They Cannot Repay You

BEADS OF JOY 10-31-16

“They Cannot Repay You”

©2016 James Dacey, Jr. OFS

My Friends,

Today’s Gospel: Luke 14:12-14 (They Cannot Repay You)
“He said also to the man who had invited him, "When you give a dinner or a banquet, do not invite your friends or your brothers or your kinsmen or rich neighbors, lest they also invite you in return, and you be repaid. But when you give a feast, invite the poor, the maimed, the lame, the blind, and you will be blessed, because they cannot repay you. You will be repaid at the resurrection of the just."

Reflection:
Who do you favor the most? Who are you trying to impress? Is it the person who can repay you back with a favor or some sort of generosity or jester better than the one you gave? Or Do you help and favor the poor and those who can’t repay you? True generosity comes from someone who has a heart full of mercy and love and they do not count the benefits of gain when they are giving. No, on the contrary, they give knowing that their giving is a sacrifice they desire, to help meet the needs of another. The giving comes from the heart, not the wallet. Do you give freely or do you take notes and keep a record of what you have given and to whom?

Our Lord wants us to simply be there for one another without a price tag comparison or a “you do for me and I’ll do for you” attitude. The more we can do for one another, the better all of us will be. And the more those who are more blessed can do for those struggling without expecting anything in return; the more charitably loving this world will indeed be. No one can give more than God can give and has already given to us. All we must do is be there for one another; and stop embracing our things and instead embrace each other. Once you begin to understand that, all this will make sense. God has blessed us with each other, now if we can only see the true blessing in that; we’d realize the infinite value in it and all these things wouldn’t mean a thing and the lives of our family and friends would come first.

I realize this gospel was short, not leaving much to reflect upon; but we can reflect on what we can do for others. The best way I have learned to understand and make it so easy to give is this. Everything I have! Everything I own! Everything I earn! Everything single thing, possession or cash, whatever, it’s all 100% God’s first, then He gives it to me to be a steward of His things. I realize many people can’t get to that point, but you can if you want to. One step at a time our Lord will help you understand this. And once you truly understand this, you will be freed from the shackles that bind you to all these things. You may even be poor from time to time, but God shall provide. Reaching out to the needs of others, is one of the greatest joys God has allowed us to embrace. Never sit back and watch someone suffer, instead lean in and help them up and do all you can to make their lives better. God watches everything we do; He knows our hearts. A cup of water to someone thirsty, can be a blessing beyond anything some of us may never understand. Reach out to those in need, don’t turn away; instead stay and help them through their day. Pray each day asking God what you can do. If each of us just do a little good; what a different more peaceful world it would be. My prayers continue for all of you. Talk to you tomorrow.

This is all of Luke Chapter 14…

LOVE YOU GUYS !!!!

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

**(NEW DAILY FEATURE)

Today is Monday: We pray the Joyful Mysteries:

The Joyful Mysteries

1. The Annunciation (Humility) – Luke 1:26-28
2. The Visitation (Love of Neighbor) – Luke 1:39-45
3. The Birth of Jesus (Poverty of Spirit) – Luke 2:1-20
4. The Presentation (Purity of Mind and Spirit) – Luke 2:22-38
5. Finding in The Temple (Obedience) –Luke 2:41-50

I simply love mornings, because every morning begins with the Rosary.

Rosary Man Jim’s Joyful Reflection: http://beads-of-joy-blog.blogspot.com/2014/02/the-joyful-mysteries_10.html

Today Salvation Has Come

BEADS OF JOY 10-30-16

“Today Salvation Has Come”

©2016 James Dacey, Jr. OFS

My Friends,

Today’s Gospel: Luke 19:1-10 (Today Salvation Has Come)
“He entered Jericho and was passing through. And there was a man named Zacchaeus; he was a chief tax collector, and rich. And he sought to see who Jesus was, but could not, on account of the crowd, because he was small of stature. So he ran on ahead and climbed up into a sycamore tree to see him, for he was to pass that way. And when Jesus came to the place, he looked up and said to him, "Zacchaeus, make haste and come down; for I must stay at your house today." So, he made haste and came down, and received him joyfully. And when they saw it they all murmured, "He has gone in to be the guest of a man who is a sinner." And Zacchaeus stood and said to the Lord, "Behold, Lord, the half of my goods I give to the poor; and if I have defrauded any one of anything, I restore it fourfold." And Jesus said to him, "Today salvation has come to this house, since he also is a son of Abraham. For the Son of man came to seek and to save the lost."

Reflection:
If Jesus were to say “I must stay at your home today” would you be embarrassed or excited? Would you have to text someone to prepare your home in advance? or Would your home always be ready for His arrival? Zacchaeus was a hated man, he was a tax collector, a chief tax collector! Tax collectors were known for cheating and overcharging all the people; hence these tax collectors accumulated great wealth from their lying and cheating practices of how they conducted business. But look at what Jesus’ visit did to this man’s heart! Zacchaeus stood and said to the Lord, "Behold, Lord, the half of my goods I give to the poor; and if I have defrauded any one of anything, I restore it fourfold." Such an amazing blessing has come upon this man. His heart has changed from greedy to loving. After this encounter the community Zacchaeus was living in would all feel that blessing.

Is there room for Jesus to sit at your table? Can Jesus step fully into your life? God knows all of us need His love, His mercy, His forgiveness and His compassion in our lives. How can we improve or change what we do in our lives to be like Zacchaeus? Zacchaeus completely turned his life around and did all he can for others, never to cheat another person again. All of us of cause do not fit into this category of business or social practice of lying or stealing or misleading to have personal gain. But then self-examination is the best test here, yes, including myself. Where in our lives do we use a situation or a story or a reason; to not help someone so that we gain more keeping it to ourselves rather than give? Yes, that’s similar, sadly in many ways it’s probably worse.

