Holy Saturday

BEADS OF JOY 03-31-18

“Holy Saturday”

©2018 James Dacey, Jr. OFS

My Friends,

Today’s Vigil Gospel: Luke 23:50-56 (The Burial of Jesus)

“Now there was a man named Joseph from the Jewish town of Arimathea. He was a member of the council, a good and righteous man, who had not consented to their purpose and deed, and he was looking for the kingdom of God. This man went to Pilate and asked for the body of Jesus. Then he took it down and wrapped it in a linen shroud, and laid him in a rock-hewn tomb, where no one had ever yet been laid. It was the day of Preparation, and the sabbath was beginning. The women who had come with him from Galilee followed, and saw the tomb, and how his body was laid; then they returned, and prepared spices and ointments. On the sabbath they rested according to the commandment.”

Reflection:
Today is a day that we should not blog, not speak or not celebrate; after diligent research and many years of experience through Lent leading up to Easter, it is known that No Mass is in today's liturgy, only tonight’s Vigil Mass. This isn't a day to be sad, but rather one to be waiting with excitement and anticipation of Jesus conquering death. Death will no longer hold us; we are now able to be united with Jesus in Heaven after our physical death. Tomorrow will be the most joyous day for us to Celebrate! Today is a day of prayer and silence; and in my prayer suggestion, either Pray The Rosary or The Stations of the Cross, this will help you be close to Jesus, close to scripture and close to our Lady.

The Mysteries of The Rosary

The Joyful Mysteries: Time to Spread the Joy

1. The Annunciation – Live a humble life before Jesus.
2. The Visitation - Love your neighbors ungrudgingly, be forgiving in love.
3. The Birth of Christ – Embrace poverty and protect life at all stages.
4. The Presentation in the Temple – Obey God, live your life pleasing to Him.
5. The Finding in the Temple – Lets hearts be filled with an eternal Joy.


The Luminous Mysteries: Time to be of Service

1. The Baptism of Our Lord – Be open to God, Jesus, the Holy Spirit and Mary.
2. The Wedding at Cana – Go to our dear Blessed Mother to be with Jesus.
3. The Proclamation of the Kingdom – Live a life desiring to live it holy.
4. The Transfiguration of Our Lord – Know and believe in Jesus’ True Divinity.
5. The Institution of the Eucharist - Love Jesus openly in the Eucharistic.


The Sorrowful Mysteries: Time to grieve with Compassion

1. The Agony in the Garden – Have sorrow for my sins and be in the will of God.
2. The Scourging at the Pillar – Sincere mortification (more self-control).
3. The Crowning with Thorns - Courage to live with morals.
4. The Carrying of the Cross – Patience with others and myself.
5. The Crucifixion – Perseverance in doing God’s will, no what the cost.


The Glorious Mysteries: Time for Unending Joy

1. The Resurrection – Faith that all things will be exactly as God’s will is for us.
2. The Ascension – Hope that even in the darkest of times that God shall prevail.
3. The Descent of the Holy Ghost – Deep, sincere, devout Love of God.
4. The Assumption - Grace for a Happy Death and true love for our Lady.
5. The Coronation of Mary - Trust in Mary's Intercession for us.

The Stations of The Cross

1^st Station: Jesus is Condemned to Die
2^nd Station: Jesus Carries His Cross
3^rd Station: Jesus Falls the First Time
4^th Station: Jesus Meets His Mother
5^th Station: Simon Helps Jesus Carry His Cross
6^th Station: Veronica Wipes Jesus' Face
7^th Station: Jesus Falls the Second Time
8^th Station: Jesus Meets the Women of Jerusalem
9^th Station: Jesus Falls the Third Time
10^th Station: Jesus is Stripped of His Clothes
11^th Station: Jesus is Nailed to the Cross
12^th Station: Jesus Dies on the Cross
13^th Station: Jesus is Taken Down from the Cross
14^th Station: Jesus is Laid in the Tomb

Pondering these thoughts today: Today let us PRAY! PRAY! PRAY! I will be praying for you. Just think, Is your hope wrapped up in this world or is it wrapped up in the promise of the Resurrection that Jesus promised, so that we would have Eternal Life with Him?

LOVE YOU GUYS !!!!

