Monday, December 31, 2018

In The Beginning


BEADS OF JOY 12-31-18
“In The Beginning”
©2018 James Dacey, Jr. OFS

My Friends,


Today’s Gospel: John 1:1-18 (Word Became Flesh)
“In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. He was in the beginning with God; all things were made through him, and without him was not anything made that was made. In him was life, and the life was the light of men. The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness has not overcome it. There was a man sent from God, whose name was John. He came for testimony, to bear witness to the light, that all might believe through him. He was not the light but came to bear witness to the light. The true light that enlightens every man was coming into the world. He was in the world, and the world was made through him, yet the world knew him not. He came to his own home, and his own people received him not. But to all who received him, who believed in his name, he gave power to become children of God; who were born, not of blood nor of the will of the flesh nor of the will of man, but of God. And the Word became flesh and dwelt among us, full of grace and truth; we have beheld his glory, glory as of the only Son from the Father. (John bore witness to him, and cried, "This was he of whom I said, `He who comes after me ranks before me, for he was before me.'") And from his fulness have we all received, grace upon grace. For the law was given through Moses; grace and truth came through Jesus Christ. No one has ever seen God; the only Son, who is in the bosom of the Father, he has made him known.”

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

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

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

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


Begin planning some incredible 2019 Resolutions.



Daily Reading for Monday
December 31st, 2018



How Do Priests Pray?
w/ Fr. Mike Schmitz


Should Christians Make
New Years Resolutions?


LOVE YOU GUYS !!!!

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

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 & Spirit) – Luke 2:22-38
5. Finding in The Temple (Obedience) –Luke 2:41-50

I simply love Monday 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


MY FIRST BOOK.
(Mary’s Way of The Cross - .99¢)

MY SECOND BOOK.
(Praying The Complete Rosary - .99¢)

Rosary Man Jim's
Decades With Our Lady Podcast
https://rosarymanjim.podbean.com/

Sunday, December 30, 2018

The Holy Family


BEADS OF JOY 12-30-18
“The Holy Family”
©2018 James Dacey, Jr. OFS

My Friends,


Today’s Gospel: Luke 2:41-52 (Finding In The Temple)
“Now his parents went to Jerusalem every year at the feast of the Passover. And when he was twelve years old, they went up according to custom; and when the feast was ended, as they were returning, the boy Jesus stayed behind in Jerusalem. His parents did not know it, but supposing him to be in the company they went a day's journey, and they sought him among their kinsfolk and acquaintances; and when they did not find him, they returned to Jerusalem, seeking him. After three days they found him in the temple, sitting among the teachers, listening to them and asking them questions; and all who heard him were amazed at his understanding and his answers. And when they saw him, they were astonished; and his mother said to him, "Son, why have you treated us so? Behold, your father and I have been looking for you anxiously." And he said to them, "How is it that you sought me? Did you not know that I must be in my Father's house?" And they did not understand the saying which he spoke to them. And he went down with them and came to Nazareth and was obedient to them; and his mother kept all these things in her heart. And Jesus increased in wisdom and in stature, and in favor with God and man.”

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

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

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

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


Luke 2:41-52
Finding In The Temple




Praying to Mary - A Biblical Defense
w/ Tim Staples




LOVE YOU GUYS !!!!

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

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. Assumption of Mary (Grace of a Happy Death) –Rev 12:1-6
5. Coronation of Mary (Mary’s intercession) –Judith 15:9-10

Glory and Honor and Praise to You Lord Jesus Christ!




MY FIRST BOOK.
(Mary’s Way of The Cross - .99¢)

MY SECOND BOOK.
(Praying The Complete Rosary - .99¢)

Rosary Man Jim's
Decades With Our Lady Podcast
https://rosarymanjim.podbean.com/

Saturday, December 29, 2018

Respond – To The Spirit


BEADS OF JOY 12-29-18
“Respond – To The Spirit”
©2018 James Dacey, Jr. OFS

My Friends,


Today’s Gospel: Luke 2:22-35 (Presentation In The Temple)
“And when the time came for their purification according to the law of Moses, they brought him up to Jerusalem to present him to the Lord (as it is written in the law of the Lord, "Every male that opens the womb shall be called holy to the Lord") and to offer a sacrifice according to what is said in the law of the Lord, "a pair of turtledoves, or two young pigeons." Now there was a man in Jerusalem, whose name was Simeon, and this man was righteous and devout, looking for the consolation of Israel, and the Holy Spirit was upon him. And it had been revealed to him by the Holy Spirit that he should not see death before he had seen the Lord's Christ. And inspired by the Spirit he came into the temple; and when the parents brought in the child Jesus, to do for him according to the custom of the law, he took him up in his arms and blessed God and said, "Lord, now let your servant depart in peace, according to your word; for my eyes have seen your salvation which you have prepared in the presence of all peoples, a light for revelation to the Gentiles, and for glory to your people Israel." And his father and his mother marveled at what was said about him; and Simeon blessed them and said to Mary his mother, "Behold, this child is set for the fall and rising of many in  Israel, and for a sign that is spoken against (and a sword will pierce through your own soul also), that thoughts out of many hearts may be revealed." 

