This is the place where "Rosary-Man-Jim" Author of 2 books, writes and shares a daily reflection about the day’s gospel, along with sharing his love for the Rosary. This is also the place where his life’s journey from husband to dad of 5, to care-taker to widower, Single, and grandpa of 1 is shared... if you would like to be added to his email list to receive this blog every single day, email him and let him know at: jimdaceyjunior@yahoo.com Podcast's will be sent also.
This is the Barnabite Fathers House, located at Our Lady of Fatima Shrine; Lewiston, NY.
Today I would like to take the
time to reflect back upon my visit here at the shrine. My stay with Fr. Julio
and Fr. Richard and Fr. Peter has been amazing. This morning I will be heading
home. This has been a most joyous, blessed 9-Day visit I have ever had at my
most favorite place on planet Earth.
This was a very prayerful peaceful week. Today I wish to share some of my most favorite
pictures and highlights that I put together for the week.
That was my place in the Chapel in the Barnabite House.
Me in the Seminary Library at the Mariology Section.
LOVE
YOU GUYS !!!!
Your brother in Christ Jesus
And His Most Blessed Mother,
Jim (The Rosary Man) Dacey Jr OFS
Today is Monday: We pray the Joyful Mysteries:
The Joyful Mysteries
1. The Annunciation (Humility) – Luke 1:26-28
2. The Visitation (Love of Neighbor) – Luke 1:39-45
3. The Birth of Jesus (Poverty of Spirit) – Luke 2:1-20
4. The Presentation (Purity of Mind & Spirit) – Luke 2:22-38
5. Finding in The Temple (Obedience) –Luke 2:41-50
I simply love Monday mornings,
because every morning begins with the Rosary.
Today’s Gospel:
Mark 7:1-8, 14-15, 21-23 (Tradition of the Elders)
“Now when the Pharisees gathered
together to him, with some of the scribes, who had come from Jerusalem, they
saw that some of his disciples ate with hands defiled, that is, unwashed. (For
the Pharisees, and all the Jews, do not eat unless they wash their hands,
observing the tradition of the
elders; and when they come from the market place, they do not eat unless they
purify themselves; and there are many other traditions which they observe, the
washing of cups and pots and vessels of bronze.) And the Pharisees and the
scribes asked him, "Why do your disciples not live according to the tradition
of the elders, but eat with hands defiled?" And he said to them,
"Well did Isaiah prophesy of you hypocrites, as it is written, `This
people honors me with their lips, but their heart is far from me; in vain do
they worship me, teaching as doctrines the precepts of men.' You leave the
commandment of God and hold fast the
tradition of men." And he called the people to him again, and said to
them, "Hear me, all of you, and understand: there is nothing outside
a man which by going into him can defile him; but the things which come out of
a man are what defile him." For from within, out of the heart of man, come
evil thoughts, fornication, theft, murder, adultery, coveting, wickedness,
deceit, licentiousness, envy, slander, pride, foolishness. All these evil
things come from within, and they defile a man."
Reflection: Today, we see how the Pharisees and the scribes were more worried about
their traditions; rather than live by the true commandments of God. I love that
word “Tradition”, outside of our faith, or should I say to complement
our faith. How many of you have family traditions? Not the one Hank Williams Jr
sings about lol, no, rather ones that are shared around the kitchen table or in
the living room or when you go out on a day trip. I can remember being in our
first tiny little apartment, having dinner with our black cat (Jack),
this is before we had kids, talking about what kind of family traditions we
wanted to start together “now”; so that our kids would be part of what we
already do together.
Wow, I haven’t thought about those days in decades. But we use to really
try to plan out what would help develop our kids into adults; who they
themselves would want the same traditions for their families. So, our main
focuses were family time and prayer. Our absolute goal was dinner together
every single night. Chrissy would make and prepare dinner and when I got home
from work, I’d wash my hands, changed my shirt and we all sat down. The kids
knew when dad got home, we’d be eating dinner shortly. No one was at a friend’s
house and no one was NOT at the table. And you dare not eat before prayer. We
would all make the sign of the cross, hold hands and pray grace out loud
together, I or Chrissy would pray for our family who needed additional prayers.
