Abundant - Overflowing Love

BEADS OF JOY 12-04-13
“Abundant –Overflowing Love”
©2013 James Dacey, Jr. OFS

Today’s Gospel: Matthew 15:29-37 (Jesus Feeds Four Thousand) “And Jesus went on from there and passed along the Sea of Galilee. And he went up on the mountain, and sat down there. And great crowds came to him, bringing with them the lame, the maimed, the blind, the dumb, and many others, and they put them at his feet, and he healed them, so that the throng wondered, when they saw the dumb speaking, the maimed whole, the lame walking, and the blind seeing; and they glorified the God of Israel. Then Jesus called his disciples to him and said, "I have compassion on the crowd, because they have been with me now three days, and have nothing to eat; and I am unwilling to send them away hungry, lest they faint on the way." And the disciples said to him, "Where are we to get bread enough in the desert to feed so great a crowd?" And Jesus said to them, "How many loaves have you?" They said, "Seven, and a few small fish." And commanding the crowd to sit down on the ground, he took the seven loaves and the fish, and having given thanks he broke them and gave them to the disciples, and the disciples gave them to the crowds. And they all ate and were satisfied; and they took up seven baskets full of the broken pieces left over.”

My Friends,

God’s love for us is Abundant!!! And in today's Gospel -It's Overflowing!!! The miracles keep coming, today we read about a miracle that blesses thousands, sharing in the Hope found in God’s abundant love. Look at verse 37 in today’s gospel, “And they all ate and were satisfied; and they took up seven baskets full of the broken pieces left over.” This verse leaves me thinking about this: How much food does it take to feed and satisfy 4,000 people and still have left overs? I don’t know how many of you have had crowds over your home for a BBQ or a holiday celebration. It sure takes a lot of food to satisfy 10-20 or more people, you always Hope you have enough food, I can’t even imagine what amount of food (bread and fish) it would take to feed and satisfy 4,000 people. WOW!! 


GLORIOUS MYSTERIES…

First Glorious Mystery – The Resurrection of Jesus
Lord as I begin this most blessed First Glorious Mystery celebrating Your Resurrection; know that my Faith and my Love and my Life are completely all for You Lord. I know Your love for me is without measure or requirement of me. Just as the four thousand who were with You in today’s gospel; Your heart had compassion to meet their needs. They did not ask for Your help, yet You willingly had compassion for their needs. Lord, may my heart always be so compassionate to others, as I see their needs arise.

Second Glorious Mystery – The Ascension of Jesus
The second Glorious Mystery is one of Hope, knowing that You Lord went before us to the Father. In today’s gospel Lord, You show me, that You not only healed many who followed You; but in Your compassion for their needs, You fulfilled their needs. I am greatly encouraged by today’s gospel Lord. I never lose Hope even when events and activities in the world seem negative and even completely opposite and against me. I rest all my Hope in You Lord, knowing that You always love me.

Third Glorious Mystery – Descent of the Holy Spirit
As the Holy Spirit came down from Heaven and rested upon the disciples and those present and many billions throughout the centuries including me. In Your Wisdom Lord, I can see how today’s gospel -brought down bread from Heaven to feed the four thousand. I rejoice and feel so very blessed every single day Lord that I get to be with You; knowing that You have a compassionate loving heart. The Holy Spirit accompanies me and leads me always to You; just as Mary always leads me to You.

Fourth Glorious Mystery – The Assumption
Lord, I feel so blessed and loved, knowing that Your Mother is there for me, as she has always been there for You. In this fourth Mystery Lord, Your Mother, my Mother has gone before us in her commitment to You. Devotion to Mary is a huge part of my Devotion to You Lord. In Mary and Through Mary I always find You. In today’s gospel the crowd followed You, knowing You would heal them, and take care of them. You didn't send them away, instead You embraced them in their needs.

Fifth Glorious Mystery – The Coronation
As I begin the fifth Glorious Mystery Lord I place all my choices, all my faith and my love in the Eternal Happiness You give to me. Our Lady is well deserving of this crown. Today’s gospel in many ways shows us, it most certainly showed the crowd that happiness, fulfillment of our bodily needs also bring us eternal happiness from Heaven. You Lord always know what’s best for us and then in Your time You meet our needs.

I pray that these most Glorious Mysteries combined with a most Joyous Gospel have brought Love and Peace and Hope and Joy to your life. Let us continue praying like this, so that our Joy maybe linked to Jesus, Scripture and Our Lady.

