Extraordinary Man of Faith

BEADS OF JOY 9-17-12 “Extraordinary Man of Faith”
©2012 James Dacey, Jr. OFS

My Friends,

This morning we read of a certain Centurion who demonstrated his extraordinary faith; such a strong faith that even Jesus was astonished. Today we are reflecting on Luke 7:1-10 (A Centurion’s Faith); “When Jesus heard this he marveled at him, and turned and said to the multitude that followed him, I tell you, not even in Israel have I found such faith." When we are seeking our Lord, not only to have our prayers answered, but in building our relationship with Him; do we seek Him confidently knowing who He really is? Are we even bold enough in our own lives to step outside of our comfort zone to seek Jesus? In direct reflection to today’s gospel, let us keep in mind this Centurion was a Roman Official seeking out after Jesus; knowing our Lord’s healing power and believing in Him in his approach. This man was taking a most daring risk with his own life to seek out Jesus. But we must note that he remained bold and did not back down, and continued to have a conversation with our Lord.

How courageous are you? Do you love those around you so much that you would approach Jesus on behalf of another, regardless of who is around when you approach Him? I have always said throughout the years, “You can rely on me spiritually, no matter what I shall always remain at my post, even if I must die here.” I am using myself as an example only to show you this; that even me, a sinner, a regular Joe with no formal education, no doctorate, nothing but pure faith in Jesus, that even I have the strength (through Jesus) to remain strong in my faith. Let us never lose heart, or ever be intimidated by what another might say; rather be strong and solid and loyal to God alone. For in the end, at the end of this life, when the smoke clears and all the noise and activities and plans and calendars of this life fade away; it’ll be just you and God standing alone together face to face. That my friends is our life’s reality, a reality we can prepare for now while we still have time.

Do you have the backbone, when it comes to your faith? Will you step out in faith boldly proclaiming your love and faith in Jesus Christ? The time is now and the place is in your heart to begin. With humility and confidence we place everything on the line and we follow a God who loves us and forgives us; and who always gives us His mercy and love no matter what we do. We must remember that God does not love us because we love Him; He loves us no matter how we feel about Him. His love for us is not based on conditions or if you do, I do; His love is unconditional at all times. Let us follow Him and love Him, by His example of unconditional love for us. God is always in charge, remembering and knowing that keeps all things in perspective. Have a great day my sister and brothers, God Bless.

Your Brother in Christ Jesus and His Most Precious Mother Mary, Jimmy (The Rosary Man) Dacey Jr OFS

Who Do You Say I Am?

BEADS OF JOY 9-16-12 “Who Do You Say I Am?”
©2012 James Dacey, Jr. OFS

My Friends,

What a question to begin with, but an important one we all must consider, either in private or in public. Today’s gospel can be found in Mark 8:27-35 (Who Do People Say That I Am?). I think it’s rather remarkable that even today; two thousand plus years later, so many people have such a challenge trying to identify who Jesus is. It was through Peter’s faith that he was the first disciple to identify Jesus boldly and directly. But honestly why is it so difficult for others to say the same thing? I think I know why. Look at what Jesus said at the end of today’s passage, “If any man would come after me, let him deny himself and take up his cross and follow me. For whoever would save his life will lose it; and whoever loses his life for my sake and the gospel's will save it.” That is some heavy stuff for anyone seeking to find pleasure, success and wealth in this life.

So if we were to identify Jesus as Lord and Savior and we acknowledge His Lordship, our life would be different; different how? He is asking us to deny our own selfish desires of what we want, and then He said we would have to carry our own cross and while carrying that cross we are to follow after Jesus, and that’s not even the end of it, there’s more. He further said we must lose our lives, lose our lives???? Oh my, so I can’t live my life, my way, doing what I want, and what I desire when I want, with whom I want. And then He finishes that thought with, whoever loses their lives will be the ones who actually save their lives. I love this scripture!! So let’s understand this more clearly, we must live a life totally and completely submissive to Our Lord’s wishes and Will for us, and forget our own personal desires and goals. Who on earth would want to do that? What a waste of life, what a waste of time??? NO IT’S NOT!!! Think about it. Life here on earth is what about 50-60-70-80 year’s long, ok maybe some will see their 90’s and even 100, then what? I think the real question is: Where do you wish to spend eternity? For where your heart is, there your treasure will be… And remember eternity is time without measure... endless.

This is indeed a very hard teaching, a scripture more than most likely no one will really even attempt to even try to live. I say boo who: Just do it!!! I promise you will never ever regret giving up pretty much everything and then devoting as much time as you possibly can to Him; in prayer, in fellowship, in sharing, writing, talking, celebrating and telling everyone of your love for Him. It was the spring of 1983 for me (29 years ago), that marked the end of the old me that lived for me and pretty much excluded Jesus from most of, if not all of my life. But a new me was born-again, not a mini-me (lol), but rather a spiritually awaken me, a very alive part of me that has made my life absolutely incredible. I am forever on cloud nine, bubbly excited, wound up, very optimistic and I always filled with tremendous joy and tremendous energy. Just the mere thought of Jesus, or Mary, or scripture, or sharing my faith with others, or uniting in prayer and the excitement levels inside me reach earth shaking levels that wined me up.

I challenge you today: To begin living a life that completely, fully puts Jesus first in all that you do, all that you are responsible for and all that you so desire. Make Him the center of your everything, every single day.

Your Brother in Christ Jesus and His Most Precious Mother Mary, Jimmy (The Rosary Man) Dacey Jr OFS

Making A Strong Return

BEADS OF JOY 9-07-12 "Making a Strong Return”
©2012 James Dacey, Jr. OFS


My Friends,

Thank you all for having patience with me. My duties at home and my work schedule and everything else that seems to find its way into my life, distract me from this wonderful, blessed daily blog. This month (September) I have made a commitment to rejuvenate topics, retreats, weekly journeys.

Of cause everything I share in some way always involves Our Most Blessed Wonderful Beautiful Blessed Mother. I really love her so much. This newly revitalized blog will hopefully grab your hearts and your Spirits even more than before. I will take you on a "Marital Journey", a "Servant's Journey", and a hidden specialty I wrote many many years ago, back when me and Fr. Peter Calabrese use to spend so much time together at Our Lady of Fatima's Shrine in Lewiston, NY. We use to live 6 miles away from the Shrine, need I say more; I practically lived there. When I first met Fr. Julio, he asked if I'd like to live on the grounds, because I was there so much. I told him, if my wife and 5 kids can move in with me... YES !!!! anyway I am diverting away from what I was saying. Back then I was working on a project called, "The Career Rosary". Yes it is as intriguing as it sounds. I will share all my written treasures of the past 29 years. That is actually 13 boxes of journals and notes and writings. I hope the Spiritual future for all of us is exciting and incredible and we all get even closer to Jesus...

I really love you guys with all my heart. Hold tight and watch this blog explode with excitement and Joy unlimited..


Your Brother in Christ Jesus and His Most Precious Mother Mary,
Jimmy (The Rosary Man) Dacey Jr OFS