Beads of Joy 10-12-11
Our Daily Walk - Luminous 3/5
©2011 James Dacey, Jr. SFO
Luminous Walk - 3/5
Hello Everyone,
A most joyful, special most incredible mystery for us to reflect upon. Today let us look upon the third Luminous Mystery - Proclaiming the Kingdom. Today the building of and the start of our Lord's Kingdom shall begin. God's Kingdom is built on love, mercy, compassion, and so many other wonderful attributes. It is absolutely incredible how God chooses individuals to represent Him, all are included, and all are chosen. God does not pick people because of their education or even their deep of faith. God chooses you long before you can or ever would choose Him. How many people do you know that surprise you by the depths of their faith? How many people do you know have so much courage and faith that they become spiritual heroes in your life? Our lives are surrounded by saints, and people who would give up their lives to save another. How is it that we don't always find it easy to locate these people? Too bad there wasn't like a directory or an easy way to do a simple goggle search. I believe God places people in our lives and on our path so that we can through them, find God and be even closer to Jesus.
This mystery will help inspire us to be that person in someone’s life. The person with the gentle spirit, the caring words, the mercy and gentleness we know and believe comes from God and works through them. There is no magic formula or some simple list of things to do to be that person. I believe the only way we can be that way; is by allowing God to work will in us and through us in our lives. If I say, don't eat something because it's bad for you, and yet I eat it all the time; is not the example of how someone lives their life more expressive to you than words? Isn't what I do, speaking far more loudly than the words I speak? Take a good hard look around you; there are many people in your lives, many who love Jesus with all their hearts, many who would die saving you. Trust the Holy Spirit that is within you to guide your spirit to those special people. I am very fortunate to have my life surrounded by so many very Godly people, so many people who sincerely love and adore my Lord. In fact many of you reading this are those people. It has been these past couple of decades in my life that have made my life so special by the example many of you live. It's been said, "Watch what people say and do, because you never know who is watching you." That statement couldn't be any truer.
So we are looking for heroes. LOL. I bet we are going to find out that such people really exist, and far more than we ever thought possible. As you begin your search I want you to consider some of the following people that may fit into this category. You realize such people aren't always Kings and Queens of nations, nor are they most likely anyone who is in the public eye at all. Rather such people live and work and shop side by side with us every day. Consider thinking about the single mom who lives next door, raising her two kids all on her own, holding down a job that can barely pay any bills. Yet in her unselfishness and in her devoted love for her children she forges forward never complaining or even seeking help. She is truly a hero for us to admire and gain hope from. And what about the young man suffering with cancer, he has been suffering for years, in and out of the hospital receiving treatments, he has no hair, but you thought it was a statement thing, when actually it was a chemo thing. This young man has dreams of marrying his high school sweetheart as he struggles, yet he never complains. He is a true hero indeed. These types of heroes are all around us.
God's asks all of us to follow Him. This Kingdom Jesus speaks of isn't made with mortar or brick. There are no stages, no bright lights, no "all the kings horses and all the kings men". Opps that's humpty dumpty, how did that get in there. Sorry. This Kingdom is God's Kingdom, the greatest Kingdom in all of the universe. The very place where all who follow Jesus shall be united. Today is a wonderful day, a joyous most spectacular day. Simply allow Jesus to be the most significant part of your life and have your life be fully consumed of only thinking about Him. I get goofy only because the amount of Joy and Love and excitement in my heart for Jesus is overflowing, literally endlessly overflowing. In the past I have described it like this: Get an empty 8 oz glass, and then get an endless pitcher of water and pour all that endless water into that 8 oz glass. What happens? For all eternity the cup will always be full and always overflowing. So matter how much water is given away, I never ever run out of water. Praise Jesus.
Your brother in Christ Jesus & His Most Blessed Mother,
Jim (The Rosary Man) Dacey Jr. SFO
Today we pray the Glorious Mysteries
1. The Resurrection
2. The Ascension
3. The Descent of the Holy Spirit
4. The Assumption
5. The Coronation
Wednesday, October 12, 2011
Tuesday, October 11, 2011
Our Daily Walk - Luminous 2/5
Beads of Joy 10-11-11
Our Daily Walk - Luminous 2/5
©2011 James Dacey, Jr. SFO
Luminous Walk - 2/5
Hello Everyone,
Yesterday was a powerful message indeed; I think I could write a whole week about yesterday's mystery alone. Today we look at the second Luminous Mystery - The Wedding Feast of Cana. What a blessing that Jesus should have His first miracle under the encouragement of His mother. A mother's heart knows her child; she knows when her children are ready for challenges and the future that lies ahead. Mary knew it was time for her Son to begin to show and share the power He has within Himself. So many miracles we see throughout our lives are a direct answer to intercessory prayer. How many people do we know including me that live in the constant prayer of hope and miracles? I'll bet if we all take a moment and look at all our friendships and family; we will find so many for so many different reasons praying for a miracle. Mary's intercession as is the intercession of our own mothers is so important for us in our lives. A mother's love will be something to reflect upon today, along with the desire and want for a miracle.
When we are asking for a miracle, are we being selfish, or do we want what we want, no matter what? I don't think so. Seems like most of the time when miracles are begged for before God, so many of them have to do with the healing of someone’s health. Is it so selfish to ask for someone’s good health? Of cause not, but we must realize that God's purpose and God's will have nothing to do with our own, or anybody else's physical health. Our Lord seeks our spiritual wellness and our eternal future. We must allow Him to use our lives and even our bodies to help further His will in our lives and the lives of those around us to draw others to Himself. Let's look at something Jesus himself said about sickness and its purpose in our lives, "When he heard this, Jesus said, "This sickness will not end in death. No, it is for God's glory so that God's Son may be glorified through it." John 11:4. That is the purpose of all the suffering we must endure, to glorify God. Our suffering though it may seem personal, it's not; it is rather for us to be open to God's will in our lives. We must be patient and trusting in whatever it is God's purpose is in our suffering.
Sometimes it is through suffering that relationships receive healing. Sometimes it is through suffering that many have their lives brought back full circle to the reality of what life truly is about. A miracle, miracles, miracles, is that all we want? Or do we want a winning lottery ticket, a surprise raise; a wallet full of cash with no ID and no one claims it so it's yours to keep? I wonder what it is so many of us are really praying for in the depths of our own hearts when we are begging God for a miracle. God knows our heart, it is He who knows our intentions, our ulterior motives, He is the one who knows why a certain path has been set before us. Sometimes we look ahead at our lives and we say to ourselves, "No, I'd rather be rich and successful in my life." Sometimes we want what we want. But honestly who are we to say what it is we want. Is not God our Father, our creator, our Lord? Doesn't He know what we need and when we need it? In Matthew's gospel before our Lord taught us the Lord's Prayer, He said this, "Do not be like them, for your Father knows what you need before you ask him." Matthew 6:8.
Now through all of these thoughts and reflections we look back again at the mystery and what do we find? A mother devoted and confident in her Sons power and ability to help others. And what did He help others in achieving? A miracle of cause, one that would not leave this young couple in disgrace before their guests. A simple miracle, not one that saved any ones life, nor fix any ones health. No but one that secured the dignity of a couple on their first day of marriage, a most blessed sacrament. A very honorable reason for such a miracle. The very wine that Jesus had changed the water from, to be shared with all at the wedding feast; is a wonderful parallel to the very blood that Jesus shed for all the world. Miracles come in all different forms, isn't it comforting knowing that so many people are praying for you. So many intercessory prayers are prayed for so many reasons. Mary our Blessed Mother has shown us that intercessory prayers are important in our journey following Jesus. Please open your heart and mind and know that everything in our lives happen for a reason. Pray, "Jesus, I trust in you."
Your brother in Christ Jesus & His Most Blessed Mother,
Jim (The Rosary Man) Dacey Jr. SFO
Today we pray the Sorrowful Mysteries
1. Agony in the Garden
2. The Scourging at the Pillar
3. Crowing with Thorns
4. Carrying of the Cross
5. The Crucifixion of Jesus
Our Daily Walk - Luminous 2/5
©2011 James Dacey, Jr. SFO
Luminous Walk - 2/5
Hello Everyone,
Yesterday was a powerful message indeed; I think I could write a whole week about yesterday's mystery alone. Today we look at the second Luminous Mystery - The Wedding Feast of Cana. What a blessing that Jesus should have His first miracle under the encouragement of His mother. A mother's heart knows her child; she knows when her children are ready for challenges and the future that lies ahead. Mary knew it was time for her Son to begin to show and share the power He has within Himself. So many miracles we see throughout our lives are a direct answer to intercessory prayer. How many people do we know including me that live in the constant prayer of hope and miracles? I'll bet if we all take a moment and look at all our friendships and family; we will find so many for so many different reasons praying for a miracle. Mary's intercession as is the intercession of our own mothers is so important for us in our lives. A mother's love will be something to reflect upon today, along with the desire and want for a miracle.
When we are asking for a miracle, are we being selfish, or do we want what we want, no matter what? I don't think so. Seems like most of the time when miracles are begged for before God, so many of them have to do with the healing of someone’s health. Is it so selfish to ask for someone’s good health? Of cause not, but we must realize that God's purpose and God's will have nothing to do with our own, or anybody else's physical health. Our Lord seeks our spiritual wellness and our eternal future. We must allow Him to use our lives and even our bodies to help further His will in our lives and the lives of those around us to draw others to Himself. Let's look at something Jesus himself said about sickness and its purpose in our lives, "When he heard this, Jesus said, "This sickness will not end in death. No, it is for God's glory so that God's Son may be glorified through it." John 11:4. That is the purpose of all the suffering we must endure, to glorify God. Our suffering though it may seem personal, it's not; it is rather for us to be open to God's will in our lives. We must be patient and trusting in whatever it is God's purpose is in our suffering.
Sometimes it is through suffering that relationships receive healing. Sometimes it is through suffering that many have their lives brought back full circle to the reality of what life truly is about. A miracle, miracles, miracles, is that all we want? Or do we want a winning lottery ticket, a surprise raise; a wallet full of cash with no ID and no one claims it so it's yours to keep? I wonder what it is so many of us are really praying for in the depths of our own hearts when we are begging God for a miracle. God knows our heart, it is He who knows our intentions, our ulterior motives, He is the one who knows why a certain path has been set before us. Sometimes we look ahead at our lives and we say to ourselves, "No, I'd rather be rich and successful in my life." Sometimes we want what we want. But honestly who are we to say what it is we want. Is not God our Father, our creator, our Lord? Doesn't He know what we need and when we need it? In Matthew's gospel before our Lord taught us the Lord's Prayer, He said this, "Do not be like them, for your Father knows what you need before you ask him." Matthew 6:8.
Now through all of these thoughts and reflections we look back again at the mystery and what do we find? A mother devoted and confident in her Sons power and ability to help others. And what did He help others in achieving? A miracle of cause, one that would not leave this young couple in disgrace before their guests. A simple miracle, not one that saved any ones life, nor fix any ones health. No but one that secured the dignity of a couple on their first day of marriage, a most blessed sacrament. A very honorable reason for such a miracle. The very wine that Jesus had changed the water from, to be shared with all at the wedding feast; is a wonderful parallel to the very blood that Jesus shed for all the world. Miracles come in all different forms, isn't it comforting knowing that so many people are praying for you. So many intercessory prayers are prayed for so many reasons. Mary our Blessed Mother has shown us that intercessory prayers are important in our journey following Jesus. Please open your heart and mind and know that everything in our lives happen for a reason. Pray, "Jesus, I trust in you."
Your brother in Christ Jesus & His Most Blessed Mother,
Jim (The Rosary Man) Dacey Jr. SFO
Today we pray the Sorrowful Mysteries
1. Agony in the Garden
2. The Scourging at the Pillar
3. Crowing with Thorns
4. Carrying of the Cross
5. The Crucifixion of Jesus
Monday, October 10, 2011
Our Daily Walk - Luminous 1/5
Beads of Joy 10-10-11
Our Daily Walk - Luminous 1/5
©2011 James Dacey, Jr. SFO
Luminous Walk - 1/5
Hello Everyone,
Yet another fantastic week has begun, and a new journey is about to begin today. This week we will reflect on how the Luminous Mysteries are also part of our lives, and how we live them just as Jesus and His Blessed Mother, and Joseph did. Today we begin with the First Luminous Mystery - The Baptism of Jesus. So many of us are parents, but all of us have been children. Being a parent involves so much sacrifice, sacrifice that means your kids and your spouse must always come first. Our blessed Mother and Joseph sacrificed all that they would have desired knowing that they must give all they had in raising Jesus. He was not only their Son; but He was God's Son. Mary and Joseph both knew that God had His hand in their lives and that they had to follow through with God's will. Think about parents who have special needs children, what an absolute blessing that is. Many people think that children are a lot of work and having only one or two children is more than enough. I even have some close friends at work who say they wouldn't ever want a child that has special medical attention their entire life. This baptism has me thinking so much about all of our responsibilities as parents.
Parents through their love for one another and God's will, give birth to children. The child did not chose life, but God gave them life by His will and their parents love for one another. Think of your own children or your nieces and nephews or even siblings or cousins. Basically just look around and see all the families in our world. Who cares for all these children? Who makes sure they are eating correctly? Who is concerned about their education? The parents of cause. We must trust God with our lives, our abilities and our choices in doing all we can to take care of the gift in our children that He has given us. We have been entrusted with their precious souls and we must do all we can to protect them and be there for them. This mystery has us focus on the immediate desire and need to take care of our children, no matter what the sacrifice. Over the past two to three years special needs children have been brought into the light by some political people. I refuse to make any blog to be about politics, but I think many of you know what I am talking about. How precious and how blessed are those who have the gift of raising such a wonderful child of God. We all receive what God knows we can handle, God has a purpose in all of all lives for all that happens to us.
Back twenty four years ago when Chrissy and I got married and we started a family we made a pack. We always said that no matter what, we will never ever abort or discard any of our children, period. We did lose our very first child due to a miscarriage, it devastated us, to this day I think about Cory. After that we have been blessed with five super wonderful kids. We didn't care what the tests showed throughout the pregnancies, we didn't care if the doctors said we were going to have a special needs or medically challenged child. None of that mattered. We knew that if it was to be in God's will, we would be blessed in our lives to take care of that child God has given us. How can anyone think differently? What if you have a child born completely health and then as a teenager they are permanently paralyzed and need constant care for the rest of their lives. What do you do discard them for the inconvenience and the expenses? Good God, NO!!! So in every child's birth we to must be there for them no matter what. People this world we live in are very selfish. I have a dear friend, who lives in Niagara Falls, he and his wife have a son who needs constant care and medical attention. They are forever bringing him to doctors and the hospital for treatments. Their son is 47 years old. They told me, he was born this way and the doctors told them during the pregnancy if they wished to terminate the baby to avoid all future costs and inconveniences they could help. They also said the child will suffer, so termination is a good idea. OMG!!!! Praise Jesus they did not do that. He told me he told the hospital they were offended by their suggestion to kill their child.
The world we live in can be cruel, especially to the needy or the suffering. We as believers must stand up for them and protect them. Sometimes we are the only ones their standing strong for them. My friends son is such a blessing to everyone. In the past my friend use to always say he hates how people use children like his son to exploit them. I don't ever have that intention; I only wish to share their love for their son, so that's why I am not mentioning their names out of respect. But on another note my dear friend Jack's son is in the same situation of medical and special needs with his son John who is older than me. And he and his wife Betty adore their son John. There are many many children in this world who have the most wonderful loving parents who don't care what it'll take to be there for their children no matter what is required. I beg of all of you out there reading my blog; if you know someone thinking about terminating a child because they have medical needs, and they don't want to be inconvenienced with expenses and everything; or they think the child will suffer too much. Ask them to consider letting God decide on the fate of the child, and do not abort their innocent baby out of selfishness. God's purpose and will in their lives can only happen if we let them. God will provide what they will need and many people will be there to help. We all have heard stories about children born with major medical needs who only lived a few days or weeks. But in meantime, the blessings and love and tears, all served a precious purpose. We don't have to understand it to accept it, we just have to be open and ready for what it is God wants us to do in serving Him.
