Seek & Lead Others Home

BEADS OF JOY 08-13-13
“Matthew 18:1-5, 10, 12-14”
©2013 James Dacey, Jr. OFS

Today's Gospel:
(Matthew 18:1-5, 10, 12-14 / Who is the Greatest?...)

“At that time the disciples came to Jesus, saying, "Who is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven?" And calling to him a child, he put him in the midst of them, and said, "Truly, I say to you, unless you turn and become like children, you will never enter the kingdom of heaven. Whoever humbles himself like this child, he is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven. "Whoever receives one such child in my name receives me; "See that you do not despise one of these little ones; for I tell you that in heaven their angels always behold the face of my Father who is in heaven. What do you think? If a man has a hundred sheep, and one of them has gone astray, does he not leave the ninety-nine on the mountains and go in search of the one that went astray? And if he finds it, truly, I say to you, he rejoices over it more than over the ninety-nine that never went astray. So it is not the will of my Father who is in heaven that one of these little ones should perish.”

Reflection: My Friends,

I can’t always explain the Joy, but I always try. Today in the end of the gospel there is a parable, only four verses but it is awesome and it is there! I really love them; I enjoy reading them, reflecting upon them and sharing them. I think many of you already know that. Today’s gospel actually covers three topics: Who is the greatest? Temptation to sin; and The Parable of the Lost Sheep. The first part of the gospel was a bit surprising when I first heard this many years ago. Jesus taught love, unselfishness, giving of oneself to another; however did this question of “who is greatest?” come up? Interesting thought, I guess inside many of us, we want to be the center of attention; the first, the best, the most, just to be recognized for it. God only knows what that’s all about. But today let us look upon the second half of today’s gospel, verses 10-14; that is all about the Parable that almost sums up our mission as followers of Jesus.

Jesus clearly tells us that God absolutely does not want any of us to be lost and led astray; look at verse 14, “So it is not the will of my Father who is in heaven that one of these little ones should perish.” It is our mission as believers, the faithful; to seek out the lost and bring them home. This is not going to be easy, and it may take some time and some pain to see some of them through, but with God’s love and our faith and trust in Him, we will be given the strength necessary to do this. Scripture confirms that even in Heaven many rejoice, “I tell you that in the same way there will be more rejoicing in heaven over one sinner who repents than over ninety-nine righteous persons who do not need to repent.” Luke 15:7. Many of us know those who need Jesus in their lives, we know the lost and those who wonder. Let us try to direct them with love and compassion to return to the flock; for at their return there is only love and compassion and forgiveness. No one will be turned away; our only desire is that they return to the arms of Jesus.

Pondering these thoughts today: How can we really draw others to Jesus? How can we lead back, the misled and misinformed? In our prayers we can ask God through the Holy Spirit to guide us, and to give us strength. For starters I believe the best approach on someone who refuses to hear anything about Jesus or our Blessed Mother, is to continue to pray for them. And keep praying for them, every single day, pray for them. Prayer is a gift you can give away, over and over again. And the greatest part about praying for someone else is that they can’t stop you, and in fact most of the time they don’t even need to know. Just try to be “Jesus” in their lives. Meaning, give them love, compassion, forgiveness, and have concern for their challenges; and always have open arms and always be understanding with them, show them, without saying a word, how Jesus has changed who you were -to who you are. Let us, in our travels, become seekers of the lost, seeking and leading others home. Planting seeds of Joy, Hope, and Love are a great way to start. The more of us that do this for the lost, will result in the less that will be lost and more will be returning home. Pray about this, ask God for His will to help you to seek out others to draw them back to Him. You will see opportunities open up, and people will be led to you. His will is the only way. God Bless all of you and all your efforts in seeking out the lost.