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

Today is Holy Saturday: 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

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cvKWpiVLuRk

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¢)

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

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07BFXM4VR

Good Friday

BEADS OF JOY 03-30-18

“Good Friday”

©2018 James Dacey, Jr. OFS

My Friends,

Today’s Gospel: 

John 18:1-19:42 (Arrest, Death and Burial of Jesus)
See this link to go directly to a Biblical Reference site I spend every single day in:  https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=john+18%3A1-19%3A42&version=NIV

This is the Scriptural Breakdown:
Jesus is Arrested (John 18:1-14)

Peter’s First Denial (John 18:15-18)

The High Priest Questioned Jesus (John 18:19-24)

Peter’s 2^nd and 3^rd Denial (John 18:25-27)

Jesus Before Pilate (John 18:28-40)

Jesus Sentenced to be Crucified (John 19:1-16a)

The Crucifixion of Jesus (John 19:16b-27)
The Death of Jesus (John 19:28-37)

The Burial of Jesus (John 19:38-42)

Reflection:
Today is one of the saddest days in all the world. An innocent man, God's only Son is going to be killed, put to the slaughter and wrongfully labeled as guilty. It is on this day that Jesus will be condemned, and make His way with His cross, and then die upon that same cross. Think of this, a meditation for today, I heard on the radio recently, they said: "God is so strong that they can pierce nails through His hands and feet and kill Him and He can still save the world." I thought it was pretty insightful, to share it. For Jesus has taken on the sins of the whole world to save our souls. "My dear children, I write this to you so that you will not sin. But if anybody does sin, we have one who speaks to the Father in our defense Jesus Christ, the Righteous One. He is the atoning sacrifice for our sins, and not only for ours but also for the sins of the whole world." 1 John 2:1-3. Many tears will be shed today; while many of us stare at the cross in silence pondering the events that have taken place on this day. We need to put ourselves in His midst as it occurred. Think about it.

If we had the chance to be at the foot of the cross moments before Jesus died, knowing what we know; what would you say to Him? I like working outside the box in many of my own meditations. I am so glad I am able to share a new refreshing way; that you too can pray and meditate the Mysteries of the Rosary, the Stations of The Cross, and many other the events in Jesus' life. I'll share first: I would be down on my knees before the cross. I would be doing my best to catch eye contact with my Lord. I know I would be crying, but my tears, because I know what I know, would be tears of joy; an anticipating Joy. Then I would say to Jesus, "Please Lord, forgive me for my sins, my selfishness, please also forgive me for ever offending You. I know Lord I am not worthy of any forgiveness; but I know by Your death all of us are made clean and acceptable before God. I am ever grateful for such a love as Yours. I offer my life fully and completely to You. I seek nothing in this life Lord, except to serve You, by sharing Your Love, Your Joy, Your Goodness, and Your story with everyone I possibly can. Please Lord, I ask for Your blessings as I forge forward spreading the gospel. I really really really love you Jesus, you are the center of my whole life, I have died to the pleasures, joys and hobbies of this world, because I do not want to waste a single moment away from You. Thank you for always being there for me and my family and my friends. Amen."

Today is the day we pray the Stations of the Cross. I strongly encourage you to spend some of your own personal time with our Lord through the meditations of the stations with our Lady.

The events that will happen today on: Good Friday

-Second trial before the Sanhedrin
-Suicide of Judas
-Christ is brought to Pilate
-The Jews charge Christ with sedition
-Pilate questions Christ privately
-The Jews repeat their accusations
-Christ is sent to Herod
-Pilate declares Christ's innocence
-Christ or Barabbas
-Pilate washes his hands
-Christ is condemned and scourged
-He is mocked by the soldiers
-The Jews demand that He be crucified
-Pilate again questions Christ privately
-The Jews repeat their demand
-The Way of The Cross
-The Crucifixion
-Christ is offered wine and gall on the cross
-His garments are divided
-The inscription on the cross
-Christ is insulted on the cross
-The good thief
-Mary and John at the foot of the cross
-Darkness over the earth
-The death of Christ
-Marvelous happenings
-The centurion and the disciples on Calvary
-The piercing of Christ's side

So what have we learned through Lent, oh do you want me to answer that first. Oh OK, if you insist, LOL: Relationships!! (family, friends, neighbors, fellow workers, those at church, and those we haven't met yet.)