Once we all said Amen and did the sign of the cross together, it was an eating
feast. And we all shared our day. I did the cleaning and washed all the dishes.
We did that for 30 years, depending upon who was still living at home. I still
do that with them and it will continue. It’s funny, we sit at the table and the
kids immediately put out their hands to hold hands. Thank you, Jesus.
Another wonderful family tradition we had was pumpkin picking and pumpkin
carving, we did that so decades, it was so much fun. We used to drive up to
Ulster County, NY where my cousins live and go to those Pumpkin Farms and when
we were there we’d also get apples and eat at the little café they had there.
During the years we lived in Niagara Falls we did the same at the Pumpkin Farm
in Niagara County. In fact, in Niagara County we had so much fun picking
blueberries and apples and strawberries. That was so much fun, just to
get out for the day and pick fresh fruits together as a family, a fun tradition
indeed. We loved doing that together as a family. We’d pack a huge
cooler of drinks and snacks and go out for the day. No, we did not stop
at McDonald's on the way home, that is too funny. No, but we did stop
at the Fatima Shrine on the way home, this place was our go-to,
all the time, that was always a tradition while living in Niagara Falls. When
we went out picking, we always stopped at the shrine on the way home. We know
everyone at the shrine and we used to spend so much time there in prayer and
solitude. Even our kids enjoyed it, they knew the rules, Mass, chapels, etc.
Mark 7:1-8, 14-15,
21-23
(22nd Sunday in
Ordinary Time)
Building
A Legacy 2017:
Fr Larry Richards on
Family
(45 minutes long, but
well worth it)
Pondering
these thoughts today: Family traditions and even
your own traditions as an individual are so wonderful. Keep doing them even if
it’s just you at times. Pray before every meal, go to the shrine don’t just
pass it, go to Mass more than once a week. Traditions are like corner stones
that help identify our hearts desires of more love and more faith and our true
identity in our daily lives. At least that is how I see it. I know I took a
word out of content out of today’s gospel, hope you still enjoyed todays blog.
LOVE
YOU GUYS !!!!
Your brother in Christ Jesus
And His Most Blessed Mother,
Jim (The Rosary Man) Dacey Jr OFS
Today is Sunday: We pray the Glorious Mysteries:
The Glorious Mysteries
1. The Resurrection (Faith) –Mark 16:1-8
2. The Ascension (Hope) –Luke 24:50-53
3. The Descent of the Holy Spirit (Love) –Acts 2:1-4
4. Assumption of Mary (Grace of a Happy Death) –Rev 12:1-6
5. Coronation of Mary (Mary’s intercession) –Judith 15:9-10
Glory and Honor and Praise to You Lord
Jesus Christ!
Today’s Gospel: Matthew 25:14-30 (Parable of The Talents) “For it will be as when a man going on a journey called his servants and
entrusted to them his property; to one he gave five talents, to another two, to
another one, to each according to his ability. Then he went away. He who had
received the five talents went at once and traded with them; and he made five
talents more. So also, he who had the two talents made two talents more. But he
who had received the one talent went and dug in the ground and hid his master's
money. Now after a long time the master of those servants came and settled
accounts with them. And he who had received the five talents came forward,
bringing five talents more, saying, `Master, you delivered to me five talents;
here I have made five talents more.' His master said to him, `Well done, good
and faithful servant; you have been
faithful over a little, I will set you over much; enter into the joy of your
master.' And he also who had the two talents came forward, saying, `Master, you
delivered to me two talents; here I have made two talents more.' His master
said to him, `Well done, good and faithful servant; you have been faithful over
a little, I will set you over much; enter into the joy of your master.'
He also who had received the one talent came forward, saying, `Master, I knew
you to be a hard man, reaping where you did not sow, and gathering where
you did not winnow; so I was afraid, and I went and hid your talent in the
ground. Here you have what is yours.' But his master answered him, `You wicked
and slothful servant! You knew that I reap where I have not sowed, and gather
where I have not winnowed? Then you ought to have invested my money with the
bankers, and at my coming I should have received what was my own with interest.
So, take the talent from him, and give it to him who has the ten talents. For
to everyone who has will more be given, and he will have abundance; but from
him who has not, even what he has will be taken away. And cast the
worthless servant into the outer darkness; there men will weep and gnash their
teeth.'”
