Our Daily Walk - Joyful 3/5

Beads of Joy 10-05-11

Our Daily Walk – Joyful 3/5
©2011 James Dacey, Jr. SFO

Joyful Walk - 3/5

Hello Everyone,

What a special week of blogs. I want everyone to know how truly special the rosary really is. Today we reflect on the Third Joyful Mystery - The Birth of Jesus. How is it that mere strangers come from far and near in support of another? I think it's the grace of God and the love of God inside each of us that allow us; to find in our hearts the love we so much wish to share with another. I know to some degree we can relate to the Holy Family, and what they must have felt. Imagine giving birth to your own child in a manger. The humility of people watching you, the dirty area where animals were kept, the smell that must have been horrible. No doubt their trust in God, is what has given them the strength to have the humility to follow through His will. Now that we looked at the fairly obvious side of giving birth in a manger; let us look at those who surrounded them, supporting them and bringing them comfort. And the most incredible act of giving from the three kings.

You know I believe it's strangers who tend to give the most comfort and love. For they give out of love, and a certain kind of a desire to serve, they tend to not judgment guide their kindness. Did you ever consider the hunger, baby Jesus must have felt? I am sure Joseph and Mary had food, but I think it would be fair to say they didn't have cases of formula like so many us are able to attain in today's time. Do you think the doctors and nurses tended to them like they do to our families when we give birth to our children? Of cause not, they didn't have that luxury, they relied on trusting fully in God. How about the outreach by those around them must have been overwhelming. So many offering blankets and water, and fresh bread. There were so many that just understood what was going on and they wanted to help. Just being there and adoring their son and being supportive as a community was truly a special gift to the Holy Family.

So consider this: Kindness unlike any you may have ever experienced before, with a love that only embraces without any kind of judgment. Can we ever experience such a joy as that? Yes I believe we can and I believe we do. As brothers and sisters in Christ, we share a certain special bond that only Jesus can create between people. It is His love for us, that enables our love for others. Let's take that love to the next level and open our hearts and lives to one another, we can sort of adopt each other in a spiritual way. I know so many have already. Prayers and concern and down right unexpected acts of kindness that bring so much joy to one another. We are a strong solid body of believers who not only love God our Father; but we all for the most part have a most sincere genuine love for one another.

Let us take on the challenge of being kind to those we don't know, to those we know, who we know, need help in some way. Did that make sense? We all know people (not personally) that may have large families, endless bills they can't keep up with, empty cabinets with no food in them, and I bet many other needs I can't even begin to mention. Let us as God's children trust in His love to guide us. Maybe we need to go to a hospital, visit some lonely people there, and offer them love. We don't have to approach people with scripture or bibles or tracks. First start with a smile, actually that is something so many in this world never see. A real heart; full of love smiles. We need to be doers and trust in Jesus as we move forward helping others.


Your brother in Christ Jesus & His Most Blessed Mother,
Jim (The Rosary Man) Dacey Jr. SFO

Today we pray the Glorious Mysteries

1. The Resurrection
2. The Ascension
3. The Descent of the Holy Spirit
4. The Assumption
5. The Coronation

Our Daily Walk - Joyful 2/5

Beads of Joy 10-04-11

Our Daily Walk – Joyful 2/5
©2011 James Dacey, Jr. SFO

Joyful Walk - 2/5

Hello Everyone,

Yesterdays blog sure was powerful. I hope that today has the same cleansing feeling that helps draw you ever so much closer to our Lord. Today we reflect on the second Joyful Mystery - The Visitation. Once again Mary is giving of herself to others and their needs, beyond what we talked about yesterday, with all that she is carrying in her own cross. Mary is such an incredible example for us. Today as we reflect on the second Joyful Mystery, what are seeing here? Let me tell you what I see: I see a woman who is dealing with her own challenges, reaching out to another who is also in the midst of something she don't fully understand, and who is elderly. Today let us consider helping others who are in need of keeping their own dignity through challenging unexplainable times, both good and bad. And let us also look at the love and support network that Mary and Elizabeth were essentially starting. What an absolutely incredible example for us to follow, and we do follow that. It is so crucial that all of us unite in times of trials and challenges, not only to help one another through them, but to help one another beyond them.

What kind of companionship and comfort do those in need seek? That sometimes is the question that don't have an answer, and that creates an acceptable roadblock that stops so many of us from doing anything. I know our hearts want to, but without direction or ideas, or some simple formula, we stop dead in our tracks. Here are some thoughts from me, I know many of you out there who are suffering, even worse than Chrissy’s, and you are silent. You know who you are. I won't mention your name, as you asked me to keep your suffering a secret. I am to understand it is your gift to Jesus. What a blessing you are to our community, you who I speak of, I promise you will not be revealed; but what I will say to everyone, is that we have a saint in our midst. Actually a couple of saints who ask me to tell no one of their suffering. So back to what can we do? The biggest and greatest thing is prayer. I know that sounds so simple, it's not any sacrificial type of doing or giving to another. But understand that "prayer" on your behalf speaking to God for someone else, is truly one of the most precious gifts you could ever give another. The value cannot be matched by anything this world has to offer as a gift. But know this, if you are praying for others, TELL THEM!!! That is the icing on the cake that helps a hurting heart and aching body, a suffering illness. What good is a gift if the receiver doesn’t even know about it?

How can anyone be grateful, or thankful, if they have no clue that someone, anyone out there is begging for mercy for them before God? Praying for their healing, or their health, or a job to help get the family stable again. I wouldn't say sound the trumpet, but at least share the fact one on one with that person. I always share that gift with others. Just give all the glory to God. So what else can we do to help comfort? I think in my heart that prayer is the greatest thing we can do, but yes there are other things, if you can. Drop by, just to say hi. Don't put the person you are seeing out, by expecting a meal. Just drop in, give a hug, say some words of encouragement; it's also a great time to tell them face to face that they are in your prayers. Seeing another smiling and looking into your eyes as you suffer offers you so much strength. Call; yes call that person, just to say, "Hi, how are you feeling?" Knowing that someone is thinking of you makes you feel so good, you don't feel alone. Even send a card, a letter, little gifts of love, fresh baked cookies. Whatever, as long as it is from the heart.

In our current situation Chrissy’s in pain a great majority of the day. She enjoys hearing from friends, family, and even people she don't know. She reads my wall a lot, and says, "Who's this?, who's' that?" Sometimes I know them personally, other times I don't. She gets so thrilled to see and read how so many people care about her, even with not knowing her personally. Love and concern for another doesn't always have to be expressed in gifts, or calls, or even dropping in. So there's another very kind simple way to comfort Someone. At least on facebook, a simple kind note on a wall. I hope today has given you a little bit of insight as to how we to can be like our Blessed Mother when it comes comforting another. I can only pray that our Lord uses me to whatever He so desires to help draw you closer to be more like Him.

Your brother in Christ Jesus & His Most Blessed Mother,
Jim (The Rosary Man) Dacey Jr. SFO

Today we pray the Sorrowful Mysteries

1. Agony in the Garden
2. The Scourging at the Pillar
3. Crowing with Thorns
4. Carrying of the Cross
5. The Crucifixion of Jesus

Our Daily Walk - Joyful 1/5

Beads of Joy 10-03-11

The Joyful Mysteries - Our Daily Walk
©2011 James Dacey, Jr. SFO

Joyful Walk - 1/5

Hello Everyone,

Today I wish to begin a new journey with all of you. One that may ministry to you as well as it will minister to me. Each day this week I will reflect on each one of the Joyful Mysteries. Today we begin with The Annunciation. I want us to look at the day to day aspects of the mysteries, in other words how did they personally affect the people experiencing them? The Annunciation did indeed cause our Blessed Mother to be humble and she willfully accepted God's will, there is no doubt that that is true. But let's reflect on that fact that at Mary's time, this was bad news, for the times. Please understand that I know it was nothing but good news, but of cause we have the ability of having the whole picture put before us. We know the what, the why, the ending, we know all that. Mary didn't, her trust and humility before God was incredible. Her faith is not like our faith. She was rooted in the Old Testament but had no clue she'd be the reason for the New Testament. For a woman of her time who was unmarried to be pregnant, that was a disgrace and she could have been stoned to death. So seriously for the "time" of this mystery, this was indeed bad news. But regardless of the scary news, Mary forged forward.

How could Mary's example help us confront "bad news"? Can we just do God's will? Are you able to truly pick up your cross and carry it, PERIOD? I will tell you that now; I can share so much more about what we as a family are going through and how horrible bad news affects us. First of all think about it, how ever do you prepare for this? How do you have your heart and head in the right place as the news is put before you? Unlike many choices we have in our lives, with illnesses we have no control of them; and once they take up residence in our bodies, there's no escaping or denying them anymore. We are only left with embracing them and dealing with them. I will say the initial shock, the initial news of a spot found on Chrissy lung; I immediately dismissed any fears of it being serious. It's never "us", it's always someone else, someone we know, someone we know who knows someone; but it certainly not us. Well that confident denial was dissolved the day she began coughing up blood. I have to tell you, she called me over crying and I had no idea why. I came over to see why, and she said, "I'm coughing up blood." I confess now before you, my heart felt like it came out of my throat and my blood was drained. This was bad. I am not well versed with anything medical, but I know from TV shows and movies (not the best to rely on I know) and I had some general common sense growing up; that coughing up blood is a symptom of something far worse.

