Thursday, July 26, 2018

This Is Why


BEADS OF JOY 07-26-18
“This Is Why”
©2018 James Dacey, Jr. OFS

My Friends,


Today’s Gospel:
Matthew 13:10-17 (The Purpose of Parables)
“Then the disciples came and said to him, "Why do you speak to them in parables?" And he answered them, "To you it has been given to know the secrets of the kingdom of heaven, but to them it has not been given. For to him 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. This is why I speak to them in parables, because seeing they do not see, and hearing they do not hear, nor do they understand. With them indeed is fulfilled the prophecy of Isaiah which says: `You shall indeed hear but never understand, and you shall indeed see but never perceive. For this people's heart has grown dull, and their ears are heavy of hearing, and their eyes they have closed, lest they should perceive with their eyes, and hear with their ears, and understand with their heart, and turn for me to heal them.' But blessed are your eyes, for they see, and your ears, for they hear. Truly, I say to you, many prophets and righteous men longed to see what you see, and did not see it, and to hear what you hear, and did not hear it.”

Reflection:
We must open our mind and open our hearts to understand the parables of Jesus. If we just don’t believe, we won’t hear; if we are skeptical, we won’t take the time to understand. Our faith must be true to our belief, so that our hearts will be open in reverence to hear God speak to us, through the parables. We have been chosen by God to be called His Children. Let us love Him, and Listen to Him, and learn from Him, so that we to can share the amazing love, He has to share with everyone.

The “Word of God” must stay alive in our hearts and we must do all we can to nurture it each day, by reading our bible as often as we can. Embrace the Bible as your favorite book and always have one available to you. Read it often. Write in it. Make notes, spiritual ones of your personal experiences throughout your journey. Highlight scripture that affects your life and make notes why…

“For the Word of God is alive and active. Sharper than any double-edged sword, it penetrates even to dividing soul and spirit, joints and marrow; it judges the thoughts and attitudes of the heart.” ~Hebrews 4:12

“If anyone speaks, they should do so as one who speaks the very Words of God. If anyone serves, they should do so with the strength God provides, so that in all things God may be praised through Jesus Christ. To him be the glory and the power for ever and ever. Amen.” ~1 Peter 4:11


The Purpose of Parables


Dr. Ray & Fr. Larry Richards
When Bad Things Happen to Good People
BONUS (I think you will like this.)


Pondering these thoughts today: The Word of God! Scripture is simply amazing and at times it takes my breath away. Just like a simple thought of the Rosary or seeing Rosary Beads or holding Rosary Beads, flutters my heart. The Bible does the same. The Bible, is God’s Word. Yes, inspired by God’s chosen ones. None the less, it is God inspired to lead us to the Lord. My Bible in on my desk at all times. I take it with me wherever I go, especially when I go away. I know some of you have shared your scriptural journey with me, and I am so grateful and thankful that you have. You inspire me. I challenge anyone who does not have a habit of reading their Bible, to begin. Even if it is just one verse a day. Spend time in that verse, find yourself in those words, ask the Holy Spirit to open your heart, and your ears to hear God’s message to you, in that scripture.

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!!
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Wednesday, July 25, 2018

Not Mine To Grant


BEADS OF JOY 07-25-18
“Not Mine To Grant”
©2018 James Dacey, Jr. OFS

My Friends,

This is behind the altar at St. Patrick's Church - Milford, PA


Today’s Gospel:
Matthew 20:20-28 (Request of James & John)
“Then the mother of the sons of Zebedee came up to him, with her sons, and kneeling before him she asked him for something. And he said to her, "What do you want?" She said to him, "Command that these two sons of mine may sit, one at your right hand and one at your left, in your kingdom." But Jesus answered, "You do not know what you are asking. Are you able to drink the cup that I am to drink?" They said to him, "We are able." He said to them, "You will drink my cup, but to sit at my right hand and at my left is not mine to grant, but it is for those for whom it has been prepared by my Father." And when the ten heard it, they were indignant at the two brothers. But Jesus called them to him and said, "You know that the rulers of the Gentiles lord it over them, and their great men exercise authority over them. It shall not be so among you; but whoever would be great among you must be your servant, and whoever would be first among you must be your slave; even as the Son of man came not to be served but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many."