Your brother in Christ Jesus & His Most Blessed Mother,
Jim (The Rosary Man) Dacey Jr. SFO
Today we pray the Joyful Mysteries
1. The Annunciation
2. The Visitation
3. The Birth of Jesus
4. The Presentation in The Temple
5. Finding of Jesus in the Temple
Our Daily Walk - Luminous 1/5
©2011 James Dacey, Jr. SFO
Luminous Walk - 1/5
Hello Everyone,
Yet another fantastic week has begun, and a new journey is about to begin today. This week we will reflect on how the Luminous Mysteries are also part of our lives, and how we live them just as Jesus and His Blessed Mother, and Joseph did. Today we begin with the First Luminous Mystery - The Baptism of Jesus. So many of us are parents, but all of us have been children. Being a parent involves so much sacrifice, sacrifice that means your kids and your spouse must always come first. Our blessed Mother and Joseph sacrificed all that they would have desired knowing that they must give all they had in raising Jesus. He was not only their Son; but He was God's Son. Mary and Joseph both knew that God had His hand in their lives and that they had to follow through with God's will. Think about parents who have special needs children, what an absolute blessing that is. Many people think that children are a lot of work and having only one or two children is more than enough. I even have some close friends at work who say they wouldn't ever want a child that has special medical attention their entire life. This baptism has me thinking so much about all of our responsibilities as parents.
Parents through their love for one another and God's will, give birth to children. The child did not chose life, but God gave them life by His will and their parents love for one another. Think of your own children or your nieces and nephews or even siblings or cousins. Basically just look around and see all the families in our world. Who cares for all these children? Who makes sure they are eating correctly? Who is concerned about their education? The parents of cause. We must trust God with our lives, our abilities and our choices in doing all we can to take care of the gift in our children that He has given us. We have been entrusted with their precious souls and we must do all we can to protect them and be there for them. This mystery has us focus on the immediate desire and need to take care of our children, no matter what the sacrifice. Over the past two to three years special needs children have been brought into the light by some political people. I refuse to make any blog to be about politics, but I think many of you know what I am talking about. How precious and how blessed are those who have the gift of raising such a wonderful child of God. We all receive what God knows we can handle, God has a purpose in all of all lives for all that happens to us.
Back twenty four years ago when Chrissy and I got married and we started a family we made a pack. We always said that no matter what, we will never ever abort or discard any of our children, period. We did lose our very first child due to a miscarriage, it devastated us, to this day I think about Cory. After that we have been blessed with five super wonderful kids. We didn't care what the tests showed throughout the pregnancies, we didn't care if the doctors said we were going to have a special needs or medically challenged child. None of that mattered. We knew that if it was to be in God's will, we would be blessed in our lives to take care of that child God has given us. How can anyone think differently? What if you have a child born completely health and then as a teenager they are permanently paralyzed and need constant care for the rest of their lives. What do you do discard them for the inconvenience and the expenses? Good God, NO!!! So in every child's birth we to must be there for them no matter what. People this world we live in are very selfish. I have a dear friend, who lives in Niagara Falls, he and his wife have a son who needs constant care and medical attention. They are forever bringing him to doctors and the hospital for treatments. Their son is 47 years old. They told me, he was born this way and the doctors told them during the pregnancy if they wished to terminate the baby to avoid all future costs and inconveniences they could help. They also said the child will suffer, so termination is a good idea. OMG!!!! Praise Jesus they did not do that. He told me he told the hospital they were offended by their suggestion to kill their child.
The world we live in can be cruel, especially to the needy or the suffering. We as believers must stand up for them and protect them. Sometimes we are the only ones their standing strong for them. My friends son is such a blessing to everyone. In the past my friend use to always say he hates how people use children like his son to exploit them. I don't ever have that intention; I only wish to share their love for their son, so that's why I am not mentioning their names out of respect. But on another note my dear friend Jack's son is in the same situation of medical and special needs with his son John who is older than me. And he and his wife Betty adore their son John. There are many many children in this world who have the most wonderful loving parents who don't care what it'll take to be there for their children no matter what is required. I beg of all of you out there reading my blog; if you know someone thinking about terminating a child because they have medical needs, and they don't want to be inconvenienced with expenses and everything; or they think the child will suffer too much. Ask them to consider letting God decide on the fate of the child, and do not abort their innocent baby out of selfishness. God's purpose and will in their lives can only happen if we let them. God will provide what they will need and many people will be there to help. We all have heard stories about children born with major medical needs who only lived a few days or weeks. But in meantime, the blessings and love and tears, all served a precious purpose. We don't have to understand it to accept it, we just have to be open and ready for what it is God wants us to do in serving Him.
Your brother in Christ Jesus & His Most Blessed Mother,
Jim (The Rosary Man) Dacey Jr. SFO
Today we pray the Joyful Mysteries
1. The Annunciation
2. The Visitation
3. The Birth of Jesus
4. The Presentation in The Temple
5. Finding of Jesus in the Temple
Sunday, October 9, 2011
Accept Jesus Christ and Live
Beads of Joy 10-09-11
Accept Jesus Christ and Live
©2011 James Dacey, Jr. SFO
Hello Everybody,
Yes we are in the Month of the Rosary, but today’s gospel is a parable. <smile> I really enjoy sharing reflections and insights when it comes to parables. Jesus just knew a portion of His followers would be very excited every time they had a chance to share, learn about or even read a parable. Today’s gospel can be found in Matthew 22:1-14 (The Parable of The Wedding Feast). The gist of today’s parable to my understanding is this, the “King” is “God” and God is calling His people to Himself; it’s a two-fold request, first He invites His people, the Jews and they refuse, so then by God’s grace He extends His invitation out to all others (good and bad). In both incidents those invited were more interested in their own affairs, rather than an invitation from our Lord. The unfortunate reality we must all realize is this: Anyone who really refuses to accept Jesus when they are called will certainly die in their own sins. But on a much better note, all those who chose to receive Jesus become His choice guests and there will be a place for them in His house.
Today’s reflection is all about obeying and accepting the rules of someone else’s home; and in today’s gospel we are talking about God’s house, His rules, Hi Laws, Hi commandments. We all grew up in a home (our parents’ home) where they laid down rules that were part of living there. And what happened if we refused to obey their rules, most of us got punished or the rules got tougher. No matter, there was a consequence for our disobedience. We are all sinners and we will remain to be, that is unfortunate, but a very true fact. I heard it said by Father Larry Richards, “If you think you can stop sinning, well then try it, you can’t.” Well with that said; then what can we do, and how do we get the right “garment” to wear at the Wedding Feast so that we are accepted into God’s home? Our confession and the garment of admittance that Jesus Christ is our Lord will allow us to stay at the banquet. Jesus died for us; He bought us for a price, putting Jesus over us as the garment which is living the gospel allows us to stay.
"Cheap grace is the grace we bestow on ourselves ...the preaching of forgiveness without requiring repentance ...grace without discipleship, grace without the cross, grace without Jesus Christ, living and incarnate. ...Costly grace is the gospel which must be sought again and again, the gift which must be asked for, the door at which a man must knock. Such grace is costly because it calls us to follow Jesus Christ. It is costly because it costs a man his life, and it is grace because it gives a man the only true life." This was said by Dieterich Bonhoneffer, he was Christian teacher back in Hitler’s time, and he died for his faith. His reflection on Grace is really insightful, and I am glad I came across this quote from him to share with you. We don’t want cheap grace, we want the costly one; but we know the costly one will cost us our own life. Come on everybody, stop living for yourselves and your own selfishness, instead live your life eternally for Jesus. Give all you have… to spend all your time, all your thoughts, all your dreams focused on serving and loving Him. Don’t waste any of your time lost in the pointless desires of this world. God invites us to join Him, let us do all we can to be at that banquet with Him; nothing in this world is worth losing that. NOTHING!!! All is lost if you lose the one and only chance to be with Almighty God for all eternity.
OCTOBER (The Month of the Holy Rosary)
Your brother in Christ Jesus & His Most Blessed Mother,
Jim (The Rosary Man) Dacey Jr. SFO
Today we pray the Glorious Mysteries
1. The Resurrection
2. The Ascension
3. The Descent of the Holy Spirit
4. The Assumption
5. The Coronation
Accept Jesus Christ and Live
©2011 James Dacey, Jr. SFO
Hello Everybody,
Yes we are in the Month of the Rosary, but today’s gospel is a parable. <smile> I really enjoy sharing reflections and insights when it comes to parables. Jesus just knew a portion of His followers would be very excited every time they had a chance to share, learn about or even read a parable. Today’s gospel can be found in Matthew 22:1-14 (The Parable of The Wedding Feast). The gist of today’s parable to my understanding is this, the “King” is “God” and God is calling His people to Himself; it’s a two-fold request, first He invites His people, the Jews and they refuse, so then by God’s grace He extends His invitation out to all others (good and bad). In both incidents those invited were more interested in their own affairs, rather than an invitation from our Lord. The unfortunate reality we must all realize is this: Anyone who really refuses to accept Jesus when they are called will certainly die in their own sins. But on a much better note, all those who chose to receive Jesus become His choice guests and there will be a place for them in His house.
Today’s reflection is all about obeying and accepting the rules of someone else’s home; and in today’s gospel we are talking about God’s house, His rules, Hi Laws, Hi commandments. We all grew up in a home (our parents’ home) where they laid down rules that were part of living there. And what happened if we refused to obey their rules, most of us got punished or the rules got tougher. No matter, there was a consequence for our disobedience. We are all sinners and we will remain to be, that is unfortunate, but a very true fact. I heard it said by Father Larry Richards, “If you think you can stop sinning, well then try it, you can’t.” Well with that said; then what can we do, and how do we get the right “garment” to wear at the Wedding Feast so that we are accepted into God’s home? Our confession and the garment of admittance that Jesus Christ is our Lord will allow us to stay at the banquet. Jesus died for us; He bought us for a price, putting Jesus over us as the garment which is living the gospel allows us to stay.
"Cheap grace is the grace we bestow on ourselves ...the preaching of forgiveness without requiring repentance ...grace without discipleship, grace without the cross, grace without Jesus Christ, living and incarnate. ...Costly grace is the gospel which must be sought again and again, the gift which must be asked for, the door at which a man must knock. Such grace is costly because it calls us to follow Jesus Christ. It is costly because it costs a man his life, and it is grace because it gives a man the only true life." This was said by Dieterich Bonhoneffer, he was Christian teacher back in Hitler’s time, and he died for his faith. His reflection on Grace is really insightful, and I am glad I came across this quote from him to share with you. We don’t want cheap grace, we want the costly one; but we know the costly one will cost us our own life. Come on everybody, stop living for yourselves and your own selfishness, instead live your life eternally for Jesus. Give all you have… to spend all your time, all your thoughts, all your dreams focused on serving and loving Him. Don’t waste any of your time lost in the pointless desires of this world. God invites us to join Him, let us do all we can to be at that banquet with Him; nothing in this world is worth losing that. NOTHING!!! All is lost if you lose the one and only chance to be with Almighty God for all eternity.
OCTOBER (The Month of the Holy Rosary)
Your brother in Christ Jesus & His Most Blessed Mother,
Jim (The Rosary Man) Dacey Jr. SFO
Today we pray the Glorious Mysteries
1. The Resurrection
2. The Ascension
3. The Descent of the Holy Spirit
4. The Assumption
5. The Coronation
Saturday, October 8, 2011
Joyful Mysteries - Reflections
Beads of Joy 10-08-11
Joyful Mysteries - Reflections
©2011 James Dacey, Jr. SFO
Hello Everybody,
Today we pray the Joyful Mysteries, let us take a moment and reflect on the central (focus) on each mystery. We have been blessed with such a magnificent, celebrating reminder of the great, wonderful, blessed JOY that were part of our Lord’s childhood. Today we can pray on the Incarnation, as Jesus enters into this world to be with us, to save us. We are reminded again and again throughout the entire Rosary, that nothing is impossible with God.
The Joyful Mysteries
1. The Annunciation (Humility)
There are many times in our lives when we will experience “Annunciation” moments. Let us ask for God the grace to have an open ear and an open heart to His voice; and like Mary may we humbly say YES.
2. The Visitation (Charity)
We all have family and friends in our lives that need help, or someone to care for them, or someone who wishes another would reach out to them. How do we address that when we clearly know they are need?
3. The Nativity of Christ (Love of God)
Christmas is no doubt one of the most joyous times of the year, and to a believer Christmas is celebrated all year praising and worshipping our Lord. Do you celebrate Jesus being born into your heart today?
4. The Presentation (Purity)
When we have fully surrendered our hearts to our Lord, and chose Him above everything else, it is then that His presence and love will grow within. In your heart do you hold dreams of giving and serving our Lord in magnificent ways?
5. The Finding of the Christ Child in the Temple (Obedience)
Our lives should be spent searching for Him, we are all called by name by Him, our Spirit hear His voice, we must not stop seeking Him till we have found Him. Do you live a life consumed by seeking Him?
“Jesus, I trust in You.”
Your brother in Christ Jesus & His Most Blessed Mother,
Jim (The Rosary Man) Dacey Jr. SFO
Today we pray the Joyful Mysteries
1. The Annunciation
2. The Visitation
3. The Birth of Jesus
4. The Presentation in The Temple
5. Finding of Jesus in the Temple
Joyful Mysteries - Reflections
©2011 James Dacey, Jr. SFO
Hello Everybody,
Today we pray the Joyful Mysteries, let us take a moment and reflect on the central (focus) on each mystery. We have been blessed with such a magnificent, celebrating reminder of the great, wonderful, blessed JOY that were part of our Lord’s childhood. Today we can pray on the Incarnation, as Jesus enters into this world to be with us, to save us. We are reminded again and again throughout the entire Rosary, that nothing is impossible with God.
The Joyful Mysteries
1. The Annunciation (Humility)
There are many times in our lives when we will experience “Annunciation” moments. Let us ask for God the grace to have an open ear and an open heart to His voice; and like Mary may we humbly say YES.
2. The Visitation (Charity)
We all have family and friends in our lives that need help, or someone to care for them, or someone who wishes another would reach out to them. How do we address that when we clearly know they are need?
3. The Nativity of Christ (Love of God)
Christmas is no doubt one of the most joyous times of the year, and to a believer Christmas is celebrated all year praising and worshipping our Lord. Do you celebrate Jesus being born into your heart today?
4. The Presentation (Purity)
When we have fully surrendered our hearts to our Lord, and chose Him above everything else, it is then that His presence and love will grow within. In your heart do you hold dreams of giving and serving our Lord in magnificent ways?
5. The Finding of the Christ Child in the Temple (Obedience)
Our lives should be spent searching for Him, we are all called by name by Him, our Spirit hear His voice, we must not stop seeking Him till we have found Him. Do you live a life consumed by seeking Him?
“Jesus, I trust in You.”
Your brother in Christ Jesus & His Most Blessed Mother,
Jim (The Rosary Man) Dacey Jr. SFO
Today we pray the Joyful Mysteries
1. The Annunciation
2. The Visitation
3. The Birth of Jesus
4. The Presentation in The Temple
5. Finding of Jesus in the Temple
Friday, October 7, 2011
Our Daily Walk - Joyful 5/5
Beads of Joy 10-07-11
Our Daily Walk – Joyful 5/5
©2011 James Dacey, Jr. SFO
Joyful Walk - 5/5
Hello Everyone,
Well lookie here, its Friday already. This has been an absolutely fantastic week. Today we end this week’s reflection with the Fifth Joyful Mystery - Finding Jesus in the Temple. This experience had to a mix of both heart-breaking panic along with ecstatic joy for the holy family. And then for Jesus to tell His parents, that is doing His Fathers business. They must have been bewildered a bit; really not understanding to fullest of what He was talking about. Either way in the end they were filled with joy finding Him. Think about this mystery like this: You know someone with terminal illness, you notice they start to become introverted, you almost feel like you lost them before you have lost them. As the weeks progress, they start to come around, only to learn that they were seeking peace and understanding of where they would be going when their life would end. You also find out that all they were seeking was Jesus. They just want to make their lives right with Jesus. We as a community should be praying for those of us are deathly ill. They are looking a certain peace, in fear of the unknown. Let us help them in their walk, as they go before us.
