"Beads of Joy" by RosaryManJim: Enter The Kingdom

BEADS OF JOY 09-30-18

“Enter The Kingdom”

My Friends,

Today’s Gospel:

Mark 9:38-43,45,47-48 (Temptations to Sin)

“John said to him, "Teacher, we saw a man casting out demons in your name, and we forbade him, because he was not following us." But Jesus said, "Do not forbid him; for no one who does a mighty work in my name will be able soon after to speak evil of me. For he that is not against us is for us. For truly, I say to you, whoever gives you a cup of water to drink because you bear the name of Christ, will by no means lose his reward. "Whoever causes one of these little ones who believe in me to sin, it would be better for him if a great millstone were hung round his neck and he were thrown into the sea. And if your hand causes you to sin, cut it off; it is better for you to enter life maimed than with two hands to go to hell, to the unquenchable fire.
And if your foot causes you to sin, cut it off; it is better for you to enter life lame than with two feet to be thrown into hell. And if your eye causes you to sin, pluck it out; it is better for you to enter the kingdom of God with one eye than with two eyes to be thrown into hell, where their worm does not die, and the fire is not quenched.”

Reflection:

Do you allow the love of Jesus to transform your heart, your mind, your words and your thought, so that you may treat your neighbor with kindness and mercy and love?

Temptation is a horrible thing we all face. Temptation always goes after our weakest most vulnerable desires. Our inner strength must be strong, so strong that that even our desires don’t collapse under the opportunity to acquire that which we desire the most. I love chocolate and I confess that is my weakness, but praise Jesus for new habits I am no longer drawn into such an addiction. I never thought it would possible to “not” desire it; but with new habits and a better focus on taking care my body, the temple of the Holy Spirit, I think of things differently now.

We must remember that temptation is bait that draws us into our sins. For me my desire chocolate and non-stop eating led me to gluttony so many times. We need to be very aware of that in a very positive way. Staying alert and in tune with that which destroys us spiritually; will help us stay in tune with that which helps us be strong spiritually in times of temptation. Being aware of these things is what will help us get through the temptations much stronger than if we are naive to them. God knows the measure we can handle, we won’t be pushed to the point of no return. Look at scripture:

“No temptation has overtaken you except what is common to mankind. And God is faithful; he will not let you be tempted beyond what you can bear. But when you are tempted, he will also provide a way out so that you can endure it.” ~ 1 Corinthians 10:13

Let us be strong in our faith and in our love for Jesus. How can we stay distracted from our temptations, so that we don’t? Well, I am not perfect and yes, I do fail often; but what I have found works best is staying focused on our Lord and Our Lady as much as you can. Incorporate prayer (suggestion: The Rosary) into your daily life. Make it an elaborate part of your day, of your life, of your life’s mission and purpose. That distraction and positive reinforcement will help you be stronger in times of temptation. Often throughout a day I will pray the entire 20 decades.

Mark 9:38-43, 45, 47-48
(26th Sunday in Ordinary Time)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MijcCdK8qnE

Bishop Barron on Having a
“Personal Relationship” with Jesus

Pondering these thoughts today: Temptation in many ways is the litmus test to our faith. How much do we love Jesus? How much are we willing to neglect our own desires to stay true to our Lord? If we are such easy prey to fall victim to sin and offend our Lord; how true is our love for Him? God knows all that we do, including our hearts intentions and even if we come up with some elaborate explanation to make it acceptable, it doesn’t make it right. Sin is sin and temptation is usually the doorway to our sins. We need to make sure Jesus is at the doorway to help us not open that door.

Dear Lord, please always free my heart of envy and jealousy and every sinful thought and wrong desire, so that I may always treat each person with respect and goodness for the glory of your name Lord. For it is you Lord who makes judgment upon others, not me. I am only to love them and embrace them and pray for them and also forgive them. Our goal is to be like you Lord, how would you treat them?... AMEN.

LOVE YOU GUYS !!!!

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

Today is Sunday: 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 (Grace of 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!