Your brother in Christ Jesus
And His Most Blessed Mother,
Jim (The Rosary Man) Dacey Jr OFS
Revised: (Originally written August 9, 2011)

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Delivered: They Will Kill Him

BEADS OF JOY 08-12-13
“Matthew 17:22-27”
©2013 James Dacey, Jr. OFS

Today's Gospel:
(Matthew 17:22-27 / Speaking of His Death and Taxes)

“As they were gathering in Galilee, Jesus said to them, "The Son of man is to be delivered into the hands of men, and they will kill him, and he will be raised on the third day." And they were greatly distressed. When they came to Capernaum, the collectors of the half-shekel tax went up to Peter and said, "Does not your teacher pay the tax?" He said, "Yes." And when he came home, Jesus spoke to him first, saying, "What do you think, Simon? From whom do kings of the earth take toll or tribute? From their sons or from others?" And when he said, "From others," Jesus said to him, "Then the sons are free. However, not to give offense to them, go to the sea and cast a hook, and take the first fish that comes up, and when you open its mouth you will find a shekel; take that and give it to them for me and for yourself.”

Jesus speaking to His Disciples..

Reflection: My Friends,

This title really tells the entire truth behind how Jesus did indeed suffer, on multiple levels. Our betrayal with our sins continues to nail Jesus upon His cross; and it was Judas’ selfish greed that led him to the ultimate betrayal to his dear friend, our Lord. In today’s gospel we see ultimately that it will be through His death and resurrection that Jesus would defeat death. The only way to be resurrected, is that He must die first. The gospels predicted three times that Jesus would suffer and die. And honestly when the Apostles heard this, it must have scared them to some degree, like Jesus said to them, “You will be hated by everyone because of me,” Matthew 10:22. That same hatred will make them targets after Jesus was betrayed and murdered. What is betrayal? Sad topic to talk about for me; I know and understand betrayal to well. I am not a saint, and I am far from perfect, but betrayal from someone you love and trust cuts deep inside of you. It absolutely tears you apart. Greed and selfishness -especially against those you love cuts deep.

Betrayal: defined. After researching such a horrible word, that only reveals a horrible action from another, it only further hurts seeing how Judas’ betrayal to Jesus was thoughtless and selfish. How can someone who loves you, says they love you, shows they love you and even acts like they love you; stab you in the back with lies and false accusations? Unfortunately it happens in our everyday world, every single day, at work for advancement and raises and bonuses of sorts; and sadly even at home between spouses and to and from children. Betrayal defined is like this: 1. To lead astray. 2. To deliver to an enemy by treachery. 3. To reveal unintentionally. 4. To prove false. It takes many lies, followed by more lies and continued with even more lies to really betray someone. So in the end, the one betraying, isn’t only a betrayer; but they are also a lying, back stabbing, untrusted person. How sad it is, when this person is someone you do trust in. There’s a saying, “Keep your friends close, and your enemies closer.” I look and wonder what that really means in today’s reflection. Actually the closest ones to you, have the power to hurt you the most, why? I believe it’s because of the trust and love you share with that person. They know you well enough, to destroy you, even with all their lies. Sad how ruthless another will be to someone they love, out of selfishness and greed.

Ponder These Thoughts: How do you deal with betrayal? How did Jesus deal with betrayal? He didn’t defend himself against all the lies; He didn’t even argue or show hatred to those who hated Him; He only showed compassion and love to the very people who were out to kill Him, He even forgave them. How can we learn from all this, to be more like Him? It is a hard teaching, not an easy task by no means, for anyone. I honestly know what it’s like to be deceived, betrayed and then stabbed in the back by someone you love and adore so much; someone I would die for to protect. I understand how a persons lies, fueled by their selfishness and greed to do what they want to do, can destroy others horribly. We all need to take a step back, kneel down in prayer and ask Jesus to help us, to guide us. Don’t make the terrible mistake of letting your selfishness, pride and greed; lead you down a road of betrayal. We need to ask Jesus to help us to be more like Him. God knows our hearts, He knows our intentions, and He also knows when we don’t know what to do. Simply trust in Him and ask Him to help guide you. Peace and love always to you my sisters and brothers.