Jesus Christ wants us to unite and be a community of believers looking out for one another, assuring one another of what is ahead. I believe when we find out about someone’s terminal illness, we have found out for a reason. Everything happens for a reason. This knowledge is like a blessing for those suffering to be ministered by fellow believers who care; and a blessing is there also for those assisting. More wisdom and love is gained when you are close to Heavens door with someone, then if you were nowhere near Heavens door. Did that make any sense to you? It did to me. See those of us who are nearer to death, are actually on the threshold of eternal life. So if you are right there with them, praying with them, ministering to them, and loving them, then you to unite with them spiritually as they prepare to stand before God. In this life I think that is the closest we come to Heavens door, while we still remain here. Consider ourselves a guide, praying with, helping and doing all we can to make this finally part of there journey one that helps them enter into the Kingdom of God.
Do we feel joy when we find someone we didn't know was seeking Jesus, who finds Jesus? How do we feel when we know someone is seeking Jesus? Do we rejoice with them? Do we act almost as excited as they do? I can remember when I was saved in 1983 and I found Jesus. All I did day and night was breathe, think, talk and rejoice over the treasure in Him that I have found. Well OK, to this day I somewhat pretty actually do the exact same thing. LOL. I can't help it, He brings so much joy into my life that I can't contain it. I have no fear of death, I have no fear of standing before Him. I am not an angel or a saint, but Jesus died for me, so that I may have eternal life. A price only He could pay. And He did it for all of us.
Give this a thought today. Look upon the elderly or those seriously ill, and see them as the ones who shall go before us. Then try to extend your joy and your love for our Lord to them, and by doing so, you are making that journey to our Lord so much more real for them. For the people in both those situations, we could say they are indeed contemplating their life, maybe their sins, maybe the pain they have given to others; either way I would say they are indeed thinking about the end. Some people fear death, thinking that God will be harsh on them for the life they have lived. At this most precious, minute to minute counting down of time; the judgment that lies ahead sends chills down many of those spins waiting, they are just steps away from the pearly gates. They to, we will lose sight of when they are gone, and hopefully we will find them in our Fathers house doing His business in Heaven.
Your brother in Christ Jesus & His Most Blessed Mother,
Jim (The Rosary Man) Dacey Jr. SFO
Today we pray the Sorrowful Mysteries
1. Agony in the Garden
2. The Scourging at the Pillar
3. Crowing with Thorns
4. Carrying of the Cross
5. The Crucifixion of Jesus
Our Daily Walk – Joyful 5/5
©2011 James Dacey, Jr. SFO
Joyful Walk - 5/5
Hello Everyone,
Well lookie here, its Friday already. This has been an absolutely fantastic week. Today we end this week’s reflection with the Fifth Joyful Mystery - Finding Jesus in the Temple. This experience had to a mix of both heart-breaking panic along with ecstatic joy for the holy family. And then for Jesus to tell His parents, that is doing His Fathers business. They must have been bewildered a bit; really not understanding to fullest of what He was talking about. Either way in the end they were filled with joy finding Him. Think about this mystery like this: You know someone with terminal illness, you notice they start to become introverted, you almost feel like you lost them before you have lost them. As the weeks progress, they start to come around, only to learn that they were seeking peace and understanding of where they would be going when their life would end. You also find out that all they were seeking was Jesus. They just want to make their lives right with Jesus. We as a community should be praying for those of us are deathly ill. They are looking a certain peace, in fear of the unknown. Let us help them in their walk, as they go before us.
Jesus Christ wants us to unite and be a community of believers looking out for one another, assuring one another of what is ahead. I believe when we find out about someone’s terminal illness, we have found out for a reason. Everything happens for a reason. This knowledge is like a blessing for those suffering to be ministered by fellow believers who care; and a blessing is there also for those assisting. More wisdom and love is gained when you are close to Heavens door with someone, then if you were nowhere near Heavens door. Did that make any sense to you? It did to me. See those of us who are nearer to death, are actually on the threshold of eternal life. So if you are right there with them, praying with them, ministering to them, and loving them, then you to unite with them spiritually as they prepare to stand before God. In this life I think that is the closest we come to Heavens door, while we still remain here. Consider ourselves a guide, praying with, helping and doing all we can to make this finally part of there journey one that helps them enter into the Kingdom of God.
Do we feel joy when we find someone we didn't know was seeking Jesus, who finds Jesus? How do we feel when we know someone is seeking Jesus? Do we rejoice with them? Do we act almost as excited as they do? I can remember when I was saved in 1983 and I found Jesus. All I did day and night was breathe, think, talk and rejoice over the treasure in Him that I have found. Well OK, to this day I somewhat pretty actually do the exact same thing. LOL. I can't help it, He brings so much joy into my life that I can't contain it. I have no fear of death, I have no fear of standing before Him. I am not an angel or a saint, but Jesus died for me, so that I may have eternal life. A price only He could pay. And He did it for all of us.
Give this a thought today. Look upon the elderly or those seriously ill, and see them as the ones who shall go before us. Then try to extend your joy and your love for our Lord to them, and by doing so, you are making that journey to our Lord so much more real for them. For the people in both those situations, we could say they are indeed contemplating their life, maybe their sins, maybe the pain they have given to others; either way I would say they are indeed thinking about the end. Some people fear death, thinking that God will be harsh on them for the life they have lived. At this most precious, minute to minute counting down of time; the judgment that lies ahead sends chills down many of those spins waiting, they are just steps away from the pearly gates. They to, we will lose sight of when they are gone, and hopefully we will find them in our Fathers house doing His business in Heaven.
Your brother in Christ Jesus & His Most Blessed Mother,
Jim (The Rosary Man) Dacey Jr. SFO
Today we pray the Sorrowful Mysteries
1. Agony in the Garden
2. The Scourging at the Pillar
3. Crowing with Thorns
4. Carrying of the Cross
5. The Crucifixion of Jesus
Thursday, October 6, 2011
Our Daily Walk - Joyful 4/5
Beads of Joy 10-06-11
Our Daily Walk - Joyful 4/5
©2011 James Dacey, Jr. SFO
Joyful Walk - 4/5
Hello Everyone,
This has been a fantastic week reflecting upon the Joyful Mysteries and how each mystery not only affected Jesus, Mary and Joseph; but also how do we fit into that experience. Today is the fourth Joyful Mystery - The Presentation of Jesus in the Temple. A most unique story surrounds this most special mystery. Let us consider Simeon and Anna, and the wisdom they certainly showed in awaiting for the arrival of their Messiah. No doubt in their old age, there must have been challenges; and what about the families who had to tend to them, as they waited with faith, hope and trust at the Temple. Another possible thing was the loneliness from time to time they most certainly had to have, while patiently, very insistently waiting. Can we be patient and steadfast knowing and trusting in God with the same faith? I don't know, that depends on so many variables. And you see I think that that is the problem with the society thinks today. Instead of having that unwavering, unquestionable faith to remain strong; we expect answers from God to be immediate and to our understanding that makes us stand apart from Simeon and Anna.
Dependency a very real element in this experience at the temple and in the lives of many of us. But can we take care of one another as we age with love, respect and true understanding of ones faith and trust in God? I think we can, and I am willing to say that many already do. Let us be like those who took care of Simeon and Anna. They understood to some degree that Simeon and Anna, both holy devout people who were rested in the Holy Spirit, were following the heart of God to see the baby Jesus. There is no way I would think that these two who remained in the temple, were their completely on their own, without any help. Someone I am sure made sure they got food, and they were able to wash and even keep some sort of clean or cleaner smelling clothes on. Do you see what I am getting at here. This mystery shares not only the glory and awesomeness of Jesus being presented at the Temple; but also the love and devotion and caring that took place behind the scenes for the devout. How can we be like that towards others? How simple is it really?
Love, Respect and a choice to help others keep their dignity. No doubt that Simeon was old, and Anna it's said to have been eighty-four years old. Yes I understand there are many spry energetic people at those ages and older. But considering the time of Jesus and the lack of living comfortably and stress-free, would only age anyone. They may have even been disabled, we don't know that for a fact. But what we do know is that they were able to remain in the temple praising God and waiting on the arrival of Jesus. Simeon knew that near his death would be when he would meet Jesus. His life was directed by the Holy Spirit, he allowed God to be the center of all things to him. Our family and friends that we know who are elderly who wish to continue worshiping God, going to Mass, being at Eucharistic adoration; we need to help them, willingly behind the scenes.
I challenge you to help someone, maybe go to a nursing home, and attend a Mass service there with a resident who really wants to go but can't or has too many challenges to go alone. Think of them as a Simeon or Anna when you spend time with them. Allow your heart to really care for them. You can also do this with maybe a neighbor, or someone you know who really wants to go to Mass but is unable to go. If you don't know anyone in this situation, ask around, ask friends if they have a relative who speaks about going to Mass but has no way of attending. You can minister to them by uniting them with Jesus and the Eucharist and at the same time have some really special fellowship. A new close brother or sister in the Lord. Like I brought my grandmother to be united with her husband at the cemetery in answer to her prayers; you to can answer the prayers of those seeking to be with Jesus.
Your brother in Christ Jesus & His Most Blessed Mother,
Jim (The Rosary Man) Dacey Jr. SFO
Today we pray the Luminous Mysteries
1. Baptism of Jesus
2. Wedding at Cana
3. Proclamation of the Kingdom
4. The Transfiguration
5. Institution of the Holy Eucharist
Our Daily Walk - Joyful 4/5
©2011 James Dacey, Jr. SFO
Joyful Walk - 4/5
Hello Everyone,
This has been a fantastic week reflecting upon the Joyful Mysteries and how each mystery not only affected Jesus, Mary and Joseph; but also how do we fit into that experience. Today is the fourth Joyful Mystery - The Presentation of Jesus in the Temple. A most unique story surrounds this most special mystery. Let us consider Simeon and Anna, and the wisdom they certainly showed in awaiting for the arrival of their Messiah. No doubt in their old age, there must have been challenges; and what about the families who had to tend to them, as they waited with faith, hope and trust at the Temple. Another possible thing was the loneliness from time to time they most certainly had to have, while patiently, very insistently waiting. Can we be patient and steadfast knowing and trusting in God with the same faith? I don't know, that depends on so many variables. And you see I think that that is the problem with the society thinks today. Instead of having that unwavering, unquestionable faith to remain strong; we expect answers from God to be immediate and to our understanding that makes us stand apart from Simeon and Anna.
Dependency a very real element in this experience at the temple and in the lives of many of us. But can we take care of one another as we age with love, respect and true understanding of ones faith and trust in God? I think we can, and I am willing to say that many already do. Let us be like those who took care of Simeon and Anna. They understood to some degree that Simeon and Anna, both holy devout people who were rested in the Holy Spirit, were following the heart of God to see the baby Jesus. There is no way I would think that these two who remained in the temple, were their completely on their own, without any help. Someone I am sure made sure they got food, and they were able to wash and even keep some sort of clean or cleaner smelling clothes on. Do you see what I am getting at here. This mystery shares not only the glory and awesomeness of Jesus being presented at the Temple; but also the love and devotion and caring that took place behind the scenes for the devout. How can we be like that towards others? How simple is it really?
Love, Respect and a choice to help others keep their dignity. No doubt that Simeon was old, and Anna it's said to have been eighty-four years old. Yes I understand there are many spry energetic people at those ages and older. But considering the time of Jesus and the lack of living comfortably and stress-free, would only age anyone. They may have even been disabled, we don't know that for a fact. But what we do know is that they were able to remain in the temple praising God and waiting on the arrival of Jesus. Simeon knew that near his death would be when he would meet Jesus. His life was directed by the Holy Spirit, he allowed God to be the center of all things to him. Our family and friends that we know who are elderly who wish to continue worshiping God, going to Mass, being at Eucharistic adoration; we need to help them, willingly behind the scenes.
I challenge you to help someone, maybe go to a nursing home, and attend a Mass service there with a resident who really wants to go but can't or has too many challenges to go alone. Think of them as a Simeon or Anna when you spend time with them. Allow your heart to really care for them. You can also do this with maybe a neighbor, or someone you know who really wants to go to Mass but is unable to go. If you don't know anyone in this situation, ask around, ask friends if they have a relative who speaks about going to Mass but has no way of attending. You can minister to them by uniting them with Jesus and the Eucharist and at the same time have some really special fellowship. A new close brother or sister in the Lord. Like I brought my grandmother to be united with her husband at the cemetery in answer to her prayers; you to can answer the prayers of those seeking to be with Jesus.
Your brother in Christ Jesus & His Most Blessed Mother,
Jim (The Rosary Man) Dacey Jr. SFO
Today we pray the Luminous Mysteries
1. Baptism of Jesus
2. Wedding at Cana
3. Proclamation of the Kingdom
4. The Transfiguration
5. Institution of the Holy Eucharist
Wednesday, October 5, 2011
Our Daily Walk - Joyful 3/5
Beads of Joy 10-05-11
Our Daily Walk – Joyful 3/5
©2011 James Dacey, Jr. SFO
Joyful Walk - 3/5
Hello Everyone,
What a special week of blogs. I want everyone to know how truly special the rosary really is. Today we reflect on the Third Joyful Mystery - The Birth of Jesus. How is it that mere strangers come from far and near in support of another? I think it's the grace of God and the love of God inside each of us that allow us; to find in our hearts the love we so much wish to share with another. I know to some degree we can relate to the Holy Family, and what they must have felt. Imagine giving birth to your own child in a manger. The humility of people watching you, the dirty area where animals were kept, the smell that must have been horrible. No doubt their trust in God, is what has given them the strength to have the humility to follow through His will. Now that we looked at the fairly obvious side of giving birth in a manger; let us look at those who surrounded them, supporting them and bringing them comfort. And the most incredible act of giving from the three kings.
You know I believe it's strangers who tend to give the most comfort and love. For they give out of love, and a certain kind of a desire to serve, they tend to not judgment guide their kindness. Did you ever consider the hunger, baby Jesus must have felt? I am sure Joseph and Mary had food, but I think it would be fair to say they didn't have cases of formula like so many us are able to attain in today's time. Do you think the doctors and nurses tended to them like they do to our families when we give birth to our children? Of cause not, they didn't have that luxury, they relied on trusting fully in God. How about the outreach by those around them must have been overwhelming. So many offering blankets and water, and fresh bread. There were so many that just understood what was going on and they wanted to help. Just being there and adoring their son and being supportive as a community was truly a special gift to the Holy Family.
So consider this: Kindness unlike any you may have ever experienced before, with a love that only embraces without any kind of judgment. Can we ever experience such a joy as that? Yes I believe we can and I believe we do. As brothers and sisters in Christ, we share a certain special bond that only Jesus can create between people. It is His love for us, that enables our love for others. Let's take that love to the next level and open our hearts and lives to one another, we can sort of adopt each other in a spiritual way. I know so many have already. Prayers and concern and down right unexpected acts of kindness that bring so much joy to one another. We are a strong solid body of believers who not only love God our Father; but we all for the most part have a most sincere genuine love for one another.
Let us take on the challenge of being kind to those we don't know, to those we know, who we know, need help in some way. Did that make sense? We all know people (not personally) that may have large families, endless bills they can't keep up with, empty cabinets with no food in them, and I bet many other needs I can't even begin to mention. Let us as God's children trust in His love to guide us. Maybe we need to go to a hospital, visit some lonely people there, and offer them love. We don't have to approach people with scripture or bibles or tracks. First start with a smile, actually that is something so many in this world never see. A real heart; full of love smiles. We need to be doers and trust in Jesus as we move forward helping others.
Your brother in Christ Jesus & His Most Blessed Mother,
Jim (The Rosary Man) Dacey Jr. SFO
Today we pray the Glorious Mysteries
1. The Resurrection
2. The Ascension
3. The Descent of the Holy Spirit
4. The Assumption
5. The Coronation
Our Daily Walk – Joyful 3/5
©2011 James Dacey, Jr. SFO
Joyful Walk - 3/5
Hello Everyone,
What a special week of blogs. I want everyone to know how truly special the rosary really is. Today we reflect on the Third Joyful Mystery - The Birth of Jesus. How is it that mere strangers come from far and near in support of another? I think it's the grace of God and the love of God inside each of us that allow us; to find in our hearts the love we so much wish to share with another. I know to some degree we can relate to the Holy Family, and what they must have felt. Imagine giving birth to your own child in a manger. The humility of people watching you, the dirty area where animals were kept, the smell that must have been horrible. No doubt their trust in God, is what has given them the strength to have the humility to follow through His will. Now that we looked at the fairly obvious side of giving birth in a manger; let us look at those who surrounded them, supporting them and bringing them comfort. And the most incredible act of giving from the three kings.