Reflection: To the poor this parable could mean that you can share all the joy you
gain; by the abundance you obtain as you use the talents God has given you. To
the wealthy sadly to some this may mean you must begin to share and spread your
wealth so that it may multiple. You can see by the parable that God never
intended for the wealth of even money to be buried and hidden. I know Jesus
said, “Then you ought to have invested my money with the bankers, and at my
coming I should have received what was my own with interest.” This is a
parable, a story told to us, by Jesus. The money was an invest rendering
interest. God knows money is best invested in people and family. Let us not
forget the greatest commandment: Love the Lord your God with all your heart and
all your soul and the second is like it; love your neighbor as yourself. God
first. Others second. Self-last. How might you interpret this parable?
There is a most important lesson taught here no doubt. Our gifts must help us
advance towards Jesus and we grow, or we lose everything. No one gets to stand
idle and use any excuse for doing nothing and expecting everything in return.
God has given each of us something to share, something to give, something to
help others with. It is our job in this life to find that talent, that gift and
share it and use it and spread the joy for our entire life. If you have been
blessed with “interest” share it, spread it and let that blessing be a
blessing to others.
We must remember that everything is Almighty God’s first. Anything we have is
on loan to us for our time here. We have no choice when we die, we HAVE to
surrender it, our voice is silenced. A corpse can’t speak. A Will can only do
so much, especially when there are greedy crooked family members surrounding a
stingy miser, waiting for you to die. I have seen it. I have heard first hand
in families who tell stories of that one family member who hoarded everything
and wouldn’t care for no one. They tie everything up in a legal battle and had
the lawyers drain away the money. The family was thrilled the dead family
members wishes couldn’t come through, no more money. Being selfish isn’t good
for anyone, even after your dead. Open your heart now to Jesus and share your
talents, your gifts and gain interest. Be the Scourge at the end of the movie,
not the beginning… Compassion and love go a long way when you are still
alive... See you guys tomorrow.
The Parable of the Three Servants
Bishop Barron on
The Parable of the Talents
LOVE
YOU GUYS !!!!
Your brother in Christ Jesus
And His Most Blessed Mother,
Jim (The Rosary Man) Dacey Jr OFS
Today is Saturday: We pray the Joyful Mysteries:
The Joyful Mysteries
1. The Annunciation (Humility) – Luke 1:26-28
2. The Visitation (Love of Neighbor) – Luke 1:39-45
3. The Birth of Jesus (Poverty of Spirit) – Luke 2:1-20
4. The Presentation (Purity of Mind & Spirit) – Luke 2:22-38
5. Finding in The Temple (Obedience) –Luke 2:41-50
I simply love Saturday mornings, because Saturday
like every other day of the week -begins with the Rosary.
Today’s Gospel:
Matthew 25:1-13 (Parable of The Ten Virgins) “Then the kingdom of heaven shall be compared to ten maidens who took their
lamps and went to meet the bridegroom. Five of them were foolish, and five were
wise. For when the foolish took their lamps, they took no oil with them; but
the wise took flasks of oil with their lamps. As the bridegroom was delayed,
they all slumbered and slept. But at midnight there was a cry, `Behold, the
bridegroom! Come out to meet him.' Then all those maidens rose and trimmed
their lamps. And the foolish said to the wise, `Give us some of your oil, for
our lamps are going out.' But the wise replied, `Perhaps there will not be
enough for us and for you; go rather to the dealers and buy for yourselves.'
And while they went to buy, the bridegroom came, and those who were ready went
in with him to the marriage feast; and the door was shut. Afterward the other
maidens came also, saying, `Lord, lord, open to us.' But he replied, `Truly, I
say to you, I do not know you.' Watch
therefore, for you know neither the day nor the hour."
Reflection: Oh no!!! Don’t miss out on what matters in this life and get caught up in
the frivolous wasteful things. This world will consume you if you allow it.
Stay focused on Jesus and stay focused on being ready. There is no second
chance, there is no second time for us to come back and ask Jesus to do it over
again. We must be ready when the time comes. Be prepared always my sisters and
brothers. For when the feast begins, and the doors are shut they will be closed
forever. We must be prepared, nothing in this life is worth losing eternity
with Jesus over. Nothing!
