The Word Became Flesh

BEADS OF JOY 12-31-12 “The Word Become Flesh”
©2012 James Dacey, Jr. OFS

My Friends,

God’s only begotten Son became flesh; so that He may redeem the world through the sacrificial death of Jesus His Son. We unite ourselves, our lives and our understanding with Him; making us His sons and daughters. That is why God is also our Father. God’s purpose for all of us for all eternity has always been; to do whatever it takes to unite us with Him. In Jesus we are fully united with God the Father. He became like us, to defeat death for us, so that He can unite us with our Father in Heaven. Jesus’ blood not only represents His defeat of eternal death; but it also represents our unity to His eternal life. Do you feel the excitement and Joy that is all Jesus? He is our Lord and our Savior; let us love Him with a most special adoring love.

As a man, Jesus’ love for us increased; even further understanding our fears, our challenges and our joys. His time with us has most certainly helped Him, so that His mercy might flex more realistically to the obstacles we face, day to day as a human. Our human nature is best understood when you see and you feel and you face daily challenges every day in an array of situations. How can one best understand another’s challenges? Walk in their shoes. That is why Jesus’ love and compassion for us is so great; He knows first-hand what we deal with every single day.

Have you thanked God for sending us Jesus? We need to thank Him, for it was through Jesus that we are united to God the Father and that we get to share in His glory.

My Prayer
Heavenly Father, you have shown your great love for me by giving your only Son to die for me. Thank you for not turning your back on me when I forget this and go my own way. Let me always remember that my stay is very short here on earth and I must do your work in this limited time. Help me to be stronger, never giving up my faith, keeping my eyes completely fixed on Jesus. Amen!

“Jesus, I Trust in You.”

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

Feast of The Holy Family

BEADS OF JOY 12-30-12
“Feast of The Holy Family”
©2012 James Dacey, Jr. OFS

My Friends,

Today we celebrate The Feast of The Holy Family. Each of us has been called to a very special mission in our lives. Many of us are in families, obviously all of us are, but some of us are a direct member of a day to day living experience with a spouse, or siblings, or a mom and a dad or like many who have children. We all have been given a most blessed gift in whatever structure of a family that we live in. That is what is it that binds all of us together? Are we able to relate to Jesus, in the family setting? Can we live a life really close and private with Jesus while sharing a home with six other people? Oh indeed we can.

The foundation of a family is two-fold. Whereas Jesus is the center of the sacrament of marriage; so we have one man and one woman joining in the sacrament of marriage; and in the center of that commitment to one another is a commitment to Jesus, together and separate. I hope I didn't lose anyone with all that, I almost confused myself. LOL. Point here is that that is truly the perfect of all combinations to better secure and hold strong the family that will stay together for many years. Are all marriages and families all that perfect? Absolutely not, challenges and friction are a daily part of survival in a family. That is why we need Jesus all the more.

But let's see what a family is? Like the Holy Family, a family is the union of one man and one woman (united in the sacrament of marriage) and then the multiplying of children (Which we seem to have mastered well in our home. LOL). A family truly has become "a family" once the children arrive. I realize that's not always true, but for the purpose of reflecting on the Holy Family, we'll look at it this way. Children are like the diamonds in the rough of life, they bring so much joy to a couple that mere words can never express this overflowing happiness. Yes there are countless hours of lost sleep, endless dirty diapers from such a small person, and many of us can agree, so much more. Jesus unites us so that we can take care of one another. Not only physically, but even more importantly spiritually.

As a family "we" have a vocation together, our first ministry together. I see it this way: We all need to support one another and help one another get to Heaven. For what purpose is this life if we don't use it to get to the next one in eternity with Jesus. And if we don't spend time nurturing and helping the flesh of our own flesh, what kind of an example are we when we try so hard to help our friends get to Heaven. That is why "the family" (our own families) needs to be our first ministry. There will be trials, challenges, fights and so on. Families will experience everything possible on this journey. The world we live in is not family friendly; in fact too much of a degree the political correctness undermines a family. We need to find that place in our own families were we can best serve each other, forgiving one another and loving one another no matter what. Unconditional love must rule supreme between all members, building supportive strength together.