You know I believe it's strangers who tend to give the most comfort and love. For they give out of love, and a certain kind of a desire to serve, they tend to not judgment guide their kindness. Did you ever consider the hunger, baby Jesus must have felt? I am sure Joseph and Mary had food, but I think it would be fair to say they didn't have cases of formula like so many us are able to attain in today's time. Do you think the doctors and nurses tended to them like they do to our families when we give birth to our children? Of cause not, they didn't have that luxury, they relied on trusting fully in God. How about the outreach by those around them must have been overwhelming. So many offering blankets and water, and fresh bread. There were so many that just understood what was going on and they wanted to help. Just being there and adoring their son and being supportive as a community was truly a special gift to the Holy Family.
So consider this: Kindness unlike any you may have ever experienced before, with a love that only embraces without any kind of judgment. Can we ever experience such a joy as that? Yes I believe we can and I believe we do. As brothers and sisters in Christ, we share a certain special bond that only Jesus can create between people. It is His love for us, that enables our love for others. Let's take that love to the next level and open our hearts and lives to one another, we can sort of adopt each other in a spiritual way. I know so many have already. Prayers and concern and down right unexpected acts of kindness that bring so much joy to one another. We are a strong solid body of believers who not only love God our Father; but we all for the most part have a most sincere genuine love for one another.
Let us take on the challenge of being kind to those we don't know, to those we know, who we know, need help in some way. Did that make sense? We all know people (not personally) that may have large families, endless bills they can't keep up with, empty cabinets with no food in them, and I bet many other needs I can't even begin to mention. Let us as God's children trust in His love to guide us. Maybe we need to go to a hospital, visit some lonely people there, and offer them love. We don't have to approach people with scripture or bibles or tracks. First start with a smile, actually that is something so many in this world never see. A real heart; full of love smiles. We need to be doers and trust in Jesus as we move forward helping others.
Your brother in Christ Jesus & His Most Blessed Mother,
Jim (The Rosary Man) Dacey Jr. SFO
Today we pray the Glorious Mysteries
1. The Resurrection
2. The Ascension
3. The Descent of the Holy Spirit
4. The Assumption
5. The Coronation
Tuesday, October 4, 2011
Our Daily Walk - Joyful 2/5
Beads of Joy 10-04-11
Our Daily Walk – Joyful 2/5
©2011 James Dacey, Jr. SFO
Joyful Walk - 2/5
Hello Everyone,
Yesterdays blog sure was powerful. I hope that today has the same cleansing feeling that helps draw you ever so much closer to our Lord. Today we reflect on the second Joyful Mystery - The Visitation. Once again Mary is giving of herself to others and their needs, beyond what we talked about yesterday, with all that she is carrying in her own cross. Mary is such an incredible example for us. Today as we reflect on the second Joyful Mystery, what are seeing here? Let me tell you what I see: I see a woman who is dealing with her own challenges, reaching out to another who is also in the midst of something she don't fully understand, and who is elderly. Today let us consider helping others who are in need of keeping their own dignity through challenging unexplainable times, both good and bad. And let us also look at the love and support network that Mary and Elizabeth were essentially starting. What an absolutely incredible example for us to follow, and we do follow that. It is so crucial that all of us unite in times of trials and challenges, not only to help one another through them, but to help one another beyond them.
What kind of companionship and comfort do those in need seek? That sometimes is the question that don't have an answer, and that creates an acceptable roadblock that stops so many of us from doing anything. I know our hearts want to, but without direction or ideas, or some simple formula, we stop dead in our tracks. Here are some thoughts from me, I know many of you out there who are suffering, even worse than Chrissy’s, and you are silent. You know who you are. I won't mention your name, as you asked me to keep your suffering a secret. I am to understand it is your gift to Jesus. What a blessing you are to our community, you who I speak of, I promise you will not be revealed; but what I will say to everyone, is that we have a saint in our midst. Actually a couple of saints who ask me to tell no one of their suffering. So back to what can we do? The biggest and greatest thing is prayer. I know that sounds so simple, it's not any sacrificial type of doing or giving to another. But understand that "prayer" on your behalf speaking to God for someone else, is truly one of the most precious gifts you could ever give another. The value cannot be matched by anything this world has to offer as a gift. But know this, if you are praying for others, TELL THEM!!! That is the icing on the cake that helps a hurting heart and aching body, a suffering illness. What good is a gift if the receiver doesn’t even know about it?
How can anyone be grateful, or thankful, if they have no clue that someone, anyone out there is begging for mercy for them before God? Praying for their healing, or their health, or a job to help get the family stable again. I wouldn't say sound the trumpet, but at least share the fact one on one with that person. I always share that gift with others. Just give all the glory to God. So what else can we do to help comfort? I think in my heart that prayer is the greatest thing we can do, but yes there are other things, if you can. Drop by, just to say hi. Don't put the person you are seeing out, by expecting a meal. Just drop in, give a hug, say some words of encouragement; it's also a great time to tell them face to face that they are in your prayers. Seeing another smiling and looking into your eyes as you suffer offers you so much strength. Call; yes call that person, just to say, "Hi, how are you feeling?" Knowing that someone is thinking of you makes you feel so good, you don't feel alone. Even send a card, a letter, little gifts of love, fresh baked cookies. Whatever, as long as it is from the heart.
In our current situation Chrissy’s in pain a great majority of the day. She enjoys hearing from friends, family, and even people she don't know. She reads my wall a lot, and says, "Who's this?, who's' that?" Sometimes I know them personally, other times I don't. She gets so thrilled to see and read how so many people care about her, even with not knowing her personally. Love and concern for another doesn't always have to be expressed in gifts, or calls, or even dropping in. So there's another very kind simple way to comfort Someone. At least on facebook, a simple kind note on a wall. I hope today has given you a little bit of insight as to how we to can be like our Blessed Mother when it comes comforting another. I can only pray that our Lord uses me to whatever He so desires to help draw you closer to be more like Him.
Your brother in Christ Jesus & His Most Blessed Mother,
Jim (The Rosary Man) Dacey Jr. SFO
Today we pray the Sorrowful Mysteries
1. Agony in the Garden
2. The Scourging at the Pillar
3. Crowing with Thorns
4. Carrying of the Cross
5. The Crucifixion of Jesus
Our Daily Walk – Joyful 2/5
©2011 James Dacey, Jr. SFO
Joyful Walk - 2/5
Hello Everyone,
Yesterdays blog sure was powerful. I hope that today has the same cleansing feeling that helps draw you ever so much closer to our Lord. Today we reflect on the second Joyful Mystery - The Visitation. Once again Mary is giving of herself to others and their needs, beyond what we talked about yesterday, with all that she is carrying in her own cross. Mary is such an incredible example for us. Today as we reflect on the second Joyful Mystery, what are seeing here? Let me tell you what I see: I see a woman who is dealing with her own challenges, reaching out to another who is also in the midst of something she don't fully understand, and who is elderly. Today let us consider helping others who are in need of keeping their own dignity through challenging unexplainable times, both good and bad. And let us also look at the love and support network that Mary and Elizabeth were essentially starting. What an absolutely incredible example for us to follow, and we do follow that. It is so crucial that all of us unite in times of trials and challenges, not only to help one another through them, but to help one another beyond them.
What kind of companionship and comfort do those in need seek? That sometimes is the question that don't have an answer, and that creates an acceptable roadblock that stops so many of us from doing anything. I know our hearts want to, but without direction or ideas, or some simple formula, we stop dead in our tracks. Here are some thoughts from me, I know many of you out there who are suffering, even worse than Chrissy’s, and you are silent. You know who you are. I won't mention your name, as you asked me to keep your suffering a secret. I am to understand it is your gift to Jesus. What a blessing you are to our community, you who I speak of, I promise you will not be revealed; but what I will say to everyone, is that we have a saint in our midst. Actually a couple of saints who ask me to tell no one of their suffering. So back to what can we do? The biggest and greatest thing is prayer. I know that sounds so simple, it's not any sacrificial type of doing or giving to another. But understand that "prayer" on your behalf speaking to God for someone else, is truly one of the most precious gifts you could ever give another. The value cannot be matched by anything this world has to offer as a gift. But know this, if you are praying for others, TELL THEM!!! That is the icing on the cake that helps a hurting heart and aching body, a suffering illness. What good is a gift if the receiver doesn’t even know about it?
How can anyone be grateful, or thankful, if they have no clue that someone, anyone out there is begging for mercy for them before God? Praying for their healing, or their health, or a job to help get the family stable again. I wouldn't say sound the trumpet, but at least share the fact one on one with that person. I always share that gift with others. Just give all the glory to God. So what else can we do to help comfort? I think in my heart that prayer is the greatest thing we can do, but yes there are other things, if you can. Drop by, just to say hi. Don't put the person you are seeing out, by expecting a meal. Just drop in, give a hug, say some words of encouragement; it's also a great time to tell them face to face that they are in your prayers. Seeing another smiling and looking into your eyes as you suffer offers you so much strength. Call; yes call that person, just to say, "Hi, how are you feeling?" Knowing that someone is thinking of you makes you feel so good, you don't feel alone. Even send a card, a letter, little gifts of love, fresh baked cookies. Whatever, as long as it is from the heart.
In our current situation Chrissy’s in pain a great majority of the day. She enjoys hearing from friends, family, and even people she don't know. She reads my wall a lot, and says, "Who's this?, who's' that?" Sometimes I know them personally, other times I don't. She gets so thrilled to see and read how so many people care about her, even with not knowing her personally. Love and concern for another doesn't always have to be expressed in gifts, or calls, or even dropping in. So there's another very kind simple way to comfort Someone. At least on facebook, a simple kind note on a wall. I hope today has given you a little bit of insight as to how we to can be like our Blessed Mother when it comes comforting another. I can only pray that our Lord uses me to whatever He so desires to help draw you closer to be more like Him.
Your brother in Christ Jesus & His Most Blessed Mother,
Jim (The Rosary Man) Dacey Jr. SFO
Today we pray the Sorrowful Mysteries
1. Agony in the Garden
2. The Scourging at the Pillar
3. Crowing with Thorns
4. Carrying of the Cross
5. The Crucifixion of Jesus
Monday, October 3, 2011
Our Daily Walk - Joyful 1/5
Beads of Joy 10-03-11
The Joyful Mysteries - Our Daily Walk
©2011 James Dacey, Jr. SFO
Joyful Walk - 1/5
Hello Everyone,
Today I wish to begin a new journey with all of you. One that may ministry to you as well as it will minister to me. Each day this week I will reflect on each one of the Joyful Mysteries. Today we begin with The Annunciation. I want us to look at the day to day aspects of the mysteries, in other words how did they personally affect the people experiencing them? The Annunciation did indeed cause our Blessed Mother to be humble and she willfully accepted God's will, there is no doubt that that is true. But let's reflect on that fact that at Mary's time, this was bad news, for the times. Please understand that I know it was nothing but good news, but of cause we have the ability of having the whole picture put before us. We know the what, the why, the ending, we know all that. Mary didn't, her trust and humility before God was incredible. Her faith is not like our faith. She was rooted in the Old Testament but had no clue she'd be the reason for the New Testament. For a woman of her time who was unmarried to be pregnant, that was a disgrace and she could have been stoned to death. So seriously for the "time" of this mystery, this was indeed bad news. But regardless of the scary news, Mary forged forward.
How could Mary's example help us confront "bad news"? Can we just do God's will? Are you able to truly pick up your cross and carry it, PERIOD? I will tell you that now; I can share so much more about what we as a family are going through and how horrible bad news affects us. First of all think about it, how ever do you prepare for this? How do you have your heart and head in the right place as the news is put before you? Unlike many choices we have in our lives, with illnesses we have no control of them; and once they take up residence in our bodies, there's no escaping or denying them anymore. We are only left with embracing them and dealing with them. I will say the initial shock, the initial news of a spot found on Chrissy lung; I immediately dismissed any fears of it being serious. It's never "us", it's always someone else, someone we know, someone we know who knows someone; but it certainly not us. Well that confident denial was dissolved the day she began coughing up blood. I have to tell you, she called me over crying and I had no idea why. I came over to see why, and she said, "I'm coughing up blood." I confess now before you, my heart felt like it came out of my throat and my blood was drained. This was bad. I am not well versed with anything medical, but I know from TV shows and movies (not the best to rely on I know) and I had some general common sense growing up; that coughing up blood is a symptom of something far worse.
You know it seemed that people who cough up blood in movies and tv shows always were the people who inevitably died from some internal catastrophic problem. I admit I was immediately almost instantaneously scared for her, our kids, our family. Like Mary, this was to be and still is an unknown territory for us. A road we must travel, and trust in God. We must trust in His will for her life, our lives and all those around us. Tears are not going to go away throughout this, I am all teared up writing this. Tears are not a sign of weakness, or a sign of not trusting. Tears rather show a sign of love, concern, and they are an out right cleansing we so need as we struggle understanding what is happening. I want God to reconsider this: I beg before you Lord to put this pain and suffering on me, and take it away from Chrissy. I pray that I am the sacrifice You are seeking. Please Lord, take my life as a sacrifice in place of Chrissy's. Please allow her to enjoy our children, and all the joy they give us. And this beautiful world you have given us to dwell in, and the joys that are to come in the future: weddings, grand-kids, walks, fresh air. My God there are so many wonderful things we take for gratitude in this life. Please God, consider my offer. Take me instead; give me ALL of her suffering, all of her pain. I offer it all up praising You Lord.
So today I ask you, to do like Jesus would expect us to. Embrace that cross. I know there are going to be tears, I know this only too well now. I know you might not want it, or you might hope God would take it from you. But like Jesus who wanted His very own cross removed, He to accepted rather God's will than even His own. Be bold; take a step forward, rather than backwards. If God wants to give you a huge cross, one that is so heavy and so painful that it makes you cry; well then do it out of love for God and trust in Him and forge forward. I admit my weaknesses before you. This level of media on the World Wide Web allows me (and you) to not only shed our tears before the world, but also we shed our armor. I never claimed to be bulletproof. I never think of myself as holy. I never see anyone in me, more than the man God has made me to be. I am a wretched sinner, unworthy of anything special God wants to give me. And you say, "What is it then, that you see yourself as before God?" I say, “A child of God, who will love Him, serve Him and Honor Him all the days of my life". And Yes, I thank God for this cross He has given me. Do I fully understand it? NO. Do I see the silver lining and know what and where the joy is in this? NO. But I will say that I do trust Him, His plans, and His will, and they far exceed anything I can think about; and besides He knows what all of us need, better than we ever could know.
Your brother in Christ Jesus & His Most Blessed Mother,
Jim (The Rosary Man) Dacey Jr. SFO
Today we pray the Joyful Mysteries
1. The Annunciation
2. The Visitation
3. The Birth of Jesus
4. The Presentation in The Temple
5. Finding of Jesus in the Temple
The Joyful Mysteries - Our Daily Walk
©2011 James Dacey, Jr. SFO
Joyful Walk - 1/5
Hello Everyone,
Today I wish to begin a new journey with all of you. One that may ministry to you as well as it will minister to me. Each day this week I will reflect on each one of the Joyful Mysteries. Today we begin with The Annunciation. I want us to look at the day to day aspects of the mysteries, in other words how did they personally affect the people experiencing them? The Annunciation did indeed cause our Blessed Mother to be humble and she willfully accepted God's will, there is no doubt that that is true. But let's reflect on that fact that at Mary's time, this was bad news, for the times. Please understand that I know it was nothing but good news, but of cause we have the ability of having the whole picture put before us. We know the what, the why, the ending, we know all that. Mary didn't, her trust and humility before God was incredible. Her faith is not like our faith. She was rooted in the Old Testament but had no clue she'd be the reason for the New Testament. For a woman of her time who was unmarried to be pregnant, that was a disgrace and she could have been stoned to death. So seriously for the "time" of this mystery, this was indeed bad news. But regardless of the scary news, Mary forged forward.