Reflection:
Are you ready to give up even your very life in service to others? Jesus taught us to pick up our Cross and follow Him?  Why would that sacrifice be such a Joy? I know to some that makes no sense. In today’s gospel some of the disciples seem to have wanted power and recognition and authority, so they too can be side by side with Jesus. Thinking Jesus had this “celebrity” lifestyle of fame. Jesus’ life was a life in preparation for sacrifice. I don’t think the disciples completely seen what we obviously can see from our vantage point. Had they fully understood at that time the mission Jesus was here for maybe; just maybe they wouldn’t have so aggressively wanted to be so equal with Him at that time. I could be wrong.

We must have love in our hearts and we must be humble at all times. Never denying Jesus and never placing ourselves equal to Him. The Cross of Christ can be bitter, but many of the disciples will soon indeed die horrible horrific deaths because of that Cross. Their love is sincere, and their commitment is real, and their example is a good one for us to learn by. How much do you really love Jesus? How much does your life reflect that love? Are you bearing a Cross in this life that has some “Faith & Belief” packed on it? In other words, are you ridiculed for your faith? That’s a lot to digest I know.

Are you willing to die for Jesus? If you were told to decide Jesus or death? What would you choose? Now be careful and think clearly. Because at some point Jesus will look upon you, one on one, eye to eye, and that chose will reflect that conversation on that day. Another way to look at this… Jesus or You? Who do you choose? Remember Jesus died for all of us to save us. Choosing ourselves is selfish; choosing Jesus is being loyal and faithful to one who died for us, the one saved us, the one who forgave us. Pray about these things, the Holy Spirit will lead your heart.
A Mother's Request



Pondering these thoughts today: I don’t know why but today’s gospel has me thinking about a true story Fr. Mullally told many, many, many years ago, as his homily. A priest friend of his, I can’t remember the place. Anyway, he was told this story by the priest’s friend. This priest was sharing his homily, all of a sudden 6 men busted into the church, wearing masks and carrying machine guns. They started yelling and everyone was scared. They called to the priest and told him, “COME HERE!” He did, and they grabbed him and dragged him outside. From inside you could hear the yelling outside, the guy that dragged him outside was yelling, “DENY YOUR JESUS or DIE!!” Then all of sudden you heard the machine go off... Pow, pow, pow, pow... Then it was silent for just a moment.

That same guy came back in while the other gunman were watching the congregation. He yelled, “Who else will NOT DENY THEIR JESUS?” An older lady up in the front, stood up and said, “I won’t.” He grabbed her and took her outside. All they heard was the machine gun go off again. Pow pow pow pow, people were crying in the church. That same guy came back in again and ask again, “Who else will NOT DENY THEIR JESUS?” A young kid who just recently received communion stood up yelling, “I WON’T” The child’s mother was crying saying, “NO NO PLEASE DON’T TAKE MY CHILD, TAKE ME INSTEAD” The gunman took them both outside, within seconds you heard that scary, eerie sound of the gun... pow pow pow pow. Then silence...

That same guy came back in and once again he yelled, “Who else will NOT DENY THEIR JESUS?” NO one responded, the church was SILENT. Then the priest, the older lady and the mother and her child walked back in. The people really started crying, running over to them. The people with the guns who scared everyone were fellow parishioners. The man who took everyone outside, was the Deacon. They took their masks off; the guns were fake. The Priest went up to the podium, everyone quieted down and sat down. Father then said, “I’m very disappointed, but I am not here to judge you, but next week I will expect to see all of you at confession.” He further said, “I hope the example of your faithful friends, have taught you a great lesson.” Wow, so many us at Mass cried during Fr. Mullally’s homily. The ending made us laugh with joy.

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!