“Jesus, I Trust in You.”

Your Brother in Christ Jesus
and His Most Precious Mother Mary,
Jimmy (The Rosary Man) Dacey Jr OFS
Revived from my own writings 12-27-09

Respond - Immediate Recognition

BEADS OF JOY 12-29-12
“Respond – Immediate Recognition”
©2012 James Dacey, Jr. OFS

My Friends,

What an absolutely beautiful day to celebrate. Today’s gospel is "The Presentation of Jesus in The Temple". This is also the Fourth Joyful Mystery. See how the Rosary is all about scripture, hence it's all about Jesus. Today our Lord takes His first journey to His Father's house; 40 days after His birth according to Mosaic Law, an absolutely exciting journey indeed. When this is celebrated as the feast day it is often called "Candlemas", meaning "Candle Mass" in my research I have also found that this day is also referred to as "Feast of the Purification of the Blessed Virgin", I heard of that one; but I also came across, "Hypapante tou kyriou" which means: the meeting of the Lord in the temple, I never heard of that one before. Either way it is a rather interesting find in my research, I thought I’d share.

How in tune with the Holy Spirit are you? Simeon without a doubt knew his mission in life and hence devoted his life to stay in tune with it. Let us take a moment to really RESPOND to this, with all our heart. Do you see where this is all going on its simplest understanding?  What is the one thing that the Holy Spirit always seeks? To be with Jesus…of cause!!! Meaning as a foundational approach on seeking out God’s will in our life, at minimum, let us spend as much time as we can in His presence. How about this: Attending Mass not only on Sunday; but also as many times as we can throughout the week. Another idea might be, spending time is in Eucharist Adoration, let’s say one to two hours a month to start with.

Mary was blessed beyond our understanding of blessing; being our Lord’s mother she would have a sword pierce her heart when her Son would be sacrificed. This was something Simeon knew about and prophesied to Mary and Joseph. The crowns Mary has is both filled Joy and Sorrow; we to have also been blessed with the ability to carry both understandings of this. Our heart hurts when our Lord takes up His cross and dies for us; while at the same time we are filled with unending Joy when He rises from the tomb. How about you, have you fully surrendered your life to God with an immeasurable faith and true trust in God?

Let us pray:
Almighty and ever-loving God, we humbly pray that, as your only-begotten Son was on this day presented in the temple, we to may be presented to you with pure and clean hearts by Jesus Christ our Lord; who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever. Amen.

 

“Jesus, I Trust in You.”

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

Respond - To The Suffering

BEADS OF JOY 12-28-12
“Respond – To The Suffering”
©2012 James Dacey, Jr. OFS

My Friends,

Suffering can be a tough topic, how can we RESPOND? Today’s scripture brings us to an event where all male children two years and under were massacred. I admit I have such a hard time with this topic; it gets me so emotionally enraged, how do you RESPOND? Today’s gospel can be found in Matthew 2:13-18 (Flight to Egypt / The Massacre of the Infants). Today's gospel begins with Joseph having the angel of the Lord telling him to flee to Egypt, because Herod was looking for the child to kill Him. And then when Herod couldn't find him he had all the boys two years and younger in Bethlehem and the surrounding area killed, in the hopes that one of them would be Jesus. This story is reminiscent to when Pharaoh had all the Hebrew males killed, "Pharaoh then commanded all his subjects; "Throw into the river every boy that is born to the Hebrews, but you may let the girls live." Exodus 1:22.

Both of these mass killings of the innocent are a kind of genocide. In the past in history; whenever a certain group of people were no longer wanted or desired by the existing power in charge; in certain situations they did all they can to try to terminate the unwanted. This type of genocide exists today and sadly enough so many embrace it and they are trying to force us to pay for it through our taxes; and even promote it through the government by embracing the killer’s corporation. We must continue to pray for the murderers and all those countless millions of innocent babies who were killed.