We must learn to listen to hear Him, know His voice and follow Him. Everything
we ever lived for will depend on that. Jesus invites us to be with Him for all
eternity, He has given us a lifetime to prepare. How long is that lifetime? No
one knows, so we must always be ready. Be sure your house in order, clean it
often with confession, talk daily to Jesus in prayer, visit Him as much as you
can in adoration, consume Him in Communion as often as you can. Our biggest
danger will be, NOT being ready. Please be ready like I wrote about yesterday.
I want to see all of you in Heaven. God has prepared a place for all of us. We
must be prepared so that we can see it and stay there for all eternity together
honoring and praising Him.
Unfortunately, many will not be ready and so many will not even care to be ready.
This world is full of traps to distract you and trap you and keep your eyes and
heart off Jesus. That’s all satan and so many worldly people wish for; is your
destruction, if only to keep your eyes closed for one more minute, one more
day, one more week. Soon will forget that Jesus guy and you will stay focused
on your house, your cars, your vacations, your money, your wealth, your pride,
your “status” place in society, your position at the firm your own or
work at. Who cares about that Jesus guy! You will think to yourself first, you
can’t “see” Jesus anyway. DO NOT FALL for that! All of those ideas are
traps set by satan and his soldiers to destroy you for all eternity. Be strong!
Pray for strength! You are not alone! Did you Pray The Rosary today?
The Parable of the Ten Virgins
Fr. Don
Calloway on
The Power of the Rosary
LOVE YOU GUYS !!!!
Your brother in Christ Jesus
And His Most Blessed Mother,
Jim (The Rosary Man) Dacey Jr OFS
Today is Friday: We pray the Sorrowful Mysteries:
The Sorrowful Mysteries
1. Agony on the Garden (Sorrow for sin) –Matt 26:36-46
2. Scourging at the Pillar (Purity) –Mark 15:1-16
3. Crowning with Thorns (Moral Courage) –Matt 27:27-31
4. Carrying of the Cross (Patience) –Mark 15:20-22
5. The Crucifixion (Perseverance) –Luke 23:33-46
Today’s Gospel:
Matthew 24:42-51 (Are You Ready For Jesus?) “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. "Who then is the faithful and wise
servant, whom his master has set over his household, to give them their food at
the proper time? Blessed is that servant whom his master when he comes will
find so doing. Truly, I say to you, he will set him over all his possessions.
But if that wicked servant says to himself, `My master is delayed,' and begins
to beat his fellow servants, and eats and drinks with the drunken, the master
of that servant will come on a day when he does not expect him and at an hour
he does not know, and will punish him, and put him with the hypocrites; there
men will weep and gnash their teeth.”
Reflection: So are you ready for Jesus? I guess if we were all truly honest, many would
say, “Yeah, sort of…” But in our hearts, we’d be saying, “I sure hope
Jesus catches me on a good day.” I think many can relate to that. But as
Jesus says in today’s parable, “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.” So, we have no idea when Jesus
will come so we have to be ready all the time. Talk about stressful!!! The
funny part is someone out there actually just said, “Does that mean I have
to be good all the time now??” LOL! Too funny. Well the answer is yes...
I think the best way to handle this is simple. Think of the first part of this
parable; Jesus actually gives us the solution, as to how we can best manage
this without even thinking about it. Well the first part is about a thief in
the night. That’s solved by having an alarm system, right! Simply always turn
the alarm on, lock the doors and windows and you can close your eyes and the
thief won’t so easily just walk in on you so randomly. And if he does there
will be a battle with you and the Police. After all your alarm will go off, it
will notify the Police, wake you up and the entire neighbor. So, securing your
home will be a natural activity in your life and all those around you will know
that your home is secured by an alarm, discouraging anyone who might want to
break in. Do you see where I am going with this.
Now, how do we prepare our lives to always be ready? Simply always be ready and
live in such a way that you are always ready. Pray daily, read your bible
daily, go to confession often, go to Mass often and do all you can to help
others by placing them first before yourself. If you live a life that is simple,
and others see you charitably friendly; people will know by your character what
kind of person you really are. You will inspire others, not to be like you
necessarily; but rather be like Jesus, who you place first in your life.