How could Mary's example help us confront "bad news"? Can we just do God's will? Are you able to truly pick up your cross and carry it, PERIOD? I will tell you that now; I can share so much more about what we as a family are going through and how horrible bad news affects us. First of all think about it, how ever do you prepare for this? How do you have your heart and head in the right place as the news is put before you? Unlike many choices we have in our lives, with illnesses we have no control of them; and once they take up residence in our bodies, there's no escaping or denying them anymore. We are only left with embracing them and dealing with them. I will say the initial shock, the initial news of a spot found on Chrissy lung; I immediately dismissed any fears of it being serious. It's never "us", it's always someone else, someone we know, someone we know who knows someone; but it certainly not us. Well that confident denial was dissolved the day she began coughing up blood. I have to tell you, she called me over crying and I had no idea why. I came over to see why, and she said, "I'm coughing up blood." I confess now before you, my heart felt like it came out of my throat and my blood was drained. This was bad. I am not well versed with anything medical, but I know from TV shows and movies (not the best to rely on I know) and I had some general common sense growing up; that coughing up blood is a symptom of something far worse.
You know it seemed that people who cough up blood in movies and tv shows always were the people who inevitably died from some internal catastrophic problem. I admit I was immediately almost instantaneously scared for her, our kids, our family. Like Mary, this was to be and still is an unknown territory for us. A road we must travel, and trust in God. We must trust in His will for her life, our lives and all those around us. Tears are not going to go away throughout this, I am all teared up writing this. Tears are not a sign of weakness, or a sign of not trusting. Tears rather show a sign of love, concern, and they are an out right cleansing we so need as we struggle understanding what is happening. I want God to reconsider this: I beg before you Lord to put this pain and suffering on me, and take it away from Chrissy. I pray that I am the sacrifice You are seeking. Please Lord, take my life as a sacrifice in place of Chrissy's. Please allow her to enjoy our children, and all the joy they give us. And this beautiful world you have given us to dwell in, and the joys that are to come in the future: weddings, grand-kids, walks, fresh air. My God there are so many wonderful things we take for gratitude in this life. Please God, consider my offer. Take me instead; give me ALL of her suffering, all of her pain. I offer it all up praising You Lord.
So today I ask you, to do like Jesus would expect us to. Embrace that cross. I know there are going to be tears, I know this only too well now. I know you might not want it, or you might hope God would take it from you. But like Jesus who wanted His very own cross removed, He to accepted rather God's will than even His own. Be bold; take a step forward, rather than backwards. If God wants to give you a huge cross, one that is so heavy and so painful that it makes you cry; well then do it out of love for God and trust in Him and forge forward. I admit my weaknesses before you. This level of media on the World Wide Web allows me (and you) to not only shed our tears before the world, but also we shed our armor. I never claimed to be bulletproof. I never think of myself as holy. I never see anyone in me, more than the man God has made me to be. I am a wretched sinner, unworthy of anything special God wants to give me. And you say, "What is it then, that you see yourself as before God?" I say, “A child of God, who will love Him, serve Him and Honor Him all the days of my life". And Yes, I thank God for this cross He has given me. Do I fully understand it? NO. Do I see the silver lining and know what and where the joy is in this? NO. But I will say that I do trust Him, His plans, and His will, and they far exceed anything I can think about; and besides He knows what all of us need, better than we ever could know.
Your brother in Christ Jesus & His Most Blessed Mother,
Jim (The Rosary Man) Dacey Jr. SFO
Today we pray the Joyful Mysteries
1. The Annunciation
2. The Visitation
3. The Birth of Jesus
4. The Presentation in The Temple
5. Finding of Jesus in the Temple
Sunday, October 2, 2011
The Seven Sorrows of Mary
Beads of Joy 10-02-11
The Seven Sorrows of Mary - Scriptural Rosary
©2011 James Dacey, Jr. SFO
Hello Everybody,
The Rosary of the Seven Sorrows consists of "49 Hail Mary's", divided into seven groups of seven. Each group of seven is begun with an Our Father, as in the regular Rosary. You can start the Rosary with an Act of Contrition.
Just like the regular Rosary, the groups of seven Hail Mary's are an occasion for meditation on "Mysteries"; in this case, the Seven Sorrows of Mary, listed below:
First Sorrow of Mary
THE PROPHECY OF SIMEON
1. When the time came for their purification according to the law of Moses, they brought him up to Jerusalem to present him to the Lord
2. Now there was a man in Jerusalem, whose name was Simeon, and the Holy Spirit was upon him.
3. He took Jesus up in his arms and blessed God and said, "Lord, now lettest thou thy servant depart in peace, according to thy word;
4. for mine eyes have seen thy salvation which thou hast prepared in the presence of all peoples.
5. And his father and his mother marveled at what was said about him;
6. and Simeon blessed them and said to Mary his mother, "Behold, this child is set for the fall and rising of many in Israel, and for a sign that is spoken against
7. (and a sword will pierce through your own soul also), that thoughts out of many hearts may be revealed."
-Lk 2:22-35
Second Sorrow of Mary
THE FLIGHT INTO EGYPT
1. When the Magi had departed, behold, an angel of the Lord appeared to Joseph in a dream
2. He said, "Rise, take the child and his mother, and flee to Egypt, and remain there till I tell you; for Herod is about to search for the child, to destroy him."
3. Joseph rose and took the child and his mother by night, and departed to Egypt, and remained there until the death of Herod.
4. Then Herod, when he saw that he had been tricked by the wise men, was in a furious rage.
5. He sent and killed all the male children in Bethlehem and in all that region who were two years old or under.
6. But when Herod died, behold, an angel of the Lord appeared in a dream to Joseph in Egypt.
7. "Rise, take the child and his mother, and go to the land of Israel, for those who sought the child's life are dead." And he rose and took the child and his mother, and went to the land of Israel.
-Mt 2:13-21
Third Sorrow of Mary
THE LOSS OF JESUS IN THE TEMPLE
1. Now his parents went to Jerusalem every year at the feast of the Passover. And when he was twelve years old, they went up according to custom;
2. When the feast was ended, as they were returning, the boy Jesus stayed behind in Jerusalem.
3. His parents did not know it, but supposing him to be in the company they went a day's journey,
4. They sought him among their kinsfolk and acquaintances; and when they did not find him, they returned to Jerusalem, seeking him.
5. After three days they found him in the temple, sitting among the teachers, listening to them and asking them questions.
6. His mother said to him, "Son, why have you treated us so? Behold, your father and I have been looking for you anxiously."
7. He said to them, "How is it that you sought me? Did you not know that I must be in my Father's house?"
-Lk 2:41-50
Fourth Sorrow of Mary
MARY MEETS JESUS ON THE WAY OF THE CROSS
1. So they took Jesus, and he went out, bearing his own cross.
2. And as they led him away, they seized one Simon of Cyrene, who was coming in from the country, and laid on him the cross, to carry it behind Jesus .
3. And there followed him a great multitude of the people, and of women who bewailed and lamented him.
4. But Jesus turning to them said, "Daughters of Jerusalem, do not weep for me, but weep for yourselves and for your children.
5. For behold, the days are coming when they will say, 'Blessed are the barren, and the wombs that never bore, and the breasts that never gave suck!'
6. For if they do this when the wood is green, what will happen when it is dry?"
7. And they brought him to the place called Golgotha (which means the place of a skull).
-John 19:1; Luke 23:26-32;
Fifth Sorrow of Mary
JESUS DIES ON THE CROSS
1. And they brought him to the place called Gol'gotha (which means the place of a skull).
2. There they crucified him, and with him two others, one on either side, and Jesus between them.
3. Standing by the cross of Jesus were his Mother, and his Mother's sister, Mary the wife of Clopas, and Mary Magdalene.
4. When Jesus saw his mother, and the disciple whom he loved standing near, he said to his mother, "Woman, behold, your son!"
5. Then he said to the disciple, "Behold, your Mother!" And from that hour the disciple took her to his own home.
6. And at the ninth hour Jesus cried with a loud voice, "E'lo-i, E'lo-i, la'ma sabach-tha'ni?" which means, "My God, my God, why hast thou forsaken me?"
7. Then Jesus, crying with a loud voice, said, "Father, into thy hands I commit my spirit!" And having said this he breathed his last.
-Mark 15:22; John 19:18, 25-27; Mark 15:34; Luke 23:46
Sixth Sorrow of Mary
JESUS IS TAKEN DOWN FROM THE CROSS
1. In order to prevent the bodies from remaining on the cross on the sabbath, the Jews asked Pilate that their legs might be broken, and that they might be taken away.
2. So the soldiers came and broke the legs of the first, and of the other who had been crucified with him;
3. But when they came to Jesus and saw that he was already dead, they did not break his legs.
4. But one of the soldiers pierced his side with a spear, and at once there came out blood and water.
5. After this Joseph of Arimathe'a, who was a disciple of Jesus, asked Pilate that he might take away the body of Jesus.
6. Pilate gave him leave. So he came and took away his body.
7. "Is it nothing to you, all you who pass by? Look and see if there is any sorrow like my sorrow.
-John 19:31-34, 38; Lam 1:12
Seventh Sorrow of Mary
JESUS IS LAID IN THE TOMB
1. Joseph took the body, and wrapped it in a clean linen shroud,
2. Nicodemus also, who had at first come to Jesus by night, came bringing a mixture of myrrh and aloes, about a hundred pounds' weight.
3. They took the body of Jesus, and bound it in linen cloths with the spices, as is the burial custom of the Jews.
4. Now in the place where he was crucified there was a garden, and in the garden a new tomb where no one had ever been laid.
5. So because of the Jewish day of Preparation, as the tomb was close at hand, they laid Jesus there. And Joseph rolled a stone against the door of the tomb.
6. The women who had come with him from Galilee followed, and saw the tomb, and how his body was laid.
7. Then they returned, and prepared spices and ointments. On the sabbath they rested according to the commandment.
-Matthew 27:59; John 19:38-42; Mark 15:46; Luke 27:55-56
OCTOBER (The Month of the Holy Rosary)
Your brother in Christ Jesus & His Most Blessed Mother,
Jim (The Rosary Man) Dacey Jr. SFO
Today we pray the Glorious Mysteries
1. The Resurrection
2. The Ascension
3. The Descent of the Holy Spirit
4. The Assumption
5. The Coronation
The Seven Sorrows of Mary - Scriptural Rosary
©2011 James Dacey, Jr. SFO
Hello Everybody,
The Rosary of the Seven Sorrows consists of "49 Hail Mary's", divided into seven groups of seven. Each group of seven is begun with an Our Father, as in the regular Rosary. You can start the Rosary with an Act of Contrition.
Just like the regular Rosary, the groups of seven Hail Mary's are an occasion for meditation on "Mysteries"; in this case, the Seven Sorrows of Mary, listed below:
First Sorrow of Mary
THE PROPHECY OF SIMEON
1. When the time came for their purification according to the law of Moses, they brought him up to Jerusalem to present him to the Lord
2. Now there was a man in Jerusalem, whose name was Simeon, and the Holy Spirit was upon him.
3. He took Jesus up in his arms and blessed God and said, "Lord, now lettest thou thy servant depart in peace, according to thy word;
4. for mine eyes have seen thy salvation which thou hast prepared in the presence of all peoples.
5. And his father and his mother marveled at what was said about him;
6. and Simeon blessed them and said to Mary his mother, "Behold, this child is set for the fall and rising of many in Israel, and for a sign that is spoken against
7. (and a sword will pierce through your own soul also), that thoughts out of many hearts may be revealed."
-Lk 2:22-35
Second Sorrow of Mary
THE FLIGHT INTO EGYPT
1. When the Magi had departed, behold, an angel of the Lord appeared to Joseph in a dream
2. He said, "Rise, take the child and his mother, and flee to Egypt, and remain there till I tell you; for Herod is about to search for the child, to destroy him."
3. Joseph rose and took the child and his mother by night, and departed to Egypt, and remained there until the death of Herod.
4. Then Herod, when he saw that he had been tricked by the wise men, was in a furious rage.
5. He sent and killed all the male children in Bethlehem and in all that region who were two years old or under.
6. But when Herod died, behold, an angel of the Lord appeared in a dream to Joseph in Egypt.
7. "Rise, take the child and his mother, and go to the land of Israel, for those who sought the child's life are dead." And he rose and took the child and his mother, and went to the land of Israel.
-Mt 2:13-21
Third Sorrow of Mary
THE LOSS OF JESUS IN THE TEMPLE
1. Now his parents went to Jerusalem every year at the feast of the Passover. And when he was twelve years old, they went up according to custom;
2. When the feast was ended, as they were returning, the boy Jesus stayed behind in Jerusalem.
3. His parents did not know it, but supposing him to be in the company they went a day's journey,
4. They sought him among their kinsfolk and acquaintances; and when they did not find him, they returned to Jerusalem, seeking him.
5. After three days they found him in the temple, sitting among the teachers, listening to them and asking them questions.
6. His mother said to him, "Son, why have you treated us so? Behold, your father and I have been looking for you anxiously."
7. He said to them, "How is it that you sought me? Did you not know that I must be in my Father's house?"
-Lk 2:41-50
Fourth Sorrow of Mary
MARY MEETS JESUS ON THE WAY OF THE CROSS
1. So they took Jesus, and he went out, bearing his own cross.
2. And as they led him away, they seized one Simon of Cyrene, who was coming in from the country, and laid on him the cross, to carry it behind Jesus .
3. And there followed him a great multitude of the people, and of women who bewailed and lamented him.
4. But Jesus turning to them said, "Daughters of Jerusalem, do not weep for me, but weep for yourselves and for your children.
5. For behold, the days are coming when they will say, 'Blessed are the barren, and the wombs that never bore, and the breasts that never gave suck!'
6. For if they do this when the wood is green, what will happen when it is dry?"
7. And they brought him to the place called Golgotha (which means the place of a skull).
-John 19:1; Luke 23:26-32;
Fifth Sorrow of Mary
JESUS DIES ON THE CROSS
1. And they brought him to the place called Gol'gotha (which means the place of a skull).
2. There they crucified him, and with him two others, one on either side, and Jesus between them.
3. Standing by the cross of Jesus were his Mother, and his Mother's sister, Mary the wife of Clopas, and Mary Magdalene.
4. When Jesus saw his mother, and the disciple whom he loved standing near, he said to his mother, "Woman, behold, your son!"
5. Then he said to the disciple, "Behold, your Mother!" And from that hour the disciple took her to his own home.
6. And at the ninth hour Jesus cried with a loud voice, "E'lo-i, E'lo-i, la'ma sabach-tha'ni?" which means, "My God, my God, why hast thou forsaken me?"
7. Then Jesus, crying with a loud voice, said, "Father, into thy hands I commit my spirit!" And having said this he breathed his last.
-Mark 15:22; John 19:18, 25-27; Mark 15:34; Luke 23:46
Sixth Sorrow of Mary
JESUS IS TAKEN DOWN FROM THE CROSS
1. In order to prevent the bodies from remaining on the cross on the sabbath, the Jews asked Pilate that their legs might be broken, and that they might be taken away.
2. So the soldiers came and broke the legs of the first, and of the other who had been crucified with him;
3. But when they came to Jesus and saw that he was already dead, they did not break his legs.
4. But one of the soldiers pierced his side with a spear, and at once there came out blood and water.
5. After this Joseph of Arimathe'a, who was a disciple of Jesus, asked Pilate that he might take away the body of Jesus.
6. Pilate gave him leave. So he came and took away his body.
7. "Is it nothing to you, all you who pass by? Look and see if there is any sorrow like my sorrow.
-John 19:31-34, 38; Lam 1:12
Seventh Sorrow of Mary
JESUS IS LAID IN THE TOMB
1. Joseph took the body, and wrapped it in a clean linen shroud,
2. Nicodemus also, who had at first come to Jesus by night, came bringing a mixture of myrrh and aloes, about a hundred pounds' weight.
3. They took the body of Jesus, and bound it in linen cloths with the spices, as is the burial custom of the Jews.
4. Now in the place where he was crucified there was a garden, and in the garden a new tomb where no one had ever been laid.
5. So because of the Jewish day of Preparation, as the tomb was close at hand, they laid Jesus there. And Joseph rolled a stone against the door of the tomb.
6. The women who had come with him from Galilee followed, and saw the tomb, and how his body was laid.
7. Then they returned, and prepared spices and ointments. On the sabbath they rested according to the commandment.
-Matthew 27:59; John 19:38-42; Mark 15:46; Luke 27:55-56
OCTOBER (The Month of the Holy Rosary)
Your brother in Christ Jesus & His Most Blessed Mother,
Jim (The Rosary Man) Dacey Jr. SFO
Today we pray the Glorious Mysteries
1. The Resurrection
2. The Ascension
3. The Descent of the Holy Spirit
4. The Assumption
5. The Coronation
Saturday, October 1, 2011
October - Month of The Rosary
Beads of Joy 10-01-11
October – Month of the Holy Rosary
©2011 James Dacey, Jr. SFO
Hello Everybody,
October is a very exciting month of prayer. Praying The Rosary!!!