Rosary Man Jim's Glorious Reflections: http://beads-of-joy-blog.blogspot.com/2013/05/the-glorious-mysteries.html
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Tuesday, July 24, 2018

Will of My Father


BEADS OF JOY 07-24-18
“Will of My Father”
©2018 James Dacey, Jr. OFS

My Friends,

This is in the hallway at Our Lady of Fatima Shrine in Lewiston, NY.

Today’s Gospel: Matthew 12:46-50 (True Family of Jesus)
“While he was still speaking to the people, behold, his mother and his brothers stood outside, asking to speak to him. But he replied to the man who told him, "Who is my mother, and who are my brothers?" And stretching out his hand toward his disciples, he said, "Here are my mother and my brothers! For whoever does the will of my Father in heaven is my brother, and sister, and mother."

Reflection:
Today’s gospel has me pondering the question: Who in your life do you cherish the most? ...or even deeper; Who do you love the most? I know sometimes that slot is filled by a couple of people: spouse, children, parents, grand-parents, siblings? But who is that one person? Well here is the greatest part, we don’t have to have that one person, other than Jesus and Mary. We have the opportunity in this life to have the greatest relationships with so many people. No limits and no end to how many people can care about and truly love; that’s the most wonderful part of belonging to The True Family of Jesus.

God’s love is absolutely incredible, there is never a compromise. He never lies to us and never lets us down or disappoints us. Nothing in this world can come against us with a love like that for us. No disease, no bills, no poverty, no war, NOTHING!! I know we don’t now the inner thoughts of God and people, especially innocent people should not be dying. But, with all that said, we really don’t know God’s Plan, in other words, the big picture. God alone knows that. But we know that God is love and He would never do nothing to hurt or harm us. We also know that everything that happens has to somehow bring us full circle to His Glory.

Yes, even the death of a spouse (Chrissy), is for His Glory. If anyone of you have followed along on that six-year journey of suffering, you clearly heard about many sad things, she and all of us endured. But, through it all, you also heard our praises to Jesus, embracing His Will.

Please read this most encouraging scripture: 
Romans 8:31-39

“What, then, shall we say in response to these things? If God is for us, who can be against us? He who did not spare his own Son, but gave him up for us all—how will he not also, along with him, graciously give us all things? Who will bring any charge against those whom God has chosen? It is God who justifies. Who then is the one who condemns? No one. Christ Jesus who died—more than that, who was raised to life—is at the right hand of God and is also interceding for us. Who shall separate us from the love of Christ? Shall trouble or hardship or persecution or famine or nakedness or danger or sword? As it is written:

“For your sake we face death all day long;
    we are considered as sheep to be slaughtered.”

No, in all these things we are more than conquerors through him who loved us.  For I am convinced that neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons, neither the present nor the future, nor any powers, neither height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord.”

My friends… God! Almighty God Himself loves us no matter what! It’s in His very nature to love us. He created us to love us. 1 John 3:1 says:

“See what great love the Father has lavished on us, that we should be called children of God! And that is what we are! The reason the world does not know us is that it did not know him.”


Jesus' Mother and Relatives


Reflection by Bro. Johnson Khalkho OP
on Matthew 12: 46-50


Pondering these thoughts today:
Today’s gospel is so exciting. I have researched so much scripture from this amazing gospel reading today. God sent His only begotten Son, Jesus! Who came into the world through Mary, because of His love for us. I was only going to share part of the following gem of scripture, but I seriously need to share it all. Embrace it my sisters and brothers. Here is 1 John 4:7-21

God’s Love and Ours

“Dear friends, let us love one another, for love comes from God. Everyone who loves has been born of God and knows God. Whoever does not love does not know God, because God is love. This is how God showed his love among us: He sent his one and only Son into the world that we might live through him. This is love: not that we loved God, but that he loved us and sent his Son as an atoning sacrifice for our sins. Dear friends, since God so loved us, we also ought to love one another. No one has ever seen God; but if we love one another, God lives in us and his love is made complete in us.

This is how we know that we live in him and he in us: He has given us of his Spirit. And we have seen and testify that the Father has sent his Son to be the Savior of the world. If anyone acknowledges that Jesus is the Son of God, God lives in them and they in God. And so, we know and rely on the love God has for us.