Our objective as Catholics should always be to help others; in whatever way, we have been blessed to help them. If we are greedy in power, finance or possession and we refuse to open our closed fist to reach out to our needy sister or brother; then we too are just as guilty as Zacchaeus. There are many poor and needy individuals and families out there that need our help. Some need friendship and compassion and many of us are gifted in that area of blessing. A friendly hello, or a handshake or a hug or an encouraging word or even a prayer with them. Others of us can provide some additional food, because we have so many left-overs. Well, wrap up a plate or two or a tray; just get them food immediately, they are hungry. If you have ever experienced hunger you would understand. Even invite them over, have a meal, a prayer, extend your love and compassion. And then there are others who can help them in ways that mean a lot, secretly pay their rent, maybe pay a bill or two at the utility company. Get them a food store gift card. You can do all this uncover if you don’t want to be known. You have no idea how much joy you will bring to those suffering. They will certainly cry tears of joy. Consider many of these things, most especially as we come upon this holiday time of the year (Thanksgiving & Christmas)! Think of others and incorporate that thought, as you are planning your holiday festivities. God Bless all of you. Talk to you tomorrow.

LOVE YOU GUYS !!!!

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

**(NEW DAILY FEATURE)

Today is Sunday: We pray the Glorious Mysteries:

The Glorious Mysteries

1. The Resurrection (Faith) –Mark 16:1-8
2. The Ascension (Hope) –Luke 24:50-53
3. The Descent of the Holy Spirit (Love) –Acts 2:1-4
4. The Assumption of Our Lady
(Grace of a Happy Death) –Rev 12:1-6
5. The Coronation of Mary (Mary’s intercession) –Judith 15:9-10

Glory and Honor and Praise to You Lord Jesus Christ!

Rosary Man Jim's Glorious Reflections: http://beads-of-joy-blog.blogspot.com/2013/05/the-glorious-mysteries.html

Humility or Humiliation?

BEADS OF JOY 10-29-16

“Humility or Humiliation?”

©2016 James Dacey, Jr. OFS

My Friends,

Today’s Gospel: Luke 14:1,7-11 (Humility or Humiliation?)
“One Sabbath when he went to dine at the house of a ruler who belonged to the Pharisees, they were watching him.

Now he told a parable to those who were invited, when he marked how they chose the places of honor, saying to them, "When you are invited by anyone to a marriage feast, do not sit down in a place of honor, lest a more eminent man than you be invited by him; and he who invited you both will come and say to you, `Give place to this man,' and then you will begin with shame to take the lowest place. But when you are invited, go and sit in the lowest place, so that when your host comes he may say to you, `Friend, go up higher'; then you will be honored in the presence of all who sit at table with you. For every one who exalts himself will be humbled, and he who humbles himself will be exalted."

Reflection:
What is true humility? Why should you take on the characteristics of humility in your life anyway? Who wants to be last? If I am humble does that mean I must always be last? Now there’s no need to get your feathers all ruffled about this. Humility in God’s eyes is a good thing. True humility just takes our pre-occupational thoughts off ourselves; so, that we don’t see ourselves as better than others. Kind of a sobering thought of equality, that is all. Also, humility is the opposite of pride; so being humble helps keep our pride and selfishness in check. We are neither better or worse than anyone else, we are simple equal with them.

Humility is our true self in action, we become honest and real; making ourselves better in the person we really are. We will serve others better when we are humble for the desire of serving them; without having our own selfish desires getting in the way. The true humble person seeks only to serve; they do not seek fame or fortune or any sort of gain when they serve. Success is not in the vocabulary of the humble. Only in successfully helping and serving others. Humility is about giving, not taking. Even in giving the front seats to others. How do you drive out there on the road? Are you courteous? Do you LET others cut in front of you? Do you let someone take the front parking spot? Do you slow down to let someone in? Think about how you can be humble in your everyday life in the simplest things.

Humility is not about being weak, no, no; on the contrary, to be humble one must be strong in self-control and thoughtfulness. You must be thinking all the time about others before yourself, in order to be a sincerely humble individual. Weak selfish people place themselves first all the time; always thinking, only about themselves. It is by God’s grace that you have the strength to live the life of humility. Just think of how truly wonderfully at peace this world would be, our communities would be, our families would be, our friendships would be; if all of us would live the life of humility to its fullest. Selfishness, pride and greed have been the destruction of much around us. But, humility can be the saving grace to all of it. If more and more of us put others first before ourselves; little by little, more and more peace will prevail around us. Just a thought. Keep smiling my sisters and brothers, talk to you again tomorrow.

LOVE YOU GUYS !!!!

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

**(NEW DAILY FEATURE)

Today is Saturday: We pray the Joyful Mysteries:

The Joyful Mysteries

1. The Annunciation (Humility) – Luke 1:26-28
2. The Visitation (Love of Neighbor) – Luke 1:39-45
3. The Birth of Jesus (Poverty of Spirit) – Luke 2:1-20
4. The Presentation (Purity of Mind and Spirit) – Luke 2:22-38
5. Finding in The Temple (Obedience) –Luke 2:41-50

I simply love Saturday mornings, because Saturday like every other day of the week -begins with the Rosary.