I have learned so much more about the value of relationships and the real importance in them from our past, during our present and into the future. This Lent has given me a renewed feeling to share the many people in my life with everyone. Not to bore you about my life, but rather in each example of dedication, share and show how every little thing matters in our lives. And how we need to invest in OTHERS more and give to them ourselves more. I recommend that you to write a daily journal; maybe of the people that have been part of your life, as far back as you can remember. I am doing just that, and it is bringing back so many really wonderful memories. The past is the past, today is today, let us focus on Jesus in our lives today and how we might share Him as we move forward in our lives.

Good Friday Gospel Video

Today’s Reflections turn into a Challenge: Give Jesus one hour of your time today, being silent before the Cross (at home is fine, just find a quiet place). For it is by the Cross that we are brought face to face with our Lord’s suffering. Clear you mind and your thoughts, think only of Jesus’ love for you and your love for Him. Then just let the Holy Spirit lead you.

LOVE YOU GUYS !!!!

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

Today is Good 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

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

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

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07BFXM4VR

Holy Thursday

BEADS OF JOY 03-29-18

“Holy Thursday”

©2018 James Dacey, Jr. OFS

My Friends,

Today’s Gospel: 

John 13:1-15 (Jesus Washes of the Disciple's Feet)

“Now before the feast of the Passover, when Jesus knew that his hour had come to depart out of this world to the Father, having loved his own who were in the world, he loved them to the end. And during supper, when the devil had already put it into the heart of Judas Iscariot, Simon's son, to betray him, Jesus, knowing that the Father had given all things into his hands, and that he had come from God and was going to God, rose from supper, laid aside his garments, and girded himself with a towel. Then he poured water into a basin, and began to wash the disciples' feet, and to wipe them with the towel with which he was girded. He came to Simon Peter; and Peter said to him, "Lord, do you wash my feet?" Jesus answered him, "What I am doing you do not know now, but afterward you will understand." Peter said to him, "You shall never wash my feet." Jesus answered him, "If I do not wash you, you have no part in me." Simon Peter said to him, "Lord, not my feet only but also my hands and my head!" Jesus said to him, "He who has bathed does not need to wash, except for his feet, but he is clean all over; and you are clean, but not every one of you." For he knew who was to betray him; that was why he said, "You are not all clean." When he had washed their feet, and taken his garments, and resumed his place, he said to them, "Do you know what I have done to you? You call me Teacher and Lord; and you are right, for so I am. If I then, your Lord and Teacher, have washed your feet, you also ought to wash one another's feet. For I have given you an example, that you also should do as I have done to you.”

Reflection:
On this very evening during Holy Week, Our Lord's Last Supper shall be served; but in preparation for that our Lord reveals His deep humility before the disciples. Today's gospel is John 13:1-15 (Jesus washes the disciple’s feet) this is to further show them the deep of love He has for them. Today is all about humility in preparation for the betrayal that will sentence Jesus to death. Also note that today is also a representation of the 5th Luminous Mystery (The Institution of the Eucharist). Jesus loves all of us unconditionally, in His death and all that leads up to it; He gives us an example we need to follow and to do as He did. His love has power, and compassion, and a very important element: "humility". Humility has power in its intention and kindness to do good. Humble people tend to be more loving. We must be like Jesus.

Humility, what is humility?
HUMILITY (hu•mil•ity): 1: a disposition to be humble; a lack of false pride; 2: a humble feeling to help others before yourself.

Can we live a humble, lowly live in today's world? Can we really submit to others while being humble before our Lord? Is this real in today's world? It is important that we really look at this. We need to be like Jesus, remember He washed the feet of the disciples. Can we find in ourselves the humility to do for others, things no one else would do, because of their pride? There is so much to consider here. Let's take a good look at scripture to truly discover the treasure in being humble.

"When pride comes, then comes disgrace, but with humility comes wisdom." ~Proverbs 11:2

"Humility and the fear of the LORD bring wealth and honor and life." ~Proverbs 22:4

"If you have any encouragement from being united with Christ, if any comfort from his love, if any fellowship with the Spirit, if any tenderness and compassion, then make my joy complete by being like-minded, having the same love, being one in spirit and purpose. Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit, but in humility consider others better than yourselves." ~Philippians 2:1-3

“Unless a life is lived for others, it is not worthwhile.”
“Intense love does not measure; it just gives.”
“If you judge people, you have no time to love them.”
~St. Mother Teresa of Calcutta

Jesus Washes His Disciples Feet

EMBRACE HUMILITY
Today’s Refection: Today is one of the holiness days of the Liturgical Year. So, go, and spend time with Jesus. Time with Him must be your priority. For on this very night our Lord will be betrayed.