God is love. Whoever lives in love lives in God, and God in them. This is how love is made complete among us so that we will have confidence on the day of judgment: In this world we are like Jesus. There is no fear in love. But perfect love drives out fear, because fear has to do with punishment. The one who fears is not made perfect in love.

We love because he first loved us. Whoever claims to love God yet hates a brother or sister is a liar. For whoever does not love their brother and sister, whom they have seen, cannot love God, whom they have not seen. And he has given us this command: Anyone who loves God must also love their brother and sister.”

See what I mean, isn’t it amazing. I love scripture. I hope you do to.
 
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

Thank you Lord for loving us so much…

Rosary Man Jim’s Sorrowful Reflection: http://beads-of-joy-blog.blogspot.com/2014/02/the-sorrowful-mysteries_11.html

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Monday, July 23, 2018

Hear The Wisdom


BEADS OF JOY 07-23-18
“Hear The Wisdom”
©2018 James Dacey, Jr. OFS

My Friends,


Today’s Gospel: Matthew 12:38-42 (Demand For A Sign)
“Then some of the scribes and Pharisees said to him, "Teacher, we wish to see a sign from you." But he answered them, "An evil and adulterous generation seeks for a sign; but no sign shall be given to it except the sign of the prophet Jonah. For as Jonah was three days and three nights in the belly of the whale, so will the Son of man be three days and three nights in the heart of the earth. The men of Nineveh will arise at the judgment with this generation and condemn it; for they repented at the preaching of Jonah, and behold, something greater than Jonah is here. The queen of the South will arise at the judgment with this generation and condemn it; for she came from the ends of the earth to hear the wisdom of Solomon, and behold, something greater than Solomon is here.”

Reflection:
Are we in many ways like the scribes and Pharisees of their time? Do we demand a sign from God? Is our faith so uncertain, that we will only believe if we see? I plead before you, not to surrender with doubt or questions; rather get on your knees in humility and embrace our Lord, with love and confidence and trust in Him. He is faithful! He is loving! He will never forsake us! Even unto death He shall be by our side loving us; but we must not turn from Him or doubt Him or question Him; only Trust in Him. Jesus Loves You more than we will ever know. Have Faith !!

Ask the Holy Spirit to give you a clearer understanding and more knowledge of God and His ways. Do you thirst for God’s wisdom? Look what is written in the book of James 3:17-18, “But the wisdom that comes from heaven is first of all pure; then peace loving, considerate, submissive, full of mercy and good fruit, impartial and sincere. Peacemakers who sow in peace reap a harvest of righteousness.” We must be humble before Almighty God, like a student before the teacher with an open mind ready to learn.

"Faith is to believe what you do not see; the reward of this faith is to see what you believe." ~St. Augustine

"Faith has to do with things that are not seen and hope with things that are not in hand."~St. Thomas Aquinas

"I believe though I do not comprehend, and I hold by faith what I cannot grasp with the mind." ~St. Bernard

“To one who has faith, no explanation is necessary. To one without faith, no explanation is possible.” ~St. Thomas Aquinas

Side Note: "What is The Sign of Jonah? The stumbling block of the cross. So, it is not the disputers of knowledge who will be saved but those who believe true teaching. For the cross of Christ is indeed a stumbling block to those who dispute knowledge but salvation to those who believe. Paul testifies to this: 'But we, for our part, preach the crucified Christ - to the Jews indeed a stumbling block and to the Gentiles foolishness, but to those who are called, both Jews and Greeks, Christ, the power of God and the wisdom of God' (1 Corinthians 1:23-24). Why do the Jews seek signs and the Greeks seek wisdom? God pointed to the sign of the stumbling block of the cross to both the Jews and the Greeks. Thus, those who wish to find Christ not through faith but through wisdom will perish on the stumbling block of foolishness. Those who wish to know the Son of God not through faith but through a demonstration of signs will remain trapped in their disbelief, falling on the stumbling block of his death. It is no small wonder that the Jews, considering the death of Christ, thought he was merely a man, when even Christians - as they purport to be but really are not - because of his death are reluctant to declare the only begotten, the crucified, as incomparable majesty. (excerpt from INCOMPLETE WORK ON MATTHEW, HOMILY 30)

The Sign of Jonah


Read Scripture:
Understanding Jonah


Pondering these thoughts today: Wow. After learning about how important it was to God, that the Ninevites repented; how do you feel about our generation? Are we also in need of repentance as a nation and a people? Our first step to making that all come through is, we individually must repent and encourage others to do the same.