Rosary Man Jim’s Joyful Reflection: http://beads-of-joy-blog.blogspot.com/2014/02/the-joyful-mysteries_10.html

He Called His Disciples

BEADS OF JOY 10-28-16

“He Called His Disciples”

©2016 James Dacey, Jr. OFS

My Friends,

Today’s Gospel: Luke 6:12-19 (He Called His Disciples)
“In these days he went out to the mountain to pray; and all night he continued in prayer to God. And when it was day, he called his disciples, and chose from them twelve, whom he named apostles; Simon, whom he named Peter, and Andrew his brother, and James and John, and Philip, and Bartholomew, and Matthew, and Thomas, and James the son of Alphaeus, and Simon who was called the Zealot, and Judas the son of James, and Judas Iscariot, who became a traitor. And he came down with them and stood on a level place, with a great crowd of his disciples and a great multitude of people from all Judea and Jerusalem and the seacoast of Tyre and Sidon, who came to hear him and to be healed of their diseases; and those who were troubled with unclean spirits were cured. And all the crowd sought to touch him, for power came forth from him and healed them all.”

Reflection:
What is holding you back from giving 100%+ to God? Or is there anything holding you back? The chosen twelve were simple ordinary people, none were professed scholars, none were wealthy, none had any great political influence; they were all simple ordinary working men who dealt with the day to day issues of life. The vast majority of us fit into that category. When Jesus calls us to serve, most of us, at the time of our call, just like the disciples have little or nothing to offer; all we have is a heart with a desire to serve. We are then fashioned to His needs with our gifts and ability. We must allow the power of the Holy Spirit to mold us to what our Lord so desires of us by our gifts; placing full trust in Him as we begin this journey. If we allow it and we are open to the Holy Spirit leading us, it can be a most exciting journey.

All of us have some sort of a gift that God wants in His Kingdom. I know many who have said to me, “Jim, I can’t write, I don’t play an instrument, I can’t build things, I’m not creative, what can I do?” For starters, I always say, slow down and simply ask the Lord to guide you in your prayers. Two ways to look at this, more I guess if you want to take the time to see. But one way is maybe there is a gift inside you that by God’s grace through your love for Him it will come out; and the other is simple incredible gifts so many unfortunately overlook: like being a compassionate friend, having an understanding heart, being a devoted parent, being a devoted sincere spouse, being a selfless neighbor looking out for the well-being of the community. There are so many gifts that fill us, sometimes all we need to do is pray about what God wants of us and believe me, He will guide and direct you.

Never underestimate how God will utilize whatever it is we can do. Let us be like the disciples, and follow Jesus fully trusting in Him. When Jesus calls you to serve, don’t run away from the calling thinking; “I am useless I can’t be of any use.” You have been chosen, because God sees in you something very special, simply allow His light to shine through you. Allow your hands to be His. Allow your feet to be His. Let Jesus work His Will through you, so that His Will not only brings you closer to Him; but by your work, others are brought to Him. Trust is the key. Trust fully in Jesus without any reservation. Once the flood gates of your heart opens and you have allowed His love to flow through you; your life will become an amazing witness, many will love Jesus because you brought Him to them. I know in my heart many of you are on the same page I am on. If any of you have any questions or doubts know that your Priests or a close devout friend will be able to help you. I’m not a Priest or Religious, nor a scholar with any Biblical training, neither am I here for profit or gain. I am a simple man, a dad, a husband, a devout servant of Jesus. I am here sharing my faith, from my heart. My 33-year non-stop journey home and I have given all of you a window seat. I hope and pray for you every single day. Talk to you tomorrow.

LOVE YOU GUYS !!!!

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

**(NEW DAILY FEATURE)

Today is Friday: We pray the Sorrowful Mysteries:

The Sorrowful Mysteries

1^. Agony on the Garden (Sorrow for sin) –Matt 26:36-46
2^. Scourging at the Pillar (Purity) –Mark 15:1-16
3^. Crowning with Thorns (Moral Courage) –Matt 27:27-31
4^. Carrying of the Cross (Patience) –Mark 15:20-22
5^. The Crucifixion (Perseverance) –Luke 23:33-46

Thank you Lord for loving us so much…

Rosary Man Jim’s Sorrowful Reflection: http://beads-of-joy-blog.blogspot.com/2014/02/the-sorrowful-mysteries_11.html

FRIDAY’S
I share this meditation I wrote back in 2010. Here I share my own personal insight and experience, as I journey with our Lady from station to station.

Many Franciscan groups around the world use this for their own group gathering while they meditate the Stations with our Lady. http://beads-of-joy-blog.blogspot.com/2010/03/marys-way-of-cross.html It is unique and emotionally very moving as you move from station to station… From my heart to yours.

Jesus' Sorrow For Jerusalem

BEADS OF JOY 10-27-16

“Jesus' Sorrow For Jerusalem”

©2016 James Dacey, Jr. OFS

My Friends,

Today’s Gospel:Luke 13:31-35 (Jesus' Sorrow For Jerusalem)
“At that very hour some Pharisees came, and said to him, "Get away from here, for Herod wants to kill you." And he said to them, "Go and tell that fox, `Behold, I cast out demons and perform cures today and tomorrow, and the third day I finish my course. Nevertheless, I must go on my way today and tomorrow and the day following; for it cannot be that a prophet should perish away from Jerusalem.' O Jerusalem, Jerusalem, killing the prophets and stoning those who are sent to you! How often would I have gathered your children together as a hen gathers her brood under her wings, and you would not! Behold, your house is forsaken. And I tell you, you will not see me until you say, `Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord!'"