This is a very special month; our ministry will be sharing devotional Rosaries with all of you. They will include all of the following and there will be much more: Our daily Rosary, 20 Decade meditation, Scriptural Rosary, Crown Rosary, Family Rosary, Children’s Rosary, Pro-Life Rosary, World Peace Rosary, Career Rosary, A Moms Rosary, A Dads Rosary, Students Rosary, Our Church Community Rosary...
Check out all the “Marian Feast Days” of Our Lady…
OCTOBER 2011
1. Foundation of the Abbey de la Couronne in Angouleme (1122)
2. Our Lady of the Assumption, Naples, Italy (11th C.)
3. Our Lady of the Place, Rome (1250)
4. Our Lady of Vaussivieres, Auvergne, France (1374)
5. Our Lady of Buch, Guienne
6. Our Lady of All Help, (1640)
Our Lady de la Plebe, Venice (1480)
7. Feast of the Rosary, instituted by Pope Gregory XIII (1573)
8. Church of Our Lady of Gifts, Avignon, France (1st C.), founded by St. Martha
9. Miraculous Cure of St. John Damascene by Our Lady (723) (restored severed hand)
10. Our Lady of the Cloister, Citeaux, France (1624)
11. Feast of the Divine Maternity of Our Lady
12. Our Lady of the Pillar, Saragossa, Spain (36)
Our Lady of Zapopan, Mexico (1541)
Our Lady of Faith, Liege, Belgium (1609)
13. Our Lady of Clairveaux, France (12th C.)
14. Our Lady of Larochelle, France (7th C.)
15. Dedication of the Church of Our Lady of Terouenne (1133)
16. Dedication of the Church of Our Lady of Milan (1417) by Pope Martin V
The Purity of the Blessed Virgin Mary
17. Dedication of the Cave of Our Lady of Chartres, France (46), by St. Pontianus
18. Dedication of the Church of Our Lady of Rheims (405), built by St. Nicasius
19. Dedication of Holy Cross and Our Lady Abbey, Royaumont, France (1235),founded by St. Louis
20. Dedication of the Abbey of Our Lady, Pontigny, France (1114)
21. Our Lady of Talan, near Dijon, France
22. Our Lady of the Under-ground, Grand Cairo (12th C.)
23. Our Lady of Consolation, near Honfleur, France
24. Our Lady of Hermits, Switzerland (1418)
25. Dedication of the Cathedral of Our Lady of Toledo, Spain (1075)
26. Our Lady of Victory, near Senlis, France (1225)
27. Dedication of the Basilica of Our Lady, Help of Christians, Turin, Italy built by St. - John Bosco (1868)
28. Our Lady of Vivonne, Savoy, France
29. Our Lady of Oropa, Vercelli, Italy (380)
30. Our Lady of Mondevi, Piedmont (1540)
31. Miracle at St. Fort, Chartres, France (1116)
“Jesus, I trust in You.”
Your brother in Christ Jesus & His Most Blessed Mother,
Jim (The Rosary Man) Dacey Jr. SFO
Today we pray the Joyful Mysteries
1. The Annunciation
2. The Visitation
3. The Birth of Jesus
4. The Presentation in The Temple
5. Finding of Jesus in the Temple
October – Month of the Holy Rosary
©2011 James Dacey, Jr. SFO
Hello Everybody,
October is a very exciting month of prayer. Praying The Rosary!!!
This is a very special month; our ministry will be sharing devotional Rosaries with all of you. They will include all of the following and there will be much more: Our daily Rosary, 20 Decade meditation, Scriptural Rosary, Crown Rosary, Family Rosary, Children’s Rosary, Pro-Life Rosary, World Peace Rosary, Career Rosary, A Moms Rosary, A Dads Rosary, Students Rosary, Our Church Community Rosary...
Check out all the “Marian Feast Days” of Our Lady…
OCTOBER 2011
1. Foundation of the Abbey de la Couronne in Angouleme (1122)
2. Our Lady of the Assumption, Naples, Italy (11th C.)
3. Our Lady of the Place, Rome (1250)
4. Our Lady of Vaussivieres, Auvergne, France (1374)
5. Our Lady of Buch, Guienne
6. Our Lady of All Help, (1640)
Our Lady de la Plebe, Venice (1480)
7. Feast of the Rosary, instituted by Pope Gregory XIII (1573)
8. Church of Our Lady of Gifts, Avignon, France (1st C.), founded by St. Martha
9. Miraculous Cure of St. John Damascene by Our Lady (723) (restored severed hand)
10. Our Lady of the Cloister, Citeaux, France (1624)
11. Feast of the Divine Maternity of Our Lady
12. Our Lady of the Pillar, Saragossa, Spain (36)
Our Lady of Zapopan, Mexico (1541)
Our Lady of Faith, Liege, Belgium (1609)
13. Our Lady of Clairveaux, France (12th C.)
14. Our Lady of Larochelle, France (7th C.)
15. Dedication of the Church of Our Lady of Terouenne (1133)
16. Dedication of the Church of Our Lady of Milan (1417) by Pope Martin V
The Purity of the Blessed Virgin Mary
17. Dedication of the Cave of Our Lady of Chartres, France (46), by St. Pontianus
18. Dedication of the Church of Our Lady of Rheims (405), built by St. Nicasius
19. Dedication of Holy Cross and Our Lady Abbey, Royaumont, France (1235),founded by St. Louis
20. Dedication of the Abbey of Our Lady, Pontigny, France (1114)
21. Our Lady of Talan, near Dijon, France
22. Our Lady of the Under-ground, Grand Cairo (12th C.)
23. Our Lady of Consolation, near Honfleur, France
24. Our Lady of Hermits, Switzerland (1418)
25. Dedication of the Cathedral of Our Lady of Toledo, Spain (1075)
26. Our Lady of Victory, near Senlis, France (1225)
27. Dedication of the Basilica of Our Lady, Help of Christians, Turin, Italy built by St. - John Bosco (1868)
28. Our Lady of Vivonne, Savoy, France
29. Our Lady of Oropa, Vercelli, Italy (380)
30. Our Lady of Mondevi, Piedmont (1540)
31. Miracle at St. Fort, Chartres, France (1116)
“Jesus, I trust in You.”
Your brother in Christ Jesus & His Most Blessed Mother,
Jim (The Rosary Man) Dacey Jr. SFO
Today we pray the Joyful Mysteries
1. The Annunciation
2. The Visitation
3. The Birth of Jesus
4. The Presentation in The Temple
5. Finding of Jesus in the Temple
Monday, September 26, 2011
Jesus - Not Here To Be Served
Beads of Joy 09-26-11
Jesus - Not Here To Be Served
©2011 James Dacey, Jr. SFO
Hello Everybody,
Jesus Christ is the only Lord we must live our lives for, He didn’t come to be served, but rather to serve. I remember clearly hearing that said in the movie King of Kings when Jesus was preaching the Sermon on the Mount. But the actual scripture goes like this, “just as the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many.” That can be found in Matthew 20:28, in the part of the chapter where the mother of the sons of Zebedee request that her sons sit on Jesus’ right and left. She had no idea what she was asking for. But today’s gospel is found in Luke 9:46-50 (The Greatest in the Kingdom / Another Exorcist). I reflect back because in today’s gospel the disciples once again questioned who was the greatest. And today our Lord’s wisdom and in His love for us He explains how the least of us is greater, going in the complete opposite of the grain of thinking. The lowly are to be lifted with Jesus.
We must.. and I know many of you don’t want to hear this, but we must empty our lives of everything else and only be filled with Jesus Christ. Maybe a better clearer way to say it is like this; anything that comes between you and Jesus needs to be removed from your life. If we lose Him, (you, me, us) we lose eternity with Jesus; hence we lose everything, with no second chances. We must get this right the first time. Jesus gives us so much, He gave us His life, He paid for all the sins we have committed. Jesus without a doubt must be the center focus of our existence, our thinking, our breathing. Let’s face truth here, if we live a life pleasing to ourselves and we couldn’t care less about some guy we can’t see; on that Day of Judgment it will be a very sad day, and for all eternity we will be cast out and sent away from Jesus. And that is the horror of it all, being separated from Him, He who loves us.
So today let us reflect upon this thought: Jesus Christ is our Lord and our Savior, He loved us so much that He died for us, to save us, in turn let us desire to live our life loving Him, honoring Him and doing all we can to lead others to Him. Does that sound like a wonderful awesome life? It does to me, I pray that all see and understand what Jesus has done for all of us. Live the life of JOY, and live it every single day. The life of JOY goes like this:
Jesus 1st
Others 2nd
You 3rd
“Jesus, I trust in You.”
Your brother in Christ Jesus & His Most Blessed Mother,
Jim (The Rosary Man) Dacey Jr. SFO
Today we pray the Joyful Mysteries
1. The Annunciation
2. The Visitation
3. The Birth of Jesus
4. The Presentation in The Temple
5. Finding of Jesus in the Temple
Jesus - Not Here To Be Served
©2011 James Dacey, Jr. SFO
Hello Everybody,
Jesus Christ is the only Lord we must live our lives for, He didn’t come to be served, but rather to serve. I remember clearly hearing that said in the movie King of Kings when Jesus was preaching the Sermon on the Mount. But the actual scripture goes like this, “just as the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many.” That can be found in Matthew 20:28, in the part of the chapter where the mother of the sons of Zebedee request that her sons sit on Jesus’ right and left. She had no idea what she was asking for. But today’s gospel is found in Luke 9:46-50 (The Greatest in the Kingdom / Another Exorcist). I reflect back because in today’s gospel the disciples once again questioned who was the greatest. And today our Lord’s wisdom and in His love for us He explains how the least of us is greater, going in the complete opposite of the grain of thinking. The lowly are to be lifted with Jesus.
We must.. and I know many of you don’t want to hear this, but we must empty our lives of everything else and only be filled with Jesus Christ. Maybe a better clearer way to say it is like this; anything that comes between you and Jesus needs to be removed from your life. If we lose Him, (you, me, us) we lose eternity with Jesus; hence we lose everything, with no second chances. We must get this right the first time. Jesus gives us so much, He gave us His life, He paid for all the sins we have committed. Jesus without a doubt must be the center focus of our existence, our thinking, our breathing. Let’s face truth here, if we live a life pleasing to ourselves and we couldn’t care less about some guy we can’t see; on that Day of Judgment it will be a very sad day, and for all eternity we will be cast out and sent away from Jesus. And that is the horror of it all, being separated from Him, He who loves us.
So today let us reflect upon this thought: Jesus Christ is our Lord and our Savior, He loved us so much that He died for us, to save us, in turn let us desire to live our life loving Him, honoring Him and doing all we can to lead others to Him. Does that sound like a wonderful awesome life? It does to me, I pray that all see and understand what Jesus has done for all of us. Live the life of JOY, and live it every single day. The life of JOY goes like this:
Jesus 1st
Others 2nd
You 3rd
“Jesus, I trust in You.”
Your brother in Christ Jesus & His Most Blessed Mother,
Jim (The Rosary Man) Dacey Jr. SFO
Today we pray the Joyful Mysteries
1. The Annunciation
2. The Visitation
3. The Birth of Jesus
4. The Presentation in The Temple
5. Finding of Jesus in the Temple
Sunday, September 25, 2011
Repent and Follow Him
Beads of Joy 09-25-11
Repent and Follow Him
©2011 James Dacey, Jr. SFO
Hello Everybody,
Some people might not realize, but today’s gospel is a parable; and that is truly exciting, I have shared many times how joyful it is to meditate and reflect upon and learn about the parables Jesus has taught us. Today’s parable is a rather simple short story about two brothers, but in the simplicity of it, we can see how even though both may have disobeyed their father, it was the one who repented that pleased his father. Today we read in Matthew 21:28-32 (The Parable of the Two Sons and The Vineyard). With our faith, because we have “free-will” we must remember that all our actions do have consequences. Yes we can do whatever we so wish to do, but that doesn’t make it right and it certainly doesn’t make it right with God. Very foolish, selfish choices made today, can affect and even take away a future and an eternity with Jesus in Heaven. God knows our heart, its intentions, its secrets, its motives, its ulterior motives. Nothing is hidden from God. Today’s gospel focuses on how a repentant heart draws us closer to the Father. The mindset in which we live today, will inevitably be the mindset in which will live tomorrow. In other words, if the pleasures and riches and power and prideful selfish choices make us happy today and so we pursue them; those choices will be our undoing, and eternity with Jesus very possibly may never happen for us.
How well do we respect God’s wishes? Like these two brothers, do we come straight out and say no to God, or do we say yes and then do nothing. It’s rather interesting and very insightful, how in this parable both sons were sinful against the father in different ways; one was boldly guilty with rebellion to his father’s wishes, while the other was a cowardly liar, with no intention to ever obey. There are two things I reflect upon in this story; first, if in any way we reject God’s wishes we must immediately humbly repent for our sins; and second, to the best of our ability avoid both of these situations and remain loyal and obedient to God, never ever allowing our own selfish choices to ever over ride whatever God commands of us. Yes the second one very difficult, we are all sinners, and remain to be so in this life. Many of us don’t go to the trouble of purposely, rebelliously sinning. With that said, let us do all we can to be attentively obedient to Almighty God, our Father who loves us. God has given us so many gifts, gifts we don’t deserve; He gives us inner peace, He gives us overflowing endless Joy, happiness that fills our hearts with a love for others that we can’t even explain. And at the end of this life’s journey, God gives us the reward of eternal life with Him. We really need to live our lives for that day, if we live for the moment, the moment that pleases us, the moment that builds our own pride; then indeed we will miss out on the eternal joys that await us in Heaven with God.
Repenting isn’t all that difficult, being humble is a wonderful first step to help us confess whatever wrong-doing we have done. God knows our sins, we don’t go to confess so we can tell Him those sins; rather we go, so we show Him that we admit to our sins, and that we know straight out that they are indeed sins against Him. Here is some simple wisdom, I will paraphrase Father Larry Richards, he once said, “The sins that we ask forgiveness for will be forgiven, Jesus paid that price; but the sins we don’t ask forgiveness for we will pay the price.” We are given the wonderful blessed sacrament of confession, let us use that sacrament to keep our hearts and lives always clean before God. Sin is sin, no matter how much we try to dress it up and make it look pretty and disguise it so it looks like we did it with good intentions. No sin is acceptable before God, and all sin offends God. Read and listen to this amazing scripture.
Dead to Sin, Alive in Christ (Romans 6:1-14)
“What shall we say, then? Shall we go on sinning so that grace may increase? By no means! We are those who have died to sin; how can we live in it any longer? Or don’t you know that all of us who were baptized into Christ Jesus were baptized into his death? We were therefore buried with him through baptism into death in order that, just as Christ was raised from the dead through the glory of the Father, we too may live a new life. For if we have been united with him in a death like his, we will certainly also be united with him in a resurrection like his. For we know that our old self was crucified with him so that the body ruled by sin might be done away with, that we should no longer be slaves to sin, because anyone who has died has been set free from sin. Now if we died with Christ, we believe that we will also live with him. For we know that since Christ was raised from the dead, he cannot die again; death no longer has mastery over him. The death he died, he died to sin once for all; but the life he lives, he lives to God. In the same way, count yourselves dead to sin but alive to God in Christ Jesus. Therefore do not let sin reign in your mortal body so that you obey its evil desires. Do not offer any part of yourself to sin as an instrument of wickedness, but rather offer yourselves to God as those who have been brought from death to life; and offer every part of yourself to him as an instrument of righteousness. For sin shall no longer be your master, because you are not under the law, but under grace.”
www.biblegateway.com/audio/mclean/niv/Rom.6.1-Rom.6.14
“Jesus, I trust in You.”