I’ve shared this is the past at some point, but I thought it would helpful and encouraging now. God Bless you guys. I really want all of you to go to Heaven.

How do I go to Confession?


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.


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Sunday, July 22, 2018

Many Saw Them


BEADS OF JOY 07-22-18
“Many Saw Them”
©2018 James Dacey, Jr. OFS

My Friends,

A typical meal for our Family of 7

Today’s Gospel: Mark 6:30-34 (Return of The Twelve)
“The apostles returned to Jesus and told him all that they had done and taught. And he said to them, "Come away by yourselves to a lonely place, and rest a while." For many were coming and going, and they had no leisure even to eat. And they went away in the boat to a lonely place by themselves. Now many saw them going, and knew them, and they ran there on foot from all the towns and got there ahead of them. As he went ashore he saw a great throng, and he had compassion on them, because they were like sheep without a shepherd; and he began to teach them many things.”

Reflection:
For what is this life without Jesus? Nothing! This life’s meaning, purpose, reason and everything means nothing without Jesus. I know we are all in different places in our lives but let us all should agree on one thing; we must have Jesus in the center of our life, our choices, our decisions and in everything we do. We should spend our whole entire life, trying to love Jesus as much as He loves us; some will achieve this, but most won’t, but we should do our best. What I mean by that is that some will literally surrender and lose everything of this world for our Lord, including their very lives; most will come close, but not that close. I like to think and hope that if I am ever confronted with that in my life, there is no doubt that I would open my arms, look up to Heaven and shout for joy to my Lord saying, “Lord, I’m Coming Home!”.

I know for some that’s a little bit too much drama. Well, buckle up (lol) I am not here to bake you a tray of lasagna and give you back rubs. Hmmm, Ok I will bake you some lasagna. See, even in all this drama, I love making my lasagna. You know if the end times do come in my lifetime and you do smell lasagna being baked; it’s probably me. Well, it is my absolute favorite meal. In my life, it’s the best, breakfast, brunch, lunch, snack and dinner I have ever tasted, and I mean it with all my heart, or at least all my stomach. Oh wow, did I side track, see what good food does to me. I think I need to make a tray a lasagna real soon, and a huge vat of sauce (my sauce).  But this side track shows us all something very important about how easily distracted we can get. I even added this picture of me holding a simple, conservative size serving, of my lasagna.

My Typical single serving of Lasagna!!

Jesus Must absolutely be the first thought in our minds as we kick start our days (Good Morning Lord). He must be the first words we speak (Prayer). As everything happens throughout our day, good and bad and confusing (Thank you Lord). Yes, that wasn’t a misprint. We don’t always understand the bad things or things we perceive as bad; but in God’s plan and will for our life He does. Thanking Him in all things is very important in our journey. But we must be on the journey to be in the loop, so when Jesus says, follow me, we must and so much of this will become more of a natural part of our lives. I know many must wonder if I ever breathe with these long sentences... LOL
The Gospel - Mark 6:30-34
(16th Sunday in Ordinary Time)


Mark 6:30-34
JMT Gospel Reflection


Pondering these thoughts today: I hope I am not too harsh, or strange or hardcore with my spiritually. To me loving Jesus is everything! My faith comes first always! Period! And living life that way is incredibly awesome. If you are ever nearby, we can sit down over a huge dish of lasagna and talk about these things. I’m Italiano, soa whena wea sita witha anyonea, wea gotta toa eata! LOL I ama nutsa!

