Who Do Others Say You Are?

BEADS OF JOY 06-23-13
“Luke 9:18-24”
©2013 James Dacey, Jr. OFS


Gospel: (Luke 9:18-24 / Peter’s Declaration about Jesus)

“Now it happened that as he was praying alone the disciples were with him; and he asked them, "Who do the people say that I am?" And they answered, "John the Baptist; but others say, Elijah; and others, that one of the old prophets has risen." And he said to them, "But who do you say that I am?" And Peter answered, "The Christ of God." But he charged and commanded them to tell this to no one, saying, "The Son of man must suffer many things, and be rejected by the elders and chief priests and scribes, and be killed, and on the third day be raised." And he said to all, "If any man would come after me, let him deny himself and take up his cross daily and follow me. For whoever would save his life will lose it; and whoever loses his life for my sake, he will save it.”


Reflection: My Friends,
This is a most remarkable reading for this most glorious Sunday, as are all Sundays. Today we are reading Luke 9:18-24 (Jesus Asks Peter "Who Am I?") I pray that we all can be as strong and as stern as Peter was with his answer, "The Christ of God." I have read his response in a variety of ways. "You are the Christ, the Son of the living God." or "You are Jesus the Christ, God's Son" No matter how his response was in exact words, we can plainly see and read that it was immediate and bold. There was no hesitation from Peter with that question. Jesus also at this time told His disciples to tell no one who He was, and that He would be killed, and on the third day He will rise. I would say it would probably be fair to say the disciples most likely at this point didn't really understand all this, at least not with the hine sight view of all things that we have. That's probably why He told them to tell no one who He was; so our vision is 20/20 and we know who Jesus is. I would hope that with my personality and great love for our Lord; I would be screaming on the roof tops and telling everyone. Then I would run as fast as I could to visit with Jesus' mom, our dear precious beautiful Blessed Mother. I would remain by her side knowing what was to come, and be with her at the passion.

You know this gospel today is so jam packed with so much to share. Jesus also told the disciples, "If any man would come after me, let him deny himself and take up his cross daily and follow me. For whoever would save his life will lose it; and whoever loses his life for my sake, he will save it." Verse 23-24. This is one of my most favorite verses in all of the bible and truly one of the greatest most insightful, helpful words Jesus has told us. I know someone out there is saying, "most insightful, helpful words???, what is this guy talking about? these verses tell us to give up everything that distracts us from Jesus in this world." You see to me -my life in my eyes is sacrificed for my Lord. My worldly desires and worldly hopes and dreams I got rid of decades ago. Yes I just said that, for real. Of cause I desire to take care of my family, work hard every day, raise our children, meet all their needs and help them to experience life to the fullest, and help them to know Jesus like I do. Since I gave my heart and life in dedication to serving my Lord, I never intentionally ever went out there into the world seeking money, and wealth and an ego basically. Yea sure who wouldn't like to travel the world? Ok, I wouldn't. Yea sure who wouldn't want to live in a big mansion with all the toys? Ok, I wouldn't. Yea sure who wouldn't want cash to flash so my ego gets all puffed up, by saying look see what I have done? Ok, I wouldn't because most of the people in these categories, hoard these rewards to themselves while others around them suffer, I would rather suffer than be like them. Chrissy and I both agree, if money were to ever come our way for whatever reason; we’d use the vast majority of it to help others… No lie, just ask our kids.

It is by the power of the Holy Spirit that we are filled with all the gifts and all the strength we need to live a life fully in service to our Lord. What is the point of this life without Jesus? Really think about it. Why would anyone be so excited about this life if all we had was this life? This life ends, sometimes tragically, sometimes when we are old and can barely even get around. There is no point in this life, unless we use this life as a platform, for serving our Lord to prepare for eternal life with Him. So let us use our time wisely and spend time with Jesus every day; let us also do all we can to help direct as many as we can to Him. For everyone who don't spend eternity in Heaven with Jesus, they will indeed spend all eternity in hell with satan. How sad is that? We must be like Jesus and keep planting seeds and keep trying never giving up when we pray for someone, or try to convince them to come to Mass with us. And on that day, the day we die, we will be judged by what we have done in this life; but I also believe we will be judged by the things we didn't do. What I mean by that is: Did we pray for the people, we said that we are praying for? Did we really spend time with Jesus each day in prayer?; Did we help that family we knew we could use our help? or did we just say we'll pray for you and watch them suffer? Fr. Larry Richards always talks about that sin. Successful, fully able people watch other people suffer, and they tell them, "I am praying for you." while they have their barns filled (do you understand that, he's talking about wealth), but refuse to step to the plate and be charitable and loving to offer help with another’s burden and cross. Instead they just watch them suffer and wither away. How so very sad.

Today let us consider all these things, in such a way that we to proclaim who Jesus is, the Christ, the Son of the living God. Let us also take up our own crosses. We all know what it is we must bear. Mine I not only shoulder and cheerfully carry, but I put mine out on my sleeve, for all to see. I give witness to Jesus' words and show you, that you too can bear the cross you have been given and be cheerful. Does my heart cry and suffer the pain my dear Chrissy is bearing? Yes it does. Do I wish I could heal her? Yes I do. Do I wish I could sacrifice my own life to save hers? Yes absolutely. See the crosses I bear, I can't do anything to save her. In my prayers I always pray, I trust in you Jesus. It is only through Jesus that we are healed or saved. He, and only He alone decides that. I don't claim to be any sort of a prophet, or any special kind of servant before my Lord. I am a worthless sinner. I beg Jesus for forgiveness every day I wake up, hoping and praying that I don't fall into temptation.