When it comes to discussing this I have no compromise for the murderers, in my decision about this. No child of God, no life, no baby deserves death. The innocent who is (prior to its birth) safely growing in its mother’s womb, basically gets executed. That is so sad. To me if anyone is promoting or agreeing that abortion is OK; they are either ignorant to the reality of it being a murder, or they themselves must embrace the slaughter of the innocent. I cannot see this being any sort of a compromise when it comes to killing the innocent. I don't mean to offend anyone, but like I said in the beginning of all this, I have a very hard time with this topic. Because we must note that in the end, there is a dead innocent child.

See what I mean when it comes to this, it bothers me straight to the core of my heart. I feel like my heart is being ripped out of my body every time I hear people talking about this, like they are having a pimple removed. Just knowing that so many millions of innocent unborn babies around the world are being ripped apart inside their mother’s womb, only to be discarded into the garbage just drives me crazy. Unfortunately many people in this world don't believe an unborn baby has any rights or is even a soul, how very sad. How do you RESPOND to today’s gospel? We must keep praying for those people involved. They can't be doctors, to the best of my knowledge, doctors heal; they don't kill. I know we must hate the sin of murder, not those doing or participating in them. Are we aware of the kind of Joy that can be found, when we fully surrender with faith and trust to God? Today’s topic was difficult indeed.

“Jesus, I Trust in You.”

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

Respond - To The Empty Tomb

BEADS OF JOY 12-27-12
“Respond – To The Empty Tomb”
©2012 James Dacey, Jr. OFS

My Friends,

Today let us continue our quest to RESPOND this week. Was Jesus not so powerful or as impressive in human form as many had hoped the Savior to be? Did His humanity change how the average person may see an all-powerful God? How powerful was the first sight of that empty tomb to John? If Jesus personally told you, He’d raise from the dead three days after His death; what would solidify that statement? Maybe an empty tomb might do it? How might you RESPOND? I think this is what every Catholic and every believer in Jesus needs to see. His word is no longer questioned and what He can and can’t do is no longer questioned. The empty tomb proves that not even death could hold Him; and the He speaks only truth.

Today we find the gospel in John 20:1a, 2-8 (The Empty Tomb). No greater confirmation of our faith than to see the tomb of our Savior empty, knowing that what He said is what He meant. Are our eyes focused on seeing Him? Do we see how His resurrection became the most significant part of our faith and how to this day, His resurrection is still talked about? Without it maybe we may have never heard of Jesus.

What does it take for you to RESPOND? Do you need to personally see the empty tomb? Can you remain strong in what you believe in; from reading about what the disciple John saw? I wonder how the gospels identify how the empty tomb of Jesus was discovered and made know it was empty.

In Matthew's Gospel: Mary Magdalene and the other Mary were told by the angel standing outside the tomb that Jesus was risen. They did not actually look to see if the tomb was really empty, but departed quickly, to tell the disciples.

In The Gospel of Mark: Mary Magdalene, Mary mother of James and Salome found the stone had been moved from the sepulcher and in going in, found Jesus was gone and a young man there to tell them that Jesus was risen.

In Luke's Gospel, the women who came from Galilee, Mary Magdalene, Mary mother of James, Johanna and other women found the stone had been moved from the sepulcher and going in, they found Jesus was gone and two men in shining garments there. The two men told the women that Jesus was risen, and they went and told the disciples, who did not believe them.

In The Gospel of John, Mary Magdalene found the stone moved, but it was still dark and she did not go in the sepulcher. She ran and told Peter and the 'disciple whom Jesus loved'. They ran to the tomb and it was the 'disciple whom Jesus loved' who arrived first (John) and looking in, saw that the tomb was empty. Peter arrived and they both went into the tomb and saw two angels.