You know it seemed that people who cough up blood in movies and tv shows always were the people who inevitably died from some internal catastrophic problem. I admit I was immediately almost instantaneously scared for her, our kids, our family. Like Mary, this was to be and still is an unknown territory for us. A road we must travel, and trust in God. We must trust in His will for her life, our lives and all those around us. Tears are not going to go away throughout this, I am all teared up writing this. Tears are not a sign of weakness, or a sign of not trusting. Tears rather show a sign of love, concern, and they are an out right cleansing we so need as we struggle understanding what is happening. I want God to reconsider this: I beg before you Lord to put this pain and suffering on me, and take it away from Chrissy. I pray that I am the sacrifice You are seeking. Please Lord, take my life as a sacrifice in place of Chrissy's. Please allow her to enjoy our children, and all the joy they give us. And this beautiful world you have given us to dwell in, and the joys that are to come in the future: weddings, grand-kids, walks, fresh air. My God there are so many wonderful things we take for gratitude in this life. Please God, consider my offer. Take me instead; give me ALL of her suffering, all of her pain. I offer it all up praising You Lord.

So today I ask you, to do like Jesus would expect us to. Embrace that cross. I know there are going to be tears, I know this only too well now. I know you might not want it, or you might hope God would take it from you. But like Jesus who wanted His very own cross removed, He to accepted rather God's will than even His own. Be bold; take a step forward, rather than backwards. If God wants to give you a huge cross, one that is so heavy and so painful that it makes you cry; well then do it out of love for God and trust in Him and forge forward. I admit my weaknesses before you. This level of media on the World Wide Web allows me (and you) to not only shed our tears before the world, but also we shed our armor. I never claimed to be bulletproof. I never think of myself as holy. I never see anyone in me, more than the man God has made me to be. I am a wretched sinner, unworthy of anything special God wants to give me. And you say, "What is it then, that you see yourself as before God?" I say, “A child of God, who will love Him, serve Him and Honor Him all the days of my life". And Yes, I thank God for this cross He has given me. Do I fully understand it? NO. Do I see the silver lining and know what and where the joy is in this? NO. But I will say that I do trust Him, His plans, and His will, and they far exceed anything I can think about; and besides He knows what all of us need, better than we ever could know.


Your brother in Christ Jesus & His Most Blessed Mother,
Jim (The Rosary Man) Dacey Jr. SFO

Today we pray the Joyful Mysteries

1. The Annunciation
2. The Visitation
3. The Birth of Jesus
4. The Presentation in The Temple
5. Finding of Jesus in the Temple

The Seven Sorrows of Mary

Beads of Joy 10-02-11

The Seven Sorrows of Mary - Scriptural Rosary
©2011 James Dacey, Jr. SFO

Hello Everybody,

The Rosary of the Seven Sorrows consists of "49 Hail Mary's"­, divided into seven groups of seven. Each group of seven is begun with an Our Father, as in the regular Rosary. You can start the Rosary with an Act of Contrition.

Just like the regular Rosary, the groups of seven Hail Mary's are an occasion for meditation on "Mysteries";­ in this case, the Seven Sorrows of Mary, listed below:

First Sorrow of Mary

THE PROPHECY OF SIMEON
1. When the time came for their purification­ according to the law of Moses, they brought him up to Jerusalem to present him to the Lord
2. Now there was a man in Jerusalem, whose name was Simeon, and the Holy Spirit was upon him.
3. He took Jesus up in his arms and blessed God and said, "Lord, now lettest thou thy servant depart in peace, according to thy word;
4. for mine eyes have seen thy salvation which thou hast prepared in the presence of all peoples.
5. And his father and his mother marveled at what was said about him;
6. and Simeon blessed them and said to Mary his mother, "Behold­, this child is set for the fall and rising of many in Israel, and for a sign that is spoken against
7. (and a sword will pierce through your own soul also), that thoughts out of many hearts may be revealed."­
-Lk 2:22-35

Second Sorrow of Mary

THE FLIGHT INTO EGYPT
1. When the Magi had departed, behold, an angel of the Lord appeared to Joseph in a dream
2. He said, "Rise, take the child and his mother, and flee to Egypt, and remain there till I tell you; for Herod is about to search for the child, to destroy him."
3. Joseph rose and took the child and his mother by night, and departed to Egypt, and remained there until the death of Herod.
4. Then Herod, when he saw that he had been tricked by the wise men, was in a furious rage.
5. He sent and killed all the male children in Bethlehem and in all that region who were two years old or under.
6. But when Herod died, behold, an angel of the Lord appeared in a dream to Joseph in Egypt.
7. "Rise, take the child and his mother, and go to the land of Israel, for those who sought the child's life are dead." And he rose and took the child and his mother, and went to the land of Israel.
-Mt 2:13-21

Third Sorrow of Mary

THE LOSS OF JESUS IN THE TEMPLE
1. Now his parents went to Jerusalem every year at the feast of the Passover. And when he was twelve years old, they went up according to custom;
2. When the feast was ended, as they were returning, the boy Jesus stayed behind in Jerusalem.
3. His parents did not know it, but supposing him to be in the company they went a day's journey,
4. They sought him among their kinsfolk and acquaintances;­ and when they did not find him, they returned to Jerusalem, seeking him.
5. After three days they found him in the temple, sitting among the teachers, listening to them and asking them questions.
6. His mother said to him, "Son, why have you treated us so? Behold, your father and I have been looking for you anxiously."­
7. He said to them, "How is it that you sought me? Did you not know that I must be in my Father's house?"­
-Lk 2:41-50

Fourth Sorrow of Mary

MARY MEETS JESUS ON THE WAY OF THE CROSS
1. So they took Jesus, and he went out, bearing his own cross.
2. And as they led him away, they seized one Simon of Cyrene, who was coming in from the country, and laid on him the cross, to carry it behind Jesus .
3. And there followed him a great multitude of the people, and of women who bewailed and lamented him.
4. But Jesus turning to them said, "Daught­ers of Jerusalem, do not weep for me, but weep for yourselves and for your children.
5. For behold, the days are coming when they will say, 'Blessed are the barren, and the wombs that never bore, and the breasts that never gave suck!'
6. For if they do this when the wood is green, what will happen when it is dry?"
7. And they brought him to the place called Golgotha (which means the place of a skull).
-John 19:1; Luke 23:26-32;

Fifth Sorrow of Mary

JESUS DIES ON THE CROSS
1. And they brought him to the place called Gol'gotha (which means the place of a skull).
2. There they crucified him, and with him two others, one on either side, and Jesus between them.
3. Standing by the cross of Jesus were his Mother, and his Mother's sister, Mary the wife of Clopas, and Mary Magdalene.
4. When Jesus saw his mother, and the disciple whom he loved standing near, he said to his mother, "Woman,­ behold, your son!"
5. Then he said to the disciple, "Behold­, your Mother!"­ And from that hour the disciple took her to his own home.
6. And at the ninth hour Jesus cried with a loud voice, "E'lo-i­, E'lo-i, la'ma sabach-tha'ni?"­ which means, "My God, my God, why hast thou forsaken me?"
7. Then Jesus, crying with a loud voice, said, "Father­, into thy hands I commit my spirit!"­ And having said this he breathed his last.
-Mark 15:22; John 19:18, 25-27; Mark 15:34; Luke 23:46

Sixth Sorrow of Mary

JESUS IS TAKEN DOWN FROM THE CROSS
1. In order to prevent the bodies from remaining on the cross on the sabbath, the Jews asked Pilate that their legs might be broken, and that they might be taken away.
2. So the soldiers came and broke the legs of the first, and of the other who had been crucified with him;
3. But when they came to Jesus and saw that he was already dead, they did not break his legs.
4. But one of the soldiers pierced his side with a spear, and at once there came out blood and water.
5. After this Joseph of Arimathe'a, who was a disciple of Jesus, asked Pilate that he might take away the body of Jesus.
6. Pilate gave him leave. So he came and took away his body.
7. "Is it nothing to you, all you who pass by? Look and see if there is any sorrow like my sorrow.
-John 19:31-34, 38; Lam 1:12

