BEADS OF JOY 07-06-18
“He Rose And Followed”
©2018 James Dacey, Jr. OFS
My Friends,
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| This is in Sedona, Arizona behind The Chapel of The Holy Spirit. This chapel is built into the mountain. |
Today’s Gospel: Matthew 9:9-13 (The Call To Matthew)
“As Jesus passed on from there, he saw a man called Matthew sitting at the tax office; and he said to him, "Follow me." And he rose and followed him. And as he sat at table in the house, behold, many tax collectors and sinners came and sat down with Jesus and his disciples. And when the Pharisees saw this, they said to his disciples, "Why does your teacher eat with tax collectors and sinners?" But when he heard it, he said, "Those who are well have no need of a physician, but those who are sick. Go and learn what this means, `I desire mercy, and not sacrifice.' For I came not to call the righteous, but sinners."
Reflection:
What do we know about St. Matthew? We do know that St. Matthew, was a tax collector who turned apostle, and he is also the author of the first gospel which is today’s gospel. Although we really don't know much about the life of Matthew, we do know that he wrote about the account of our Lord’s ministry; and all that he wrote about in that gospel is of immeasurable value to the Church, particularly in its verification of Jesus as the Messiah. (wow, that was a long sentence. lol) Matthew's first encounter with Jesus is today’s gospel.
An excerpt from the Vatican, Catholic News Agency Staff, Sept. 19, 2010, they wrote the following, "Like 11 of the 12 apostles, St. Matthew is traditionally thought to have died as a martyr while preaching the Gospel. The Roman Martyrology describes his death as occurring in a territory near present-day Egypt." and further they wrote "Reflecting on St. Matthew's calling, from the pursuit of dishonest financial gain to the heights of holiness and divine inspiration, Pope Benedict said in 2006 that “in the figure of Matthew, the Gospels present to us a true and proper paradox: those who seem to be the farthest from holiness can even become a model of the acceptance of God's mercy and offer a glimpse of its marvelous effects in their own lives.” I thought that to be an interesting find, to share.
Now looking at the Gospel of Matthew, let us look at this brilliant outline. I am so excited and thrilled beyond words when it comes to spending time in scripture. The list here is a basic outline of the entire Gospel. Back in 1983 I actually, fully read and outlined the entire bible and it was copyrighted. “The Master Index To All Bibles” Not really sure how relevant it would be in today's time, considering technology and computers have changed and how easily we can look up information. And mind you, that original copy I wrote, well it was done on a regular typewriter (ole fashion, non-electric typewriter), that indeed was a huge project back then when I was in college. But I loved it, my heart then and now I give Jesus every ounce of energy I got, 24/7/365. Anyhow, see I can get easily distracted. LOL. Check out this general outline in review to the splendid Gospel of St. Matthew:
Gospel of Matthew Outline
I. The Person of the King: the Early Life and Ministry of Jesus
(First Narrative - 1:1-4:11)
II. The Precepts of the King: The Sermon on the Mount
(First Discourse - 4:12-7:29)
III. The Power of the King: the Miracles and Mission of Christ
(Second Narrative and Discourse - 8-10)
IV. The Parables of the King: Rejection and Revelation
(Third Narrative and Discourse - 11-13)
V. The Progressive Rejection of the King: Miracles & Responses
(Fourth Narrative and Discourse - 14:1 - 18:35)
VI. The Presentation of the King: Entry & Controversy in Jerusalem
(Fifth Narrative and Discourse - 19:1-25:46)
VII. The Passion of the King: Crucifixion and Resurrection of Christ
(The Final Narrative - 26-28)
I am praying for all of you, that you to find the JOY that is jam packed in scripture. I trust Jesus will lead your heart. Simply pray, "Jesus, I trust in You."
The Calling of Matthew
The Gospel of Matthew
Easy Understanding Presentation
Easy Understanding Presentation
Pondering these thoughts today: What did Jesus see in Matthew? What do you think Jesus might see in you?
Would you be able to leave a lucrative business and follow after Jesus like
Matthew did? In Jesus’ time tax collectors were corrupt and forceful in their
ways; they stole a great deal from the people. And by doing so most tax
collectors were despised, hated and very rich. The words that changed Matthews
entire view on life were, “Follow Me” and what did Matthew do? – “he
rose and followed him !!!” Could you have done that? I don’t know, I guess
we all know when God is calling us, and when that time does come, it don’t
matter what we are doing, we stop, we rise, and we follow. This is where I
am having a challenge for the Priesthood. I might have to leave my family for
quite some time. I’m still praying about it. If there is some sign leading
me to another ministry or to remarriage; I pray that our Lord puts it in my face. I
am open to the many roads of ministry, no matter what; so I can do His Will, wherever He wants me.
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…
Rosary Man Jim’s Sorrowful Reflection: http://beads-of-joy-blog.blogspot.com/2014/02/the-sorrowful-mysteries_11.html
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