“Jesus, I Trust in You.”
Your Brother in Christ Jesus
and His Most Precious Mother Mary,
Jimmy (The Rosary Man) Dacey Jr OFS

Respond – Our Allegiance To Him

BEADS OF JOY 12-26-12
“Respond – Our Allegiance To Him”
©2012 James Dacey, Jr. OFS

My Friends,

Christmas was spectacular indeed. Even if like us, you didn’t have many gifts involved, you hopefully had a wonderful day with your family and friends as we did. Today I will challenge you to RESPOND in ways that some might reject and refuse. Before you run away and click the X on the top right of the screen and leave, take the time to consider these things. The best way to set the stage will be for me to show you today’s entire gospel, just take a moment and read this. You may RESPOND before reading any further after you do read today’s scripture.

Matthew 10:17-22 (Coming Persecutions)
“Beware of men; for they will deliver you up to councils, and flog you in their synagogues, and you will be dragged before governors and kings for my sake, to bear testimony before them and the Gentiles. When they deliver you up, do not be anxious how you are to speak or what you are to say; for what you are to say will be given to you in that hour; for it is not you who speak, but the Spirit of your Father speaking through you. Brother will deliver up brother to death, and the father his child, and children will rise against parents and have them put to death; and you will be hated by all for my name's sake. But he who endures to the end will be saved.”

Whether we like it or not, our way to eternity into Heaven with Jesus is through the Cross. We have to accept the Cross that we will have to carry through life to follow Him; no, we won’t be alone and yes Jesus will help us with the burden of its weight. But in the end we must know, that that Cross we are carrying is ours. As Jesus sacrificed His blood and laid down His life to save us; we must live our life as a living sacrifice serving Him, and we may be put to the test with violence against us for following Him. That’s a reality in today’s world.

So what is today’s challenge? How might you RESPOND? Let us always remain loyal to Jesus; never surrender our allegiance to anyone else. How do you RESPOND? What is your first thought? Will you be able to have the strength to with-stand the sword for your faith? Or are you so weak and so easily intimidated, making you turn away from Jesus in an instance in fear of your own selfishness? Interesting challenge to consider; but today’s gospel is pretty clear, “…you will be hated by all…” Do you trust in Him? How do you RESPOND when your life is now the very sacrifice the world seeks? Relax, I am not the one asking you to surrender your blood; today’s gospel does suggest though, that one day we might have to decide. I promised you, this week will be a week, about how we will RESPOND to our faith. God Bless you.

“Jesus, I Trust in You.”

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

Merry Christmas

BEADS OF JOY 12-25-12 “Merry Christmas”
©2012 James Dacey, Jr. OFS

My Friends,

Merry Christmas:
My dear sisters and brothers, today I only wish to share the early morning readings with you. Let us focus on our families today. As this new week continues we will be focusing on how we might RESPOND to Jesus in His birth, to Jesus in His poverty, to Jesus in His love for us and in our Trusting in Him.

Solemnity of the Nativity of the Lord (Christmas)

Reading 1 IsAIAH 62:11-12 (Restoration of Zion)

See, the LORD proclaims
to the ends of the earth:
say to daughter Zion,
your savior comes!
Here is his reward with him,
his recompense before him.
They shall be called the holy people,
the redeemed of the LORD,
and you shall be called "Frequented,"
a city that is not forsaken.

Responsorial Psalm Ps 97:1, 6, 11-12.

R. A light will shine on us this day: the Lord is born for us.
The LORD is king; let the earth rejoice;
let the many isles be glad.
The heavens proclaim his justice,
and all peoples see his glory.
R. A light will shine on us this day: the Lord is born for us.
Light dawns for the just;
and gladness, for the upright of heart.
Be glad in the LORD, you just,
and give thanks to his holy name.
R. A light will shine on us this day: the Lord is born for us.

Reading 2 TiMOTHY 3:4-7 (Various Ministries)

Beloved:
When the kindness and generous love
of God our savior appeared,
not because of any righteous deeds we had done
but because of his mercy,
He saved us through the bath of rebirth
and renewal by the Holy Spirit,
whom he richly poured out on us
through Jesus Christ our savior,
so that we might be justified by his grace
and become heirs in hope of eternal life.