Seventh Sorrow of Mary

JESUS IS LAID IN THE TOMB
1. Joseph took the body, and wrapped it in a clean linen shroud,
2. Nicodemus also, who had at first come to Jesus by night, came bringing a mixture of myrrh and aloes, about a hundred pounds' weight.
3. They took the body of Jesus, and bound it in linen cloths with the spices, as is the burial custom of the Jews.
4. Now in the place where he was crucified there was a garden, and in the garden a new tomb where no one had ever been laid.
5. So because of the Jewish day of Preparation,­ as the tomb was close at hand, they laid Jesus there. And Joseph rolled a stone against the door of the tomb.
6. The women who had come with him from Galilee followed, and saw the tomb, and how his body was laid.
7. Then they returned, and prepared spices and ointments. On the sabbath they rested according to the commandment.­
-Matthew 27:59; John 19:38-42; Mark 15:46; Luke 27:55-56

OCTOBER (The Month of the Holy Rosary)


Your brother in Christ Jesus & His Most Blessed Mother,
Jim (The Rosary Man) Dacey Jr. SFO

Today we pray the Glorious Mysteries

1. The Resurrection
2. The Ascension
3. The Descent of the Holy Spirit
4. The Assumption
5. The Coronation

October - Month of The Rosary

Beads of Joy 10-01-11

October – Month of the Holy Rosary
©2011 James Dacey, Jr. SFO

Hello Everybody,

October is a very exciting month of prayer. Praying The Rosary!!!
This is a very special month; our ministry will be sharing devotional Rosaries with all of you. They will include all of the following and there will be much more: Our daily Rosary, 20 Decade meditation, Scriptural Rosary, Crown Rosary, Family Rosary, Children’s Rosary, Pro-Life Rosary, World Peace Rosary, Career Rosary, A Moms Rosary, A Dads Rosary, Students Rosary, Our Church Community Rosary...
Check out all the “Marian Feast Days” of Our Lady…

OCTOBER 2011

1. Foundation of the Abbey de la Couronne in Angouleme (1122)
2. Our Lady of the Assumption, Naples, Italy (11th C.)
3. Our Lady of the Place, Rome (1250)
4. Our Lady of Vaussivieres, Auvergne, France (1374)
5. Our Lady of Buch, Guienne
6. Our Lady of All Help, (1640)
Our Lady de la Plebe, Venice (1480)
7. Feast of the Rosary, instituted by Pope Gregory XIII (1573)
8. Church of Our Lady of Gifts, Avignon, France (1st C.), founded by St. Martha
9. Miraculous Cure of St. John Damascene by Our Lady (723) (restored severed hand)
10. Our Lady of the Cloister, Citeaux, France (1624)
11. Feast of the Divine Maternity of Our Lady
12. Our Lady of the Pillar, Saragossa, Spain (36)
Our Lady of Zapopan, Mexico (1541)
Our Lady of Faith, Liege, Belgium (1609)
13. Our Lady of Clairveaux, France (12th C.)
14. Our Lady of Larochelle, France (7th C.)
15. Dedication of the Church of Our Lady of Terouenne (1133)
16. Dedication of the Church of Our Lady of Milan (1417) by Pope Martin V
The Purity of the Blessed Virgin Mary
17. Dedication of the Cave of Our Lady of Chartres, France (46), by St. Pontianus
18. Dedication of the Church of Our Lady of Rheims (405), built by St. Nicasius
19. Dedication of Holy Cross and Our Lady Abbey, Royaumont, France (1235),founded by St. Louis
20. Dedication of the Abbey of Our Lady, Pontigny, France (1114)
21. Our Lady of Talan, near Dijon, France
22. Our Lady of the Under-ground, Grand Cairo (12th C.)
23. Our Lady of Consolation, near Honfleur, France
24. Our Lady of Hermits, Switzerland (1418)
25. Dedication of the Cathedral of Our Lady of Toledo, Spain (1075)
26. Our Lady of Victory, near Senlis, France (1225)
27. Dedication of the Basilica of Our Lady, Help of Christians, Turin, Italy built by St. - John Bosco (1868)
28. Our Lady of Vivonne, Savoy, France
29. Our Lady of Oropa, Vercelli, Italy (380)
30. Our Lady of Mondevi, Piedmont (1540)
31. Miracle at St. Fort, Chartres, France (1116)

“Jesus, I trust in You.”


Your brother in Christ Jesus & His Most Blessed Mother,
Jim (The Rosary Man) Dacey Jr. SFO

Today we pray the Joyful Mysteries

1. The Annunciation
2. The Visitation
3. The Birth of Jesus
4. The Presentation in The Temple
5. Finding of Jesus in the Temple

Jesus - Not Here To Be Served

Beads of Joy 09-26-11

Jesus - Not Here To Be Served
©2011 James Dacey, Jr. SFO

Hello Everybody,

Jesus Christ is the only Lord we must live our lives for, He didn’t come to be served, but rather to serve. I remember clearly hearing that said in the movie King of Kings when Jesus was preaching the Sermon on the Mount. But the actual scripture goes like this, “just as the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many.” That can be found in Matthew 20:28, in the part of the chapter where the mother of the sons of Zebedee request that her sons sit on Jesus’ right and left. She had no idea what she was asking for. But today’s gospel is found in Luke 9:46-50 (The Greatest in the Kingdom / Another Exorcist). I reflect back because in today’s gospel the disciples once again questioned who was the greatest. And today our Lord’s wisdom and in His love for us He explains how the least of us is greater, going in the complete opposite of the grain of thinking. The lowly are to be lifted with Jesus.

We must.. and I know many of you don’t want to hear this, but we must empty our lives of everything else and only be filled with Jesus Christ. Maybe a better clearer way to say it is like this; anything that comes between you and Jesus needs to be removed from your life. If we lose Him, (you, me, us) we lose eternity with Jesus; hence we lose everything, with no second chances. We must get this right the first time. Jesus gives us so much, He gave us His life, He paid for all the sins we have committed. Jesus without a doubt must be the center focus of our existence, our thinking, our breathing. Let’s face truth here, if we live a life pleasing to ourselves and we couldn’t care less about some guy we can’t see; on that Day of Judgment it will be a very sad day, and for all eternity we will be cast out and sent away from Jesus. And that is the horror of it all, being separated from Him, He who loves us.

So today let us reflect upon this thought: Jesus Christ is our Lord and our Savior, He loved us so much that He died for us, to save us, in turn let us desire to live our life loving Him, honoring Him and doing all we can to lead others to Him. Does that sound like a wonderful awesome life? It does to me, I pray that all see and understand what Jesus has done for all of us. Live the life of JOY, and live it every single day. The life of JOY goes like this:

Jesus 1st
Others 2nd
You 3rd

“Jesus, I trust in You.”

Your brother in Christ Jesus & His Most Blessed Mother,
Jim (The Rosary Man) Dacey Jr. SFO

Today we pray the Joyful Mysteries

1. The Annunciation
2. The Visitation
3. The Birth of Jesus
4. The Presentation in The Temple
5. Finding of Jesus in the Temple

Repent and Follow Him

Beads of Joy 09-25-11

Repent and Follow Him
©2011 James Dacey, Jr. SFO

Hello Everybody,

Some people might not realize, but today’s gospel is a parable; and that is truly exciting, I have shared many times how joyful it is to meditate and reflect upon and learn about the parables Jesus has taught us. Today’s parable is a rather simple short story about two brothers, but in the simplicity of it, we can see how even though both may have disobeyed their father, it was the one who repented that pleased his father. Today we read in Matthew 21:28-32 (The Parable of the Two Sons and The Vineyard). With our faith, because we have “free-will” we must remember that all our actions do have consequences. Yes we can do whatever we so wish to do, but that doesn’t make it right and it certainly doesn’t make it right with God. Very foolish, selfish choices made today, can affect and even take away a future and an eternity with Jesus in Heaven. God knows our heart, its intentions, its secrets, its motives, its ulterior motives. Nothing is hidden from God. Today’s gospel focuses on how a repentant heart draws us closer to the Father. The mindset in which we live today, will inevitably be the mindset in which will live tomorrow. In other words, if the pleasures and riches and power and prideful selfish choices make us happy today and so we pursue them; those choices will be our undoing, and eternity with Jesus very possibly may never happen for us.

How well do we respect God’s wishes? Like these two brothers, do we come straight out and say no to God, or do we say yes and then do nothing. It’s rather interesting and very insightful, how in this parable both sons were sinful against the father in different ways; one was boldly guilty with rebellion to his father’s wishes, while the other was a cowardly liar, with no intention to ever obey. There are two things I reflect upon in this story; first, if in any way we reject God’s wishes we must immediately humbly repent for our sins; and second, to the best of our ability avoid both of these situations and remain loyal and obedient to God, never ever allowing our own selfish choices to ever over ride whatever God commands of us. Yes the second one very difficult, we are all sinners, and remain to be so in this life. Many of us don’t go to the trouble of purposely, rebelliously sinning. With that said, let us do all we can to be attentively obedient to Almighty God, our Father who loves us. God has given us so many gifts, gifts we don’t deserve; He gives us inner peace, He gives us overflowing endless Joy, happiness that fills our hearts with a love for others that we can’t even explain. And at the end of this life’s journey, God gives us the reward of eternal life with Him. We really need to live our lives for that day, if we live for the moment, the moment that pleases us, the moment that builds our own pride; then indeed we will miss out on the eternal joys that await us in Heaven with God.

