many believed in Jesus, many didn’t. This resurrection of Lazarus is kind of a precursor of Jesus’ own Resurrection. Later in this scripture from verse 40-44 this is what Jesus said: “Then Jesus said, “Did I not tell you that if you believe, you will see the glory of God?” So they took away the stone. Then Jesus looked up and said, “Father, I thank you that you have heard me. I knew that you always hear me, but I said this for the benefit of the people standing here, that they may believe that you sent me.” When he had said this, Jesus called in a loud voice, “Lazarus, come out!” The dead man came out, his hands and feet wrapped with strips of linen, and a cloth around his face. Jesus said to them, “Take off the grave clothes and let him go.”’

Jesus has been sent to us in the same way, to save us. We must trust that whenever He arrives to save us, to heal us, to help us… It is in the time that He so wanted to, and in the end it was all for His Glory in His Will. Our faith must remain true, even if we don’t see things happen when we want them to. When in doubt and you feel alone, lost or even completely misunderstood.. I ask that you take the time to pray one Our Father and One Hail Mary, One Glory Be and the Fatima Prayer…

Just Like this…

Our Father
Our Father, Who art in heaven, hallowed be Thy name; Thy kingdom come; Thy will be done on earth as it is in heaven. Give us this day our daily bread; and forgive us our trespasses as we forgive those who trespass against us; and lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil. Amen.

Hail Mary
Hail Mary, full of grace. The Lord is with thee. Blessed art thou amongst women, and blessed is the fruit of thy womb, Jesus. Holy Mary, Mother of God, pray for us sinners, now and at the hour of our death, Amen.

Glory Be
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.

Fatima Prayer
O my Jesus, forgive us of our sins. Save us from the fires of hell. Lead all souls into heaven, especially those in most need of thy mercy.

Ending Prayer
Lord I ask that you lead me through this, I trust fully in You, and I wait upon Your Will in this. I don’t understand any of this fully, but I do love You and that’s all I need to know. Glory and Honor and Praise to You my Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. Amen…

LOVE YOU GUYS!!!!
Come PRAY THE ROSARY with us every evening Monday through Friday 9pm EST with our
"Our Lady's Rosary Text Vigil Group"…

Invitations posted daily… and throughout the evening…
https://www.facebook.com/RosaryManJim

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

I also invite you to follow me on Twitter and Pinterest:
https://twitter.com/Rosarymanjim

http://www.pinterest.com/rosarymanjim/