Your brother in Christ Jesus
And His Most Blessed Mother,
Jim (The Rosary Man) Dacey Jr OFS
Revised: (Originally written Aug. 8, 2011)

I also invite you to follow me on Twitter:
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Top Priority ~ WORLD PEACE !!!

BEADS OF JOY 08-11-13
“Top Priority ~ WORLD PEACE!!!”
©2013 James Dacey, Jr. OFS

My Friends,

Some of you might agree and some of you might disagree with the way I look at things, but I must say a lot of my influence comes from our Holy Father. There are approximately 41,000 Christian denominations, most can be verified, but many can’t. When it comes to religion in general there are about 4,200 different kinds of “faith” around the world. I’m not a theologian and its okay I’m not seeking an education in the exact differences between all the religions of the world.

In today’s blog I wish to emphasize this: We must have as our Top Priority ~ WORLD PEACE!!! Let us seek World Peace with our mutual love and respect for one another -and with that said, let us respect what others believe also. This is my choice, my journey. I am a die-hart Roman Catholic. I know my faith and I know what I believe and what I don’t believe. I can’t be swayed away from my faith. Saying that I say this, “Everyone one of us, good, bad, evil, all of us have been made in the image of God; Judas was made in the image of God. We are all His children, and we have no place in our lives to judge anyone. Of cause we know the difference between right and wrong and yes we know what sin is; but we must not judge others, that’s God’s job. Our lives must be spent focusing on our Lord, loving Him, praising Him, thanking Him and most importantly sharing Him with others.”

WORLD PEACE
Let us look to Pope Francis I for guidance and direction in this matter of Peace. Pope Francis said, “Peace to the whole world,” later in this message from St. Peter’s Basilica on Easter he said, “Let the risen Jesus enter your life,” the pope told worshippers before the service via his Twitter account. “He will receive you with open arms.”

Pope Francis I further said on June 2, 2013, “This morning I celebrated Holy Mass with several soldiers and with the parents of some of those who died in the missions for peace, who seek to further reconciliation and peace in countries in which so much fraternal blood is spilled in wars that are always madness. ‘Everything is lost in war. Everything is gained with peace’. I ask for a prayer for the fallen, for the injured and for their relatives.”

I highly recommend and suggest you spend some time reading and mediating on the words of the Holy Father. One day I can see He become a Saint. His words are filled with so much wisdom. Her are a few examples of Pope Francis I leading us.

CLOSE TO JESUS IN TIMES OF TROUBLE
“Remain steadfast in the journey of faith, with firm hope in the Lord. This is the secret of our journey! He gives us the courage to swim against the tide. Pay attention, my young friends: to go against the current; this is good for the heart, but we need courage to swim against the tide. Jesus gives us this courage! There are no difficulties, trials or misunderstandings to fear, provided we remain united to God as branches to the vine, provided we do not lose our friendship with him, provided we make ever more room for him in our lives. This is especially so whenever we feel poor, weak and sinful, because God grants strength to our weakness, riches to our poverty, conversion and forgiveness to our sinfulness. The Lord is so rich in mercy: every time, if we go to him, he forgives us. Let us trust in God’s work! With him we can do great things; he will give us the joy of being his disciples, his witnesses. Commit yourselves to great ideals, to the most important things. We Christians were not chosen by the Lord for little things; push onwards toward the highest principles. Stake your lives on noble ideals, my dear young people!” ~From his homily on April 28, 2013

QUEST FOR HOLINESS
“Draw always from Christ, the inexhaustible wellspring; strengthen your faith by attending to your spiritual formation, to personal and communitarian prayer, and to the liturgy……Advance with determination along the path of holiness; do not rest content with a mediocre Christian life, but let your affiliation serve as a stimulus, above all for you yourselves, to an ever greater love of Jesus Christ.” ~From his homily on May 5, 2013

 MORE INSIGHTFUL QUOTES FROM POPE FRANCIS I
“We are enclosed in a narcissistic and consumerist prison…The real power is love, that which empowers others, that which arouses action, that which no chain is able to hold back, for even on the Cross or on the death bed one is able to love. One does not need youthful beauty, nor recognition or approval, nor money or prestige. Let love simply bloom… and it is unstoppable.” May 2012