Pondering these thoughts today: Today I say, who do you say Jesus is? And what are the crosses you bear? These two answers work hand in hand in the life of the believer. If Jesus is the Christ, the Son of the living God in your life; then by carrying your cross you are following God's will in your life, sacrificing like He who gave of His life to save ours. Jesus didn't say, "Hey look what I did for you." instead, He said, "Follow me". If we follow Him, we to must also die (to self). I pray that all this makes sense, ask the Holy Spirit to help you in being closer to Jesus. Have a fantastic day everyone.

“Consider this my sisters and brothers; who do people say that YOU are? Are you living a life that is following after Him? Are you living a life that makes it obvious that you are living an unselfish life fully devoted to Jesus? Or are people saying, “Oh that’s so and so, a successful business person.” Or maybe this, “Oh that’s the person who showed me how to cheat and steal and get away with everything.” Or maybe worse, “Oh that person, they were so wealthy, but so selfish, they didn’t even help family members.” Who do people say that YOU are? What would your eulogy sound like?”

Your brother in Christ Jesus
And His Most Blessed Mother,
Jim (The Rosary Man) Dacey Jr OFS

I also invite you to follow me on Twitter:
https://twitter.com/Rosarymanjim

You Cannot Serve Two Masters

BEADS OF JOY 06-22-13
“Matthew 6:24-34”
©2013 James Dacey, Jr. OFS


Gospel: (Matthew 6:24-34 / God and Possessions)

“No one can serve two masters; for either he will hate the one and love the other, or he will be devoted to the one and despise the other.  You cannot serve God and mammon. "Therefore I tell you, do not be anxious about your life, what you shall eat or what you shall drink, nor about your body, what you shall put on. Is not life more than food, and the body more than clothing? Look at the birds of the air: they neither sow nor reap nor gather into barns, and yet your heavenly Father feeds them. Are you not of more value than they? And which of you by being anxious can add one cubit to his span of life? And why are you anxious about clothing? Consider the lilies of the field, how they grow; they neither toil nor spin; yet I tell you, even Solomon in all his glory was not arrayed like one of these. But if God so clothes the grass of the field, which today is alive and tomorrow is thrown into the oven, will he not much more clothe you, O men of little faith? Therefore do not be anxious, saying, `What shall we eat?' or `What shall we drink?' or `What shall we wear?' For the Gentiles seek all these things; and your heavenly Father knows that you need them all. But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things shall be yours as well. “Therefore do not be anxious about tomorrow, for tomorrow will be anxious for itself. Let the day's own trouble be sufficient for the day.”


Reflection: My Friends,
Another fantastic weekend has begun. Look at today’s gospel Jesus speaks of Mammon, what is Mammon? “Mammon” is referring to money, success, things of worldly value. You can as easily worship a fancy sports car as much as you can worship your financial self-worth that got you the sports car. The sports car becomes a representation of your success, creating pride and a sort of feel good feeling about it. It pretty much becomes your God and Master in so many ways. Because you will find yourself taking care of it, maintaining it, cleaning it, showing it off, sharing it with photos, boasting about it. You get the idea. This can be very dangerous for our soul and our eternal well-being. You do know that if you simply replaced the word “sports car” with anything or anyone, period (my bank account, my drug habit, a person I am in relationship with, my sailboat, my big impressive house, my pride of cause, etc., etc.); the thoughts are all the same on how that thing will become your Master. Jesus and Jesus alone must be the very first and only thought of focus when it comes to any kind of a Master in your life. Jesus said, "..understand that the Father is in me, and I in the Father." John 10:38. So when we are thinking of Jesus we are automatically thinking of Almighty God. For they are one in the same.



So are you really serious about understanding and then living and then doing what is right before God? We all are, and that is fantastic, but know that we will fall and mess up and have to get back up. That's why we have to go to confession regularly, to keep our soul as clean and as ready for our Lord as it possibly can be. But if you are serious, then it is critical to begin immediately. You don't want to allow the strong-hold of satan to capture your heart, or allegiance towards anything that will draw you away from Jesus. What do you have an appetite for? No not necessarily food, though it could be. It is usually wealth, or possessions that you own, or maybe it's lust? So many things can easily capture our hearts and steal it away from our Lord. So now consider this series of questions, "Who died for your sin?, Who's death defeated the very darkness of death, so that you can spend life everlasting in Heaven with Him and His Father for all eternity?, Who gave you freedom from the bondage of this world, and its inevitable destruction? Who forgives you of all your wrong-doing, and sinfulness? Who is this one person that has done this for you?" There is only one word, one name, one Lord who is the only one who has done all these things, and His name is Jesus.

So I challenge you today, in a way that many of you just might not do; make your life, all things JESUS - 100%, 24/7/365. Become addicted (not in a bad way), but become addicted with the desire, the continual desire from within your soul to please Him and worship Him, love Him, and always put Him before anything else in your life. Every thought must lead to Jesus. The reason why we do something, must lead us to Jesus. The reason why NOT must also lead us to Jesus. Does that make sense? If we chose not to do something sinful or wrong or mean, it must be because of our love and our allegiance to Jesus, hence all things must lead to Jesus. This is actually much easier than it sounds. Keep Jesus in your life, on your mind, in your thoughts, at the end of the pen as you write at all times, you get the idea; without ever ceasing. This will and I mean it, this will create an inner Joy that will blow your mind. You will have so much peace inside, real peace, a very Godly peace. You won't see yourself as anxious or worried as much anymore, and you will find yourself trusting Jesus a whole bunch more. It is truly a wonderful feeling this kind of inner Godly, Trusting, Loving, Joy.

Yes I do heed my own words. I share all I share -on our journey through life, for many reasons. Mostly to share our testimony, showing exactly what we are going through, how we are dealing with it, and then how we made it through it. And while all that is being shared, I share the depths of my faith through it all. Sharing with all of you, that No Matter What, your faith can stay in tack throughout your life’s challenges; remaining loyal and thankful and cheerful before God.