“I am a little pencil in the hand of a writing God who is sending a love letter to the world.” ~St. Mother Teresa of Calcutta. This is how I feel is our ministry.

LOVE YOU GUYS !!!!

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

Today is Holy Thursday: 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

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

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

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

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07BFXM4VR

Wednesday of Holy Week

BEADS OF JOY 03-28-18

“Wednesday of Holy Week”

©2018 James Dacey, Jr. OFS

My Friends,

Today’s Gospel: 

Matthew 26:14-25 (Judas Agrees to Betray Jesus)

“Then one of the twelve, who was called Judas Iscariot, went to the chief priests and said, "What will you give me if I deliver him to you?" And they paid him thirty pieces of silver. And from that moment he sought an opportunity to betray him. Now on the first day of Unleavened Bread the disciples came to Jesus, saying, "Where will you have us prepare for you to eat the Passover?" He said, "Go into the city to a certain one, and say to him, `The Teacher says, my time is at hand; I will keep the Passover at your house with my disciples.'" And the disciples did as Jesus had directed them, and they prepared the Passover. When it was evening, he sat at table with the twelve disciples; and as they were eating, he said, "Truly, I say to you, one of you will betray me." And they were very sorrowful, and began to say to him one after another, "Is it I, Lord?" He answered, "He who has dipped his hand in the dish with me, will betray me. The Son of man goes as it is written of him, but woe to that man by whom the Son of man is betrayed! It would have been better for that man if he had not been born." Judas, who betrayed him, said, "Is it I, Master?" He said to him, "You have said so."

Reflection:
The betrayal of Jesus was just the beginning of that long walk to Calvary. Today we read how Judas takes the first step to turn on Jesus and betray Him, and for what? Money? Our scripture today can be found in Matthew 26:14-25 (Judas Agrees to Betray Jesus & The Passover with the disciples). I pray that all of you are having a most joyful blessed Holy Week. Spend this very special week with Jesus and His Mother as much as you possibly can, even begin new habits that draw you close to them. This is the week that leads up to His Death and Resurrection. The holiest of holy weeks of our faith. The thought of someone willing to basically sell another for murder is ludicrous. I don't know if Judas really knew what was going to happen to the extent that it did, but I would think considering all the disciples were aware of the times they were living in; and the anger the scribes and Pharisee had towards Him, he had to have thought crucifixion was in the cards. And if he did and still did it anyway, how sad. But we all know someone had to betray Him, so that by His death and resurrection He defeated death for all of us. It was our sins and Judas' fatal sin that Jesus died for. But let's investigate this for a moment.

"Worldly gain for the sake of money." Money can be a sad desire in our lives, yes, we need it to live, we even need it to be buried when we die. But we don't need to be so obsessed with it that it takes over our lives. Judas sold out on Jesus for money. That is the craziest thing I ever heard of. It's been said in general, when corruption and payoffs occur: Just follow the money, and all the evidence is there. What does the word of God tell us about money, "Whoever loves money never has money enough; whoever loves wealth is never satisfied with his income. This too is meaningless." Ecclesiastes 5:10. And in the gospel, "No one can serve two masters. Either he will hate the one and love the other, or he will be devoted to the one and despise the other. You cannot serve both God and Money." Matthew 6:24. We all need to keep that in mind, we can't have two masters, it doesn't only have to be money, it can anything we find ourselves clinging to. There is actually a lot said about money is scripture, none of which encourages us to desire it like so many do in today's world, "For the love of money is a root of all kinds of evil. Some people, eager for money, have wandered from the faith and pierced themselves with many grief’s." 1 Timothy 6:10.

Nothing in this life is worth selling out our love for Jesus; except for Jesus. See the minute we grab something and cling to it, as our desire; our hands and arms are full, now we can no longer hold onto Jesus anymore. God clearly stated this in the second commandment, "You shall have no other gods before me. You shall not make for yourself an idol in the form of anything in heaven above or on the earth beneath or in the waters below. You shall not bow down to them or worship them; for I, the LORD your God, am a jealous God, punishing the children for the sin of the fathers to the third and fourth generation of those who hate me, but showing love to a thousand generations of those who love me and keep my commandments." Exodus 20:3-6. Pretty powerful stuff; I think this is just letting us know God's serious and He wants us to honor Him alone. I don't really know why people cling to things; maybe it's in our nature to be able to grab hold of something tangible that we can see. For whatever reason; we need to do all we can to tame that down. I am guilty as charged, but I have deepened my faith greatly these past 35 years of my spiritual life. Nothing is in my life, except for my Lord and my family. I don’t have any hobbies, or a place to hang out. To me, when I have Jesus, I have everything I need in my life.