Keep Watch!
Jesus
is Coming, Look Busy
w/ Fr. Larry Richards
Pondering these thoughts today: How will you do this on a daily basis?
This lifestyle will become part of your normal lifestyle. Hence making yourself
always ready for Jesus. Will there still be challenges? Of cause! Will they be
easy to manage? Yes! Think about these things. I care so much about your
well-being. May God Richly Bless all of you. See you tomorrow.
LOVE YOU GUYS !!!!
Your brother in Christ Jesus
And His Most Blessed Mother,
Jim (The Rosary Man) Dacey Jr OFS
Today is Thursday: We pray the Luminous Mysteries:
The Luminous Mysteries
1.
The Baptism of Jesus (Matt 3:13-17)
2. Wedding Feast of Cana (John 2:1-12)
3. Proclamation of the Kingdom of God (Mark 1:15)
4. The Transfiguration (Mark 9:2-13)
5. Institution of the Holy Eucharist (Matt 26:17-30)
Glory and Honor and Praise -Lord Jesus Christ!!
Today’s Gospel: Mark 6:17-29 (Death of John The Baptist) “For Herod had sent and seized John and bound him in prison for the
sake of Herodias, his brother Philip's wife; because he had married her. For
John said to Herod, "It is not lawful for you to have your brother's
wife." And Herodias had a grudge against him and wanted to kill him. But
she could not, for Herod feared John,
knowing that he was a righteous and holy man, and kept him safe. When he heard
him, he was much perplexed; and yet he heard him gladly. But an
opportunity came when Herod on his birthday gave a banquet for his courtiers
and officers and the leading men of Galilee. For when Herodias' daughter
came in and danced, she pleased Herod and his guests; and the king said to the
girl, "Ask me for whatever you wish, and I will grant it." And he vowed
to her, "Whatever you ask me, I will give you, even half of my
kingdom." And she went out, and said to her mother, "What shall I
ask?" And she said, "The head of John the baptizer." And she
came in immediately with haste to the king, and asked, saying, "I want you
to give me at once the head of John the Baptist on a platter." And the
king was exceedingly sorry; but because of his oaths and his guests he did not
want to break his word to her. And immediately the king sent a soldier of the
guard and gave orders to bring his head. He went and beheaded him in the
prison, and brought his head on a platter, and gave it to the girl; and the
girl gave it to her mother. When his disciples heard of it, they came and took
his body, and laid it in a tomb.”
Reflection: Wow!
Read about John the Baptist and you have to ask yourself: How bold and
courageous am I to witness my faith? Would I be willing to push the envelope to
the point of death and be a martyr for Jesus? If not, what would my
alternatives be? It is a rather tough choice to make. If you are with Jesus,
eternity in Heaven awaits you; if you not well He’ll decide, but it’s not good
to be against Him. There is no middle ground, no lukewarm acceptable place.
It’s either yes or no. John the Baptist chose Yes!
Fear is something all those who are against the Gospel think they can use
against us. Well, let them know they can’t. Not even death, can stop our faith.
Not even death, can stop me from loving Jesus. Not even death, will make me
deny my Lord. In this life there are many distractions, many people who seem to
know everything about nothing. Don’t listen to them! Stay focused fully on
Jesus. Read scripture as much as possible. Attend daily Mass as often as you
can. Stay in our Lord’s presence at Adoration. Shower your life with Jesus as
much as you possibly can.
I reflect on this scripture often for strength:
“Humble yourselves, therefore, under God’s mighty hand, that he may lift you
up in due time. Cast all your anxiety on him because he cares for you. Be
alert and of sober mind. Your enemy the devil prowls around like a
roaring lion looking for someone to devour. Resist him, standing firm
in the faith, because you know that the family of believers throughout the
world is undergoing the same kind of sufferings. And the God of all grace, who
called you to his eternal glory in Christ, after you have suffered a
little while, will himself restore you and make you strong, firm and
steadfast. To him be the power for ever and ever. Amen” ~1 Peter
5:6-11
Death of John the Baptist
John The
Baptist and Herod
LOVE YOU GUYS !!!!
