Sunday, February 18, 2018

Believe In The Gospel

BEADS OF JOY 02-18-18
“Believe In The Gospel”
©2018 James Dacey, Jr. OFS

My Friends,


Today’s Gospel: Mark 1:12-15 (The Temptation of Jesus)
“The Spirit immediately drove him out into the wilderness. And he was in the wilderness forty days, tempted by Satan; and he was with the wild beasts; and the angels ministered to him. Now after John was arrested, Jesus came into Galilee, preaching the gospel of God, and saying, "The time is fulfilled, and the kingdom of God is at hand; repent, and believe in the gospel."

Reflection:
What was this 40-days about? Preparation! 40-days in scripture is very significant. Noah and his family were in the ark for 40-days; Moses was up on Mount Sinai for 40-days to seek the face of God; and Jesus after being baptized went out into the wilderness for 40-days. Each one was a covenant with God. There are so many more examples in scripture, but the point is, this was generally a time of great preparation for what was to come. That is why Lent is so important for us to participate in; either as a community, but at home privately is most important. This period of time helps us prepare for the challenges that are to come. It’s kind of like a Spiritual Recharge.

I know sometimes when I talk about my marriage with Christine, it sounds like I am talking about some imaginary movie, or a fairy tale of sorts. I’ve been told, there is no way this couple could have been so in-love for so long without ever fighting or yelling or having no real problems. Yeah, we were normal we had some things to deal with like all couples, plus we had 5 kids added to the mix, there was a lot going on all of the time. Yes, it is amazing how incredible our marriage was and how we did weather through every single storm, and more in love than ever at the end of each of them.

How did we do it? It’s simple, we took a vow before God and family and friends. “…to have and to hold, from this day forward, for better, for worse, for richer, for poorer, in sickness and in health, until death do us part.” We took that very seriously. “To Have and To Hold” is the name of an article, I titled, that I use to write for the Vatican webpage back when Chrissy first got sick. I can’t remember all the details right now (I am old man and my memory is cloudy. LOL), I’m not old, but it was through a Priest friend I knew who knew Chrissy was suffering and I was taking care of her and the kids and the house; and they heard that we were praying together every single day. Anyhow they wanted me to share our Love Story so that young people could read about how couples stay in love, even in the worst of times.

Pondering these thoughts today: I strongly believe our 24-year fairy tale marriage, was our 40-day preparation for the 6 difficult years that would lie ahead. Those 6 years were beyond difficult, but I think through much of that, it was not even noticed during the furry of it, because of our love for each other. Our love was strong enough and deep enough to battle this ragging fire of disaster (disease) that was trying to destroy our home and take Chrissy from us. Looking back now, I am amazed how we really even got through it. Yes, Chrissy is gone now, but our love still kindles a fire and our kids came out of this in good shape, loving their mom even more than ever. Take advantage of this Lenten Season and if you are married, 3-weeks, 4-months, 3-years, 10-years, 40-years, tell your spouse how much you REALLY REALLY Love them and no matter what you will always be there by their side with them.


LOVE YOU GUYS !!!!

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

Today is Sunday during Lent: 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…

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