The way I approach distractions and things that I know in my life that take me away from my Lord, is simple; I replace them with an "addiction of sorts" that revolve around Jesus. That's how I developed my prayer life and my writing time. I used to have so many distractions in my life, and I knew it and I would stop them for several days, even weeks at a time. But through the force and design of a habit, I returned to the one thing I didn't want to. Did that make sense? So, I encourage all of you who are having challenges that you don't like, or that are distracting you and keep you from Jesus, replace the habit, with something you want to do instead. You must be very open and honest with yourself when you see yourself drifting away from our Lord. What feelings, or emotion, or flavor ice creams did it. Opps, Sorry, food always seems to derail me. Fill my belly and my mind wonders. LOL. I can't explain that, I just know that food is a huge distraction to me. Shopping for it, cooking it, eating it. I love all facets of the adventure. See what I mean, this can't be healthy. Hey, stop laughing at me. LOL. Ok you can smile at me. This was just a thought that I hope helps everyone focus more fully and devoutly on Jesus. 

Judas Agrees to Betray Jesus

Pondering these thoughts today: Minimize the distractions if you can (really try hard), your life will be filled with so much more Joy. Remember Judas was distracted by his desire for money, and that led him to sin.

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. The Assumption of Our Lady (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

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

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

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07BFXM4VR

Tuesday of Holy Week

BEADS OF JOY 03-27-18

“Tuesday of Holy Week”

©2018 James Dacey, Jr. OFS

My Friends,

Today’s Gospel: 

John 13:21-33,36-38 (Jesus Foretells Peter's Denial)

“When Jesus had thus spoken, he was troubled in spirit, and testified, "Truly, truly, I say to you, one of you will betray me." The disciples looked at one another, uncertain of whom he spoke. One of his disciples, whom Jesus loved, was lying close to the breast of Jesus; so, Simon Peter beckoned to him and said, "Tell us who it is of whom he speaks." So, lying thus, close to the breast of Jesus, he said to him, "Lord, who is it?" Jesus answered, "It is he to whom I shall give this morsel when I have dipped it." So, when he had dipped the morsel, he gave it to Judas, the son of Simon Iscariot. Then after the morsel, Satan entered into him. Jesus said to him, "What you are going to do, do quickly." Now no one at the table knew why he said this to him. Some thought that, because Judas had the money box, Jesus was telling him, "Buy what we need for the feast"; or, that he should give something to the poor. So, after receiving the morsel, he immediately went out; and it was night.

When he had gone out, Jesus said, "Now is the Son of man glorified, and in him God is glorified; if God is glorified in him, God will also glorify him in himself, and glorify him at once. Little children, yet a little while I am with you. You will seek me; and as I said to the Jews so now I say to you, `Where I am going you cannot come.' Simon Peter said to him, "Lord, where are you going?" Jesus answered, "Where I am going you cannot follow me now; but you shall follow afterward." Peter said to him, "Lord, why cannot I follow you now? I will lay down my life for you." Jesus answered, "Will you lay down your life for me? Truly, truly, I say to you, the cock will not crow, till you have denied me three times.”

Reflection:
It seems like we are on a similar tone like yesterday. Today we are reading John 13:21-33,36-38 (Jesus Foretells Peter's Denial) Jesus teaches us here that He has given us a new commandment, "A new commandment, I give to you, that you love one another; even as I have loved you, that you also love one another." v.34. Can we obey such a commandment? Can we follow Jesus to the cross by putting everyone else before ourselves? By God's grace we can. The society we live in is all about itself; its lusts, its wealth; its greed, and sadly its pride. It's so sad, but Jesus' way is opposite the grain of the world we live in. We as Catholics must stand strong in our faith. Me speaking personally for myself: I'd gladly die defending what I believe in my faith, I will never deny Jesus. I refuse to go to my grave and have to explain to God that I gave into everything that offends Him. Nothing, I'll say it again, NOTHING in this life should ever derail your love for Jesus, Nothing. Be strong, be bold. This world cannot take, destroy or kill anything that is in your heart. No powers or authorities, or legislation can touch it. A person in prison can really be freer than the one living in a mansion.