Reflection:
Jesus always knew Jerusalem would betrayed Him and rejected Him and eventually He would die upon the cross; but He also knew He would rise in victory for both the Jews and the Gentiles. But who would accept Him as Lord and Savior? Do you make room in your life for Jesus? Do you love Him the way He loves you? We must remember it is Jesus and only Jesus, who has made it possible for us to have full access to Almighty God.

Look what Jesus did when He was threatened. What do you do? Do you run? Do you hide? Do you flee and escape so that no one knows where that Jesus speaking crazy person is? OR Do you hold your ground like Jesus? Do you stand strong in your faith regardless of the threat? Think about so many people in the Bible who were threatened to STOP all their preaching and miracles. What did they do? They continued and worked even harder for our Lord. Many risked their lives, many died, they knew that getting God’s Word out was bigger than them; more important than even the breath they were breathing. Obviously, everyone decides for themselves what they will do for themselves; I am neither suggesting or telling you what to do. I am just reflecting, you decide. I have been threatened and cursed at and ridiculed multiple times throughout my 33-year journey, once in a very scary way, but I am still here. I have many eyes watching me that my system tells me are watching me. But that’s OK, I am not stopping.

I place all my hope and all my trust in my Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. And it is through Him that I have the strength to move forward each day. I don’t judge or ridicule anyone, I mind my own business and keep on keeping on. Jesus knows my heart, I am not perfect nor will I ever be; I just want to serve Him and share my faith my entire life, that is all I have ever wanted to do. This is not a business for me nor is it a way to make a living for me, THIS IS MY LIFE! My love for my Lord runs through my veins and I feel an urge to share that joy; as long as blood flows through my body, I will always do all I can to encourage others to journey closer to Jesus. I find tremendous comfort through Our Lady (Jesus’ Mom -Mary) and through the Holy Rosary. That prayer is at the root of my journey, it has been from Day-1 and still remains a vital part of me as I continue my life’s journey HOME. I love you guys and I always will; talk to you tomorrow.

LOVE YOU GUYS !!!!

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

**(NEW DAILY FEATURE)

Today is Thursday: We pray the Luminous Mysteries:

The Luminous Mysteries

1. The Baptism of Jesus (Matt 3:13-17)
2. Wedding Feast of Cana (John 2:1-12)
3. Proclamation of the Kingdom of God (Mark 1:15)
4. The Transfiguration (Mark 9:2-13)
5. Institution of the Holy Eucharist (Matt 26:17-30)

Glory and Honor and Praise -Lord Jesus Christ!!

Rosary Man Jim's Luminous Reflections: http://beads-of-joy-blog.blogspot.com/2013/05/the-luminous-mysteries.html

Enter By The Narrow Door

BEADS OF JOY 10-26-16

“Enter By The Narrow Door”

©2016 James Dacey, Jr. OFS

My Friends,

Today’s Gospel: Luke 13:22-30 (Enter By The Narrow Door)
“ He went on his way through towns and villages, teaching, and journeying toward Jerusalem. And someone said to him, "Lord, will those who are saved be few?" And he said to them, "Strive to enter by the narrow door; for many, I tell you, will seek to enter and will not be able. When once the householder has risen up and shut the door, you will begin to stand outside and to knock at the door, saying, `Lord, open to us.' He will answer you, `I do not know where you come from.' Then you will begin to say, `We ate and drank in your presence, and you taught in our streets.' But he will say, `I tell you, I do not know where you come from; depart from me, all you workers of iniquity!' There you will weep and gnash your teeth, when you see Abraham and Isaac and Jacob and all the prophets in the kingdom of God and you yourselves thrust out. And men will come from east and west, and from north and south, and sit at table in the kingdom of God. And behold, some are last who will be first, and some are first who will be last."

Reflection:
What does Jesus mean by “Strive to enter by the narrow door”? Yes, there are many ways to interpret this; but there seems to be only one way fitting for Jesus to be the one saying this. If we are following Jesus, then we must take up our cross and follow Him; so, the only way through the narrow gate “door” would be through the cross of Christ. Hence our own cross! Then our struggles and pain and sufferings may just be the keys that open that door; because it is through all that, that we are united in Jesus’ suffering with Him. Stay with me. If we are united with Him in our suffering, we will be united with Him in our victory! It is only by the narrow gate that we will achieve this.

Do you fully trust in Jesus? Do you trust in God’s grace to help see you through your suffering and pain? Do you “strive” to enter through the narrow door? When you think of the doorway, what do you see? Do you see a pathway to Heaven? Are you closer to the Kingdom of God? Jesus warns us that we can be excluded, so we must strive for that narrow door. Didn’t Jesus tell us in John 10:9 “I am the door; if any one enters by me, he will be saved” Now, think about that for a moment. Jesus, by way of the cross is indeed the way we must follow, the way we must enter. The ONLY way! Jesus was sent by God to save us, to free us and it is by His very cross that we are given access to enter Heaven to unite to Almighty God. There is no other way. That is why we must take up our cross and follow Him.

Now that we know this, we need to buckle down and focus and remain focused. Lest we lose our focus and chance to stay focused on entering through the narrow door, not the wide one. Embrace your trials! Embrace your pain! Embrace your struggles! I know, some of you are saying, “How can you say that, you don’t understand what I am going through!” Well, in some cases I do! I have seen death in the eyes of those I love, I have seen hunger in the eyes of those I love, I have seen poverty and discouragement in the eyes of those I love. I have seen countless tears in the eyes of those I love. I have been hospitalized for my own health issues weeks at a time. I have been bedside with my wife on two occasions and I was told that she may die through the night. I know PAIN! I know SUFFERING! I know TEARS! I know what it means to carry a very heavy cross. But, I refuse to turn my face from my Lord. I will not deny Him, instead I thanked Him and praised Him through it all, even through my tears. I am praying for all of you every single day, see you tomorrow.

