"Beads of Joy" by RosaryManJim: Not Mine To Grant

BEADS OF JOY 07-25-18

“Not Mine To Grant”

My Friends,

This is behind the altar at St. Patrick's Church - Milford, PA

Today’s Gospel:
Matthew 20:20-28 (Request of James & John)
“Then the mother of the sons of Zebedee came up to him, with her sons, and kneeling before him she asked him for something. And he said to her, "What do you want?" She said to him, "Command that these two sons of mine may sit, one at your right hand and one at your left, in your kingdom." But Jesus answered, "You do not know what you are asking. Are you able to drink the cup that I am to drink?" They said to him, "We are able." He said to them, "You will drink my cup, but to sit at my right hand and at my left is not mine to grant, but it is for those for whom it has been prepared by my Father." And when the ten heard it, they were indignant at the two brothers. But Jesus called them to him and said, "You know that the rulers of the Gentiles lord it over them, and their great men exercise authority over them. It shall not be so among you; but whoever would be great among you must be your servant, and whoever would be first among you must be your slave; even as the Son of man came not to be served but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many."

Reflection:
Are you ready to give up even your very life in service to others? Jesus taught us to pick up our Cross and follow Him? Why would that sacrifice be such a Joy? I know to some that makes no sense. In today’s gospel some of the disciples seem to have wanted power and recognition and authority, so they too can be side by side with Jesus. Thinking Jesus had this “celebrity” lifestyle of fame. Jesus’ life was a life in preparation for sacrifice. I don’t think the disciples completely seen what we obviously can see from our vantage point. Had they fully understood at that time the mission Jesus was here for maybe; just maybe they wouldn’t have so aggressively wanted to be so equal with Him at that time. I could be wrong.

We must have love in our hearts and we must be humble at all times. Never denying Jesus and never placing ourselves equal to Him. The Cross of Christ can be bitter, but many of the disciples will soon indeed die horrible horrific deaths because of that Cross. Their love is sincere, and their commitment is real, and their example is a good one for us to learn by. How much do you really love Jesus? How much does your life reflect that love? Are you bearing a Cross in this life that has some “Faith & Belief” packed on it? In other words, are you ridiculed for your faith? That’s a lot to digest I know.

Are you willing to die for Jesus? If you were told to decide Jesus or death? What would you choose? Now be careful and think clearly. Because at some point Jesus will look upon you, one on one, eye to eye, and that chose will reflect that conversation on that day. Another way to look at this… Jesus or You? Who do you choose? Remember Jesus died for all of us to save us. Choosing ourselves is selfish; choosing Jesus is being loyal and faithful to one who died for us, the one saved us, the one who forgave us. Pray about these things, the Holy Spirit will lead your heart.

A Mother's Request

Pondering these thoughts today: I don’t know why but today’s gospel has me thinking about a true story Fr. Mullally told many, many, many years ago, as his homily. A priest friend of his, I can’t remember the place. Anyway, he was told this story by the priest’s friend. This priest was sharing his homily, all of a sudden 6 men busted into the church, wearing masks and carrying machine guns. They started yelling and everyone was scared. They called to the priest and told him, “COME HERE!” He did, and they grabbed him and dragged him outside. From inside you could hear the yelling outside, the guy that dragged him outside was yelling, “DENY YOUR JESUS or DIE!!” Then all of sudden you heard the machine go off... Pow, pow, pow, pow... Then it was silent for just a moment.

That same guy came back in while the other gunman were watching the congregation. He yelled, “Who else will NOT DENY THEIR JESUS?” An older lady up in the front, stood up and said, “I won’t.” He grabbed her and took her outside. All they heard was the machine gun go off again. Pow pow pow pow, people were crying in the church. That same guy came back in again and ask again, “Who else will NOT DENY THEIR JESUS?” A young kid who just recently received communion stood up yelling, “I WON’T” The child’s mother was crying saying, “NO NO PLEASE DON’T TAKE MY CHILD, TAKE ME INSTEAD” The gunman took them both outside, within seconds you heard that scary, eerie sound of the gun... pow pow pow pow. Then silence...

That same guy came back in and once again he yelled, “Who else will NOT DENY THEIR JESUS?” NO one responded, the church was SILENT. Then the priest, the older lady and the mother and her child walked back in. The people really started crying, running over to them. The people with the guns who scared everyone were fellow parishioners. The man who took everyone outside, was the Deacon. They took their masks off; the guns were fake. The Priest went up to the podium, everyone quieted down and sat down. Father then said, “I’m very disappointed, but I am not here to judge you, but next week I will expect to see all of you at confession.” He further said, “I hope the example of your faithful friends, have taught you a great lesson.” Wow, so many us at Mass cried during Fr. Mullally’s homily. The ending made us laugh with joy.

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!