Pondering these thoughts today: Do we have two masters? Do you? Do I? Interesting concept, but how easily true this can be for anyone. An even further thought to that might be; Is it possible to have my allegiance split between two or more things, people, whatever in my life? Unfortunately it can be. Our life's inevitably are controlled by the way we think, do we think of how successful in business or at work we will be; well then everything we do will help guide us and direct us to that goal. But rather if all we think about is Jesus, and pleasing and honoring and not offending Him; well then we live each day knowing that that is what we are striving for. Continuing that thought we know that loving and following Jesus will lead us to Heaven, which is truly our ultimate goal.

Never misunderstand -success is a good thing… when we respect the fact that our success is from God and in all reality it is all still God's. He has entrusted us with a huge responsibility to do the right thing with these gifts. Be a "Giver" not a "Taker" in this world. Many wealthy, successful, very blessed people unfortunately watch others (even family members) suffer and rot away, while they hoard, hold and embrace their stuff, their God. It’s very sad for them…


Your brother in Christ Jesus
And His Most Blessed Mother,
Jim (The Rosary Man) Dacey Jr OFS

Treasures In Heaven

BEADS OF JOY 06-21-13
“Matthew 6:19-23”
©2013 James Dacey, Jr. OFS


Gospel: (Matthew 6:19-23 / Treasures In Heaven)

“Do not lay up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moth and rust consume and where thieves break in and steal, but lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust consumes and where thieves do not break in and steal. For where your treasure is, there will your heart be also. "The eye is the lamp of the body. So, if your eye is sound, your whole body will be full of light; but if your eye is not sound, your whole body will be full of darkness. If then the light in you is darkness, how great is the darkness!”


Reflection: My Friends,

Do you store up treasure in Heaven, where those treasures for eternally last? Think about this for a moment: What in this world can you keep in place that will never rust, never be stolen and will never lose its value? I guess that was a rhetorical question, the answer is Nothing!! Nothing on the planet has eternal value, literally nothing. Spiritually reflecting that is so exciting. So what this scripture is saying in a roundabout way is this: In order for us to have the freedom and ability to grow spiritually and closer to Jesus, we must not attach ourselves to anything here; because nothing here has the ability to continue to Heaven with us.

Now how realistic is it to attain Heavenly Treasures? And then how do you enjoy these treasures after you have died? Those thoughts confuse many worldly people, and they never seem to understand the Spiritual life. I’ll help you out with ways I store MY TREASURES in Heaven.. Yes MINE.. LOL. What do I store in Heaven and yet I have here on earth to enjoy?

My Eternal Treasures in My Heavenly Account:
My Account# allthingsjesus=eternity
~My Love for the Trinity (Father, Son & Holy Spirit)
~My Love for the Blessed Mother and the Rosary.
~My Prayer life (my communication w/God)
~My Bible Study (God’s Word is Eternal)
(This world has no power whatsoever to take any of these things from me, and in the end even death cannot take them away from, rather death only compliments these incredible treasures.)

Pondering these thoughts today: How do you see your life? Where are you storing your treasures? Do you know “Spiritual Wealth” will lead us to eternal freedom while “Material Wealth” is corrupt, misleading and will steal our eternal life away? What is your reality? Our sight is easily blinded and blurred by moral stupidity and a spirit that is blind. Other ways our vision gets distorted is most certainly by prejudice and selfishness.

My friends I end with this thought: Live your life for God’s truth alone, bury yourself in His Word; unite with His Mother –Praying The Rosary every single day and spend as much time as you can with Jesus on the brain, always!!!


Your brother in Christ Jesus
And His Most Blessed Mother,
Jim (The Rosary Man) Dacey Jr OFS

The Lord's Prayer -Matt. 6:7-15

BEADS OF JOY 06-20-13
“Matthew 6:7-15”
©2013 James Dacey, Jr. OFS

Gospel: (Matthew 6:7-15 / The Lord's Prayer)

“And in praying do not heap up empty phrases as the Gentiles do; for they think that they will be heard for their many words. Do not be like them, for your Father knows what you need before you ask him. Pray then like this: Our Father who art in heaven, Hallowed be thy name. Thy kingdom come. Thy will be done, on earth as it is in heaven. Give us this day our daily bread; and forgive us our debts, as we also have forgiven our debtors; and lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil. For if you forgive men their trespasses, your heavenly Father also will forgive you; but if you do not forgive men their trespasses, neither will your Father forgive your trespasses.”


Reflection: My Friends,

What a wonderfully perfect spectacular topic today is: The Lord's Prayer. From His heart to our ears, so that in our prayers it goes, from our heart to His ears. Jesus gave us this most precious prayer, as an example of what we should be praying about and to whom. Think about it: Jesus, is the author of this prayer, its value goes without say. "Saint Augustine says that whenever we say the Our Father devoutly our venial sins are forgiven. The just man falls seven times a day, but in the Lord's Prayer he will find seven petitions which will both help him to avoid downfalls and will protect him from his spiritual enemies. Our Lord, knowing how weak and helpless we are, and how many difficulties we get into, made His Prayer short and easy to say, so that if we say it devoutly and often we can be sure that Almighty God will quickly come to our aid." The Secrets of the Rosary.

So what are the seven petitions of the Lord's Prayer? They are really so simple to remember by their own design. Check this out. The first three take us right to the Father (hallowed be thy name, thy kingdom come, and thy will be done). These are all for God's glory, strengthening us in faith, hope and charity... Now check out the last four, they are all about our own expectations, it's pretty cool (Give us, Forgive us, Lead us, and Deliver us) wow, this prayer is so perfectly laid out. Those are our needs we are asking God the Father to accomplish for us.