LOVE YOU GUYS !!!!

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

**(NEW DAILY FEATURE)

Today is Wednesday: We pray the Glorious Mysteries:

The Glorious Mysteries

1. The Resurrection (Faith) –Mark 16:1-8
2. The Ascension (Hope) –Luke 24:50-53
3. The Descent of the Holy Spirit (Love) –Acts 2:1-4
4. The Assumption of Our Lady
(Grace of a Happy Death) –Rev 12:1-6
5. The Coronation of Mary (Mary’s intercession) –Judith 15:9-10

Glory and Honor and Praise to You Lord Jesus Christ!

Rosary Man Jim's Glorious Reflections: http://beads-of-joy-blog.blogspot.com/2013/05/the-glorious-mysteries.html

The Kingdom of God

BEADS OF JOY 10-25-16

“The Kingdom of God”

©2016 James Dacey, Jr. OFS

My Friends,

Today’s Gospel: Luke 13:18-21 (The Kingdom of God)
“He said therefore, "What is the kingdom of God like? And to what shall I compare it? It is like a grain of mustard seed which a man took and sowed in his garden; and it grew and became a tree, and the birds of the air made nests in its branches." And again, he said, "To what shall I compare the kingdom of God? It is like leaven which a woman took and hid in three measures of flour, till it was all leavened."

Reflection:
Mustard seeds and leaven, what in the world are we talking about? Well, we are talking about something that starts out small and then gets larger. In our hearts our love for God slowly develops and grows; even from the smallest curiosity of learning about Jesus we are drawn to know more. Like a seed transforms in the depths of the ground; our hearts transform in the depths of our body as our love deepens for our Lord. But like the seeds and the leaven we must tend to them, so that they will grow. Our faith is the same way, we must tend to it and nurture our whole life and then; it will always grow.

Our faith needs our nurturing and our attention if not directly, then indirectly every day. Just like seeds need water and light and the ground around it cleared of weeds and debris so that it may grow and flourish; so, to do our hearts need time, space, the light of Jesus, the cleansing power of the Holy Spirit and someone tending to it. Think about your own personal spiritual journey, most of us took the journey with someone; or because of someone or by the influencing excitement and joy of someone that had what we wanted. Chances are that person helped you grow either by example, by leading or even making sure they stayed by your side. I have many people I can think of that fill that part in my life early on. I can still think of individuals who still help me grow to this day. We never stop growing.

This is how I think of my faith, like a bicycle ride. Yes, you can pedal and coast and turn and go fast and go slow; but if you stop or fall or fail to pedal when you must, you must get back on and get going again. In other words, our faith is not something that we can just do have when we want to. Our faith, our real faith requires growth and attention and our time. To ride a bicycle, we must pay attention to the road around us, stay focused and pedal more often than we think. The pedaling I am referring to is the moving along that we must constantly do as we grow/go! Hope that makes sense. Once I wrote a parable called “The Parable of The Bicycle Rider” it’s somewhere in this blog in 2010. I know many have copied the idea since. It further explains my insight to this theory I have on the constant moving of our faith and how we must keep it flowing and moving. Our faith is alive inside us; it grows and through the power of the Holy Spirit we gain knowledge and love for Jesus. But we must tend to it daily through prayer, scripture, devotions and other spiritual nurturing. Our relationship with Jesus will require our attention, to be a true solid relationship. I am praying for all of you always, see you tomorrow.

LOVE YOU GUYS !!!!

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

**(NEW DAILY FEATURE)

Today is Tuesday: We pray the Sorrowful Mysteries:

The Sorrowful Mysteries

1^. Agony on the Garden (Sorrow for sin) –Matt 26:36-46
2^. Scourging at the Pillar (Purity) –Mark 15:1-16
3^. Crowning with Thorns (Moral Courage) –Matt 27:27-31
4^. Carrying of the Cross (Patience) –Mark 15:20-22
5^. The Crucifixion (Perseverance) –Luke 23:33-46

Thank you Lord for loving us so much…

Rosary Man Jim’s Sorrowful Reflection: http://beads-of-joy-blog.blogspot.com/2014/02/the-sorrowful-mysteries_11.html

Freed From Your Infirmity

BEADS OF JOY 10-24-16

“Freed From Your Infirmity”

©2016 James Dacey, Jr. OFS

 My Friends,

Today’s Gospel: Luke 13:10-17 (Freed From Your Infirmity)
“Now he was teaching in one of the synagogues on the Sabbath. And there was a woman who had had a spirit of infirmity for eighteen years; she was bent over and could not fully straighten herself. And when Jesus saw her, he called her and said to her, "Woman, you are freed from your infirmity." And he laid his hands upon her, and immediately she was made straight, and she praised God. But the ruler of the synagogue, indignant because Jesus had healed on the Sabbath, said to the people, "There are six days on which work ought to be done; come on those days and be healed, and not on the Sabbath day." Then the Lord answered him, "You hypocrites! Does not each of you on the Sabbath untie his ox or his ass from the manger, and lead it away to water it? And ought not this woman, a daughter of Abraham whom Satan bound for eighteen years, be loosed from this bond on the Sabbath day?" As he said this, all his adversaries were put to shame; and all the people rejoiced at all the glorious things that were done by him.”