Repenting isn’t all that difficult, being humble is a wonderful first step to help us confess whatever wrong-doing we have done. God knows our sins, we don’t go to confess so we can tell Him those sins; rather we go, so we show Him that we admit to our sins, and that we know straight out that they are indeed sins against Him. Here is some simple wisdom, I will paraphrase Father Larry Richards, he once said, “The sins that we ask forgiveness for will be forgiven, Jesus paid that price; but the sins we don’t ask forgiveness for we will pay the price.” We are given the wonderful blessed sacrament of confession, let us use that sacrament to keep our hearts and lives always clean before God. Sin is sin, no matter how much we try to dress it up and make it look pretty and disguise it so it looks like we did it with good intentions. No sin is acceptable before God, and all sin offends God. Read and listen to this amazing scripture.

Dead to Sin, Alive in Christ (Romans 6:1-14)

“What shall we say, then? Shall we go on sinning so that grace may increase? By no means! We are those who have died to sin; how can we live in it any longer? Or don’t you know that all of us who were baptized into Christ Jesus were baptized into his death? We were therefore buried with him through baptism into death in order that, just as Christ was raised from the dead through the glory of the Father, we too may live a new life. For if we have been united with him in a death like his, we will certainly also be united with him in a resurrection like his. For we know that our old self was crucified with him so that the body ruled by sin might be done away with, that we should no longer be slaves to sin, because anyone who has died has been set free from sin. Now if we died with Christ, we believe that we will also live with him. For we know that since Christ was raised from the dead, he cannot die again; death no longer has mastery over him. The death he died, he died to sin once for all; but the life he lives, he lives to God. In the same way, count yourselves dead to sin but alive to God in Christ Jesus. Therefore do not let sin reign in your mortal body so that you obey its evil desires. Do not offer any part of yourself to sin as an instrument of wickedness, but rather offer yourselves to God as those who have been brought from death to life; and offer every part of yourself to him as an instrument of righteousness. For sin shall no longer be your master, because you are not under the law, but under grace.”

www.biblegateway.com/audio/mclean/niv/Rom.6.1-Rom.6.14

“Jesus, I trust in You.”


Your brother in Christ Jesus & His Most Blessed Mother,
Jim (The Rosary Man) Dacey Jr. SFO

Today we pray the Glorious Mysteries

1. The Resurrection
2. The Ascension
3. The Descent of the Holy Spirit
4. The Assumption
5. The Coronation

Wealth Is False Security

Beads of Joy 08-16-11

Wealth Is False Security
©2011 James Dacey, Jr. SFO

Hello Everybody,

Let us not misunderstand Jesus; He has nothing against, wealth or the wealthy. It’s what wealth does to a person that He is concerned about. Many who have become wealthy say “Look at how wonderful I am, I have accumulated so much wealth.”, “See, how smart I am, for my wisdom and knowledge has made me wealthy.” Wealth creates selfishness in the hearts of many who have it. And in turn with the very gift that God has given them, they hoard and protect that which they love. And many unfortunately who are wealthy turn away from God; saying, “I have all my needs met, my life is secure and whatever I so desire I can have, and on my own accord I can attain it.” That is the danger of wealth. Today gospel is Matthew 19:23-30 (The Rich Young Man). Our hearts will always remain close to that which we treasure the most.

Many times Jesus warns us in scripture of how easily and unfortunate many fall into the trap of worshipping their wealth and success. Why can’t people understand that everything here on earth in this life, in so many ways, is worthless in perspective to the value of our eternity? What matters here is the character of the person who has these gifts. In other words: Are they grateful and giving? Are they greedy and protective over the gift of success that God has granted them? Did they take God out of their life, and replace Him with money as their God? Such a tragedy when someone becomes so consumed by their success and their accounts that they no longer place all their trust in God alone; that is horror of it all, they cling to the worthless paper and coins, wealth is a meaningless false security of numbers and decimal points. Please don’t misunderstand, we all need money to live, but know that it is the same money if worshipped that will prevent us to live eternally with Jesus. In not so many words, money can also become the very nails in the coffin that send us out of God’s presence.

“But godliness with contentment is great gain. For we brought nothing into the world, and we can take nothing out of it. But if we have food and clothing, we will be content with that. Those who want to get rich fall into temptation and a trap and into many foolish and harmful desires that plunge people into ruin and destruction. For the love of money is a root of all kinds of evil. Some people, eager for money, have wandered from the faith and pierced themselves with many grief’s.“ 1 Timothy 6:6-10

“Command those who are rich in this present world not to be arrogant nor to put their hope in wealth, which is so uncertain, but to put their hope in God, who richly provides us with everything for our enjoyment. Command them to do good, to be rich in good deeds, and to be generous and willing to share. In this way they will lay up treasure for themselves as a firm foundation for the coming age, so that they may take hold of the life that is truly life.“ 1 Timothy 6:17-19

How sad that anyone should perish and surrender their share of eternal life with Jesus; for the temporal, misleading love and worship of a meaninglessly worthless god. Consider this: Of what purpose is our wealth for us personally upon our death? God has blessed the wealthy, so that they might help and bless the poor.

“Jesus, I trust in You.”


Your brother in Christ Jesus & His Most Blessed Mother,
Jim (The Rosary Man) Dacey Jr. SFO

Today we pray the Sorrowful Mysteries

1. Agony in the Garden
2. The Scourging at the Pillar
3. Crowing with Thorns
4. Carrying of the Cross
5. The Crucifixion of Jesus

Assumption of The Blessed Virgin

Beads of Joy 08-15-11

Assumption of The Blessed Virgin
©2011 James Dacey, Jr. SFO

Hello Everybody,

What an absolutely glorious, spectacular, exciting day today is. Today we celebrate Mary, in the fourth Glorious Mystery. Today I wish to share excerpts from the Munificentissimus Deus an Apostolic Constitution of Pope Pius XII issued November 1, 1950. This wonderful church document defends the Dogma of the Assumption very clearly. Praise Jesus for allowing us to love His mother so much. This document is splendid and brings endless Joy to the reader. I am only sharing a few excerpts from the document. I strongly encourage you take the time to read, at least once. My words can never do justice to way this magnificent day should be shared and celebrated.

#3 “Actually God, who from all eternity regards Mary with a most favorable and unique affection, has "when the fullness of time came" put the plan of his providence into effect in such a way that all the privileges and prerogatives he had granted to her in his sovereign generosity were to shine forth in her in a kind of perfect harmony. And, although the Church has always recognized this supreme generosity and the perfect harmony of graces and has daily studied them more and more throughout the course of the centuries, still it is in our own age that the privilege of the bodily Assumption into heaven of Mary, the Virgin Mother of God, has certainly shone forth more clearly.”

#4 “That privilege has shone forth in new radiance since our predecessor of immortal memory, Pius IX, solemnly proclaimed the dogma of the loving Mother of God's Immaculate Conception. These two privileges are most closely bound to one another. Christ overcame sin and death by his own death, and one who through Baptism has been born again in a supernatural way has conquered sin and death through the same Christ. Yet, according to the general rule, God does not will to grant to the just the full effect of the victory over death until the end of time has come. And so it is that the bodies of even the just are corrupted after death and only on the last day will they be joined, each to its own glorious soul.”

#5. “Now God has willed that the Blessed Virgin Mary should be exempted from this general rule. She, by an entirely unique privilege, completely overcame sin by her Immaculate Conception, and as a result she was not subject to the law of remaining in the corruption of the grave, and she did not have to wait until the end of time for the redemption of her body.”

#6. “Thus, when it was solemnly proclaimed that Mary, the Virgin Mother of God, was from the very beginning free from the taint of original sin, the minds of the faithful were filled with a stronger hope that the day might soon come when the dogma of the Virgin Mary's bodily Assumption into heaven would also be defined by the Church's supreme teaching authority.”

#43. “We rejoice greatly that this solemn event falls, according to the design of God's providence, during this Holy Year, so that we are able, while the great Jubilee is being observed, to adorn the brow of God's Virgin Mother with this brilliant gem, and to leave a monument more enduring than bronze of our own most fervent love for the Mother of God.”

#44. “For which reason, after we have poured forth prayers of supplication again and again to God, and have invoked the light of the Spirit of Truth, for the glory of Almighty God who has lavished his special affection upon the Virgin Mary, for the honor of her Son, the immortal King of the Ages and the Victor over sin and death, for the increase of the glory of that same august Mother, and for the joy and exultation of the entire Church; by the authority of our Lord Jesus Christ, of the Blessed Apostles Peter and Paul, and by our own authority, we pronounce, declare, and define it to be a divinely revealed dogma: that the Immaculate Mother of God, the ever Virgin Mary, having completed the course of her earthly life, was assumed body and soul into heavenly glory.”