Your brother in Christ Jesus & His Most Blessed Mother,
Jim (The Rosary Man) Dacey Jr. SFO
Today we pray the Glorious Mysteries
1. The Resurrection
2. The Ascension
3. The Descent of the Holy Spirit
4. The Assumption
5. The Coronation
Repent and Follow Him
©2011 James Dacey, Jr. SFO
Hello Everybody,
Some people might not realize, but today’s gospel is a parable; and that is truly exciting, I have shared many times how joyful it is to meditate and reflect upon and learn about the parables Jesus has taught us. Today’s parable is a rather simple short story about two brothers, but in the simplicity of it, we can see how even though both may have disobeyed their father, it was the one who repented that pleased his father. Today we read in Matthew 21:28-32 (The Parable of the Two Sons and The Vineyard). With our faith, because we have “free-will” we must remember that all our actions do have consequences. Yes we can do whatever we so wish to do, but that doesn’t make it right and it certainly doesn’t make it right with God. Very foolish, selfish choices made today, can affect and even take away a future and an eternity with Jesus in Heaven. God knows our heart, its intentions, its secrets, its motives, its ulterior motives. Nothing is hidden from God. Today’s gospel focuses on how a repentant heart draws us closer to the Father. The mindset in which we live today, will inevitably be the mindset in which will live tomorrow. In other words, if the pleasures and riches and power and prideful selfish choices make us happy today and so we pursue them; those choices will be our undoing, and eternity with Jesus very possibly may never happen for us.
How well do we respect God’s wishes? Like these two brothers, do we come straight out and say no to God, or do we say yes and then do nothing. It’s rather interesting and very insightful, how in this parable both sons were sinful against the father in different ways; one was boldly guilty with rebellion to his father’s wishes, while the other was a cowardly liar, with no intention to ever obey. There are two things I reflect upon in this story; first, if in any way we reject God’s wishes we must immediately humbly repent for our sins; and second, to the best of our ability avoid both of these situations and remain loyal and obedient to God, never ever allowing our own selfish choices to ever over ride whatever God commands of us. Yes the second one very difficult, we are all sinners, and remain to be so in this life. Many of us don’t go to the trouble of purposely, rebelliously sinning. With that said, let us do all we can to be attentively obedient to Almighty God, our Father who loves us. God has given us so many gifts, gifts we don’t deserve; He gives us inner peace, He gives us overflowing endless Joy, happiness that fills our hearts with a love for others that we can’t even explain. And at the end of this life’s journey, God gives us the reward of eternal life with Him. We really need to live our lives for that day, if we live for the moment, the moment that pleases us, the moment that builds our own pride; then indeed we will miss out on the eternal joys that await us in Heaven with God.
Repenting isn’t all that difficult, being humble is a wonderful first step to help us confess whatever wrong-doing we have done. God knows our sins, we don’t go to confess so we can tell Him those sins; rather we go, so we show Him that we admit to our sins, and that we know straight out that they are indeed sins against Him. Here is some simple wisdom, I will paraphrase Father Larry Richards, he once said, “The sins that we ask forgiveness for will be forgiven, Jesus paid that price; but the sins we don’t ask forgiveness for we will pay the price.” We are given the wonderful blessed sacrament of confession, let us use that sacrament to keep our hearts and lives always clean before God. Sin is sin, no matter how much we try to dress it up and make it look pretty and disguise it so it looks like we did it with good intentions. No sin is acceptable before God, and all sin offends God. Read and listen to this amazing scripture.
Dead to Sin, Alive in Christ (Romans 6:1-14)
“What shall we say, then? Shall we go on sinning so that grace may increase? By no means! We are those who have died to sin; how can we live in it any longer? Or don’t you know that all of us who were baptized into Christ Jesus were baptized into his death? We were therefore buried with him through baptism into death in order that, just as Christ was raised from the dead through the glory of the Father, we too may live a new life. For if we have been united with him in a death like his, we will certainly also be united with him in a resurrection like his. For we know that our old self was crucified with him so that the body ruled by sin might be done away with, that we should no longer be slaves to sin, because anyone who has died has been set free from sin. Now if we died with Christ, we believe that we will also live with him. For we know that since Christ was raised from the dead, he cannot die again; death no longer has mastery over him. The death he died, he died to sin once for all; but the life he lives, he lives to God. In the same way, count yourselves dead to sin but alive to God in Christ Jesus. Therefore do not let sin reign in your mortal body so that you obey its evil desires. Do not offer any part of yourself to sin as an instrument of wickedness, but rather offer yourselves to God as those who have been brought from death to life; and offer every part of yourself to him as an instrument of righteousness. For sin shall no longer be your master, because you are not under the law, but under grace.”
www.biblegateway.com/audio/mclean/niv/Rom.6.1-Rom.6.14
“Jesus, I trust in You.”
Your brother in Christ Jesus & His Most Blessed Mother,
Jim (The Rosary Man) Dacey Jr. SFO
Today we pray the Glorious Mysteries
1. The Resurrection
2. The Ascension
3. The Descent of the Holy Spirit
4. The Assumption
5. The Coronation
Tuesday, August 16, 2011
Wealth Is False Security
Beads of Joy 08-16-11
Wealth Is False Security
©2011 James Dacey, Jr. SFO
Hello Everybody,
Let us not misunderstand Jesus; He has nothing against, wealth or the wealthy. It’s what wealth does to a person that He is concerned about. Many who have become wealthy say “Look at how wonderful I am, I have accumulated so much wealth.”, “See, how smart I am, for my wisdom and knowledge has made me wealthy.” Wealth creates selfishness in the hearts of many who have it. And in turn with the very gift that God has given them, they hoard and protect that which they love. And many unfortunately who are wealthy turn away from God; saying, “I have all my needs met, my life is secure and whatever I so desire I can have, and on my own accord I can attain it.” That is the danger of wealth. Today gospel is Matthew 19:23-30 (The Rich Young Man). Our hearts will always remain close to that which we treasure the most.
Many times Jesus warns us in scripture of how easily and unfortunate many fall into the trap of worshipping their wealth and success. Why can’t people understand that everything here on earth in this life, in so many ways, is worthless in perspective to the value of our eternity? What matters here is the character of the person who has these gifts. In other words: Are they grateful and giving? Are they greedy and protective over the gift of success that God has granted them? Did they take God out of their life, and replace Him with money as their God? Such a tragedy when someone becomes so consumed by their success and their accounts that they no longer place all their trust in God alone; that is horror of it all, they cling to the worthless paper and coins, wealth is a meaningless false security of numbers and decimal points. Please don’t misunderstand, we all need money to live, but know that it is the same money if worshipped that will prevent us to live eternally with Jesus. In not so many words, money can also become the very nails in the coffin that send us out of God’s presence.
“But godliness with contentment is great gain. For we brought nothing into the world, and we can take nothing out of it. But if we have food and clothing, we will be content with that. Those who want to get rich fall into temptation and a trap and into many foolish and harmful desires that plunge people into ruin and destruction. 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 6:6-10
“Command those who are rich in this present world not to be arrogant nor to put their hope in wealth, which is so uncertain, but to put their hope in God, who richly provides us with everything for our enjoyment. Command them to do good, to be rich in good deeds, and to be generous and willing to share. In this way they will lay up treasure for themselves as a firm foundation for the coming age, so that they may take hold of the life that is truly life.“ 1 Timothy 6:17-19
How sad that anyone should perish and surrender their share of eternal life with Jesus; for the temporal, misleading love and worship of a meaninglessly worthless god. Consider this: Of what purpose is our wealth for us personally upon our death? God has blessed the wealthy, so that they might help and bless the poor.
“Jesus, I trust in You.”
Your brother in Christ Jesus & His Most Blessed Mother,
Jim (The Rosary Man) Dacey Jr. SFO
Today we pray the Sorrowful Mysteries
1. Agony in the Garden
2. The Scourging at the Pillar
3. Crowing with Thorns
4. Carrying of the Cross
5. The Crucifixion of Jesus
Wealth Is False Security
©2011 James Dacey, Jr. SFO
Hello Everybody,
Let us not misunderstand Jesus; He has nothing against, wealth or the wealthy. It’s what wealth does to a person that He is concerned about. Many who have become wealthy say “Look at how wonderful I am, I have accumulated so much wealth.”, “See, how smart I am, for my wisdom and knowledge has made me wealthy.” Wealth creates selfishness in the hearts of many who have it. And in turn with the very gift that God has given them, they hoard and protect that which they love. And many unfortunately who are wealthy turn away from God; saying, “I have all my needs met, my life is secure and whatever I so desire I can have, and on my own accord I can attain it.” That is the danger of wealth. Today gospel is Matthew 19:23-30 (The Rich Young Man). Our hearts will always remain close to that which we treasure the most.
Many times Jesus warns us in scripture of how easily and unfortunate many fall into the trap of worshipping their wealth and success. Why can’t people understand that everything here on earth in this life, in so many ways, is worthless in perspective to the value of our eternity? What matters here is the character of the person who has these gifts. In other words: Are they grateful and giving? Are they greedy and protective over the gift of success that God has granted them? Did they take God out of their life, and replace Him with money as their God? Such a tragedy when someone becomes so consumed by their success and their accounts that they no longer place all their trust in God alone; that is horror of it all, they cling to the worthless paper and coins, wealth is a meaningless false security of numbers and decimal points. Please don’t misunderstand, we all need money to live, but know that it is the same money if worshipped that will prevent us to live eternally with Jesus. In not so many words, money can also become the very nails in the coffin that send us out of God’s presence.
“But godliness with contentment is great gain. For we brought nothing into the world, and we can take nothing out of it. But if we have food and clothing, we will be content with that. Those who want to get rich fall into temptation and a trap and into many foolish and harmful desires that plunge people into ruin and destruction. 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 6:6-10
“Command those who are rich in this present world not to be arrogant nor to put their hope in wealth, which is so uncertain, but to put their hope in God, who richly provides us with everything for our enjoyment. Command them to do good, to be rich in good deeds, and to be generous and willing to share. In this way they will lay up treasure for themselves as a firm foundation for the coming age, so that they may take hold of the life that is truly life.“ 1 Timothy 6:17-19
How sad that anyone should perish and surrender their share of eternal life with Jesus; for the temporal, misleading love and worship of a meaninglessly worthless god. Consider this: Of what purpose is our wealth for us personally upon our death? God has blessed the wealthy, so that they might help and bless the poor.
“Jesus, I trust in You.”
Your brother in Christ Jesus & His Most Blessed Mother,
Jim (The Rosary Man) Dacey Jr. SFO
Today we pray the Sorrowful Mysteries
1. Agony in the Garden
2. The Scourging at the Pillar
3. Crowing with Thorns
4. Carrying of the Cross
5. The Crucifixion of Jesus
Monday, August 15, 2011
Assumption of The Blessed Virgin
Beads of Joy 08-15-11
Assumption of The Blessed Virgin
©2011 James Dacey, Jr. SFO
Hello Everybody,
What an absolutely glorious, spectacular, exciting day today is. Today we celebrate Mary, in the fourth Glorious Mystery. Today I wish to share excerpts from the Munificentissimus Deus an Apostolic Constitution of Pope Pius XII issued November 1, 1950. This wonderful church document defends the Dogma of the Assumption very clearly. Praise Jesus for allowing us to love His mother so much. This document is splendid and brings endless Joy to the reader. I am only sharing a few excerpts from the document. I strongly encourage you take the time to read, at least once. My words can never do justice to way this magnificent day should be shared and celebrated.
#3 “Actually God, who from all eternity regards Mary with a most favorable and unique affection, has "when the fullness of time came" put the plan of his providence into effect in such a way that all the privileges and prerogatives he had granted to her in his sovereign generosity were to shine forth in her in a kind of perfect harmony. And, although the Church has always recognized this supreme generosity and the perfect harmony of graces and has daily studied them more and more throughout the course of the centuries, still it is in our own age that the privilege of the bodily Assumption into heaven of Mary, the Virgin Mother of God, has certainly shone forth more clearly.”
#4 “That privilege has shone forth in new radiance since our predecessor of immortal memory, Pius IX, solemnly proclaimed the dogma of the loving Mother of God's Immaculate Conception. These two privileges are most closely bound to one another. Christ overcame sin and death by his own death, and one who through Baptism has been born again in a supernatural way has conquered sin and death through the same Christ. Yet, according to the general rule, God does not will to grant to the just the full effect of the victory over death until the end of time has come. And so it is that the bodies of even the just are corrupted after death and only on the last day will they be joined, each to its own glorious soul.”
#5. “Now God has willed that the Blessed Virgin Mary should be exempted from this general rule. She, by an entirely unique privilege, completely overcame sin by her Immaculate Conception, and as a result she was not subject to the law of remaining in the corruption of the grave, and she did not have to wait until the end of time for the redemption of her body.”
#6. “Thus, when it was solemnly proclaimed that Mary, the Virgin Mother of God, was from the very beginning free from the taint of original sin, the minds of the faithful were filled with a stronger hope that the day might soon come when the dogma of the Virgin Mary's bodily Assumption into heaven would also be defined by the Church's supreme teaching authority.”
#43. “We rejoice greatly that this solemn event falls, according to the design of God's providence, during this Holy Year, so that we are able, while the great Jubilee is being observed, to adorn the brow of God's Virgin Mother with this brilliant gem, and to leave a monument more enduring than bronze of our own most fervent love for the Mother of God.”
#44. “For which reason, after we have poured forth prayers of supplication again and again to God, and have invoked the light of the Spirit of Truth, for the glory of Almighty God who has lavished his special affection upon the Virgin Mary, for the honor of her Son, the immortal King of the Ages and the Victor over sin and death, for the increase of the glory of that same august Mother, and for the joy and exultation of the entire Church; by the authority of our Lord Jesus Christ, of the Blessed Apostles Peter and Paul, and by our own authority, we pronounce, declare, and define it to be a divinely revealed dogma: that the Immaculate Mother of God, the ever Virgin Mary, having completed the course of her earthly life, was assumed body and soul into heavenly glory.”
#45. “Hence if anyone, which God forbid, should dare willfully to deny or to call into doubt that which we have defined, let him know that he has fallen away completely from the divine and Catholic Faith. “
#46. “In order that this, our definition of the bodily Assumption of the Virgin Mary into heaven may be brought to the attention of the universal Church, we desire that this, our Apostolic Letter, should stand for perpetual remembrance, commanding that written copies of it, or even printed copies, signed by the hand of any public notary and bearing the seal of a person constituted in ecclesiastical dignity, should be accorded by all men the same reception they would give to this present letter, were it tendered or shown.
“Jesus, I trust in You.” & “Mary, I love you.”
Your brother in Christ Jesus & His Most Blessed Mother,
Jim (The Rosary Man) Dacey Jr. SFO
Today we pray the Joyful Mysteries
1. The Annunciation
2. The Visitation
3. The Birth of Jesus
4. The Presentation in The Temple
5. Finding of Jesus in the Temple
Assumption of The Blessed Virgin
©2011 James Dacey, Jr. SFO
Hello Everybody,
What an absolutely glorious, spectacular, exciting day today is. Today we celebrate Mary, in the fourth Glorious Mystery. Today I wish to share excerpts from the Munificentissimus Deus an Apostolic Constitution of Pope Pius XII issued November 1, 1950. This wonderful church document defends the Dogma of the Assumption very clearly. Praise Jesus for allowing us to love His mother so much. This document is splendid and brings endless Joy to the reader. I am only sharing a few excerpts from the document. I strongly encourage you take the time to read, at least once. My words can never do justice to way this magnificent day should be shared and celebrated.
#3 “Actually God, who from all eternity regards Mary with a most favorable and unique affection, has "when the fullness of time came" put the plan of his providence into effect in such a way that all the privileges and prerogatives he had granted to her in his sovereign generosity were to shine forth in her in a kind of perfect harmony. And, although the Church has always recognized this supreme generosity and the perfect harmony of graces and has daily studied them more and more throughout the course of the centuries, still it is in our own age that the privilege of the bodily Assumption into heaven of Mary, the Virgin Mother of God, has certainly shone forth more clearly.”
#4 “That privilege has shone forth in new radiance since our predecessor of immortal memory, Pius IX, solemnly proclaimed the dogma of the loving Mother of God's Immaculate Conception. These two privileges are most closely bound to one another. Christ overcame sin and death by his own death, and one who through Baptism has been born again in a supernatural way has conquered sin and death through the same Christ. Yet, according to the general rule, God does not will to grant to the just the full effect of the victory over death until the end of time has come. And so it is that the bodies of even the just are corrupted after death and only on the last day will they be joined, each to its own glorious soul.”
