Beads of Joy 10-11-11
Our Daily Walk - Luminous 2/5
©2011 James Dacey, Jr. SFO
Luminous Walk - 2/5
Hello Everyone,
Yesterday was a powerful message indeed; I think I could write a whole week about yesterday's mystery alone. Today we look at the second Luminous Mystery - The Wedding Feast of Cana. What a blessing that Jesus should have His first miracle under the encouragement of His mother. A mother's heart knows her child; she knows when her children are ready for challenges and the future that lies ahead. Mary knew it was time for her Son to begin to show and share the power He has within Himself. So many miracles we see throughout our lives are a direct answer to intercessory prayer. How many people do we know including me that live in the constant prayer of hope and miracles? I'll bet if we all take a moment and look at all our friendships and family; we will find so many for so many different reasons praying for a miracle. Mary's intercession as is the intercession of our own mothers is so important for us in our lives. A mother's love will be something to reflect upon today, along with the desire and want for a miracle.
When we are asking for a miracle, are we being selfish, or do we want what we want, no matter what? I don't think so. Seems like most of the time when miracles are begged for before God, so many of them have to do with the healing of someone’s health. Is it so selfish to ask for someone’s good health? Of cause not, but we must realize that God's purpose and God's will have nothing to do with our own, or anybody else's physical health. Our Lord seeks our spiritual wellness and our eternal future. We must allow Him to use our lives and even our bodies to help further His will in our lives and the lives of those around us to draw others to Himself. Let's look at something Jesus himself said about sickness and its purpose in our lives, "When he heard this, Jesus said, "This sickness will not end in death. No, it is for God's glory so that God's Son may be glorified through it." John 11:4. That is the purpose of all the suffering we must endure, to glorify God. Our suffering though it may seem personal, it's not; it is rather for us to be open to God's will in our lives. We must be patient and trusting in whatever it is God's purpose is in our suffering.
Sometimes it is through suffering that relationships receive healing. Sometimes it is through suffering that many have their lives brought back full circle to the reality of what life truly is about. A miracle, miracles, miracles, is that all we want? Or do we want a winning lottery ticket, a surprise raise; a wallet full of cash with no ID and no one claims it so it's yours to keep? I wonder what it is so many of us are really praying for in the depths of our own hearts when we are begging God for a miracle. God knows our heart, it is He who knows our intentions, our ulterior motives, He is the one who knows why a certain path has been set before us. Sometimes we look ahead at our lives and we say to ourselves, "No, I'd rather be rich and successful in my life." Sometimes we want what we want. But honestly who are we to say what it is we want. Is not God our Father, our creator, our Lord? Doesn't He know what we need and when we need it? In Matthew's gospel before our Lord taught us the Lord's Prayer, He said this, "Do not be like them, for your Father knows what you need before you ask him." Matthew 6:8.
Now through all of these thoughts and reflections we look back again at the mystery and what do we find? A mother devoted and confident in her Sons power and ability to help others. And what did He help others in achieving? A miracle of cause, one that would not leave this young couple in disgrace before their guests. A simple miracle, not one that saved any ones life, nor fix any ones health. No but one that secured the dignity of a couple on their first day of marriage, a most blessed sacrament. A very honorable reason for such a miracle. The very wine that Jesus had changed the water from, to be shared with all at the wedding feast; is a wonderful parallel to the very blood that Jesus shed for all the world. Miracles come in all different forms, isn't it comforting knowing that so many people are praying for you. So many intercessory prayers are prayed for so many reasons. Mary our Blessed Mother has shown us that intercessory prayers are important in our journey following Jesus. Please open your heart and mind and know that everything in our lives happen for a reason. Pray, "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