#45. “Hence if anyone, which God forbid, should dare willfully to deny or to call into doubt that which we have defined, let him know that he has fallen away completely from the divine and Catholic Faith. “

#46. “In order that this, our definition of the bodily Assumption of the Virgin Mary into heaven may be brought to the attention of the universal Church, we desire that this, our Apostolic Letter, should stand for perpetual remembrance, commanding that written copies of it, or even printed copies, signed by the hand of any public notary and bearing the seal of a person constituted in ecclesiastical dignity, should be accorded by all men the same reception they would give to this present letter, were it tendered or shown.

“Jesus, I trust in You.” & “Mary, I love you.”


Your brother in Christ Jesus & His Most Blessed Mother,
Jim (The Rosary Man) Dacey Jr. SFO

Today we pray the Joyful Mysteries

1. The Annunciation
2. The Visitation
3. The Birth of Jesus
4. The Presentation in The Temple
5. Finding of Jesus in the Temple

Indissolubly One

Beads of Joy 08-12-11

Indissolubly One
©2011 James Dacey, Jr. SFO

Hello Everybody,

This too is also a very difficult reflection, a hard teaching that Jesus even says, “Not everyone can accept this saying.” Marriage and our vows and divorce are different for different people, meaning that everyone has their own issues that they are dealing with. So I do not wish to use examples that are hypothetical, I will use only examples I am well aware of, should the need of an example come up. Also, I used the words “Indissolubly One” for a reason. In my studies I found this word used many times in bible studies when referring to the union between one man and one woman in marriage.

The definition for Indissolubly One is: Permanent, binding; an indissoluble union. An amazing definition indeed, but clearly we know that is what God intended marriage to always be. Today’s gospel is Matthew 19:3-12 (Marriage & Divorce). God himself confirms and describes this indissoluble union, “Therefore, what God has joined together, man must never separate.” I know many of you reading this are divorced; this blog is not pointing fingers at anyone. This is just a scripture reflection, if your situations in your life or your children’s lives have you in harm’s way, you did the right thing. I am only reflecting on scripture, and sharing some bible study details I have learned.

In marriage God has joined together, both male and female, “the two will become one flesh”. Those are God’s words. Any two other things permanently combined with glue, combine because of the dissolving solvent, and then when you attempt to separate them, one or both will and can be damaged or destroyed. In marriage both mind and spirit and flesh become one. We know for a fact, if it is reasonably, safely possible, working on your marriage is what should be done, attempted and tried with all effort, before ever considering and taking steps towards divorce. Twenty-Four years’ experience, of some incredible ups and some horrible down turns; has taught me a lot about the marriage experience. We have been on Marriage Encounter weekends, counselors, etc. Who needs counseling? We all need counseling. Counseling is a great way to have someone in the middle to help guide you, till you can better guide yourselves.

Some basic recommended activities in a Christian Marriage include:
1. Pray together for each other, and with each other. (Rosary)
2. Read together, God’s word and other enriching books. (Bible)
3. Make decisions together, small, medium and large ones.
4. Attend Mass together, praise Jesus as a couple.
5. Continue dating; keep the romance in your marriage.

Do all you can, every possible way you can, to maintain and repair your marriage daily. I have a dear friend whose wife divorced him, he didn’t want it, and all she wanted was her independence. His response after 20 years of divorce has been, taking a vow of celibacy; in his heart, he is still married, and truly in God’s eye, he is probably right. He does nothing to cause arguments or waves, in fact he works it just the opposite, keeping harmony in his marriage with his ex-wife and his children and their families. His example has shown me, that even when it’s impossible to fix, it can still be mended. God knows our hearts.

Marriage Links:

8 Keys To A Great Marriage
http://www.dougbrittonbooks.com/onlinebiblestudies-marriageinformationandadvice/eightkeystoagreatmarriage.php

Qualities of A Godly Mate
http://bible.org/seriespage/qualities-godly-mate

“Jesus, I trust in You.”


Your brother in Christ Jesus & His Most Blessed Mother,
Jim (The Rosary Man) Dacey Jr. SFO

Today we pray the Sorrowful Mysteries

1. Agony in the Garden
2. The Scourging at the Pillar
3. Crowing with Thorns
4. Carrying of the Cross
5. The Crucifixion of Jesus

Seventy Times Seven

Beads of Joy 08-11-11

Seventy Times Seven
©2011 James Dacey, Jr. SFO

Hello Everybody,

Now if you think yesterday’s reflection was hard, then prepare yourself for today’s, this is a very difficult teaching to reflect upon, and I will be the first to admit it. It’s one thing reflecting on something in the third person; it’s totally another thing when it’s going on “live” in your own life. Today our Lord teaches us a parable that should open our eyes when it comes to forgiveness. Let us look at Matthew 18:21-19:1 (The Parable of the Unforgiving Servant). This parable is true mastery to me, absolute genius in how this story is told; but then God is the author, enough said. It is God alone who forgives man for offending God; but it must be our job person to person to forgive one another when we hurt or offend each other. Not always an easy task, but an essential part of who we are in Christ. Our objective in any indifference must be to end the quarrel, stop the bitterness, and heal all wounds. I have to say that in my 28 years of living my life for my Lord, and sharing the Rosary with everyone; this teaching at this point of my life is hard to implement in regards to one situation that burns in my heart every day. How can I be more like Jesus? I ask myself, every time I am dealing with the hurt and pain inflicted by another’s selfishness.

Judgment upon our own sins is no doubt a brick wall for those of us who don’t also forgive others. How can we expect to be forgiven by God, unless we ourselves forgive others? A double edged sword indeed at times. Where then can the line be drawn, as to what you can easily forgive and what you can never forgive? Unfortunately for those of us who wish to hear that there is such a division in forgiveness, sorry, there isn’t. God sees all things offensive to be forgiven, even the death of His Son. And you know, it is our sins that crucified Him, we did that. And we have to ask Him to forgive us. I guess since that sin isn’t directly attached to us, our hands, our fingers, or in our lives, maybe it’s easier to ask for forgiveness. It seems that when the forgiveness has to do with your own heart being stabbed and teared about by another, it isn’t so easy. When someone else has your blood on their hands, how do you reconcile that? It’s so much more personal, so much more direct; ok, it’s just down right impossible to get through it. But through God, all things are possible.

For starters we must first trust in Him, that in His wisdom, He will guide us through this horrific storm of pain and suffering. That alone is a huge first step, and it may take time, lots of prayers and depths of humility that you may never knew existed in you. I don’t have a quick fix method; I don’t know all the answers, I only know that we have a loving God, who does know our heart. In today’s gospel the King (God) forgave the servant whose debt was enormous, and had to be paid. This servant (us) begged for mercy, and he got it. His debt (our sin) was forgiven in full. How then can that servant go out and demand payment from another. Why is his heart so hard? The love and mercy God gives us, should fill our hearts with so much Joy and Gratitude; that to forgive another is easy for us to do. I will say that I have come very far down that road of forgiveness, but I can’t say, I’d ever be their “bff”, that’s not possible. Nor will I ever be able to share bread. For now I can’t, but who knows maybe one day I will, but amidst the carnage of it all, it is very difficult for me, simply one day at a time right now, is enough. But I have been able to forgive them, and that took a lot of prayer to get to. I have to say getting through the forgiveness stages and the hatred stages for being so hurt and offended by their actions, took time, patience and a tremendous of prayer. Our debt to God for our sin that murdered Jesus on that cross can’t be compared to anything someone does to us. We can never pay Him back for what we have done. But with that said, He still lovingly forgives us, over and over for our selfishness and sins. That alone should help get into perspective; how we can forgive another. I sure hope this has been helpful.

“Jesus, I trust in You.”


Your brother in Christ Jesus & His Most Blessed Mother,
Jim (The Rosary Man) Dacey Jr. SFO

Today we pray the Luminous Mysteries

1. Baptism of Jesus
2. Wedding at Cana
3. Proclamation of the Kingdom
4. The Transfiguration
5. Institution of the Holy Eucharist

It Is Death, That Brings Life

Beads of Joy 08-10-11

It Is Death, That Brings Life
©2011 James Dacey, Jr. SFO

Hello Everybody,

I pray this reflection isn’t too hard to understand, not intellectually; but spiritually hard to understand. Together we can work at understanding, how through death, life is reborn. Please understand I will not by any means speak to you in affluent educated way, I believe all the Beads of Joy writings show that; I will not use terms or language that I have to explain. I am a very simple man, seeking only to serve a splendid, amazing, powerful, loving God. Please open your minds and your hearts for a moment and think of a seed, even the grain of wheat spoken of in today’s gospel. Before I continue, today’s gospel is John 12:24-26 (The Coming of Jesus’ Hour). Yes these three simple verses share with us, an insight into the hour our Lord must die for us. We don’t plant seeds so that they remain buried as seeds; we plant seeds, so that through their “sacrifice” they grow into plants that multiple many more seeds than just the one that was planted. The key here is the sacrifice. We to, are like the seed; we must offer our own lives as a sacrifice to our Lord.