“When we journey without the Cross, when we build without the Cross, when we profess Christ without the Cross, we are not disciples of the Lord, we are worldly: we may be bishops, priests, cardinals, popes, but not disciples of the Lord.” March 14, 2013

Pope Francis I -first encyclical “The Light of Faith” he wrote this in paragraph 16 when describing the greatest sign of love: “If laying down one’s life for one’s friends is the greatest proof of love (cf. Jn 15:13), Jesus offered his own life for all, even for his enemies, to transform their hearts. This explains why the evangelists could see the hour of Christ’s crucifixion as the culmination of the gaze of faith; in that hour the depth and breadth of God’s love shone forth.” Brilliant... I love the way he focuses so much on being so much like Jesus.

REACHING OUT
Pope Francis said: “The Lord has redeemed all of us, all of us, with the Blood of Christ: all of us, not just Catholics. Everyone! 'Father, the atheists?' Even the atheists. Everyone! And this Blood makes us children of God of the first class. We are created children in the likeness of God and the Blood of Christ has redeemed us all. And we all have a duty to do good. And this commandment for everyone to do good, I think, is a beautiful path towards peace. If we, each doing our own part, if we do good to others, if we meet there, doing good, and we go slowly, gently, little by little, we will make that culture of encounter: We need that so much. We must meet one another doing good. 'But I don't believe, Father, I am an atheist!' But do good: We will meet one another there.”

And in answering a question about reports of homosexuals in the clergy, the pope answered, "If someone is gay and he searches for the Lord and has good will, who am I to judge?" Compassion Jesus has taught us… Praise Jesus for bringing Pope Francis to us...

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

MY FIRST BOOK. More to come…

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Marian Feast Days of August

BEADS OF JOY 08-01-13
“Marian Feast Days of August”
©2013 James Dacey, Jr. OFS

Marian Feast Days of August

1. Our Lady asks for Establishment of an Order for Redeeming Captives (1218)

2. Our Lady of Angels, Assisi, Italy (13th Century)

3. Our Lady of Bows, London (1071)

4. Our Lady of Dordrecht, Holland, Shrine built by St. Santera

5. St. Mary Major (Our Lady of the Snows), Rome, Italy (352), where Our Savior’s crib is kept

6. Our Lady of Copacabana, Boliva

7. Our Lady of Schiedam, Holland (15th Century)

8. Our Lady of Kuehn, near Brussels, Belgium

9. Our Lady of Oegnies, Brabant, Netherlands

10. Institution of the Order of Our Lady of Mercy, Barcelona, Spain (1218)

11. Our Lady of the Way, St. Charles, Missouri/Charlemagne receives two of Our Lady’s robes from Emperor Nicephorus & Irene (810)

12. Our Lady of Rouen, France

13. Dormition of Our Lady (58)

14. Vigil of the Assumption of Our Lady

15. Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary into Heaven (Feast instituted by Pope Leo IV in 847)

16. Our Lady of Trapani, Sicily

17. Victory of the King of France (Philip the Fair)(1257), imploring the help of Our Lady of Chartres (1304)

18. Coronation of Our Lady

19. Our Lady of the Don, Russia (1380)

20. Our Lady of St. Bernand’s “Ave,” Brabant, Netherlands

21. Our Lady of Knock, Ireland (1879)

22. Feast of the Immaculate Heart of Mary

23. Our Lady of Victory of Valois, France (1328)

24. Our Lady, Health of the Sick/Our Lady of Benoite-Vaux, France

25. Our Lady of Rossano, Calabria, Italy

26. Our Lady de la Treille, Douay, France(1543)

27. Our Lady of Moustier, France/Seven Joys of the Blessed Virgin Mary

28. Our Lady of Kiev, Russia (1240)

29. Our Lady of Clermont, Poland (1380)

30. Our Lady of Carquere, Portugal

31. Our Lady of the Founders, Constantinople

 

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

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