How devoutly, and slowly and thoughtfully do we consider the words of the "Lord's Prayer" each time and each day we pray it. This prayer alongside of the Hail Mary, gives us so much Joy and blessing when praying the Rosary. Consider the Lord's Prayer, as a prayer that is so perfect, that when we pray it; our hearts are full of love; and covered with contentment and Joy, that we need nothing else to make our life so complete. This is yet another very special part of the Joy that inside my heart. It is so complete, so perfect, that we get to speak directly to God, our Father, our Lord, as if He were standing right here as we pray the Lord's Prayer. Don't we all want that kind of Joy? How about a Joy that keeps you smiling while the world frowns? How about a Joy that comforts you when you are feeling down? This Joy goes without say, how long it will last; for if "forever" was the measure, it goes way beyond eternity fast. Prayer is the key today, and the Lord's Prayer is our perfect prayer.

Here's a wonderful quote I found:

“Let us strive to make the Lord’s Prayer our model and pattern in all our approaches to God. Let it suggest to us the sort of things which we should pray for and pray against. Let it teach us the relative place and proportion which we should give to each subject in our prayers. The more we ponder and examine the Lord’s Prayer, the more instructive and suggestive shall we find it to be.” ~ J.C. Ryle

Catechism of The Catholic Church -
The Lord's Prayer Father Explained
http://www.vatican.va/archive/ccc_css/archive/catechism/p4s2a3.htm

Pondering these thoughts today:
-Are you allowing God to transform your life?
-Have you ever really ever reflected on the Lord's Prayer?
-Do you speak with Jesus every single day?
-Is your love for others fair, and merciful?
-Do you tell God what you want, or do you ask for His will?
(Pray the Lord's Prayer slowly and directly to God.)

Your brother in Christ Jesus
And His Most Blessed Mother,
Jim (The Rosary Man) Dacey Jr OFS
Revised writing from 2011

Prayer - Fasting - Almsgiving

BEADS OF JOY 06-19-13
“Matthew 6:1-6, 16-18”
©2013 James Dacey, Jr. OFS

Today's Gospel:
(Matthew 6:1-6, 16-18 / Prayer, Fasting & Almsgiving)

“Beware of practicing your piety before men in order to be seen by them; for then you will have no reward from your Father who is in heaven. “Thus, when you give alms, sound no trumpet before you, as the hypocrites do in the synagogues and in the streets, that they may be praised by men. Truly, I say to you, they have received their reward. But when you give alms, do not let your left hand know what your right hand is doing, so that your alms may be in secret; and your Father who sees in secret will reward you. "And when you pray, you must not be like the hypocrites; for they love to stand and pray in the synagogues and at the street corners, that they may be seen by men. Truly, I say to you, they have received their reward. But when you pray, go into your room and shut the door and pray to your Father who is in secret; and your Father who sees in secret will reward you. "And when you fast, do not look dismal, like the hypocrites, for they disfigure their faces that their fasting may be seen by men. Truly, I say to you, they have received their reward. But when you fast, anoint your head and wash your face -that your fasting may not be seen by men but by your Father who is in secret; and your Father who sees in secret will reward you.”


Reflection: My Friends,

Prayer, Fasting, and Almsgiving..
Prayer, Fasting, and Almsgiving. Three very important elements to our faith, three traditionally very important parts of our Spiritual Journey. Let us look at what each of these mean to our faith:

Prayer
This is the most wonderful special act of love, so many of us share every single day. In prayer we lift up our soul to God in love and praise and thanksgiving. Prayer builds up and empowers our faith, and faith comes from our hope, and our hope and desire for Him leads us to hunger, a hunger for Him and His word and the grace that leads us to God, which leads us to prayer. I just tried to lay that out all by myself. Was anyone able to follow that? lol. Prayer is an essential part of who we are in God, and in our walk following after Jesus. We must be a praying people, our communication with God is vital to our eternal life and the transition that we will go through at our death. I encourage you to please pick a devotion that is of interest to you, and then try to pray and speak to God every single day. Our conversation doesn't necessarily have to be written prayers only, we can speak plainly to Him also. We are in relationship to a person, Jesus. And in that relationship we can freely talk and share and open our hearts to Him.

“Prayer is an aspiration of the heart, it is a simple glance directed to heaven, it is a cry of gratitude and love in the midst of trail as well as joy; finally, it is something great, supernatural, which expands my soul and unites me to Jesus.” ~St. Therese of Lisieux

“Prayer is the place of refuge for every worry, a foundation for cheerfulness, a source of constant happiness, a protection against sadness.” ~St. John Chrysostom

“How often I failed in my duty to God, because I was not leaning on the strong pillar of prayer.” ~St. Teresa of Avila


Fasting
This isn't easy for everybody. But this has a lot of spiritual value added to the experience. Fasting is about curbing down our desires in our appetite that appetite could be for anything. This in turn creates a hunger for God, which is key to living our lives in Jesus. If many of our pleasures are fulfilled with food, we will have much less desire for God. I will share with you something I told Fr. Mullally a while ago (actually many many years ago), as to how and why I fast. To me fasting is a spiritual experience. I fast as an offering to all those who hunger and starve around the world. I do that so that I feel the hunger pangs. I want to feel their pain and suffering, so that I can offer the reality of the pain of starvation. No I don't starve myself, but I have done very long fasts for that sole purpose. I have found that when you are "starving - very very hungry" you tend to draw so much closer to Jesus spiritually, that it can't really do justice trying to explain it in words. Don't do these things if your health requires medication and food intake. First consult your doctor and make sure it is safe. Please...