“A tutti coloro che amano il cibo italiano, siediti e mangia con noi italiani, amiamo il cibo, amiamo cucinare e amiamo Gesù.” (To everybody who loves Italian food, sit down and eat with us Italians, we love food, we love cooking and we love Jesus.)

PS. I did have my DNA done at Ancestry:
83% Southern Italian
8% Caucasian (this is a region south of Turkey)
7% Middle Eastern
2% North African

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!


Rosary Man Jim's Glorious Reflections: http://beads-of-joy-blog.blogspot.com/2013/05/the-glorious-mysteries.html

MY FIRST BOOK.
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Rosary Man Jim's
Decades With Our Lady Podcast
https://rosarymanjim.podbean.com/

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Saturday, July 21, 2018

Many Followed Him


BEADS OF JOY 07-21-18
“Many Followed Him”
©2018 James Dacey, Jr. OFS

My Friends,


Today’s Gospel: Matthew 12:14-21 (God’s Chosen Servant)
“But the Pharisees went out and took counsel against him, how to destroy him. Jesus, aware of this, withdrew from there. And many followed him, and he healed them all, and ordered them not to make him known. This was to fulfill what was spoken by the prophet Isaiah: "Behold, my servant whom I have chosen, my beloved with whom my soul is well pleased.  I will put my Spirit upon him, and he shall proclaim justice to the Gentiles. He will not wrangle or cry aloud, nor will anyone hear his voice in the streets; he will not break a bruised reed or quench a smoldering wick, till he brings justice to victory; and in his name will the Gentiles hope."

Reflection:
When your life is crumbling around you… Do you place all your trust, all your energy and all your focus on God’s help and grace and mercy? Well you should! I can say that, because when I say our lives have had its share of destruction, it has. We have been flung off a cliff and drained of every spec of hope we could possible salvage. Even with the ending we had (Chrissy passing away). Yet through it all, tucked deep inside of us we had this “light” this hope, that can only be explained in one simple name “Jesus”. We were never always certain about many things for many years. We didn't always have faithful, loyal people (family and friends) by our side, making sure we made it through with some of our basic needs. We suffered a lot ALONE. Sadly, most of the time we were completely on our own, through Chrissy's toughest times. Hungry and suffering.

Remember Jesus suffered for us and He died for us. His love for us is immeasurable. The Pharisees hated Jesus, their only focus was to destroy and inevitably kill Him. Jesus had incredible courage and determination and if it was God’s Will, that it be through His suffering and dying on the Cross, so be it. Jesus’ love for us meant, He was willing to give all He had including His life; so that by suffering and death, we might have salvation and eternal life. He knew that by dying, He alone would defeat death for us; so that in-turn we might have eternal life with Him.

But we must not forget, we to, have a Cross and we must carry it every day no matter how heavy it gets. If we must lay down our lives as Jesus did, so be it. We must do all we can in this life to seek out God’s Will for us. The best way to begin (and I’m no saint) is by doing all we can to die to sin, and do all we can to stop purposely, knowingly sinning. The culture we live in has accepted “sins” of all kinds, they have even embedded them in laws. That doesn’t make them right before God. Each of us is responsible for our own actions, choices and even words. God will judge us individually (one on one) when that day comes. He alone will decide what our eternity will be. Other things we need to eliminate from our lives is: selfishness, envy, pride, strife, anger and hatred. I know it’s not always easy.


God’s Chosen Servant


Be Not Afraid
by John Michael Talbot w/ lyrics


Pondering these thoughts today: My suggestion is simple:
Pray Every day... Go to Mass as Often as you possibly can... Go to Confession also as often as you possibly can... Love your neighbor, do whatever you can to help those in need, even giving of your own stuff, your own food… And pray for World Peace, God’s Mercy and Others...

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.