This reading also spoke of how Peter was going to deny Jesus three times. Ok there's another example we can also learn from. Peter in all his wisdom and all his love for Jesus; still fell victim to the very weakness of the world around us that I was just talking about. But we know what he did and how he handled it. He got himself right back on track with God asking for forgiveness. Watch the scene in the movie The Passion of the Christ. Peter after denying Jesus three times, fell to his knees before Our Blessed Mother and clearly acknowledged his wrong doing and his unworthiness. I realize that's a movie. But we all know Peter repented. We must do all we can in our weakness, to hold strong and not give up. We will fall, no matter who we are or how strong we think we are, remember we all will fall from time to time. No one is so perfect, and if you think you are; then in my opinion you’re not out in the trenches enough fighting to defend our Lord and sharing His love with others. That’s just my opinion. But to me, you’re not a hero in a battle if all you do is watch the war on TV.

Look at the Stations of the Cross as a clear example of how Jesus who has the power of God within Himself; fell three separate times as He carried His enormous cross. But also note that after every fall, He got up and continued. He didn't give up or give in and let the violent mean society of people around Him who hated Him, do anything to Him that would take Him away from God’s will that saved us. Never let this world's distractions make you lose sight of God. Also, don't fall victim to believing there is no God. This world is very subtle in its wicked ways. But then satan doesn't only attack us with a sword, sometimes he uses a tasty chocolate cake LOL (opps sorry), or a simple law that "sounds" like it's protecting the innocent, when it will hurt more than protect. And then honest God-fearing people line themselves up behind the lie; and many become mislead. We need to do our own diligence in our lives. Stay true to God, we will all fall short and we will all sin and we will from time to time make some seriously bad choices. But remember we are human, and our strengths are weakened by our original sin. But that must not discourage us.

So after all this has been said, what should we do? I think the two examples here and the wisdom in scripture show us that: We must love others as Jesus has and does love us, and we should never be weakened by our own weaknesses. Sometimes the only way we really learn, is from our own weaknesses, and most of us know what they are. So, staying focused in prayer and obedience to His word, and by doing all we can, to continually grow spiritually; we will most likely be readier than if we did nothing. Our spiritual radar (that gut feeling) will always be up watching out for us and watch what moves opposite the grain of our Lords teachings. I have many friends who are part of the ROTC in Niagara Falls, NY. When we lived there, right behind the Air Force base, I noticed something all the near nine years we lived there. The planes kept flying every couple hours in a huge circle around the entire county. Twenty-four hours a day. They had a pretty large fleet of planes. So, one day it came to mind and I asked a friend of mine, "Why do you guys keep flying, day in and day out? You never go anywhere." She looked at me and said, "We always have to be ready. We never know if we'll be needed and if we get the call and a couple of hundred of us need to get deployed somewhere and it's urgent. We have to be ready, so these planes must be kept, functionally ready at all times, to be ready at the spur of the moment without time to prepare." I thought, oh wow, that response can be used in our lives when it comes to being ready in our lives spiritually. Hope that story was helpful.

Jesus Predicts Peter’s Denial

Pondering these thoughts today: Starting today, let us be “ready” at all times, ready to serve Him, ready to love Him, ready to defend Him; and even in our weakness, let us be ready to repent and realize what we have done, and do all we can to correct it. 

LOVE YOU GUYS !!!!

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

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

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

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

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07BFXM4VR

Monday of Holy Week

BEADS OF JOY 03-26-18

“Monday of Holy Week”

©2018 James Dacey, Jr. OFS

My Friends,

Today’s Gospel: 

John 12:1-11 (Lazarus's Sister Mary Anoints Jesus)

“Six days before the Passover, Jesus came to Bethany, where Lazarus was, whom Jesus had raised from the dead. There they made him a supper; Martha served, and Lazarus was one of those at table with him. Mary took a pound of costly ointment of pure nard and anointed the feet of Jesus and wiped his feet with her hair; and the house was filled with the fragrance of the ointment. But Judas Iscariot, one of his disciples (he who was to betray him), said, "Why was this ointment not sold for three hundred denarii and given to the poor?" This he said, not that he cared for the poor but because he was a thief, and as he had the money box he used to take what was put into it. Jesus said, "Let her alone, let her keep it for the day of my burial. The poor you always have with you, but you do not always have me." When the great crowd of the Jews learned that he was there, they came, not only on account of Jesus but also to see Lazarus, whom he had raised from the dead.  So, the chief priests planned to put Lazarus also to death, because on account of him many of the Jews were going away and believing in Jesus. The next day a great crowd who had come to the feast heard that Jesus was coming to Jerusalem.”