“Penance without fasting is useless and vain; by fasting [we] satisfy God.” ~St Basil

“Fasting is the soul of prayer, mercy is the lifeblood of fasting. So if you pray, fast; if you fast, show mercy; if you want your petition to be heard, hear the petition of others. If you do not close your ear to others, you open God’s ear to yourself.” ~St. Peter Chrysologus

“Fasting is a way of making room in your life for Jesus; replace your hunger pangs for food, with hunger pangs for Jesus, His Word and His Mother.” ~Jim Dacey Jr OFS


Almsgiving
This evolves from our prayers and our fasting. Charity in all forms, your time, your talents, your treasures, whatever you can do to help further the spreading of the word and love of God. Most all of us belong to church communities, we should invest in them to help support them in whatever way you can. I tell you the following for the sole purpose to share ideas that maybe you can use; back in the past when I was in business, we as a family gave both our treasures and unlimited volunteer time. When we lived in town (Milford, PA) in the past, we pretty much were involved with everything at our parish. I strongly encourage you to try this. If you are anything like me and my family, once you do that, you will always be very involved in whatever capacity you can help. Obviously now, with me working nights, Chrissy’s illness and we are down to one car; these dreams for us, for now, are impossible. But I encourage all of you who can, to do so.

”Let us also love our neighbors as ourselves. Let us have charity and humility. Let us give alms because these cleanse our souls from the stains of sin. Men lose all the material things they leave behind them in this world, but they carry with them the reward of their charity and the alms they give. For these they will receive from the Lord the reward and recompense they deserve.” ~St. Francis of Assisi

“If you are attached to the things of this earth, you should give alms sufficient to enable you to punish your avarice by depriving yourself of all that is not absolutely necessary for life.” ~St. Jean Marie Baptiste Vianney, the Cure of Ars

“In the matter of piety, poverty serves us better than wealth, and work better than idleness, especially since wealth becomes an obstacle even for those who do not devote themselves to it. >>Yet, when we must put aside our wrath, quench our envy, soften our anger, offer our prayers, and show a disposition which is reasonable, mild, kindly, and loving, how could poverty stand in our way? For we accomplish these things not by spending money but by making the correct choice. >>Almsgiving above all else requires money, but even this shines with a brighter luster when the alms are given from our poverty. The widow who paid in the two mites was poorer than any human, but she outdid them all.” ~St. John Chrysostom

Pondering these thoughts today: How attentive are you to the needs of others who are not in your immediate family? How attentive are you to your needs and your family’s needs (blood relatives)? How appropriate is the difference between these different levels of attentiveness? Do you watch fellow family members struggle and suffer? How sad if you do, I pity the soul so selfish that they are incapable of helping those closest to them. With that attitude of thought taken to the next level, would you also watch a close friend or family member go hunger (literally), when you yourself have plenty and in-fact you even throw food away every night after dinner? Insightful, but a hard teaching when it comes to what you would really do to give to another.

The True Test of Character

“Everything you have is God's gift to you. What you do with everything God has given you is your gift to Him. Is your life all about getting and taking and keeping and hoarding or rather is it all about giving?”


Your brother in Christ Jesus
And His Most Blessed Mother,
Jim (The Rosary Man) Dacey Jr OFS

Jesus Said -Love Your Enemies

BEADS OF JOY 06-18-13
“Matthew 5:43-48”
©2013 James Dacey, Jr. OFS

Gospel: (Matthew 5:43-48 / Love Your Enemies)

“You have heard that it was said, `You shall love your neighbor and hate your enemy.' But I say to you, Love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you, so that you may be sons of your Father who is in heaven; for he makes his sun rise on the evil and on the good, and sends rain on the just and on the unjust. For if you love those who love you, what reward have you? Do not even the tax collectors do the same? And if you salute only your brethren, what more are you doing than others? Do not even the Gentiles do the same? You, therefore, must be perfect, as your heavenly Father is perfect.”


Reflection: My Friends,
We are different in so many ways, compared to the way the world is and I would say that probably the biggest reason why we are hated so much; is how we treat those who hate and despise us. We refuse to act like the “others” and simply fit in and be robots to whatever the world values and likes and cares about. And to top that off we treat others not like the world would, but instead –we treat them like they don’t deserve to be treated. “Love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you,” that is NOT an easy command straight from the mouth of Jesus. In fact Jesus did just that, and they beat Him, whipped Him, pressed a crown of thorns on His head and then they Crucified and killed Him; and yet even with all that He forgave them. My friend, are you serious about following after Jesus. Take a look at this scripture:

John 15:19-21 “If you belonged to the world, it would love you as its own. As it is, you do not belong to the world, but I have chosen you out of the world. That is why the world hates you. Remember what I told you: ‘A servant is not greater than his master.’ If they persecuted me, they will persecute you also. If they obeyed my teaching, they will obey yours also. They will treat you this way because of my name, for they do not know the one who sent me.” Powerful indeed. But it is a hard teaching; will you now continue to follow after Jesus. See what the world has perceived as weakness in our kindness and mercy; is actually strength beyond any worldly humans understanding. To be a Christian, a follower of the one true God, you must be strong. Stronger than this world can ever comprehend.

Pondering these thoughts today: Through Jesus, God the Father has given us all that we need in Jesus Christ; this is brilliant in its design, whereas we don’t need anything except for Jesus and in having Jesus in our hearts, on our minds and in our lives, all things are perfect. Jesus fulfills our desires, our understanding or not understanding; Jesus essentially fills that void within us, the void that makes us sometimes feel incomplete. This is the same void that many fill with “self” stuff, or addictions, or anything that we feels fills that emptiness inside; when in reality that emptiness (darkness) is so easily filled with Jesus (light). Our “enemies” are not within us and they are not of who we are in Jesus; rather the people that persecute us, are of this world and in this world. So to me, to forgive them and to pray for them becomes so much easier.