 

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/

A Dedicated Saintly Life

BEADS OF JOY 12-03-13
“A Dedicated Saintly Life”
©2013 James Dacey, Jr. OFS

St. Francis Xavier…
Today’s Gospel: Luke 10:21-24 (Praise of the Father – Privileges of Discipleship) “In that same hour he rejoiced in the Holy Spirit and said, "I thank you, Father, Lord of heaven and earth, that you have hidden these  things from the wise and understanding and revealed them to babes; yes, Father, for such was your gracious will. All things have been delivered to me by my Father; and no one knows who the Son is except the Father, or who the Father is except the Son and any one to whom the Son chooses to reveal him." Then turning to the disciples he said privately, "Blessed are the eyes which see what you see! For I tell you that many prophets and kings desired to see what you see, and did not see it, and to hear what you hear, and did not hear it.”

My Friends,

Today we celebrate the life of St. Francis Xavier. So I thought I’d try something different and maybe even a little blessed; so I’m going to give it a try. Today’s mysteries and the saint’s life will be the main focus. St. Francis was a humble missionary who worked tirelessly preaching the gospel; and he was also a student of Ignatius of Loyola.

SORROWFUL MYSTERIES

The 1^st Sorrowful Mystery – The Agony in The Garden.
As I begin this first Sorrowful Mystery, I look at the life of St. Francis Xavier. His life was a life that’s was fully dedicated to and Conformed to the Will of God. In this mystery Jesus conforms and stays strong to God’s Will; showing me that in all things I too must stay focused on and live through -even the most difficult challenges while I stay committed to living God’s Will in my life.  

The 2^nd Sorrowful Mystery – Scourging at The Pillar.
My Lord, this second Sorrowful mystery hurts me the most. I can’t help but think of the scene in “The Passion of the Christ”. Lash after lash, beating You to near death, blood splattering everywhere. Yet You remained strong in Your Purity of Spirit. St Francis Xavier preached tirelessly and consistently fully focused on spreading the gospel. Lord I ask that You help me stay focused in my life; so that I to like You and St. Francis remain tirelessly focused on what You so wish for me to, in my life. No matter what the consequences are.

The 3^rd Sorrowful Mystery – Crowning with Thorns.
My Lord, being a disciple takes Moral Courage; it certainly comes with paying a price. This I know from my own life Lord. As I begin this most humiliating third Sorrowful Mystery, I ponder on the life that St. Francis Xavier lived. Courage, honest from the Spirit -Moral Courage is what it takes to do God’s Will and to move forward, no matter what others might say or do, and that is a special grace that many have. I pray Lord that through our Lady who always directs me to You; that my life remains devoted to You, no matter what others say or do.

The 4^th Sorrowful Mystery – Carrying of The Cross.
Beginning this fourth Sorrowful Mystery Lord; I see how much the Sorrowful Mysteries require that I have Patience as I follow after You. St Francis in dismay seen how the Portuguese settlers and soldiers of the colony were brutal in the way they treated the natives. A Sorrowful sight indeed. Patience, prayer and a life led by God’s Spirit helps Francis to remain focused. In today’s gospel at this mystery I ponder, “Blessed are the eyes which see what you see!”. Lord please guide my life to Your Will, Your desire for which I will live for Your glory Lord.

The 5^th Sorrowful Mystery – The Crucifixion.
The fifth Sorrowful Mystery brings all these Sorrowful Mysteries full circle to one thought in my Spirit: Self-denial. As I continue to follow You Lord, I realize more and more how to best serve You, I must more and more forget me. You must come first in everything I do, everywhere I go, and all that I say. Your entire life Lord was all about this day, the day that You would surrender all of Yourself to save me (us) from our own sin (selfishness). I undeservingly receive Your blessings knowing that this example helps me to remain focused, giving all my allegiance to You Lord.

I pray that these most Sorrowful Mystery Devotions help you in your walk following after Jesus. There will be many more devotions like this to come.

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/

1st Sunday of Advent -Prepare

BEADS OF JOY 12-01-13
“1^st Sunday of Advent -Prepare”
©2013 James Dacey, Jr. OFS

Today’s Gospel: Matthew 24:37-44 (The Unknown Hour or Day) “As were the days of Noah, so will be the coming of the Son of man. For as in those days before the flood they were eating and drinking, marrying and giving in marriage, until the day when Noah entered the ark, and they did not know until the flood came and swept them all away, so will be the coming of the Son of man. Then two men will be in the field; one is taken and one is left. Two women will be grinding at the mill; one is taken and one is left. Watch therefore, for you do not know on what day your Lord is coming. But know this, that if the householder had known in what part of the night the thief was coming, he would have watched and would not have let his house be broken into. Therefore you also must be ready; for the Son of man is coming at an hour you do not expect.”