When we offer our lives as a sacrifice, a living sacrifice; we don’t simple, go to Mass when we can, toss a couple dollars in the plate as it comes around; and on occasion help someone in need. A true living sacrifice surrenders all selfishness to the service of God. I hope this is making sense. I also hope this doesn’t discourage anyone from serving our Lord. This service gives us Joy, a Joy that cannot be so easily explained in words. A Joy that only Jesus can instill in the hearts and minds and soul of those who follow Him. Let’s just ponder a few minutes, reading today’s gospel: John 12:24-26

“Truly, truly, I say to you, unless a grain of wheat falls into the earth and dies, it remains alone; but if it dies, it bears much fruit. He who loves his life loses it, and he who hates his life in this world will keep it for eternal life. If any one serves me, he must follow me; and where I am, there shall my servant be also; if any one serves me, the Father will honor him.”

God alone knows our purpose in this life; but our purpose and our point remains “alone” and we never get to share it with others, until we die to self. We will lose everything if all we live for is ourselves, and we selfishly hold onto everything in this life. Selfishness rewards us with… nothing!!! Jesus says in today’s gospel “he who hates his life”. We know God doesn’t want us to “hate” our lives; He’s always telling us to rejoice. My own studies and spiritual life has led me to believe and understand that he only wishes us to hate that it is keeping us from Him; in other words, we prefer this life less, that’s all. And by thinking that way in this life, we place our desires and needs aside and we put His purpose and will first in our lives. This not only honors our Lord, but we get the chance to taste Heaven with the Joy that will fill our hearts by doing this. The Joy I am always speaking about. I pray that this is all making sense. Ask God to guide your heart to Himself, tell Him that you will not allow anything or anyone to come between you and Him. Surrender today and forever and for all eternity you will remain on the ready for His service. Trust in Him with all your heart, and know that you are surrounded by many sisters and brothers who love God just the same. You are not alone.

“Jesus, I trust in You.”


Your brother in Christ Jesus & His Most Blessed Mother,
Jim (The Rosary Man) Dacey Jr. SFO

Today we pray the Glorious Mysteries

1. The Resurrection
2. The Ascension
3. The Descent of the Holy Spirit
4. The Assumption
5. The Coronation

Let Us Be Seekers of the Lost

Beads of Joy 08-09-11

Let Us Be Seekers of The Lost
©2011 James Dacey, Jr. SFO

Hello Everybody,

I can’t always explain the Joy, but I always try. Today in the end of the gospel there is a parable, only four verses but it’s awesome! I really love them; I enjoy reading them, reflecting upon them and sharing them. I think many of you already know that. Today’s gospel is found in Matthew 18:1-5, 10, 12-14 (The Greatest in the Kingdom – The Parable of the Lost Sheep). The first part of the gospel was a bit surprising when I first heard this many years ago. Jesus taught love, unselfishness, giving of oneself to another; however did this question of “who is greatest?” come up? Interesting thought, I guess inside many of us, we want to be the center of attention; the first, the best, the most, just to be recognized for it. God only knows what that’s all about. But today let us look upon the second half of today’s gospel, verses 10-14; that is all about the Parable that almost sums up our mission as followers of Jesus.

Jesus clearly tells us that God absolutely does not want any of us to be lost and led astray; look at verse 14, “So it is not the will of my Father who is in heaven that one of these little ones should perish.” It is our mission as believers, the faithful; to seek out the lost and bring them home. This is not going to be easy, and it may take some time and some pain to see some of them through, but with God’s love and our faith and trust in Him, we are given the strength necessary to do this. Scripture confirms that even in Heaven many rejoice, “I tell you that in the same way there will be more rejoicing in heaven over one sinner who repents than over ninety-nine righteous persons who do not need to repent.” Luke 15:7. Many of us know those who need Jesus in their lives, we know the lost and those who wonder. Let us try to direct them with love and compassion to return to the flock; for at their return there is only love and compassion and forgiveness. No one will be turned away; our only desire is that they return to the arms of Jesus.

How can we really draw others to Jesus? How can we lead them back, the misled and misinformed? In our prayers we can ask God through the Holy Spirit to guide us, and to give us strength. For starters I believe the best approach on someone who refuses to hear anything about Jesus or our Blessed Mother, is just pray for them. And keep praying for them, every single day, pray for them. Prayer is a gift you can give away, over and over again. And the greatest part about praying for someone else is that they can’t stop you, and in fact most of the time they don’t even need to know. Just try to be the “Jesus” in their lives. Meaning, give them love, compassion, forgiveness, and have concern for their challenges; and always have open arms and always be understanding with them, show them, without saying a word, how Jesus has changed who you were to who you are. Let us, in our travels, become seekers of the lost. Planting seeds of Joy, Love, and Hope are a great way to start. The more of us that do this for the lost, will result in the less that will be lost and more will be returning home. Pray about this, ask God for His will to help you to seek out others to draw them back to Him. You will see opportunities open up, and people will be led to you. His will is the only way. God Bless all of you and all your efforts in seeking out the lost.

“Jesus, I trust in You.”

Your brother in Christ Jesus & His Most Blessed Mother,
Jim(The Rosary Man)Dacey Jr. SFO

Today we pray the Sorrowful Mysteries

1. Agony in the Garden
2. The Scourging at the Pillar
3. Crowing with Thorns
4. Carrying of the Cross
5. The Crucifixion of Jesus

Suffering Through Betrayal

Beads of Joy 08-08-11

Suffering Through Betrayal
©2011 James Dacey, Jr. SFO

Hello Everybody,

You know this title really tells the entire truth behind how Jesus did indeed suffer, on multiple levels. Our betrayal with our sins continues to nail Jesus on that cross; and Judas’ greed led him to the ultimate betrayal to his friend, and our Lord. Today’s gospel can be found in Matthew 17:22-27 (Second Prediction of the Passion – Payment of the Temple Tax). Ultimately it will be through His resurrection that Jesus would defeat death, but the only way to be resurrected, is that He must die first. The gospels predicted three times that Jesus would suffer and die. And honestly when the Apostles heard this, it must have scared them to some degree, like Jesus said to them, “You will be hated by everyone because of me,” Matthew 10:22. That same hatred will make them targets after Jesus was betrayed and murdered. What is betrayal? Sad topic to talk about for me; I know and understand betrayal. I am not a saint, and I am far from perfect, but betrayal from someone you love and trust cuts deep inside of you. It absolutely tears you apart.

Betrayal: defined. After researching such a horrible word, that only reveals a horrible action from another, it only further hurts seeing how Judas’ betrayal to Jesus was thoughtless and selfish. How can someone who loves you, says they love you, shows they love you and even acts like they love you; stab you in the back with lies and false accusations? Unfortunately it happens in our everyday world, every single day, at work for advancement and raises and bonuses of sorts; and sadly even at home between spouses and to and from children. Betrayal defined is like this: 1. To lead astray. 2. To deliver to an enemy by treachery. 3. To reveal unintentionally. 4. To prove false. It takes many lies, followed by more lies and continued with even more lies to really betray someone. So in the end, the one betraying, isn’t only a betrayer; but they are also a lying, back stabbing, untrusted person. How sad it is, when this person is someone you do trust in. There’s a saying, “Keep your friends close, and your enemies closer.” I look and wonder what that really means in today’s reflection. Actually the closest ones to you, have the power to hurt you the most, why? I believe it’s because of the trust and love you share with that person. They know you well enough, to destroy you, even with all their lies. Sad how ruthless another will be to someone they love, out of selfishness.

How do we deal with betrayal? How did Jesus deal with betrayal? He didn’t defend himself against all the lies; He didn’t even argue or show hatred to those who hated Him; He only showed compassion and love to the very people who were out to kill Him, He even forgave them. How can we learn from this, to be like Him? It is a hard teaching, not an easy task by no means, for anyone. I honestly know what it’s like to be deceived, betrayed and then stabbed in the back by someone you love and adore so much; someone I would die for to protect. I understand how that persons lies, fueled by their selfishness to do what they want to do, can destroy others horribly. We all need to take a step back, kneel down in prayer and ask Jesus to help us, to guide us. We need to ask Him to help us to be like Him. God knows our hearts, He knows our intentions, and He also knows when we don’t know what to do. Simply trust in Him and ask Him to help guide you.

“Jesus, I trust in You.”


Your brother in Christ Jesus & His Most Blessed Mother,
Jim (The Rosary Man) Dacey Jr. SFO

Today we pray the Joyful Mysteries

1. The Annunciation
2. The Visitation
3. The Birth of Jesus
4. The Presentation in The Temple
5. Finding of Jesus in the Temple

Lord, Save Me !!