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

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

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

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


Jesus Presented in the Temple



Solomon's Temple Explained


Apologetics:
Defending Mary, the Mother of God



LOVE YOU GUYS !!!!

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

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 & 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.



MY FIRST BOOK.
(Mary’s Way of The Cross - .99¢)

MY SECOND BOOK.
(Praying The Complete Rosary - .99¢)

Rosary Man Jim's
Decades With Our Lady Podcast
https://rosarymanjim.podbean.com/

Friday, December 28, 2018

Respond – Those Suffering


BEADS OF JOY 12-28-18
“Respond – Those Suffering”
©2018 James Dacey, Jr. OFS

My Friends,


Today’s Gospel: Matthew 2:13-18 (Flight To Egypt)
“Now when they had departed, behold, an angel of the Lord appeared to Joseph in a dream and said, "Rise, take the child and his mother, and  flee to Egypt, and remain there till I tell you; for Herod is about to search for the child, to destroy him." And he rose and took the child and his mother by night, and departed to Egypt, and remained there until the death of Herod. This was to fulfill what the Lord had spoken by the prophet, "Out of Egypt have I called my son." Then Herod, when he saw that he had been tricked by the wise men, was in a furious rage, and he sent and killed all the male children in Bethlehem and in all that region who were two years old or under, according to the time which he had ascertained from the wise men. Then was fulfilled what was spoken by the prophet Jeremiah: "A voice was heard in Ramah, wailing and loud lamentation, Rachel weeping for her children; she refused to be consoled, because they were no more."

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

Both of these mass killings of the innocent are a kind of genocide. In the past in history; whenever a certain group of people were no longer wanted or desired by the existing power in charge; in certain situations, they did all they can to try to terminate the unwanted. This type of genocide exists today. We must continue to pray for the murderers and all those countless millions of innocent babies who are killed.

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

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


Dec 28 - Holy Innocents, Martyrs



Developing a Clear Vision in Life
w/ Fr. Mike Schmitz
(Insightful, very helpful.)




LOVE YOU GUYS !!!!

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

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…



MY FIRST BOOK.
(Mary’s Way of The Cross - .99¢)

MY SECOND BOOK.
(Praying The Complete Rosary - .99¢)

Rosary Man Jim's
Decades With Our Lady Podcast
https://rosarymanjim.podbean.com/

Thursday, December 27, 2018

Respond – To An Empty Tomb


BEADS OF JOY 12-27-18
“Respond – To An Empty Tomb”
©2018 James Dacey, Jr. OFS

My Friends,


Today’s Gospel: John 20:1a,2-8 (The Empty Tomb)
“Now on the first day of the week [Mary Magdalene] ran, and went to Simon Peter and the other disciple, the one whom Jesus loved, and said to them, "They have taken the Lord out of the tomb, and we do not know where they have laid him." Peter then came out with the other disciple, and they went toward the tomb. They both ran, but the other disciple outran Peter and reached the tomb first; and stooping to look in, he saw the linen cloths lying there, but he did not go in. Then Simon Peter came, following him, and went into the tomb; he saw the linen cloths lying, and the napkin, which had been on his head, not lying with the linen cloths but rolled up in a place by itself. Then the other disciple, who reached the tomb first, also went in, and he saw and believed.”

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

No greater confirmation of our faith than to see the tomb of our Savior empty, knowing that what He said is what He meant. Are our eyes focused on seeing Him? Do we see how His resurrection became the most significant part of our faith and how to this day, His resurrection is still talked about? Without it maybe we may have never heard of Jesus. 

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

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

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

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

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


Dec 27, St John,
Apostle and Evangelist


Bishop Robert Barron on
The Nativity of Luke's Gospel



The True Meaning of Christmas
w/ Archbishop Fulton Sheen





LOVE YOU GUYS !!!!

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

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!! 




MY FIRST BOOK.
(Mary’s Way of The Cross - .99¢)

MY SECOND BOOK.
(Praying The Complete Rosary - .99¢)

Rosary Man Jim's
Decades With Our Lady Podcast
https://rosarymanjim.podbean.com/

Wednesday, December 26, 2018

Respond – With Sacrifice


BEADS OF JOY 12-26-18
“Respond – With Sacrifice”
©2018 James Dacey, Jr. OFS

My Friends,


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

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

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

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


Jesus' Disciples Persecuted



It all boils down to this....



LOVE YOU GUYS !!!!

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

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. Assumption of Mary.1 (A Happy Death) –Rev 12:1-6
5. Coronation of Mary (Mary’s intercession) –Judith 15:9-10

Glory and Honor and Praise to You Lord Jesus Christ!




MY FIRST BOOK.
(Mary’s Way of The Cross - .99¢)

MY SECOND BOOK.
(Praying The Complete Rosary - .99¢)

Rosary Man Jim's
Decades With Our Lady Podcast
https://rosarymanjim.podbean.com/