My Friends,

Today’s Gospel Rosary Reflection is extra special. Today we begin the Liturgical Year and today is also the 1^st Sunday of Advent. Today we will: Share in the HOPE as we Prepare for Him. Jesus our Lord and Savior will be born, we must be Light to all and share Him with others; while we ourselves Prepare for His arrival.

GLORIOUS MYSTERIES…

The 1^st Glorious Mystery – The Resurrection of Jesus.
As I begin this Rosary on this most Joyful –Glorious first Sunday of Advent; I celebrate and rejoice in the Faith that I cherish. In today’s gospel I learn that I must always be ready. As Jesus has told me in scripture -He must die and that He would rise after three days; I must also reflect that He also told me that His coming would be at a day and an hour that no one knows. In this mystery, I rejoice in the Hope as I am always ready and prepared for His coming.

The 2^nd Glorious Mystery – The Ascension of Jesus
In this second Glorious Mystery Lord, I feel that it draws me into the Hope of Your Ascension into Heaven. Even though today’s gospel focuses on the unknown, I must also note that in that; it is telling me that in it is known. Our Lady, Your Mother keeps me company as I spend time with You each day Lord. In this mystery, I rejoice in the Gospel of Hope and Joy that You shower my life with.

The 3^rd Glorious Mystery – Descent of the Holy Spirit
Praise Jesus and Glory to You Lord. I just love praying the Rosary every day with You and Our Lady. In this most Glorious Mystery, You have blessed us with the Love, Direction and Wisdom of the Holy Spirit. As I ponder on today’s gospel, I see how through my prayers and my meditations; my heart leads my life to always be ready for Your return. The Glorious Joy You have filled my heart with Lord gives me so much Hope each day.

The 4^th Glorious Mystery – The Assumption
In the fourth Glorious Mystery -Mary, our Mother and Your Mother is brought completely and fully to Heaven Lord. As I spend my life Devoted to You Lord, I have a special Devotion to Mary that fills my heart with Your love. In today’s gospel as Advent begins, my heart can’t help but feel so filled with Your love. Being ready is what You want Lord; so being ready I shall be.

The 5^th Glorious Mystery – The Coronation
Lord as I begin this fifth Glorious Mystery, I learn and see how through Mary’s Coronation that my heart is filled with so much Eternal Happiness and Joy. The future or even more directly –ETERNITY: is where I so desire to be with You Lord and our Lady. Today’s Gospel expresses Hope on a level that any believer can instantly see and sense. My life is fully devoted to You Lord, and through the Rosary with Mary’s direction, she always leads me to You.

This Glorious set of Mysteries fills my heart with so much Joy on this most blessed first Sunday of Advent and first Day of the Liturgical Year… A Year of Grace for all of us to cherish and grow even closer to my Lord through Mary in the Rosary.

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/

Marian Feast Days of December

BEADS OF JOY 12-01-13
“Marian Feast Days of December”
©2013 James Dacey, Jr. OFS

My Friends,

Let us begin another incredibly blessed Marian month; and a Most Blessed new Liturgical Year. Each day we so desire to have Our Lady in our lives; might I suggest as you take the time to Pray The Rosary each and every day. I also pray that you might consider reflecting on each day’s Marian observation, to further celebrate Mary. 

 

December

1 - Our Lady of Ratisbon (Bavaria-1842).
This is one excellent example of Our Lady granting favors. Alphonse Rathisbonne was a French Jew who didn’t live by any faith, but rather worshipped the world he lived in with pride that was filled with ignorance. Eventually what happened one day was this: Our Lady motioned to him, with her right hand for him to kneel down. Once he knelt down, he realized how horribly sad the state of his soul was in. The next day Alphonse was baptized.

2 - Our Lady of Didinia (Cappadocia, Turkey)

3 - Our Lady of Filermo (Malta)

3 - Our Lady of Victory (Paris, France)

4 - Our Lady of La Chapelle, Abbeville. (1400)

5 - Our Lady of the Jesuits College (Rome- 1584)

6 - Our Lady of Seez, built by St. Latuin.

7 - Our Lady of Paris. Miraculous preservation of a Marian image in 1550.