Gospel LUkE 2:15-20 (The Visit of the Shepherds)

When the angels went away from them to heaven,
the shepherds said to one another,
"Let us go, then, to Bethlehem
to see this thing that has taken place,
which the Lord has made known to us."
So they went in haste and found Mary and Joseph,
and the infant lying in the manger.
When they saw this,
they made known the message
that had been told them about this child.
All who heard it were amazed
by what had been told them by the shepherds.
And Mary kept all these things,
reflecting on them in her heart.
Then the shepherds returned,
glorifying and praising God
for all they had heard and seen,
just as it had been told to them.

“Jesus, I Trust in You.”

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

Christmas Eve

BEADS OF JOY 12-24-12 “Christmas Eve”
©2012 James Dacey, Jr. OFS

My Friends,

Today’s blog will remain short and simple, its best we spend our time with our families during these most joyful of days. By the way Merry Christmas!!! Christmas can be such a joyful time of the year; it is so sad when many have memories that bring them sorrow. I pray that you are able to find the joy of Jesus in your heart during this season.

Today I’d like to reflect on the third Joyful Mystery of the Rosary. The Rosary is a prayerful reflection of scripture that reviews the significant events in the life of Jesus and Mary. Since tomorrow is Christmas Day let us reflect on The Nativity, the third Joyful Mystery. But let us remember today's main focus for all of us, should be spending time with our families. Here is my Decade Dedication to The Nativity...

The Third Joyful Mystery – The Nativity
Our Father…

1. And while [Mary and Joseph] were [in Bethlehem] / the time came for her to be delivered. (Luke 2:6) Hail Mary…
2. And she gave birth to her firstborn son / and wrapped him in swaddling clothes. (Luke 2:7) Hail Mary…
3. And [she] laid him in a manger, / because there was no place for them in the inn. (Luke 2:7) Hail Mary…
4. And in that region / there were shepherds out in the field, / keeping watch over their flock by night. / And an angel of the Lord appeared to them, / and the glory of the Lord shone around them, / and they were filled with fear. (Luke 2:8-9) Hail Mary…
5. And the angel said to them, / “Be not afraid; / for behold, I bring you news of a great joy / which will come to all the people.” (Luke 2:10) Hail Mary…
6. “For to you is born this day in the city of David / a Savior, who is Christ the Lord.” (Luke 2:11) Hail Mary…
7. “Glory to God in the highest, / and on earth peace among men with whom he is pleased!” (Luke 2:14) Hail Mary…
8. And going into the house / [the Wise Men] saw the child with Mary his mother. (Matthew 2:1, 11) Hail Mary…
9. And they fell down and worshipped him. / Then, opening their treasures, / they offered him gifts, / gold and frankincense and myrrh. (Matthew 2:11) Hail Mary…
10. But Mary kept all these things / pondering them in her heart. (Luke 2:19) Hail Mary…

~Glory be to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit./ As it was in the beginning, is now, and ever shall be, world without end. Amen.

~Oh my Jesus, forgive us our sins. Save us from the fires of hell. Lead all souls to Heaven, especially those in most need of Thy mercy.

“Jesus, I Trust in You.”

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

4th Sunday of Advent

BEADS OF JOY 12-23-12 “4^th Sunday of Advent”
©2012 James Dacey, Jr. OFS

My Friends,

Today is the Fourth Sunday of Advent. In our lives, do we really recognize our Lord’s presence? Have you turned your life over to God, trustingly giving Him full control of everything? What is the significance of Mary’s visit to Elizabeth while she was pregnant? Did you know that it is the Holy Spirit within us that leaps with Joy- always leading us to, and always recognizes our Lord’s presence? Are you also ready to RESPOND to God’s love in your life? How we RESPOND shows Jesus how much we really love Him. This week our focus will be how we can RESPOND to Jesus. He loves us even when we don’t or won’t love Him in return; His love is unconditional. Mary our Lord’s Mother and ours; lovingly gave up her life to accept the sword that would pierce her heart. How can we live a life in response to her example? What we have to do in this life, is figure out this: How can I make Jesus the absolute center of my life?