Reflection:
It is through God’s Word that we are forever changed. Do you believe like this crippled woman who was suffering for eighteen years? For not one second does God take a rest from His mercy and love for us. Is there anything in your life that keeps you so bound up or distracted so much that you cannot turn to Him for a healing? We must remember, it is through Jesus that we are set you free; and it is through Jesus that we are healed.

Consider for a moment the hypocrisy of the ruler of the synagogue. He was very upset that Jesus healed this woman on the Sabbath? I don’t know about you, but to me that sounds utterly insane. You would think that a healing in the synagogue would be something he would want to celebrate; no, he would rather go by man’s interpretation of God’s laws, than God’s mercy and love. Jesus, the Christ, the Son of God was in his synagogue healing a woman who suffered for eighteen years; obviously, many people most likely knew her, knew of her suffering, now she was healed! An obvious sign, an obvious miracle! It just blows my mind how ignorant and blind so many were when the evidence of the obvious was staring them straight in the face.

Let us not be the same when it comes to the love and mercy of God in our own lives. I’m sure many of us can attest to many examples and stories of situations that took miraculous turns in our lives. Have you ever experienced what appears to be a “miracle” or a “God sent” moment in your life? Maybe something that happened where you instantly looked up to the Heavens and said, “Thank you Jesus”? It could have been the results of a blood test or some other medical test or maybe someone cut you off; but by God’s grace you didn’t get into an accident, or you were in a horrific accident, but no one was even hurt? I suggest you pay careful attention to your typical day, God’s presents is always there, sometimes all we have to do is look for it. Many people are blind to God’s presence on purpose, because they don’t want to see it, don’t be like that. Our Lord is with us more than we know, unless we really pay attention, then we will indeed know. Jesus is everywhere, always, every minute of every day. Hope you have a fantastic week, talk to you tomorrow.

LOVE YOU GUYS !!!!

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


PS.. 30 YEARS AGO TODAY
Chrissy & Jimmy eloped


Yes, we may have not got married before God until May 2, 1987. But on this day 30 years ago we began our life's adventure together. Many difficult years and many wonderful, loving good years of memories. It’s been a rough road, but by God’s grace we have made it these 30 years. Here’s one of many of our the first pictures we ever took together on our first date: It was in on of those photograph booths.

I love you so much Christine - You are my hearts joy !!!

**(NEW DAILY FEATURE)
Today is Monday: We pray the Joyful Mysteries:

The Joyful Mysteries

1. The Annunciation (Humility) – Luke 1:26-28
2. The Visitation (Love of Neighbor) – Luke 1:39-45
3. The Birth of Jesus (Poverty of Spirit) – Luke 2:1-20
4. The Presentation (Purity of Mind and Spirit) – Luke 2:22-38
5. Finding in The Temple (Obedience) –Luke 2:41-50

I simply love mornings, because every morning begins with the Rosary.

Rosary Man Jim’s Joyful Reflection: http://beads-of-joy-blog.blogspot.com/2014/02/the-joyful-mysteries_10.html

Be Merciful To Me A Sinner

BEADS OF JOY 10-23-16

“Be Merciful To Me A Sinner”

©2016 James Dacey, Jr. OFS

My Friends,

Today’s Gospel: Luke 18:9-14 (Be Merciful To Me A Sinner)
“He also told this parable to some who trusted in themselves that they were righteous and despised others: "Two men went up into the temple to pray, one a Pharisee and the other a tax collector. The Pharisee stood and prayed thus with himself, `God, I thank you that I am not like other men, extortioners, unjust, adulterers, or even like this tax collector. I fast twice a week, I give tithes of all that I get.' But the tax collector, standing far off, would not even lift up his eyes to heaven, but beat his breast, saying, `God, be merciful to me a sinner!' I tell you, this man went down to his house justified rather than the other; for everyone who exalts himself will be humbled, but he who humbles himself will be exalted."

Reflection:
Pride and prayer just don’t mix. What I get out of this personally is this: When you pray, don’t put yourself on a pedestal and throw your neighbor to the gutter with judgement while you pray; when you do that, you are a hypocrite in your prayers. When you pray, be humble and bow your head in humility and offer praise and thanksgiving before the Lord, knowing that you are unworthy. God will judge us in the end; we should ever assume or presume anything. The only thing we do know is that God will measure us by the measure we give. That is all we know! Ultimately we do not know God’s final word in our lives; it is best to remain humble and do all we can to obey what our Lord teaches us.

Our responsibility is our own, of cause we can help and encourage and pray for one another, but we can’t literally save or speak for one another. God’s mercy is amazing and He loves all of us; we must trust in His mercy and His love knowing that He will love us always. By His Grace we will be saved and it is by His grace that we will have the humility; to bow our heads before Him knowing that He will indeed be showered by His love. One thing we need not worry about and that is God loving us, He loved us first; it’s our love for Him that must be sincere true and real. He knows our hearts even better than we do.

There’s nothing in this world that should come before our Lord in your life. Jesus gave His life for us. God chose His Only Son to die so that we might live. We need to live our lives with full knowledge of those facts. Think about that. Or even better, let’s take it off on a tangent for a second. If a stranger jumped in front of an oncoming vehicle to save your life and either got killed or permanently injured for the rest of their life; because they saved your life, wouldn’t you feel some sort of loyalty to them? Just knowing they sacrificed all so that you could live and not be killed or injured. How does that make you feel about that person? Now think about everything Jesus has done for You! For Us! How can we not feel a certain special loyalty to Him, especially since He is our Lord and Savior to. Our allegiance should be even more solid knowing all this. Well, it’s something to think about, I do. Nothing can separate my love from my Lord. Jesus Christ is my Lord and Savior period! Hope you all feel the same way. Talk to you tomorrow. Hope you have a fantastic Sunday.