8 - Our Lady of the Miracles of Caacupé.

8 - Our Lady of Good Health Virgen de Salud Basilica. (Mexico)

8 - Immaculate Conception. (Instituted by Pope Sixtus IV in 1477)

8 - Queen of the Archdiocese of Lipa (Philippines)

8 - Our Lady of Caysasay (Church in Barrio Labac, Philippines)

9 - Our Lady of the Conception, Naples, Italy (1618)

10 - Transition of the Holy House of Loretto (Italy - 1291)

11 - Our Lady of Angels (Paris, France - 1212).

12 - Our Lady of Guadalupe, Patroness of the Americas (Mexico - 1531).

13 - Our Lady of the Holy Chapel (Paris, France).

14 - Our Lady of Alba Royale (Hungary).

15 - Our Lady of the Armed Forces.

16 - Our Lady of Good or Happy Deliverance, brought from Madrid, Spain to St. Augustine, Florida.

17 - Our Lady of Amiens (France)

18 - Expectation of the Blessed Virgin Mary

18 - Dedication of Our Lady of Marseilles by St. Lazarus

19 - Our Lady of Toledo (Spain)

20 - Our Lady of Molene (France)

21 - Our Lady of St. Acheul (Amiens, France)

22 - Our Lady of Chartres, Mother of Youth (France)

23 - Our Lady of Ardilliers (Anjou, France)

23 - The Espousals of the Virgin Mary.

24 - Chaste Nuptials of Our Lady and St. Joseph.

25 - The Birth of Jesus / CHRISTMAS. (Delivery of Mary).

26 - Our Lady of Acheropita (Rossano, Italy)

27 - Institution of the Knights of Our Lady.

28 - Our Lady of Pontoise (France)

29 - Our Lady of Spire (Germany)

30 - Our Lady of Bologna (Italy)

31 - Image of Our Lady of Chartres brings back to life the son of King Geoffry.

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/

2014 - The Year of GRACE

BEADS OF JOY 11-30-13
“2014 – The Year of GRACE”
©2013 James Dacey, Jr. OFS

My Friends,

We are one day away from beginning the NEW Church Year. This upcoming year will be “The Year of Grace” – 2014 (Year A). Dec. 1^st, 2013 to Nov. 29, 2014

Principal Celebrations of the Liturgical Year 2014
1^st Sunday of Advent                     December 1, 2014
Ash Wednesday                             March 5, 2014
Easter Sunday                                 April 20, 2014
Ascension of the Lord                  May 29, 2014
Pentecost Sunday                          June 8, 2014
Most Holy Body and Blood         June 22, 2014
1^st Sunday of Advent                     November 30, 2014

Lectionary For Mass – Cycles
Sunday Cycle                      Year A           Dec. 1, 2013 to Nov 23, 2014
Weekday Cycle                  Cycle 2          Jan 13, 2014 to March 4, 2014
                                                                        June 9, 2014 to Nov 29, 2014
Sunday Cycle                      Year B            Nov. 30, 2014 to Nov 22, 2015

 

Liturgy of The Hours
Dec 1, 2013 to Jan 12, 2014           Advent, Christmas                        Vol. I
Jan 13 to March 4, 2014                Week 1 to 8,                         Vol. III
                                                            Ordinary Time                               
March 5 to June 8, 2014               Lent, Triduum, Easter      Vol. II
June 9 to Aug 2, 2014                    Weeks 10 to 17                    Vol. III
                                                            Ordinary Time                   
Aug 3 to Nov 29, 2014                  Weeks 18 to 34                   Vol. IV          
                                                            Ordinary Time                   
Nov 30, 2014 to Jan 11, 2015        Advent, Christmas                        Vol. I

 December Celebrations
1 SUN FIRST SUNDAY OF ADVENT
3 Tue Saint Francis Xavier, Priest Memorial
7 Sat Saint Ambrose, Memorial
8 SUN SECOND SUNDAY OF ADVENT
9 Mon The Immaculate Conception of the Blessed Virgin Mary, white
12 Thu Our Lady of Guadalupe Feast
14 Sat Saint John of the Cross, Memorial
15 SUN THIRD SUNDAY OF ADVENT
22 SUN FOURTH SUNDAY OF ADVENT
25 Wed The Nativity of the Lord (Christmas) Solemnity
26 Thu Saint Stephen, The First Martyr Feast
27 Fri Saint John, Apostle and Evangelist Feast
28 Sat The Holy Innocents, Martyrs Feast
29 SUN THE HOLY FAMILY OF JESUS, MARY AND JOSEPH Feast