Today’s gospel can be found in Luke 1:39-45 (The Visitation). I always love it when our days focus is on a mystery. The Visitation is the second Joyful Mystery, and that alone is exciting. Mary did receive a crown, a crown of Joy given to her for unselfishly being our Lord’s mother, the ark of the New Covenant; but we must note that she also received another crown for the pain and sorrow she will bear at the foot of His cross. The Visitation teaches us a lot about, self-giving to others and unselfishness. Today’s scripture captures me at this verse, “And why is this granted me, that the mother of my Lord should come to me?” When Mary saw Elizabeth, Elizabeth was shocked that Mary would be there for her, knowing she was the, “..mother of my Lord.”

Let us RESPOND together to such a loving, caring, merciful God. Christmas is just two days away. It’s so exciting and there is so much fun; just thinking about the Joy that baby Jesus will bring to the world. Many of you know how much I really love Praying The Rosary, and that nothing interferes with my relationship with my Lord. Today I challenge you to try to do the same in your own life. RESPOND to God’s infinite love by placing Him first and foremost in your thoughts and actions each day. When I gave my heart and life to Jesus back in 1983, you can understand the depths of my experience if you read “My Story” http://beads-of-joy-blog.blogspot.com/2010/01/my-story-1st-time-posted-here.html check it out, if haven’t yet. My whole life changed and my allegiance was fully to my Lord and the Rosary was my guiding light to Him every day. How did I RESPOND? I centered my life around my love for Him, trusting Him, and always turning to Him and always thanking Him; even in the hardest of times, still trusting Him. It has given such great strength through these trying times of Chrissy’s suffering.

“Jesus, I Trust in You.”

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

The Canticle of Mary

BEADS OF JOY 12-22-12 “The Canticle of Mary”
©2012 James Dacey, Jr. OFS

My Friends,
Today is another joyous day, "The Canticle of Mary" also known as "The Magnificat". This prayer is so moving, so powerful and so recognized by so many around the world. So today let us look at today's gospel Luke 1:46-56 (Mary's Song of Praise):

"And Mary said, "My soul magnifies the Lord, and my spirit rejoices in God my Savior, for he has regarded the low estate of his handmaiden. For behold, henceforth all generations will call me blessed; for he who is mighty has done great things for me, and holy is his name. And his mercy is on those who fear him from generation to generation. He has shown strength with his arm, he has scattered the proud in the imagination of their hearts, he has put down the mighty from their thrones, and exalted those of low degree; he has filled the hungry with good things, and the rich he has sent empty away. He has helped his servant Israel, in remembrance of his mercy, as he spoke to our fathers, to Abraham and to his posterity forever." And Mary remained with her about three months, and returned to her home."

The Catechism of The Catholic Church also teaches us the following about this magnificent prayer:

The prayer of the Virgin Mary

2617 Mary's prayer is revealed to us at the dawning of the fullness of time. Before the incarnation of the Son of God, and before the outpouring of the Holy Spirit, her prayer cooperates in a unique way with the Father's plan of loving kindness: at the Annunciation, for Christ's conception; at Pentecost, for the formation of the Church, his Body. In the faith of his humble handmaid, the Gift of God found the acceptance he had awaited from the beginning of time. She whom the Almighty made "full of grace" responds by offering her whole being: "Behold I am the handmaid of the Lord; let it be [done] to me according to your word." "Fiat": this is Christian prayer: to be wholly God's, because he is wholly ours.

2618 The Gospel reveals to us how Mary prays and intercedes in faith. At Cana, the mother of Jesus asks her son for the needs of a wedding feast; this is the sign of another feast - that of the wedding of the Lamb where he gives his body and blood at the request of the Church, his Bride. It is at the hour of the New Covenant, at the foot of the cross, that Mary is heard as the Woman, the new Eve, the true "Mother of all the living."

2619 That is why the Canticle of Mary, the Magnificat (Latin) or Megalynei (Byzantine) is the song both of the Mother of God and of the Church; the song of the Daughter of Zion and of the new People of God; the song of thanksgiving for the fullness of graces poured out in the economy of salvation and the song of the "poor" whose hope is met by the fulfillment of the promises made to our ancestors, "to Abraham and to his posterity for ever."