LOVE YOU GUYS !!!!

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

**(NEW DAILY FEATURE)

Today is Sunday: We pray the Glorious Mysteries:

The Glorious Mysteries

1. The Resurrection (Faith) –Mark 16:1-8
2. The Ascension (Hope) –Luke 24:50-53
3. The Descent of the Holy Spirit (Love) –Acts 2:1-4
4. The Assumption of Our Lady
(Grace of a Happy Death) –Rev 12:1-6
5. The Coronation of Mary (Mary’s intercession) –Judith 15:9-10

Glory and Honor and Praise to You Lord Jesus Christ!

Rosary Man Jim's Glorious Reflections: http://beads-of-joy-blog.blogspot.com/2013/05/the-glorious-mysteries.html

The Fast & The Curious

BEADS OF JOY 10-22-16

“The Fast & The Curious”

©2016 James Dacey, Jr. OFS

My Friends,

That sticker is from 1989. It should read. "Praying The Rosary Around The World"

Saturday’s Rosary Making Reflections:
Saturday’s will now be devoted to our Rosary Making progress, ambitions, hopes, dreams, ideas and hopeful curiosity of others who may join in. If you are within a 100-mile radius of Milford, PA. Well than I would be more than happy to help teach and train you on how to make Mission Rosary Beads. I’d even set you up with some beginning supplies and help you begin a small group amongst your own friends training them also. Yes, my ambitions are tremendous; but the Lord shall lead and guide us along the way.

As I still continue to have challenging side-effects from my 2 strokes (my left side numbness) I try my best to forge forward. For close drives, I would drive myself, further ones, either my wife and I would share the ride or one of my children or a fellow church friend would help; no matter I would get to you. The ambitions hold no boundary. Obviously, I can’t train you in Florida or California; though I would love to so greatly. But financially and physically it would be impossible. But if you were to visit family or friends in NY, NJ or PA somewhere relatively close by; I would be more than happy to come by and teach all of you how to make Mission Rosary Beads.

The Fast & The Curious? Crazy title? No! I am quick in response to anyone interested and anyone curious and I love to play with words, so that’s where the title came from. I have some supplies and I am ordering more. I intend to help train you and if it takes a couple of times to help you feel comfortable with making them I will be able to help you and anyone interested in making Mission Rosary Beads. I will leave you some supplies and we will talk about future logistics if you’d like to continue. If your church already has a local group; please invite me, I’d love to help your group in any way I can. Either in making more beads to ship out or help teach or recruit more Rosary Makers. Just let me know.

Ambitious Outreach Plan:

Basically that’s the region I have begun reaching out to personally. Yes, gladly I’d go outside that region, depending on what each situation is; but let’s take this one day at a time as the interest in making Mission Rosary Beads grows throughout the area. Please feel free to reach out to me and begin the process of getting together. Email me: jimdaceyjunior@yahoo.com Subject matter: Mission Rosary Beads. God Bless you and everyone else out of reach an unable to join us, please pray for us, or if you would like to and you are able to donate to help fund this, that would be spectacular, just email me also. Mission Rosaries cost about .15¢ cents each to make. Talk to you tomorrow.

LOVE YOU GUYS !!!!

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

**(NEW DAILY FEATURE)

Today is Saturday: We pray the Joyful Mysteries:

The Joyful Mysteries

1. The Annunciation (Humility) – Luke 1:26-28
2. The Visitation (Love of Neighbor) – Luke 1:39-45
3. The Birth of Jesus (Poverty of Spirit) – Luke 2:1-20
4. The Presentation (Purity of Mind and Spirit) – Luke 2:22-38
5. Finding in The Temple (Obedience) –Luke 2:41-50

I simply love Saturday mornings, because Saturday like every other day of the week -begins with the Rosary.

Rosary Man Jim’s Joyful Reflection: http://beads-of-joy-blog.blogspot.com/2014/02/the-joyful-mysteries_10.html

Preparing For The Storm

BEADS OF JOY 10-21-16

“Preparing For The Storm”

©2016 James Dacey, Jr. OFS

My Friends,

Today’s Gospel: Luke 12:54-59 (Preparing For The Storm)
“He also said to the multitudes, "When you see a cloud rising in the west, you say at once, `A shower is coming'; and so it happens. And when you see the south wind blowing, you say, `There will be scorching heat'; and it happens. You hypocrites! You know how to interpret the appearance of earth and sky; but why do you not know how to interpret the present time? "And why do you not judge for yourselves what is right? As you go with your accuser before the magistrate, make an effort to settle with him on the way, lest he drag you to the judge, and the judge hand you over to the officer, and the officer put you in prison. I tell you, you will never get out till you have paid the very last copper."

Reflection:
In today’s gospel Jesus speaks of warning signs in weather. Do you live in a place where you are pre-warned of floods or fire and you are given a warning to move out in advance, for your safety in order to save your life? Today Jesus warns us to prepare for a Spiritual storm. The evil one will accuse us of every single wrong doing we have ever committed. We must ask Jesus for forgiveness, He will always forgive us of our sins; cleansing our soul is so important, no blemish shall be held against us as long as we ask for forgiveness. Our accuser is the father of lies, he will do all he can to turn God against us; but God’s love and mercy will be showered upon us all we need to do is ask for it and we grant it. Prepare while we still can, don’t think for a moment that we can wait till the last second of our life to ask for forgiveness; it will certainly be too late.

