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
Tuesday, August 16, 2011
Monday, August 15, 2011
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
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
Friday, August 12, 2011
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
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
Thursday, August 11, 2011
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
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
Wednesday, August 10, 2011
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
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
Tuesday, August 9, 2011
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
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
Monday, August 8, 2011
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
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
Sunday, August 7, 2011
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
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
Tuesday, August 2, 2011
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
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
Monday, August 1, 2011
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
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
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