2622 The prayers of the Virgin Mary, in her Fiat and Magnificat, are characterized by the generous offering of her whole being in faith.

I pray that this joyful day of reading our Blessed Mother's Canticle and seeing it's teaching in The Catechism has been as exciting as it was and is for me to share it with all of you. I pray that you continue to enjoy this wonderful beautiful Christmas week.

“Jesus, I Trust in You.”

Your Brother in Christ Jesus
and His Most Precious Mother Mary,
Jimmy (The Rosary Man) Dacey Jr OFS
Also posted December 22, 2010 with slight variations.

Repent - Prepare for Confession

BEADS OF JOY 12-21-12
“Repent – Prepare for Confession”
©2012 James Dacey, Jr. OFS

My Friends,

It’s been a busy couple of days. I hope this is very helpful. One good thing is that a list like this keeps you in check, especially if you examine your conscience as frequently (bi-weekly) as I do.

SEVENTH-&-TENTH-COMMANDMENTS
"You shall not steal." (Ex 20:15) "You shall not covet your neighbor's goods." (Ex 20:17)

• Did I steal, cheat, help or encourage others to steal or keep stolen goods? Have I made restitution for stolen goods?
• Did I fulfill my contracts; give or accept bribes; pay my bills; rashly gamble or speculate; deprive my family of the necessities of life?
• Did I waste time at work, school or at home?
• Did I envy other people's families or possessions?
• Did I make material possessions the purpose of my life?

EIGHTH-COMMANDMENT
"You shall not bear false witness against your neighbor." (Ex 20:16)

• Did I lie? Or do I lie?
• Did I deliberately deceive others, or injure others by lies?
• Did I commit perjury?
• Did I gossip or reveal others' faults or sins?
• Did I fail to keep secret what should be confidential?

OTHER SINS

• Did I fast on Ash Wednesday and Good Friday?
• Did I eat meat on the Fridays of Lent or Ash Wednesday?
• Did I fail to receive Holy Communion during Eastertime?
• Did I go to Holy Communion in a state of mortal sin? Without fasting (water and medicine permitted) for one hour from food and drink?
• Did I make a bad confession?
• Did I fail to contribute to the support of the Church?

God Bless you for doing all you can to be pure before God.

“Jesus, I Trust in You.”

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

Repent - Prepare for Confession

BEADS OF JOY 12-20-12
“Repent – Prepare for Confession”
©2012 James Dacey, Jr. OFS

My Friends,

Let us continue to examine our conscience. It is so important that we all do our best before God, showing Him with our whole heart that we really truly love Him. It is so important that we use our lives to serve Him and honor Him and do so with a pure heart, living a moral life. This exercise is one I use often. We all need to examine our hearts, our lives and our intentions often; to keep them in check. I hope this is helpful.

FOURTH-COMMANDMENT
"Honor your father and your mother." (Ex 20:12)

• Did I disobey or disrespect my parents or legitimate superiors?
• Did I neglect my duties to my husband, wife, children or parents?
• Did I neglect to give good religious example to my family?
• Did I fail to actively take an interest in the religious education and formation of my children?
• Did I fail to educate myself on the true teachings of the Church?
• Did I give scandal by what I said or did, especially to the young?
• Did I cause anyone to leave the faith?
• Did I cause or start fights in my family?
• Did I care for my aged family and friends?
• Did I give a full day's work for a full day's pay?
• Did I give a fair wage to my employees?

FIFTH-COMMANDMENT
"You shall not kill." (Ex 20:13)

• Did I kill or physically injure anyone?
• Did I have an abortion, or advise someone else to have an abortion? (One who procures an abortion is automatically excommunicated, as is anyone who is involved in an abortion, Canon 1398. The excommunication will be lifted in the Sacrament of Reconciliation.)
• Did I use or cause my spouse to use birth control pills (whether or not realizing that birth control pills do abort the fetus if and when conceived)?
• Did I attempt suicide?
• Did I take part in or approve of "mercy killing" (euthanasia)?
• Did I get angry, impatient, envious, unkind, proud, revengeful, jealous, hateful toward another, lazy?
• Did I give bad example by drug abuse, drinking alcohol to excess, fighting, quarreling?
• Did I abuse my children?