Jesus is always ready to transform our lives through the power of the Holy Spirit. But we must not take the presumptive attitude, that we have all the time in the world and we have nothing to worry about; time will slip away and we will be caught unexpectedly in sin upon our Lord’s return. Just as we must clean our dinnerware (utensils, dishes, pots and pans) constantly after they are dirty to avoid illness; we must do all we can to keep our soul squeaky clean, especially when we knowingly have sin in our lives. Obviously we all sin, small or large we are all sinners. So keeping our soul’s clean needs to be very serious part of a spiritual journey.

Here’s my thoughts, my own reflection. Have a life that reflects and is exactly what Jesus would expect of you, meaning: Live a life that includes all of what I repeatedly suggest in many of my writings, read your Bible every single day, go to daily Mass as often as you possible can while you still can, go to Adoration whenever you can, pray the rosary or any devotion daily and embrace that devotion as your devotion, go to confession frequently and share Jesus as the Spirit leads you. I guess the reason behind why I preach this so much to you is this: I pray that you begin to do many of these things naturally in your own life in your own way; so that these activities become more and more you and you share this with others just the same. Does that make sense? I Hope so! My prayers are with all of you always. Talk to you again tomorrow.

LOVE YOU GUYS !!!!

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

**(NEW DAILY FEATURE)

Today is Friday: We pray the Sorrowful Mysteries:

The Sorrowful Mysteries

1^. Agony on the Garden (Sorrow for sin) –Matt 26:36-46
2^. Scourging at the Pillar (Purity) –Mark 15:1-16
3^. Crowning with Thorns (Moral Courage) –Matt 27:27-31
4^. Carrying of the Cross (Patience) –Mark 15:20-22
5^. The Crucifixion (Perseverance) –Luke 23:33-46

Thank you Lord for loving us so much…

Rosary Man Jim’s Sorrowful Reflection: http://beads-of-joy-blog.blogspot.com/2014/02/the-sorrowful-mysteries_11.html

FRIDAY’S
I share this meditation I wrote back in 2010. Here I share my own personal insight and experience, as I journey with our Lady from station to station.

Many Franciscan groups around the world use this for their own group gathering while they meditate the Stations with our Lady. http://beads-of-joy-blog.blogspot.com/2010/03/marys-way-of-cross.html It is unique and emotionally very moving as you move from station to station… From my heart to yours.

Fire Upon The Earth

BEADS OF JOY 10-20-16

“Fire Upon The Earth”

©2016 James Dacey, Jr. OFS

My Friends,

Today’s Gospel: Luke 12:49-53 (Fire Upon The Earth)
“I came to cast fire upon the earth; and would that it were already kindled! I have a baptism to be baptized with; and how I am constrained until it is accomplished! Do you think that I have come to give peace on earth? No, I tell you, but rather division; for henceforth in one house there will be five divided, three against two and two against three; they will be divided, father against son and son against father, mother against daughter and daughter against her mother, mother-in-law against her daughter-in-law and daughter-in-law against her mother-in-law."

Reflection:
Who do you love more than anyone in the whole wide world? Answer: God of cause! You must be willing to forsake everyone and everything for Jesus. No one can have greater loyalty from you than Almighty God; your allegiance to Him must be of the greatest in your life. Jesus uses strong words (fire upon the earth) to emphasize the great importance of our choices. We will have division, if we don’t make wise choices in our lives. If we don’t live our lives in such a way, that our lives express our great love for God as our most important first love. If we place any “relationship” ANY! above that of God, it is a form of idolatry. We don't need to get deep into scripture, I am no scholar, it’s very simple; God first, others second, me last. Live by that simple rule and it all makes sense.

The Gospel is a message of Love, a message that brings us together, a message of Good News. If you seek freedom from being a slave to your sins and from satan and hatred and evil and that which can destroy your mind and soul; then spend more and more time in the gospels. You will find peace and happiness and joy and Jesus in the Gospels. He will lead you closer and closer to Himself. It’s like any other relationship, the more time you spend with someone the better you get to know them and the more you want to be with them. I strongly encourage each day that you spend time in scripture. Literally every single day open your Bible.

Commit your life to Jesus today like never before it can save your life. And then live the life the Holy Spirit is guiding you through. Be an example for others to see. Be a living witness to what kindness and love and real charity is. When someone needs help, help them. When someone is hungry, feed them. When someone needs Jesus, introduce them. Share scripture when the Spirit leads. Be the sister or brother someone don’t have or the friend someone needs. Open up to someone who needs a friend and listen to someone who needs an ear. We are all children of God and we all need one another. By placing God first in our lives, we have placed everyone else second. Keep that important fact in mind. So do all you can to be good Christians, good neighbors, good friends. It doesn’t matter what their faith is or what they believe or how they live; love them just the same, help them just the same. God wants us to be there for one another always. Love God first always my sisters and brothers. Talk to you tomorrow.

LOVE YOU GUYS !!!!

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

**(NEW DAILY FEATURE)

Today is Thursday: We pray the Luminous Mysteries:

The Luminous Mysteries

1. The Baptism of Jesus (Matt 3:13-17)
2. Wedding Feast of Cana (John 2:1-12)
3. Proclamation of the Kingdom of God (Mark 1:15)
4. The Transfiguration (Mark 9:2-13)
5. Institution of the Holy Eucharist (Matt 26:17-30)

Glory and Honor and Praise -Lord Jesus Christ!!

Rosary Man Jim's Luminous Reflections: http://beads-of-joy-blog.blogspot.com/2013/05/the-luminous-mysteries.html