Your brother in Christ Jesus
And His Most Blessed Mother,
Jim (The Rosary Man) Dacey Jr OFS

I also invite you to follow me on Twitter:
https://twitter.com/Rosarymanjim

Teachings About Revenge

BEADS OF JOY 06-17-13
“Matthew 5:38-42”
©2013 James Dacey, Jr. OFS

Gospel: (Matthew 5:38-42 / Teachings About Revenge)

“You have heard that it was said, `An eye for an eye and a tooth for a tooth.' But I say to you, do not resist one who is evil. But if any one strikes you on the right cheek, turn to him the other also; and if anyone would sue you and take your coat, let him have your cloak as well; and if any one forces you to go one mile, go with him two miles. Give to him who begs from you, and do not refuse him who would borrow from you.”

Reflection: My Friends,

How do you repay, respond or act when insults are hurled at you? What if someone took advantage of you? Are you kind? Do you have the courage to return evil with good? Do you stop the evil -right then and there or do you continue it with revenge and hurtful, hateful words or actions back at the other person? If we are to follow after Jesus and if we are to be like Jesus; then for many -this aspect of our faith might be very difficult and challenging. In all of Jesus’ teaching it is very clear that we must never show retaliation; rather we must respond with mercy, love and kindness. Evil cannot be defeated by fueling it with more evil, rather it must be distinguished with love and kindness. Just like darkness can easily be defeated with light, even the smallest amount of light can easily be seen in the darkest of places. So must we return evil with good.

Only at the Cross before Jesus will we be able to free ourselves from the selfishness and empty conceit of hatred and resentment. This takes great courage to be like Jesus, don’t misunderstand this and see this as weakness. Weakness gives in and caves in and we hurl back at others. It takes great courage and great love for someone to not respond in such a way.

Look at Jesus: How did He respond? Even on the Cross, He suffered insults, abuse and deep rooted hatred; yet He responded with love, by asking God to forgive them. It is through His blood, that we also will be able to merciful and loving; even to those who hate us and insult us. My friends we are not like those of this world in so many ways. We don’t attach ourselves to the things of this world; we don’t get all involved with the selfishness of pride that goes with titles and values based on worldly accomplishments and now added to that we learn by Jesus’ example to detach ourselves from the insults and hatred of the world that are directed towards us. This won’t be easy, Jesus never said it would be.

Pondering these thoughts today: Consider the Prayer of Anselm. “O merciful God, fill our hearts, we pray, with the graces of your Holy Spirit; with love, joy, peace, patience, gentleness, goodness, faithfulness, humility, and self-control. Teach us to love those who hate us; to pray for those who despitefully use us; that we may be the children of your love, our Father, who makes the sun to rise on the evil and the good, and sends rain on the just and on the unjust. In adversity grant us grace to be patient; in prosperity keep us humble; may we guard the door of our lips; may we lightly esteem the pleasures of this world, and thirst after heavenly things; through Jesus Christ our Lord.” Our faith is distinct most significantly in how we treat others; even and most especially to those who treat us with hated.

Your brother in Christ Jesus
And His Most Blessed Mother,
Jim (The Rosary Man) Dacey Jr OFS

I also invite you to follow me on Twitter:
https://twitter.com/Rosarymanjim

Happy Father's Day

BEADS OF JOY 06-16-13

“Happy Father’s Day”

©2013 James Dacey, Jr. OFS

My Friends,

Today is a most blessed day to celebrate. Happy Father’s Day to all the Father’s I know personally and to all of you who read my blog. Father’s Day is a very special day; we need to celebrate those heroes that wake up every day giving us protection and security.

Consider this: How many dads quietly very willingly live unselfishly taking care of their families? How many never want even an acknowledgement for all their sacrifices? How many continue to work hard, day in and day out, never complaining, only giving? How many wife’s and children see this and respond with constant continuous love? You know that’s all us guys (us dad’s) really want... LOVE from those we love… That’s all. Most guys are simple. Most guys don’t see the sacrifice in taking care of their families. Most guys embrace fatherhood with a badge of love from those we love, that’s all…

St. Joseph (foster father to Jesus) is the patron saint of fathers. There are actually four aspects to this patronage; the first is as an example to fathers of a protector and provider. Next, he is an example as a worker that not just money and wealth are important, but equally important is to provide quality of life to the family. St. Joseph also reminds fathers about the importance of commitment to marriage and the importance of living an unstained moral life in terms of reading, movies, etc. Lastly, examples abound of fathers that prayed to Saint Joseph and received overwhelming and unexpected help. As an earthly foster-father himself, St. Joseph understands the role of fatherhood, and he is a very powerful intercessor. All you need to do is truly believe, pray devoutly, and St. Joseph will be there for you.

Would you believe that Father's Day came from a woman?

So thankful to her father was Mrs. John B. Dodd, born Sonora Smart, of Spokane, Washington, that she pushed for an annual Father's Day Observance in 1909.  Her own father was a civil war veteran and was widowed when his wife died in childbirth.  He was left with six children to raise. 

Mrs. Dodd began circulating petitions and within a year, the city of Spokane agreed to honor Fathers on the 3rd Sunday in June, close to her father's birthday.  Meanwhile, cities and towns all across America began to celebrate Father's Day.  The idea became so popular that others joined in her crusade.  Harry C. Meek even began to travel the country speaking and campaigning on behalf of a nationally recognized Father's Day.

In 1924, President Calvin Coolidge backed the idea of a national Father's Day and in 1966, President Lyndon Johnson declared Father's Day a national holiday. It was signed into the books in 1972 by President Richard Nixon.

Mrs. Dodd even designated a flower for Father's Day: the rose.  Red roses are given for a living father and white ones are for remembrance if he has passed away.