SIXTH-COMMANDMENT
"You shall not commit adultery." (Ex 20:14) "You shall not covet your neighbor's wife." (Ex 20:17)

Note: In the area of deliberate sexual sins listed below, all are mortal sins if there is sufficient reflection and full consent of the will. "No fornicators, idolaters, or adulterers, no sodomites,... will inherit the kingdom of God." (1 Cor 6:9-10) "Anyone who looks lustfully at a woman has already committed adultery with her in his thoughts." (Mt 5:28)

• Did I willfully entertain impure thoughts or desires?
• Did I use impure or suggestive words? Tell impure stories? Listen to them?
• Did I deliberately look at impure TV, videos, plays, pictures or movies? Or deliberately read impure materials?
• Did I commit impure acts by myself (masturbation)?
• Did I commit impure acts with another - fornication (premarital sex), adultery (sex with a married person)?
• Did I use artificial birth control (by pills, device and withdrawal)?
• Did I marry or advise anyone to marry outside the Church?
• Did I avoid the occasions of impurity?
• Did I try to control my thoughts sexually?
• Did I engage in homosexual activity?
• Did I respect all members of the opposite sex, or have I thought of other people as objects?
• Did I or my spouse have sterilization done?
• Did I abuse my marriage rights?

Let us continue together to help each other and encourage one another, as we battle this spiritual warfare each day. Tomorrow I will share the balance of commandments. <3 u guys !!!

“Jesus, I Trust in You.”

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

Repent - Prepare for Confession

BEADS OF JOY 12-19-12
“Repent – Prepare for Confession”
©2012 James Dacey, Jr. OFS

My Friends,

Let us take the time to begin to prepare ourselves for a good confession. It is through the Examination of Conscience that we take the time to look through the Ten Commandments. Then review every possible aspect of that sin in our lives. Each day we will look over another couple of commandments. I hope this is helpful. Today we will look at the first three commandments.

FIRST-COMMANDMENT
"I am the Lord your God. You shall not have strange gods before Me." (Ex 20:2,3)

• Did I doubt or deny that God exists? Do I question Him and compare Him to what others consider a God to them?
• Did I refuse to believe what God has revealed to us? Even when scripture plainly reveals these things to us?
• Did I believe in fortune telling, horoscopes, dreams, the occult, good-luck charms, tarot cards, palmistry and reincarnation? Does anything me life supersede God as my guide in my life?
• Did I deny that I was Catholic?
• Did I leave the Catholic Faith?
• Did I give time to God each day in prayer? Do I even pray?
• Did I love God with my whole heart?
• Did I despair of or presume on God's mercy?
• Did I have false gods in my life that I gave greater attention to than to Almighty God, like money, profession, drugs, TV, fame, pleasure, property, etc.? Or anything else?

SECOND-COMMANDMENT
"You shall not take the Name of the Lord your God in vain." (Ex 20:7)

• Did I blaspheme or insult God?
• Did I take God's name carelessly or uselessly?
• Did I curse, or break an oath or vow?
• Did I get angry with God?

THIRD-COMMANDMENT
"Remember that you keep holy the Sabbath Day." (Ex 20:8)

• Did I miss Mass Sunday or a Holy Day of Obligation through my own fault? What is it that is keeping me away from my Lord?
• Did I come to Mass on time? Leave early? Am I seriously mentally present?
• Did I do work on Sunday that was not necessary trying to purposely avoid Mass?
• Did I set aside Sunday as a day of rest and a family day?
• Did I show reverence in the presence of Jesus in the Most Blessed Sacrament?

I really hope this was helpful and insightful. The more purely we cleanse ourselves spiritual, the more we will live our lives even more pleasing to God.

“Jesus, I Trust in You.”

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