 

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/ 

More Will be Given

BEADS OF JOY 11-20-13
“More Will Be Given”
©2013 James Dacey, Jr. OFS

Today’s Gospel: Luke 19:11-28 (The Parable of the Ten Gold Coins) “As they heard these things, he proceeded to tell a parable, because he was near to Jerusalem, and because they supposed that the kingdom of God was to appear immediately. He said therefore, "A nobleman went into a far country to receive a kingdom and then return. Calling ten of his servants, he gave them ten pounds, and said to them, `Trade with these till I come.' But his citizens hated him and sent an embassy after him, saying, `We do not want this man to reign over us.' When he returned, having received the kingdom, he commanded these servants, to whom he had given the money, to be called to him, that he might know what they had gained by trading. The first came before him, saying, `Lord, your pound has made ten pounds more.' And he said to him, `Well done, good servant! Because you have been faithful in a very little, you shall have authority over ten cities.' And the second came, saying, `Lord, your pound has made five pounds.' And he said to him, `And you are to be over five cities.' Then another came, saying, `Lord, here is your pound, which I kept laid away in a napkin; for I was afraid of you, because you are a severe man; you take up what you did not lay down, and reap what you did not sow.' He said to him, `I will condemn you out of your own mouth, you wicked servant! You knew that I was a severe man, taking up what I did not lay down and reaping what I did not sow? Why then did you not put my money into the bank, and at my coming I should have collected it with interest?' And he said to those who stood by, `Take the pound from him, and give it to him who has the ten pounds.' (And they said to him, `Lord, he has ten pounds!') `I tell you, that to everyone who has will more be given; but from him who has not, even what he has will be taken away. But as for these enemies of mine, who did not want me to reign over them, bring them here and slay them before me.'" And when he had said this, he went on ahead, going up to Jerusalem.”

My Friends,

Today’s gospel is very exciting and we have so much we can learn by it. God has given each of us special gifts. The minute we hoard or bury or not share or multiply what God has given us; that day will truly be a sad day for that person. We must do all we can to make what we have been given -multiply; and in that growth we must be spreading His love, and His word to all. We only get one chance (one life) to get this right. Just like it says in the parable. These servants had a specific amount of time (one chance) with these treasures and then upon the return of the nobleman, judgment was placed upon the stewardship of the servants. These servants were trusted, as God trusts us in what He has given us, and blessed us with. How dare we hoard or hide or bury and keep from others what isn't even our own. Let us share these blessings. We are only blessed by what we have when we give it away, and/or share it with someone else. If we keep it to our own selfish self, there is no value. Let us begin today’s Gospel Rosary Devotion.

The 1^st Glorious Mystery – The Resurrection of Jesus.
These most Glorious Mysteries celebrate the Joy and Love that you share with me Lord. In today’s gospel we can see how what I do with what You give me Lord, is inevitably measured by what I do with those gifts. “Because you have been faithful in a very little…” My Faith and my love for You Lord is expressed in this most Glorious most spectacular mystery of Your Most Glorious Resurrection. May my life be an expression of Your love Lord, sharing and growing and multiplying the gifts You have blessed me with.

The 2^nd Glorious Mystery – The Ascension of Jesus.
This second Glorious Mystery gives me so much Hope Lord. Thank you Lord for sharing this insightful blessed parable. I truly love spending time in scripture, learning about all that You teach me. I pray that I am like the servant with the ten –multiplying all that You give to me Lord. As You Ascend into Heaven Lord my heart fills with the Love and the Joy of Your Love for me.

The 3^rd Glorious Mystery – Descent of the Holy Spirit.
This most blessed mystery is one of my favorite. You said Lord that God the Father would send down the Holy Spirit to help me, to guide me, to lead me. The Wisdom gained in this mystery is such a blessing on my Spiritual Journey to You. Today’s gospel shows me that hoarding and hiding and selfishly keeping that which You have given me, comes with a price. I pray Lord that my heart always stays focused on You.

The 4^th Glorious Mystery – The Assumption.
In this fourth mystery Lord, I come to the realization of my faith -that You have given me Your Mother, just like You did at the Cross. My daily prayer life matters so much in this mystery. You gave me a gift Lord and in turn -I cherish my Devotion to Mary, Your Mother, my Mother. I shall always share her with others, in prayer, in the Rosary, in learning and teaching the Rosary; constantly sharing multiplying all the love she has for us, that leads us to You.