MY FIRST BOOK.
(Mary’s Way of The Cross - .99¢)

MY SECOND BOOK.
(Praying The Complete Rosary - .99¢)

Rosary Man Jim's
Decades With Our Lady Podcast
https://rosarymanjim.podbean.com/

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Friday, July 20, 2018

Lord of The Sabbath


BEADS OF JOY 07-20-18
“Lord of The Sabbath”
©2018 James Dacey, Jr. OFS

My Friends,

Chapel at The National Shrine of Mary Help of Christians - Stony Point, NY

Today’s Gospel: 
Matthew 12:1-8 (Picking Grain on The Sabbath)
“At that time Jesus went through the grain fields on the Sabbath; his disciples were hungry, and they began to pluck heads of grain and to eat. But when the Pharisees saw it, they said to him, "Look, your disciples are doing what is not lawful to do on the Sabbath." He said to them, "Have you not read what David did, when he was hungry, and those who were with him: how he entered the house of God and ate the bread of the Presence, which it was not lawful for him to eat nor for those who were with him, but only for the priests? Or have you not read in the law how on the Sabbath the priests in the temple profane the Sabbath, and are guiltless? I tell you, something greater than the temple is here. And if you had known what this means, `I desire mercy, and not sacrifice,' you would not have condemned the guiltless. For the Son of man is Lord of the Sabbath."

Reflection:
Interesting how the Pharisees only focus wasn’t on who Jesus was. Well we know that now and Jesus knew that then. On the Sabbath we are to rest and to slumber and regain our strength, honoring our Lord. With that said, we are also to tend to others with mercy, especially those in need; and even further, with that said, Jesus is Lord of the Sabbath, well that says it all.

How are your Sunday’s Special and Holy? I know in today’s world, so many must work; or be busy cleaning and catching up at home because of working multiple jobs or extreme hours. This leaves the weekend, if you have a weekend to catch up or spend time with family, if you even have anytime with your family. Today’s world is a much different world than the one I grew up in. Sadly, many kids and our younger generation will never ever see it the way we did. The past can be interpreted in a whole bunch of ways and unfortunately depending on how hard your heart is, or how your experience was, it can be interpreted differently. But we all have our own story to share. I can only share mine and my families that I know so well.

My childhood was one of joy and family. I remember always seeing respect for Sunday’s, businesses respected Sunday’s, attendance at Mass was standing room only, no matter what Mass you went to. I was an altar server for many, many years as a kid, spending most of my Sunday’s on the Altar with the Priests serving Mass. Wonderful memories at Holy Child Church in Eltingville, Staten Island, New York. Our church had many priests growing up and we had many Masses throughout Sunday. I still can remember, how jam packed that church always was all day Sunday, every Sunday. Then after Mass we’d usually go to cemetery and visit family and from there go to visit both Grandma (dad’s mom) and then Grandma and Grandpa (mom’s parents). Just a typical Catholic Italian, on Sunday growing up. I really miss that so much. When Chrissy and I lived on Staten Island and we had just the 3 oldest kids, we did do that a lot. We always visited Chrissy’s dad and my grandparents at Moravian Cemetery. There were 2 other cemeteries we went to also on Staten Island regularly.


Jesus Is Lord of the Sabbath


Remember the Sabbath


TEN COMMANDMENTS



Pondering these thoughts today: "Now every week has seven days. Six of these God has given to us for work, and one for prayer, rest, and making reparation for our sins, so that on the Lord's Day we may atone to God for any sins we have committed on the other six days. Therefore, arrive early at the church of God; draw near to the Lord and confess your sins to him, repenting in prayer and with a contrite heart. Attend the holy and divine liturgy; finish your prayer and do not leave before the dismissal. Contemplate your master as he is broken and distributed, yet not consumed. If you have a clear conscience, go forward and partake of the body and blood of the Lord." ~ Eusebius of Alexandria

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

Thank you Lord for loving us so much…


Rosary Man Jim’s Sorrowful Reflection: http://beads-of-joy-blog.blogspot.com/2014/02/the-sorrowful-mysteries_11.html

MY FIRST BOOK.
(Mary’s Way of The Cross - .99¢)

MY SECOND BOOK.
(Praying The Complete Rosary - .99¢)

Rosary Man Jim's
Decades With Our Lady Podcast
https://rosarymanjim.podbean.com/

Written by at
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