Reflection:

Holy week has begun. The sorrow of a most challenging week will end in the joy of a most Blessed Easter morning. Today we are reflecting on John 12:1-11 (Lazarus's Sister Mary Anoints Jesus). I don't know how can we possibly comprehend what it means to have a love for someone that is literally limitless and has no bounds whatsoever? Mary, precious Mary, sister of Lazarus, was so thankful, and appreciative of the love God had in raising her brother; that she used the most expensive, extravagant fragrant she owned and used it to anoint the feet of Jesus. And then she used her hair to wipe away her tears that she cried on His feet. Can we use all we have in something that we see as value, and spend it all on Jesus? I mean completely using all it for His glory. Now you realize it doesn't have to be a fragrance, it can be money, a car, a house, our time, and our skills. What do we possess that can be used to glorify God; that shows Jesus that He comes first in our lives, not this item?

Mary has taught us a most precious lesson. Do we allow our love for Jesus to literally rule our lives? I know in today's time that may sound impossible. But I will tell you, it's not. I'm no angel, far from perfect. But you can eliminate all the distractions in your life so that in the end; pretty much all of your free time is all His; worshiping, praising, sharing and loving Him. Why do you think Judas was so harsh to Mary? His main focus was greed. He knew if he could sell the fragrance, he'd have more funds to tap into at his leisure. We can't allow anything in this world to have such a hold on us, especially something that would cause us to put Jesus second or even last in our lives. I don't care what you possess. You can have fifty trillion dollars, one hundred homes worldwide and dozens of jets. When you stand before God on the last day, you will be equal with the homeless person in God's sight. What did you do with your life to glorify God? …and if you have much stuff, you will be judged more, because you have been entrusted with more. The homeless person may have been put into the situation by sad circumstances, but loved and thanked God for all they had. These things I believe are important to stay in our thoughts throughout our lives; mostly so we don't lose sight of what really matters. And “stuff” only matters when it glorifies God.

Now I hope this doesn’t sound morbid, but it's an important thought. I read it many years ago. "It doesn’t matter if you’re rich or poor, when a dead body decays, they both smell the same." And you know that's the inevitable hard truth. The one equalizer in this life is death. You can't take anything with you, and no title or amount of money means anything. What will matter is how we prioritized our lives. And where did God and Jesus exist in our lives? Let us look at what blessings we have, and let's see how we can use them, share them, or give them in such a way that brings glory to God. Again, I look at my life and see that if you do prioritize Jesus as always first, and your heart really skips a beat thinking about Jesus and His Mother. Believe me you will never allow anything or anyone to take precedence over them. I believe what we all must do is one by one, look at everything that consumes our time, our thoughts and our money; and then one by one eliminate the distractions (of things) and turn it into a blessing.

Do I sound like I am talking crazy? I guess maybe some might agree, but you know I don't agree. I'm not saying stop family trips and family fun. I'm saying do you really need to have four cars because they make you feel and look good? Can you maybe rather try to see how maybe the sale of one or two or even three of those cars, can bless a struggling family or relative. Or maybe adopt a child who really wants to be loved. God has a plan for all of us, we can't allow these huge road blocks of selfish pride stop us; from being God fearing, God loving people, who care more about others than ourselves. Selfishness is all about me, and if self is all that matters, how sad a life you have lived. Yea maybe you had a fantastic brand-new vehicle and a huge beautiful home and lots of money; but in comparison to a devoted life, seeking out God's will, and a selfless heart only desiring to put everyone else's needs before your own wants, I'd rather be the latter. Sad is the life of a person holding on to their treasures as the ship sinks, refusing to let it go. 

JESUS’ FEET ANOINTED BY MARY

Pondering these thoughts today: Today let us observe Mary's love and priorities in the life she lived; she has set us a wonderful example of how saying “yes” to God, leads to a life of complete obedience that places God first.