That excerpt came from FOX26 News online…

Quotes for Dad’s…

“The most important thing a father can do for his children is to love their mother.” ~Author Unknown

"The righteous man walks in his integrity; His children are blessed after him." ~Solomon - Proverbs 20:7

“It is easier for a father to have children than for children to have a real father.” ~Pope John XXIII

“The greatest gift I ever had -Came from God; I call him Dad.” ~Author unknown

“Good fathers make good sons.” ~Author unknown

“A truly rich man is one whose children run into his arms when his hands are empty.” ~Author unknown

“It is a wise father who knows his child.  But maybe it's a very wise child who takes time to know his father.” ~Anonymous

“One father is more than a hundred schoolmasters.” ~George Herbert

“And DAD, my DAD.. High 5 for being such an awesome DAD. Your example of devotion and dedication to MOM and our family, no matter what -has laid down a great foundation for me; when it comes to me taking care of Chrissy.. Love you Dad!!!” ~ Jim Dacey Jr OFS

LOVE YOU GUYS!!!!
Come PRAY THE ROSARY with us every evening Monday through Friday 9pm EST with our 
"Our Lady's Rosary Text Vigil Group"…

Invitations posted daily… and throughout the evening…
https://www.facebook.com/RosaryManJim

Your brother in Christ Jesus
And His Most Blessed Mother,
Jim (The Rosary Man) Dacey Jr OFS

I also invite you to follow me on Twitter and Pinterest:
https://twitter.com/Rosarymanjim
http://www.pinterest.com/rosarymanjim/

Bible Study is Exciting

BEADS OF JOY 06-15-13
“Bible Study is Exciting”
©2013 James Dacey, Jr. OFS


My Friends,



Well I guess it's no secret that I enjoy bible study. But I will say that it's time for everybody to take out a pen and paper and begin to write. LOL. Why study the bible you ask? Yes I did hear you say that. There are so many reasons why, but today we will only reflect on just a few ideas. Here's a super powerful scripture that will help magnify the power of bible study for all of us. “All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness, so that the man of God may be thoroughly equipped for every good work.” 2 Timothy 3:16-17. See what I mean! It is so important that we fill our minds and hearts and conscious and sub-conscious with scriptures. There is so much evil and bad in the world today that we all deal with every day. It is so important to empty all that junk out so that we can be filled with what is good and meaningful - God's word.

For fun I'd like to share some interesting statistics about the bible with you. It's always nice to know fun interesting things about something we love and cherish. Some of the basic things are: 39 books in the Old Testament / 27 in the New Testament, (929 chapters in the OT / 260 NT), (23,214 verses in the OT / 7,959 NT), depending upon your translation there are about: (593,493 words in the OT / 181,253 NT). And here's a fun noteworthy things: A recent survey by Barna Research Group revealed that nearly 92% of American households own at least one Bible. The longest word in the Bible is "Mahershalalhashbaz" (18 letters), found in Isaiah 8:1. A man who lived to be 969 years old can be found in Genesis 5:27. Do you also know that both the Old and New Testaments are entwined with scripture all leading up to Jesus? That is why it is so important when you do study your bible, that you spend time in both the Old and New Testaments. "Therefore the Lord himself will give you a sign: The virgin will be with child and will give birth to a son, and will call him Immanuel." Isaiah 7:14

Throughout my 30 years of private personal bible study; many priests and fellow Christians have always said to me, and now I say to you: You can write in your bibles. I have many verses underlined, sections circled and dates at different points in my life. I have had to replace two bibles in the past 30 years, I am now officially on my third, though I own about four personally. They were replaced mostly from pages being so worn out, the covers were falling off and they were becoming so frail they were starting to fall apart. Our bibles need to be a place we can come to for wisdom and understanding of God, a place to more deeply know and love Jesus, a place to deepen our faith, a place to embrace hope in our eternity, etc. In my bible I have a blank page dedicated, where I write the names of all those people I pray for (ALL OF YOU). So when I say, I will pray for you, or I have you in my daily prayers. I really mean that. To me it makes the most sense to keep the names of all those I always think of close to the one person I cherish the most: Jesus.

Welcome to my world, here is a list. This list is a list of books I use when I spend two or three or four hours studying. Sometimes on my days off (I work nights), I will spend the entire evening researching and writing as I study scripture. See how simple my list is: My Bible NAB and I also have an NIV, The New Jerome Biblical Commentary (I have had this book for many years. Highly recommended to me by Fr. Mullally, it's a $100 book but it’s well worth the investment.), and The Catechism of the Catholic Church, is a very powerful teaching book/document. And I also use an on-line bible concordance, and I go to the library a lot and take out books that dig into all aspects of our Christianity. But please note that any secular books I use must have the "Imprimatur" in the front pages or I won't read them. The Imprimatur tells me that this writer is on the same page as me in my faith. A priest explained that to me way back in the early 1980's, Fr. Jeff Conway. Also take this advice: In the early years when Fr. Mullally was my Spiritual Director, back in the early 1990’s; I asked Father to allow me to see his collection of bible study books in his library. That knowledge has played a significant role in my bible study habits. My mind and heart are sort of that of a priest; back in the day I really wanted to be a priest. So now in my family life I try to have the study and prayer habits of one.

Bible study never has to be boring to anyone, it can be very exciting every single day.


Your brother in Christ Jesus
And His Most Blessed Mother,
Jim (The Rosary Man) Dacey Jr OFS

I also invite you to follow me on Twitter:
https://twitter.com/Rosarymanjim

The Franciscan Crown Rosary

BEADS OF JOY 06-14-13
“Franciscan Crown Rosary”
©2013 James Dacey, Jr. OFS

The Franciscan Crown Rosary
The Seven Joys of Mary

How to Pray The Franciscan Crown Rosary
1. Using beads for the Franciscan Crown (seven decades), announce the First Mystery and pray the Our Father on the single bead just before the medallion.