The 5^th Glorious Mystery – The Coronation.
More has been given, and her name is Mary, Mother of God. She always leads us to You Lord, and through her sending us to You, we always find Eternal Happiness in Your love. In today’s gospel my heart is open to the gifts You always give, and the Joy You further give us as we share all that You give us. May the Joy found in this Rosary today help lead others to You Lord.

I pray that all have found what their gifts are and the insight and wisdom gained by this knowledge; leads you to a heart that desires to share and multiply all for God’s glory, celebrating His love for 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

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

To Seek & To Save The Lost

BEADS OF JOY 11-19-13
“To Seek & To Save The Lost”
©2013 James Dacey, Jr. OFS

Today’s Gospel: Luke 19:1-10 (Zacchaeus the Tax-Collector) “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,

Today’s gospel is all about a tax-collector by the name of Zacchaeus. Most people hated Zacchaeus for his dishonest way of collecting taxes. His dishonest way of doing business made him a very wealthy man. But on this day he surprisingly finds out that Jesus is coming to his house; which makes you wonder. We never do know when Jesus will just show up at our home. Are you ready if He does? Would you be excited about His arrival? or Would you be embarrassed, hoping you get home first to hide things from His sight that are offensive or sinful? In today’s Sorrowful Mysteries let us reflect upon this wonderful Gospel Rosary Devotion.

The 1^st Sorrowful Mystery – The Agony in The Garden.
Lord today’s blessed gospel shares much about these most sorrowful mysteries. Today in this mystery we are reflecting upon the Contrition of a man who was indeed lost. But we can see by the gospel, as Jesus spent time with Zacchaeus, his life began to Conform to the Will of God. His heart knew that the agony inside was seeking answers. Today’s gospel and this first sorrowful mystery have two amazing things in common: Both Jesus and Zacchaeus were directed to God’s Will, and both openly accepted it.

The 2^nd Sorrowful Mystery – Scourging at The Pillar.
Let us begin this second most sorrowful mystery with my head bowed before You Lord. This mystery hurts me tremendously, tears are almost impossible to stop when I reflect upon this most vicious hateful act of violence towards You Lord. When the crowd murmured against Zacchaeus (a much hated man), a man truly unworthy of having Jesus over his home. The back-lash from the people who already hated him only intensified. Purity most certainly must have begun in Zacchaeus’ heart; and there’s no doubt Mortification for his many sins, also must have shaken him.

The 3^rd Sorrowful Mystery – Crowning with Thorns.
In this mystery Lord, I can see how strong You were physically, mentally and most importantly -spiritually. In today’s gospel Zacchaeus showed similar strength in opening his home for You Lord; and in doing so while being surrounded by a crowd that hated him.  I also see Lord that Zacchaeus showed much Moral Courage as this visit and conversion and experience filled his home and his life. As the thorns ripped Your skin and dripped Your blessed blood to save us; Zacchaeus’ wealth was poured out of his selfish heart in repentance to all he offended and stole from.

The 4^th Sorrowful Mystery – Carrying of The Cross.
This journey was indeed a journey that brought You Lord to the Cross, to be nailed upon a tree. There was more than just Patience and Love that guided You through this horrible ordeal Lord. Zacchaeus in many ways made a similar journey. He sought to see You but could not, so he ran ahead to climb a sycamore tree, so that his view was clear and he could see You. Just as this huge branch of a tree was on Your shoulder Lord, so that You might save the world; Zacchaeus climbed out upon a huge branch to see You, so that You might save him.

The 5^th Sorrowful Mystery – The Crucifixion.
This fifth and final Sorrowful Mystery sadly needed to be fulfilled, as You have told us many times in scripture Lord. How can I to, live a life that reflects what You have taught me Lord, on this most sorrowful journey? Your example of unselfishness and truly living a life of honest Self-denial; has taught me much about what really matters in this life. In today’s gospel Zacchaeus finally got to the point of unselfishness and a heart that truly loved others. Your love filled his heart, and once that happened Lord, he to realized that nothing else in this life matters, except Your love.

Thank you Lord for such a blessed experience in today’s Rosary. It is time for us to make room for You, in our hearts, in our homes, in our lives and yes throughout our busy days. Embrace You and Welcoming You into our lives needs to our life’s goal. We need to climb our sycamore tree and make clear the view of YOU in our lives. +JMJ+

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/