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¢)

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

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Palm Sunday 2018

BEADS OF JOY 03-25-18

“Palm Sunday 2018”

©2018 James Dacey, Jr. OFS

My Friends,

Today’s Gospel: Mark 14:1-15:47 (The Passion Natitve)

The link to this reading: https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=+Mark+14%3A1-15%3A47&version=NIV

Happy Palm Sunday! It's funny not many people say that today, though some of my Facebook friends have. I am impressed, thanks. Today begins Holy Week. Today the Passion Narrative begins. It begins in a way that kind of makes you wonder, we start out with praise and love, all for Jesus; and not that much later this is followed by a crucifixion and hatred. Today Jesus arrives in Jerusalem, and He is welcomed with open arms, cloaks and palm are laid out on the ground for Jesus as He arrived on a colt (a colt is a sign of peace). Today's scripture can be found in Mark 14:1-15:47 (The Passion Narrative). There is so much joy for us to celebrate and so much joy to share together. Today we can spend some time in our reflection wondering: Do we really welcome Jesus into our hearts, our lives, our homes, our conversations, our thoughts, our motives? Do we really embrace Him into our lives? Or do we, like those we read about in scripture, turn on Jesus if what He says isn't what we want to hear? There are many questions in this paragraph. Let's take it nice and slow and even reread the scripture. He is our Teacher, and our Master. Let us embrace Him, His Word and what love He has given to us; we who are so unworthy of His love.

Jesus came into the world to die for us. It was the plan from the start, God knew it and so did Jesus. And we see by the words Mary spoke to Jesus at the Wedding at Cana that she knew there was a special plan for her Son. How can a body of people embrace and love someone so much; and then shortly after that turn against them? Jesus showed us true humility as He arrived in Jerusalem. Let us live our lives in such a way that we are humble, before God and before others. Here's a glance of the coming Passion our Lord shall endure.

The Passion Narrative (Mark 14:1-15:47)
Mark 14:1-11 (Jesus is Anointed in Bethany)
Mark 14:12-26 (The Last Supper)
Mark 14:27-31 (Jesus Predicts Peter’s Denial)
Mark 14:32-42 (Agony in The Garden)
Mark 14:43-52 (Jesus is Arrested)
Mark 14:53-65 (Jesus before the Sanhedrin)
Mark 14:66-72 (Peter Disowns Jesus)
Mark 15:1-15 (Jesus before Pilate)
Mark 15:16-20 (The Soldiers Mock Jesus)
Mark 15:21-32 (The Crucifixion of Jesus)
Mark 15:33-41 (The Death of Jesus)
Mark 15:42-47 (The Burial of Jesus)

Let us offer up this day to those who are rejected. We can kind of see how some children who are killed in abortion can even be seen in this way. I know of some people who just abort their children because they didn't want more kids. I am so ashamed of their selfish actions. They are married and in love, and it was through God’s love that this wonderful child has been created, but in the end the child was betrayed and killed; just as our Lord has been. Jesus shares with us how important it is that we, like Him, forgive those who betray the innocent. It's not going to be easy by no means. I will be the first to admit. But through the grace of God I will forgive them. We need to pray for the betrayers of the innocent. We have been placed in their lives to pray for them.

Prayer of Forgiveness
Dear Lord, today I ask you to open my heart to learn from you, how to be more like you, in forgiving not only those who betrayed and killed you; but to forgive all those who betray the innocence of an unborn child and kill them. You know me better than I do; it's not going to be easy for me. Please help guide me even closer to you, as you give me the strength and grace to open my heart and love for everyone you have died for. For you didn't come to save only the righteous, but sinners, and all of us are sinners; Thank you, Lord for always making everything in my life be what you want it to be. I desire nothing, if it is not of you. My life is perfect, even in its imperfections, because I embrace only you. Your Will is mine, nothing else matters. Thank You Lord, Glory and Honor and Praise to You Lord Jesus. Amen.

MARK 14:1-15:47 PALM SUNDAY 2018 Gospel

Today’s Challenge: Make crosses with the palm you receive at Mass. LOL that can be a challenge for many of us. I have good moments and I have moments no matter what I do, they fall apart. Have Fun. I love doing this, I have been making them, since I was a kid. My mom taught me when I was a kid.

Holy week begins...

LOVE YOU GUYS !!!!

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

Sunday’s 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…

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

MY FIRST BOOK. 

(Mary’s Way of The Cross - .99¢)

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

MY SECOND BOOK. 

(Praying The Complete Rosary - .99¢)

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07BFXM4VR