Beads of Joy 08-07-11

Lord, Save Me !!
©2011 James Dacey, Jr. SFO

Hello Everybody,

Today’s gospel shares with us a blessed beautiful miracle. No I am not actually only talking about the fact that Jesus controlled the laws of gravity and walked on the rough waters; rather I am also speaking of how during the storm, the storms we all face, Jesus came to the disciples rescue. Today we are reading Matthew 14:22-33 “Jesus Walks on The Water” Let’s look at what verse 24 says happened to that boat full of disciples, “but the boat by this time was many furlongs distant from the land, beaten by the waves; for the wind was against them.” They were rather far from land and the wind was most likely sending them out even further away, now let’s see what a furlong is; it’s about 660 feet, that’s about an 1/8 of a mile. Scripture tells us they were “many furlongs distance from the land”. Hmm I wonder, I would say two or three is a few, maybe four or five is many. If they were simply four furlongs, then that’s a half mile from land. Not exactly close to safety; and definitely not a simple swim to shore in rough waters.

The reason I also share the details of distance and the fact that the weather was bad; is mostly because I have heard many who don’t believe grumble that Jesus walked out on low tide. How sad to not believe the power and might of a loving, caring God. Anyhow, this miracle not only shows how at all times Jesus was not only watching over the disciples, but how when they were struggling; Jesus got directly involved and reached out His hand. Scripture is so clear and so precise in what it tells us, verse 32 says it all, “And when they got into the boat, the wind ceased.” It refers to how together Jesus and Peter got into the boat. We learn, that with Jesus all things that are rough, challenging and beaten; become calm. We must do all we can to place all our trust in Him. When we reach out to Him in faith, don’t look away concerned about the waves, stay focused on Him. I know, we all turn away at times, including me. Staying focused on Him gives us the strength we need to make it through our own storms.

We all have fears, even knowing Jesus, we can still be afraid of the challenges around us, look at what happened to Peter in verse 30, “but when he saw the wind, he was afraid, and beginning to sink he cried out, "Lord, save me." And then Jesus immediately reached out His hand. To the best of our ability let us have, full complete trust in Him. How much do we really rely on Jesus for strength in our difficult times? How many times can we remember or recently reflect about being tossed to and fro through the storms of our own life? How many times have we been thrown from the boat without warning? How many times was it so wrong the way we have been treated? How much trust do we need to have when we are hit broadside unexpectedly? God knows our hearts, He knows how much we love Him, He knows when we really trust Him. Let us begin fresh and new, fully trusting in Him. One day at a time; one Rosary at a time; one issue at a time; knowing that He is there for us. Trusting that His hand is reaching out to us, as we cry out, “Lord, save me.”

“Jesus, I trust in You.”

Your brother in Christ Jesus & His Most Blessed Mother,
Jim (The Rosary Man) Dacey Jr. SFO

Today we pray the Glorious Mysteries

1. The Resurrection
2. The Ascension
3. The Descent of the Holy Spirit
4. The Assumption
5. The Coronation

The Feast of Portiuncula

Beads of Joy 08-02-11

The Feast of Portiuncula
©2011 James Dacey, Jr. SFO

Hello Everybody,

Today is a most joyous day to celebrate, the Feast of Our Lady of the Angels of Portiuncula. Did you know that the word, “Portiuncula” means “little portion”. It was referring to the little piece of land that St Mary’s of the Angels Church was built, where most of the residents from Assisi would attend Mass. It was St. Francis of Assisi who led by God and our Lady desired to restore this sanctuary which was pretty much destroyed already. It was here that St. Francis truly began his Franciscan Order. I myself am a Secular Franciscan, many of you may have seen the movie, “Brother Sun, Sister Moon” a truly excellent visual on what St. Francis truly had to do to restore such a horribly destroyed church. God’s hand was certainly in all his work that in the end and throughout the process glorified God, even to this day.

There was one particular night that St. Francis went out to the chapel, when he arrived, it was there that he saw Jesus and our Lady surrounded by an enormous host of angels. St. Francis immediately laid prostrate on the ground, in reverence to our Lord’s presence. St. Francis desired to rebuild this marvelous beautiful blessed church. Jesus asked Francis to ask Him of any particular favor, and He did. St. Francis also even saw Mary kneel before our Lord repeating his request. It was then that our Lord said to St. Francis, “It is a great favor that you request, nevertheless it shall be granted to you. Go to my Vicar on earth, to whom I have given the power to bind and to loose, and ask him in My name to grant this indulgence." And so Francis went to Pope Honorius III, and made his request, which the Pope granted him. The only thing was that the indulgences could only be gained one day out of the year, August 2nd, which is the anniversary of the church’s dedication. Eventually the indulgences were attainable every day of the year. A basilica (Our Lady of the Angels Basilica in Assisi) was eventually built over the chapel and doing that, it preserved it in its original condition.

CONDITIONS TO OBTAIN THE PLENARY INDULGENCE OF THE FORGIVENESS OF ASSISI
(for oneself or for a departed soul)

-Sacramental Confession to be in God's grace (during the eight days before or after);
-Participation in the Holy Mass and Eucharist.
-Visit to a Catholic Church, followed by PROFESSION OF FAITH, in order to reaffirm one's own Christian identity;
-Say the OUR FATHER, in order to reaffirm the dignity as child of God that one received in Baptism;
-A prayer for the Pope's intention, in order to reaffirm one's membership in the Church, of which the Roman Pontiff is the foundation and sign of visible unity.

THE INDULGENCE
Italian Bishops' Conference, Adult Catechism, n. 710

Sin not only destroys communion with God, but also compromises the interior state of persons and their relationship with other creatures. For a total repentance, it is not enough to be sorry and to receive the remission of faults. It is also necessary that reparation be made for the disorder provoked by sin, a disorder that usually continues after the sin. In this process of purification the penitent is not alone. The penitent participates in a mystery of solidarity, for which Christ and the Saints rejoice with one. God communicates to one the grace merited by others with the immense value of their existence, in order to effect one's reparation rapidly and effectively.

The Church has always exhorted the faithful to offer prayers, good works and sufferings for the conversion of sinners and for the repose of the faithful departed. During the first centuries, bishops reduced the duration and the severeness of public punishment, through the intercession of the witnesses of faith who survived tortures.

Progressively the consciousness grew that the power to bind and unbind, received from the Lord, included the faculty to free penitents from the residue left by already forgiven sins, by applying to them the merits of Christ and the Saints, in order to obtain the grace of a fervent charity. Priests grant this privilege to those who have the right interior disposition and have adhered to the prescribed norms. Participation in this penitential rite is a prerequisite to the concession of an indulgence. Italian Bishops' Conference, Adult Catechism, n. 710


Your brother in Christ Jesus & His Most Blessed Mother,
Jim (The Rosary Man) Dacey Jr. SFO

Today we pray the Sorrowful Mysteries

1. Agony in the Garden
2. The Scourging at the Pillar
3. Crowing with Thorns
4. Carrying of the Cross
5. The Crucifixion of Jesus

Remarkable Generosity of God

Beads of Joy 08-01-11

Remarkable Generosity of God
©2011 James Dacey, Jr. SFO

Hello Everybody,

There is no doubt in my mind that God loves us; I would also be bold enough to say that knowing many of you personally, you to feel the same way. God is so good to us, even when we know we don’t deserve His mercy, His love and especially His forgiveness. Yet with all that said, He still is generous to us in all that He does. So many people don’t see or know when to watch for God’s remarkable generosity, but you know it is all around us, and we get it actually every single day. Today’s gospel is Matthew 14:13-21 (The Return of The Twelve and the Feeding of the 5,000). When I read today’s gospel, many thoughts come to mind, but I think of this one particular one that may awaken many thoughts. Today I ask how much do we really trust in our Lord and our God? Do we trust in Him enough that when we are blessed with a little or a lot, that we opening and very willingly share it with others? Or do we hoard what we have for ourselves and our family, and forget about helping anyone else? Yes that’s a tough thought to be left thinking about.

This miracle seemed like an impossible task; even the disciples doubted it would be possible. After all they were far from any village or home and everyone must have been hungry; yet with what little they had Jesus said basically that was all He needed to meet the needs of everyone. Was it the generosity of the disciples sharing? Or was it Jesus’ heart feeling for those following Him? Or maybe it was the combination of giving and love that Jesus feed everyone with so little, and even after all were filled, there were still left overs. This miracle may seem absolutely amazing, and I won’t deny how enormous it probably was. Just a quick thought on how enormous this was. When we are hungry we tend to eat a lot more than if we were just ready for a meal, so look at verses 20-21, “And they all ate and were satisfied. And they took up twelve baskets full of the broken pieces left over. And those who ate were about five thousand men, besides women and children.” Think about the typical man’s appetite, and then also think about growing children’s appetites, teenagers, young men; the amount ones consumption alone can be pretty big. Scripture says, “And they all ate and were satisfied.” that says a lot. Obviously they all didn’t simply pass around a loaf of bread and take a bite.

