Saturday, April 7, 2018

They Did Not Believe

BEADS OF JOY 04-07-18
“They Did Not Believe”
©2018 James Dacey, Jr. OFS

My Friends,


Today’s Gospel: Mark 16:9-15 
(Appearances and Commissioning of the Twelve)
“Now when he rose early on the first day of the week, he appeared first to Mary Magdalene, from whom he had cast out seven demons. She went and told those who had been with him, as they mourned and wept. But when they heard that he was alive and had been seen by her, they would not believe it. After this he appeared in another form to two of them, as they were walking into the country. And they went back and told the rest, but they did not believe them. Afterward he appeared to the eleven themselves as they sat at table; and he upbraided them for their unbelief and hardness of heart, because they had not believed those who saw him after he had risen. And he said to them, "Go into all the world and preach the gospel to the whole creation.”

Reflection:
Yes, I titled today’s blog, “They did not believe” but in all reality, they all believed, literally straight to their death. They all died as martyrs except John (the beloved one), who died of old age in his sleep around 100 A.D. Look at what happened to each of them, read how they died.

“Even though they were crucified, stoned, stabbed, dragged, skinned and burned, every last apostle of Jesus proclaimed his resurrection until his dying breath, refusing to recant under pressure from the authorities. Therefore, their testimony is trustworthy, and the resurrection is true.” ~Sean McDowell

THE TWELVE APOSTLES:
(The true cost of discipleship.)

1.     Andrew - crucified
2.     Bartholomew - beaten then crucified
3.     James, son of Alphaeus - stoned to death
4.     James, son of Zebedee - beheaded
5.     John - exiled for his faith; died of old age
6.     Judas (not Iscariot) - stoned to death
7.     Matthew - speared to death
8.     Peter - crucified upside down
9.     Philip - crucified
10.Simon - crucified
11.Thomas - speared to death
12.Matthias - stoned to death
(source: Fox's Book of Martyrs)



How the Apostles Died (powerful)



Let us think about what you just read, the suffering we have in this life, is so minor in comparison to the disciples. The disciples were with Jesus throughout His ministry, they were there to witness Jesus ‘miracles; His healing of countless amounts of people, raising Lazarus from the dead and so much more. They had no cell phones, no new testament, no books to read, no computers. We have all these things hine sight to reflect upon and learn from. Both them and us, have no excuse not to believe.  

Jesus Has Risen



Pondering these thoughts today: How bold is your faith? This is a very serious question. I do know times have changed and life for a Roman Catholic is more dangerous now than it’s been in decades. But with that said, how bold is your faith? Are you strong enough in your conviction of what you believe, or would you collapse and give in and deny Jesus? How can you strengthen your faith and become bolder? Pray more. Read your bible more. Go to Mass as often as you possibly can and go to Confession as often as you can. And weekly or monthly include an hour of Eucharistic Adoration.

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 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.


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

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

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