2. Pray one Hail Mary for each of the ten beads. (It seems most fitting to proceed around the beads in a clockwise direction.)

3. On the single bead between the decades, announce the next Mystery and then pray the Our Father. Continue as in Step 2 for the remaining Mysteries.

4. After the last Mystery, pray one Hail Mary each on the fourth and third beads from the Cross to complete 72 years of Mary’s Joy.

5. Pray the Our Father and the Glory to the Father (Gloria Patri) for the intention of the Holy Father on the 2nd bead from the Cross.

6. Pray a Hail Mary on the single bead closest to you.


CLICK HERE and FOLLOW THE VIDEO...
http://vimeo.com/28320312

The Seven Joys of Mary

1. The Annunciation (Luke 1:26–38 & Isaiah 7:10-14)
May I become your humble servant, Lord.

2. The Visitation (Luke 1:39–45, 56)
Grant us true love of neighbor, Lord

3. The Nativity (Luke 2:1–7 & Matthew 2:1-12)
Give us true poverty of spirit, Lord.

4. The Adoration by the Magi (Matthew 2:1–2, 9b–11)
Help me obey all just laws.

5. The Finding of Our Lord in the Temple (Luke 2:41–51)
May I never lose you through serious sin, Lord.

6. The Resurrection (Luke 24:1–8 & Mark 16:1-8)
May we share your glory, Lord.

7. The Assumption (Judith 13:18 and Revelation 12:1; 21:1-6 and John 11:17-27)
Mary, may we share your crown of eternal life.

According to Franciscan tradition the Seven Joys of Our Lady are recited throughout the year. However, in recent years, some substitute the Seven Sorrows of Mary during penitential seasons.

SEVEN SORROWS OF OUR LADY

First Sorrow: The prophecy of Simion. “When Mary and Joseph present the infant Jesus in the temple, Simeon predicts that a "sword”(of sorrow) will pierce her soul. Luke 2: 25-35.

Second Sorrow: The flight into Egypt “When King Herod orders the death of all male children age two or younger, Mary and Joseph flee to Egypt with the infant Jesus.” Matt 2:13-15.

Third Sorrow: The Child Jesus Lost in the Temple “Mary and Joseph search for the child Jesus for three days, finding him at last in the temple.” Luke 2; 41-50.

 Fourth Sorrow: Mary meets Jesus carrying the cross “Mary shares Jesus' suffering as He carries the cross through the streets of Jerusalem.” Luke 23: 27-29.

Fifth Sorrow: Mary at the foot of the cross. “Mary witnesses the crucifixion and death of Jesus.” John 19: 25-30.

Sixth Sorrow: Mary receives the body of Jesus. “Jesus is taken down from the cross and his body is placed in Mary's arms.” Psalm 130.

Seventh Sorrow: Mary witnesses the burial of Jesus. “The body of Jesus is laid in the tomb and Mary awaits the Resurrection.” Luke 23: 50-56.

A Bit of History

The Franciscan Crown, or "Rosary of the Seven Joys of the Blessed Virgin Mary" -- also known as the "Seraphic Rosary" -- is a 7-decade Rosary that focuses on the 7 Joys of Mary. It's an ancient Franciscan sacramental that has its origins in A.D. 1422, when a young man, whose name is unknown to us, joined the Franciscan Order. He'd had the practice of crowning a statue of Mary with garlands of fresh flowers, but couldn't continue the practice during his novitiate. When he was tempted to leave the Order, he had a vision of Our Lady, who told him, "Do not be sad and cast down, my son, because you are no longer permitted to place wreaths of flowers on my statue. I will teach you to change this pious practice into one that will be far more pleasing to me and far more meritorious to your soul. In place of the flowers that soon wither and cannot always be found, you can weave for me a crown from the flowers of your prayers that will always remain fresh."
She then asked that the novice say one Our Father and 10 Hail Mary’s in honor of each of her Seven Joys -- the Annunciation; Visitation; Nativity; Adoration of the Magi; Finding Jesus in the Temple; Resurrection; and Assumption and Coronation of the Virgin.

The young friar began his prayers as instructed, and when he was deep in the middle of it, the novice master noticed him, and watched as an Angel wove a garland of fresh roses, inserting a golden lily after each tenth rose. When the novice's prayers were finished, the Angel crowned him with the garland.

The novice master asked if the novice knew anything about the vision he'd just seen, and after it was explained to him, he told the rest of his brothers what he'd seen. Thereafter, the practice of reciting what became known as the "Franciscan Crown" spread.

Seven decades of 10 Hail Mary’s equal 70 Hail Mary’s, but two Hail Mary’s were later added to make the total of the Hail Mary’s equal to seventy-two, the number of years that Our Lady is said to have lived on earth.

To pray the Franciscan Crown, one simply prays an Our Father, and then 10 Hail Mary’s, for each decade, in honor of each of the 7 Joys at each decade (meditation on those Joys isn't necessary). Then add two Hail Mary’s at the end. One may also add an Our Father, Hail Mary, and a Glory Be at the very end for the intentions of the Holy Father.

There are many variations of the Seraphic Rosary: some add the Apostles Creed, three Hail Mary’s, and an Our Father before beginning, as in the Dominican Rosary; some add Glory Be's to the Our Father in between the decades, etc.

I hope this will be helpful in your devotion. God Bless.

LOVE YOU GUYS!!!!


Your brother in Christ Jesus 
And His Most Blessed Mother,
Jim (The Rosary Man) Dacey Jr OFS

MY FIRST BOOK. More to come…

https://www.amazon.com/Marys-Way-Cross-Rosary-Man-ebook/dp/B079TJZFQJ/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1519240799&sr=8-1&keywords=rosary+man+jim