Let us take a moment and think outside the box, and consider all that we experience everyday as we walk through this life. How many times do we say, “Wow, we had more than enough!” Or, “That’s incredible, we needed so many pieces and we had them!” Or, “That’s the last scoop, and everyone got to eat!” Come on there are so many wonderful miraculous joys that we experience every day, sometimes it’s just a matter of being aware that they are miracles in whatever capacity we receive them. God knows our needs long before we even have them, we really need to trust in Him, that He will provide for us, what we need.

In today’s gospel Jesus met the physical worldly needs of thousands of people, and what did He have to work with? A very small very generous amount given to Him to be used to share with others, and what happened; God blessed it and all of them. Let us open our hearts and our wallets, and our cabinets and our refrigerators and help each other. This journey in life is all about returning home to God. The only thing is many will be lost along the way. Let us do all we can to help one another stay straight to the course and in the end we can all rejoice.

“Jesus, I trust in You.”


Your brother in Christ Jesus & His Most Blessed Mother,
Jim(The Rosary Man)Dacey Jr. SFO

Today we pray the Joyful Mysteries

1. The Annunciation
2. The Visitation
3. The Birth of Jesus
4. The Presentation in The Temple
5. Finding of Jesus in the Temple

Rosary Prayer Team Details - 2

Beads of Joy 07-27-11

Rosary Prayer Team Details - 2
©2011 James Dacey, Jr. SFO

Hello Everybody,

These next few days I wish to share what we can do as a Prayer Team. Our goal is obviously to pray for one another and others, but even deeper than that, we can really commit to this task. We can reflect on these few thoughts today: 1.As a prayer team, we can recharge one another’s emotional and spiritual batteries effectively and with the synergy and excitement, this can be tremendous for us individually and as a team. 2. As a prayer team we can each have our own personal prayer list, one that we constantly add names to, and one that we keep close to us while we pray. 3. As a prayer team we will share amongst each other, some of the most valuable gifts one could ever have. These gifts are of the spiritual nature, the world would ever understand the depths of all this, so we will pray for them.

Let us look at the first thought in these three reflections: As a team, we can recharge one another’s emotional and spiritual batteries effectively and with synergy and excitement. This is so exciting and to know that all of us have this ability to do this is even more exciting. As prayer team members we understand the value and need for prayer, and we really understand how important it is for us as a team to unite together in prayer. With that said, we are able to comfort, and embrace one another when things get tough, and when we feel under spiritual attack, and even when we have times of doubt.

Now looking at the second reflection: As a prayer team we can each have our own prayer lists of names; including families, groups, leaders, and so much more. Here is my method; some of you may want to adopt this method. Inside my bible in the center section that divides the old and new testament, I have a couple of blank pages. I would guess from all my years of seeing so many bibles, that you do have blank pages somewhere within your bible. Well on that page I have a section devoted to those people I know and even don’t know that have passed away, souls that I pray for daily. And then in another section I have family, friends, neighbors, and even a section of people I don’t particularly like, some may title it enemies of people who openly, publically sin. Those people need our prayers so much, and I believe it is our job as a prayer team to be praying for them. Jesus died for them to. So let us unite with Him loving them. The greatest gift anyone can give another is prayer, nothing on earth, even everything on earth combined won’t ever equal the value of someone’s prayers for another.

Here’s the final thought for today: We get to share amongst each other, shared prayers for one another and for each other. If there is anything on earth that you want to be part of, it should be a team of believers who pray together. Our environment is one of prayer; we seek nothing of this world, only the opportunity to care for others in offering our love and our prayers for them to the Father. God knows our hearts; He knows how much we really care for others. Our prayers for them only further show Him that we really live an unselfish life devoted to loving Him. May God always guide our hearts and may He always help us stay on track. More to share tomorrow.

Your brother in Christ Jesus & His Most Blessed Mother,
Jim (The Rosary Man) Dacey Jr. SFO

Today we pray the Glorious Mysteries

1. The Resurrection
2. The Ascension
3. The Descent of the Holy Spirit
4. The Assumption
5. The Coronation

Rosary Prayer Team Details - 1

Beads of Joy 07-26-11

ROSARY PRAYER TEAM DETAILS - 1
©2011 James Dacey, Jr. SFO

Hello Everybody,

As the week progresses I promised more and more details. To some this maybe not really details, but many of you who are s excited as I am, these details help etch out our place in prayer together. I think the biggest in this step of our praying in unity to make it even more beneficial, we need to; decide, identify, reach, etc. in many things. Today I will share an outline of the things I think we need to at least be on the same page with. Praying together in a more united way with create a very special bond between all of us. Reflect on this outline. I know my word isn’t law; I only share what I feel I am led to share. I do my research and I pray a lot. And this is where it has led me to.

LET US PRAY TOGETHER
-Let us have a passion each day to pray together.
-Let us decide that this is extremely important to us.
-Let us identify the JOY the beads withhold then share them.
-Let us openly and whole-heartily share the Rosary with others.
-Let us reach out to the entire earth with our prayers and unity.
-Let us touch every country, every city, and every neighborhood in some way.
-Let us all be mentors to one another with our unique approach on prayer.
-Let us each have a couple of “Prayer Team” buddies to always stay connected with.
-Let us continually build our Rosary Prayer Team.

I hope this makes a bit of sense. Some of it common sense, others just some ideas I came across in my research of prayer team unity. This is just the starting point; I have many many pages of notes with more details on what we can do… and what will do as a Prayer Team. I will continue sharing throughout the week. Please feel free to contact me directly if you wish. My doors are always open. This group and mission will never get complicated, I promise. I am only sharing all these things, to help excite your Spirit, like mine is.

Your brother in Christ Jesus & His Most Blessed Mother,
Jim (The Rosary Man) Dacey Jr. SFO

Today we pray the Sorrowful Mysteries

1. Agony in the Garden
2. The Scourging at the Pillar
3. Crowing with Thorns
4. Carrying of the Cross
5. The Crucifixion of Jesus

Let Us Pray The Rosary Together

Beads of Joy 07-25-11

Let Us Pray The Rosary Together
©2011 James Dacey, Jr. SFO

Hello Everybody,

This week I will be introducing a new mission I’d like all who wish to participate, to participate. It will be ongoing and it will be intense at times, not in any bad way, and definitely not in any way that would cause any stress. This is a mission to help deepen and draw nearer our prayers as a community, or as I’d like to see it, as a “Rosary Prayer Team”. Our numbers maybe huge, and there won’t be any boarders, but that’s the whole idea. Our goal in the end is that we will be praying more together as a group, a team, in unity for peace, love and mercy, kindness and with the wholehearted intent to draw others to Jesus; and for those who already know Jesus, to help draw them even closer. We will be unveiling ideas to help each other pray more effectively for others. I have some very simple methods I use that make my prayer life, extremely fulfilling, constantly moving and very exciting. I am just like many of you. I am parent, a spouse, I have a full time job, and I am faced with a phenomenal amount of challenges day in and day out; just like many of you. But with all that said, my prayer life takes precedence and it in my own view dominates most of my life. Most can’t really “see” it. Those I share it with about know it, those I pray with a lot are very aware of it; but now I want so much to bring all of you into the fold, a kind of behind the scenes look at how I pray in a busy, crazy nonstop stressful world. A world that is ever changing and not really friendly to devoted people like us. But that’s okay, so be it.

This week I would like to share the outline and intentions of what is ahead. To start with, which I have already mentioned prior to all this; nothing will ever be asked of you, I am not here selling you anything. This is ALL about all of us praying together, that’s all. You are only invited to participate, obviously that is an important part of the whole idea behind a Rosary Prayer Team, but if you can great, and if you can’t then we will be praying for you. No problem ever either way, we only wish to encourage you to join in when you can. We aren’t a club, we don’t have meetings, but we do encourage fellowship.

I have a journal and in that journal this is what I have written in it, just yesterday:

One Rosary A Day – One Decade At A Time
-20 decades a day method.
-Daily decade invitations.
-Layout. Start to Finish, laid out as 1 complete rosary.
-Guide a prayer list method, my hand written name list method.
-Key... Always have a Rosary with you, no matter where you go.

This is just the beginning; I have so much to share. I have pages and pages of notes about what we can and will do as a group in prayer. The first and most important thing is that we identify ourselves as those devoted to the Rosary. And get more and more familiar with the mysteries. That’s an individual thing, and of cause each to their own gifts and devotion to our Lord and our Lady. Simply allow the Holy Spirit to guide your heart.

More details tomorrow..

Your brother in Christ Jesus & His Most Blessed Mother,
Jim (The Rosary Man) Dacey Jr. SFO

Today we pray the Joyful Mysteries

1. The Annunciation
2. The Visitation
3. The Birth of Jesus
4. The Presentation in The Temple
5. Finding of Jesus in the Temple