Your brother in Christ Jesus
And His Most Blessed Mother,
Jim (The Rosary Man) Dacey Jr OFS
Today is Wednesday: We pray the Glorious Mysteries:
The Glorious Mysteries
1. The Resurrection (Faith) –Mark 16:1-8
2. The Ascension (Hope) –Luke 24:50-53
3. The Descent of the Holy Spirit (Love) –Acts 2:1-4
4. Assumption of Mary.1 (A Happy Death) –Rev 12:1-6
5. Coronation of Mary (Mary’s intercession) –Judith 15:9-10
Glory and Honor and Praise to You Lord
Jesus Christ!
Today’s Gospel: Matthew 23:23-26 (Scribes, Pharisees,
Hypocrites!)
“Woe to you, Scribes and
Pharisees,Hypocrites! for
you tithe mint and dill and cummin, and have neglected the weightier matters of
the law, justice and mercy and faith; these you ought to have done, without
neglecting the others. You blind guides, straining out a gnat and swallowing a
camel! "Woe to you, Scribes
and Pharisees, Hypocrites! for you cleanse the outside of the cup
and of the plate, but inside they are full of extortion and rapacity. You blind Pharisee! first cleanse the
inside of the cup and of the plate, that the outside also may be clean.”
Reflection: So do you still think us Catholics are a bunch of wimps; with a leader and
Lord who is scared and too Holy to speak boldly with the truth? This is why I
am a strong solid Catholic, I have a strong Lord who stands for the truth and
if you are a “Hypocrite” He calls you out, especially if you are a leader.
Check out the video below. I know it’s just a reenactment, but it’s powerful,
it covers verses 23-36. This must have been an amazing breath-taking scene in
Jesus’ time to witness. These pride-filled, contempt leaders were more
self-consumed in their own lives, rather than that of the poor and needy.
Their fine clothing and where they sat was of great concern to them, how
shallow, how sad.
God’s laws are rooted in love and if you are a teacher, or a leader guiding
others in God’s love, you must be humble and loving also. To truly love someone
is sacrificial, look at how much God loves us; He gave is Only Begotten Son. If
you wish to be a leader, a teacher of the law; you must learn to be humble in
that you are not above the law, but you to, are also a respecter of the law.
Your example is a great asset to what you teach, your example speaks louder
than your words. In today’s gospel, Jesus seen what the Scribes and Pharisees
were doing; obviously most everyone knew these things, but Jesus was the one
who stepped forward to boldly publicly make it known.
Let us ask in prayer each day, that we don’t become “fake” Catholics, or
“phony” religious like the Scribes and Pharisees were. We have way too
many phony people already in this world today. Instead let us be real and true
to ourselves and to God. He alone deserves our honest true self. We are not
here on this earth to puff up ourselves with pride and selfishness, what a
waste of time that is. Instead let us use this time to love our Lord with all
our hearts and do all we can to spread that love with others. That my sisters
and brothers is truly the best use of our time. Everything else in my opinion
is frivolous and a waste of time. You want success and money and things and
vacations around the world, fantastic; just don’t forget the poor and needy,
God has placed them there for us to take care of them. See you tomorrow.
Woe to you,
Teachers of the law and Pharisees!
Bishop
Barron on the Mass
LOVE
YOU GUYS !!!!
Your brother in Christ Jesus
And His Most Blessed Mother,
Jim (The Rosary Man) Dacey Jr OFS
Today is Tuesday: We pray the Sorrowful Mysteries:
The Sorrowful Mysteries
1. Agony on the Garden (Sorrow for sin) –Matt 26:36-46
2. Scourging at the Pillar (Purity) –Mark 15:1-16
3. Crowning with Thorns (Moral Courage) –Matt 27:27-31
4. Carrying of the Cross (Patience) –Mark 15:20-22
5. The Crucifixion (Perseverance) –Luke 23:33-46
Dad of 5, Widower after 30 yrs of marriage, Secular Franciscan-OFS (professed in 2008) I'm a Rosary Maker since 1989. 2nd Degree Knight. Eucharistic Minister. I love making my homemade Italian sauce, lasagna, etc! Author of 2 books, former Business Owner. Making Rosaries is my favorite hobby.