#5. “Now God has willed that the Blessed Virgin Mary should be exempted from this general rule. She, by an entirely unique privilege, completely overcame sin by her Immaculate Conception, and as a result she was not subject to the law of remaining in the corruption of the grave, and she did not have to wait until the end of time for the redemption of her body.”
#6. “Thus, when it was solemnly proclaimed that Mary, the Virgin Mother of God, was from the very beginning free from the taint of original sin, the minds of the faithful were filled with a stronger hope that the day might soon come when the dogma of the Virgin Mary's bodily Assumption into heaven would also be defined by the Church's supreme teaching authority.”
#43. “We rejoice greatly that this solemn event falls, according to the design of God's providence, during this Holy Year, so that we are able, while the great Jubilee is being observed, to adorn the brow of God's Virgin Mother with this brilliant gem, and to leave a monument more enduring than bronze of our own most fervent love for the Mother of God.”
#44. “For which reason, after we have poured forth prayers of supplication again and again to God, and have invoked the light of the Spirit of Truth, for the glory of Almighty God who has lavished his special affection upon the Virgin Mary, for the honor of her Son, the immortal King of the Ages and the Victor over sin and death, for the increase of the glory of that same august Mother, and for the joy and exultation of the entire Church; by the authority of our Lord Jesus Christ, of the Blessed Apostles Peter and Paul, and by our own authority, we pronounce, declare, and define it to be a divinely revealed dogma: that the Immaculate Mother of God, the ever Virgin Mary, having completed the course of her earthly life, was assumed body and soul into heavenly glory.”
#45. “Hence if anyone, which God forbid, should dare willfully to deny or to call into doubt that which we have defined, let him know that he has fallen away completely from the divine and Catholic Faith. “
#46. “In order that this, our definition of the bodily Assumption of the Virgin Mary into heaven may be brought to the attention of the universal Church, we desire that this, our Apostolic Letter, should stand for perpetual remembrance, commanding that written copies of it, or even printed copies, signed by the hand of any public notary and bearing the seal of a person constituted in ecclesiastical dignity, should be accorded by all men the same reception they would give to this present letter, were it tendered or shown.
“Jesus, I trust in You.” & “Mary, I love you.”
Your brother in Christ Jesus & His Most Blessed Mother,
Jim (The Rosary Man) Dacey Jr. SFO
Today we pray the Joyful Mysteries
1. The Annunciation
2. The Visitation
3. The Birth of Jesus
4. The Presentation in The Temple
5. Finding of Jesus in the Temple
Friday, August 12, 2011
Indissolubly One
Beads of Joy 08-12-11
Indissolubly One
©2011 James Dacey, Jr. SFO
Hello Everybody,
This too is also a very difficult reflection, a hard teaching that Jesus even says, “Not everyone can accept this saying.” Marriage and our vows and divorce are different for different people, meaning that everyone has their own issues that they are dealing with. So I do not wish to use examples that are hypothetical, I will use only examples I am well aware of, should the need of an example come up. Also, I used the words “Indissolubly One” for a reason. In my studies I found this word used many times in bible studies when referring to the union between one man and one woman in marriage.
The definition for Indissolubly One is: Permanent, binding; an indissoluble union. An amazing definition indeed, but clearly we know that is what God intended marriage to always be. Today’s gospel is Matthew 19:3-12 (Marriage & Divorce). God himself confirms and describes this indissoluble union, “Therefore, what God has joined together, man must never separate.” I know many of you reading this are divorced; this blog is not pointing fingers at anyone. This is just a scripture reflection, if your situations in your life or your children’s lives have you in harm’s way, you did the right thing. I am only reflecting on scripture, and sharing some bible study details I have learned.
In marriage God has joined together, both male and female, “the two will become one flesh”. Those are God’s words. Any two other things permanently combined with glue, combine because of the dissolving solvent, and then when you attempt to separate them, one or both will and can be damaged or destroyed. In marriage both mind and spirit and flesh become one. We know for a fact, if it is reasonably, safely possible, working on your marriage is what should be done, attempted and tried with all effort, before ever considering and taking steps towards divorce. Twenty-Four years’ experience, of some incredible ups and some horrible down turns; has taught me a lot about the marriage experience. We have been on Marriage Encounter weekends, counselors, etc. Who needs counseling? We all need counseling. Counseling is a great way to have someone in the middle to help guide you, till you can better guide yourselves.
Some basic recommended activities in a Christian Marriage include:
1. Pray together for each other, and with each other. (Rosary)
2. Read together, God’s word and other enriching books. (Bible)
3. Make decisions together, small, medium and large ones.
4. Attend Mass together, praise Jesus as a couple.
5. Continue dating; keep the romance in your marriage.
Do all you can, every possible way you can, to maintain and repair your marriage daily. I have a dear friend whose wife divorced him, he didn’t want it, and all she wanted was her independence. His response after 20 years of divorce has been, taking a vow of celibacy; in his heart, he is still married, and truly in God’s eye, he is probably right. He does nothing to cause arguments or waves, in fact he works it just the opposite, keeping harmony in his marriage with his ex-wife and his children and their families. His example has shown me, that even when it’s impossible to fix, it can still be mended. God knows our hearts.
Marriage Links:
8 Keys To A Great Marriage
http://www.dougbrittonbooks.com/onlinebiblestudies-marriageinformationandadvice/eightkeystoagreatmarriage.php
Qualities of A Godly Mate
http://bible.org/seriespage/qualities-godly-mate
“Jesus, I trust in You.”
Your brother in Christ Jesus & His Most Blessed Mother,
Jim (The Rosary Man) Dacey Jr. SFO
Today we pray the Sorrowful Mysteries
1. Agony in the Garden
2. The Scourging at the Pillar
3. Crowing with Thorns
4. Carrying of the Cross
5. The Crucifixion of Jesus
Indissolubly One
©2011 James Dacey, Jr. SFO
Hello Everybody,
This too is also a very difficult reflection, a hard teaching that Jesus even says, “Not everyone can accept this saying.” Marriage and our vows and divorce are different for different people, meaning that everyone has their own issues that they are dealing with. So I do not wish to use examples that are hypothetical, I will use only examples I am well aware of, should the need of an example come up. Also, I used the words “Indissolubly One” for a reason. In my studies I found this word used many times in bible studies when referring to the union between one man and one woman in marriage.
The definition for Indissolubly One is: Permanent, binding; an indissoluble union. An amazing definition indeed, but clearly we know that is what God intended marriage to always be. Today’s gospel is Matthew 19:3-12 (Marriage & Divorce). God himself confirms and describes this indissoluble union, “Therefore, what God has joined together, man must never separate.” I know many of you reading this are divorced; this blog is not pointing fingers at anyone. This is just a scripture reflection, if your situations in your life or your children’s lives have you in harm’s way, you did the right thing. I am only reflecting on scripture, and sharing some bible study details I have learned.
In marriage God has joined together, both male and female, “the two will become one flesh”. Those are God’s words. Any two other things permanently combined with glue, combine because of the dissolving solvent, and then when you attempt to separate them, one or both will and can be damaged or destroyed. In marriage both mind and spirit and flesh become one. We know for a fact, if it is reasonably, safely possible, working on your marriage is what should be done, attempted and tried with all effort, before ever considering and taking steps towards divorce. Twenty-Four years’ experience, of some incredible ups and some horrible down turns; has taught me a lot about the marriage experience. We have been on Marriage Encounter weekends, counselors, etc. Who needs counseling? We all need counseling. Counseling is a great way to have someone in the middle to help guide you, till you can better guide yourselves.
Some basic recommended activities in a Christian Marriage include:
1. Pray together for each other, and with each other. (Rosary)
2. Read together, God’s word and other enriching books. (Bible)
3. Make decisions together, small, medium and large ones.
4. Attend Mass together, praise Jesus as a couple.
5. Continue dating; keep the romance in your marriage.
Do all you can, every possible way you can, to maintain and repair your marriage daily. I have a dear friend whose wife divorced him, he didn’t want it, and all she wanted was her independence. His response after 20 years of divorce has been, taking a vow of celibacy; in his heart, he is still married, and truly in God’s eye, he is probably right. He does nothing to cause arguments or waves, in fact he works it just the opposite, keeping harmony in his marriage with his ex-wife and his children and their families. His example has shown me, that even when it’s impossible to fix, it can still be mended. God knows our hearts.
Marriage Links:
8 Keys To A Great Marriage
http://www.dougbrittonbooks.com/onlinebiblestudies-marriageinformationandadvice/eightkeystoagreatmarriage.php
Qualities of A Godly Mate
http://bible.org/seriespage/qualities-godly-mate
“Jesus, I trust in You.”
Your brother in Christ Jesus & His Most Blessed Mother,
Jim (The Rosary Man) Dacey Jr. SFO
Today we pray the Sorrowful Mysteries
1. Agony in the Garden
2. The Scourging at the Pillar
3. Crowing with Thorns
4. Carrying of the Cross
5. The Crucifixion of Jesus
Thursday, August 11, 2011
Seventy Times Seven
Beads of Joy 08-11-11
Seventy Times Seven
©2011 James Dacey, Jr. SFO
Hello Everybody,
Now if you think yesterday’s reflection was hard, then prepare yourself for today’s, this is a very difficult teaching to reflect upon, and I will be the first to admit it. It’s one thing reflecting on something in the third person; it’s totally another thing when it’s going on “live” in your own life. Today our Lord teaches us a parable that should open our eyes when it comes to forgiveness. Let us look at Matthew 18:21-19:1 (The Parable of the Unforgiving Servant). This parable is true mastery to me, absolute genius in how this story is told; but then God is the author, enough said. It is God alone who forgives man for offending God; but it must be our job person to person to forgive one another when we hurt or offend each other. Not always an easy task, but an essential part of who we are in Christ. Our objective in any indifference must be to end the quarrel, stop the bitterness, and heal all wounds. I have to say that in my 28 years of living my life for my Lord, and sharing the Rosary with everyone; this teaching at this point of my life is hard to implement in regards to one situation that burns in my heart every day. How can I be more like Jesus? I ask myself, every time I am dealing with the hurt and pain inflicted by another’s selfishness.
Judgment upon our own sins is no doubt a brick wall for those of us who don’t also forgive others. How can we expect to be forgiven by God, unless we ourselves forgive others? A double edged sword indeed at times. Where then can the line be drawn, as to what you can easily forgive and what you can never forgive? Unfortunately for those of us who wish to hear that there is such a division in forgiveness, sorry, there isn’t. God sees all things offensive to be forgiven, even the death of His Son. And you know, it is our sins that crucified Him, we did that. And we have to ask Him to forgive us. I guess since that sin isn’t directly attached to us, our hands, our fingers, or in our lives, maybe it’s easier to ask for forgiveness. It seems that when the forgiveness has to do with your own heart being stabbed and teared about by another, it isn’t so easy. When someone else has your blood on their hands, how do you reconcile that? It’s so much more personal, so much more direct; ok, it’s just down right impossible to get through it. But through God, all things are possible.
For starters we must first trust in Him, that in His wisdom, He will guide us through this horrific storm of pain and suffering. That alone is a huge first step, and it may take time, lots of prayers and depths of humility that you may never knew existed in you. I don’t have a quick fix method; I don’t know all the answers, I only know that we have a loving God, who does know our heart. In today’s gospel the King (God) forgave the servant whose debt was enormous, and had to be paid. This servant (us) begged for mercy, and he got it. His debt (our sin) was forgiven in full. How then can that servant go out and demand payment from another. Why is his heart so hard? The love and mercy God gives us, should fill our hearts with so much Joy and Gratitude; that to forgive another is easy for us to do. I will say that I have come very far down that road of forgiveness, but I can’t say, I’d ever be their “bff”, that’s not possible. Nor will I ever be able to share bread. For now I can’t, but who knows maybe one day I will, but amidst the carnage of it all, it is very difficult for me, simply one day at a time right now, is enough. But I have been able to forgive them, and that took a lot of prayer to get to. I have to say getting through the forgiveness stages and the hatred stages for being so hurt and offended by their actions, took time, patience and a tremendous of prayer. Our debt to God for our sin that murdered Jesus on that cross can’t be compared to anything someone does to us. We can never pay Him back for what we have done. But with that said, He still lovingly forgives us, over and over for our selfishness and sins. That alone should help get into perspective; how we can forgive another. I sure hope this has been helpful.
“Jesus, I trust in You.”
Your brother in Christ Jesus & His Most Blessed Mother,
Jim (The Rosary Man) Dacey Jr. SFO
Today we pray the Luminous Mysteries
1. Baptism of Jesus
2. Wedding at Cana
3. Proclamation of the Kingdom
4. The Transfiguration
5. Institution of the Holy Eucharist
Seventy Times Seven
©2011 James Dacey, Jr. SFO
Hello Everybody,
Now if you think yesterday’s reflection was hard, then prepare yourself for today’s, this is a very difficult teaching to reflect upon, and I will be the first to admit it. It’s one thing reflecting on something in the third person; it’s totally another thing when it’s going on “live” in your own life. Today our Lord teaches us a parable that should open our eyes when it comes to forgiveness. Let us look at Matthew 18:21-19:1 (The Parable of the Unforgiving Servant). This parable is true mastery to me, absolute genius in how this story is told; but then God is the author, enough said. It is God alone who forgives man for offending God; but it must be our job person to person to forgive one another when we hurt or offend each other. Not always an easy task, but an essential part of who we are in Christ. Our objective in any indifference must be to end the quarrel, stop the bitterness, and heal all wounds. I have to say that in my 28 years of living my life for my Lord, and sharing the Rosary with everyone; this teaching at this point of my life is hard to implement in regards to one situation that burns in my heart every day. How can I be more like Jesus? I ask myself, every time I am dealing with the hurt and pain inflicted by another’s selfishness.
Judgment upon our own sins is no doubt a brick wall for those of us who don’t also forgive others. How can we expect to be forgiven by God, unless we ourselves forgive others? A double edged sword indeed at times. Where then can the line be drawn, as to what you can easily forgive and what you can never forgive? Unfortunately for those of us who wish to hear that there is such a division in forgiveness, sorry, there isn’t. God sees all things offensive to be forgiven, even the death of His Son. And you know, it is our sins that crucified Him, we did that. And we have to ask Him to forgive us. I guess since that sin isn’t directly attached to us, our hands, our fingers, or in our lives, maybe it’s easier to ask for forgiveness. It seems that when the forgiveness has to do with your own heart being stabbed and teared about by another, it isn’t so easy. When someone else has your blood on their hands, how do you reconcile that? It’s so much more personal, so much more direct; ok, it’s just down right impossible to get through it. But through God, all things are possible.
For starters we must first trust in Him, that in His wisdom, He will guide us through this horrific storm of pain and suffering. That alone is a huge first step, and it may take time, lots of prayers and depths of humility that you may never knew existed in you. I don’t have a quick fix method; I don’t know all the answers, I only know that we have a loving God, who does know our heart. In today’s gospel the King (God) forgave the servant whose debt was enormous, and had to be paid. This servant (us) begged for mercy, and he got it. His debt (our sin) was forgiven in full. How then can that servant go out and demand payment from another. Why is his heart so hard? The love and mercy God gives us, should fill our hearts with so much Joy and Gratitude; that to forgive another is easy for us to do. I will say that I have come very far down that road of forgiveness, but I can’t say, I’d ever be their “bff”, that’s not possible. Nor will I ever be able to share bread. For now I can’t, but who knows maybe one day I will, but amidst the carnage of it all, it is very difficult for me, simply one day at a time right now, is enough. But I have been able to forgive them, and that took a lot of prayer to get to. I have to say getting through the forgiveness stages and the hatred stages for being so hurt and offended by their actions, took time, patience and a tremendous of prayer. Our debt to God for our sin that murdered Jesus on that cross can’t be compared to anything someone does to us. We can never pay Him back for what we have done. But with that said, He still lovingly forgives us, over and over for our selfishness and sins. That alone should help get into perspective; how we can forgive another. I sure hope this has been helpful.
“Jesus, I trust in You.”
Your brother in Christ Jesus & His Most Blessed Mother,
Jim (The Rosary Man) Dacey Jr. SFO
Today we pray the Luminous Mysteries
1. Baptism of Jesus
2. Wedding at Cana
3. Proclamation of the Kingdom
4. The Transfiguration
5. Institution of the Holy Eucharist
Wednesday, August 10, 2011
It Is Death, That Brings Life
Beads of Joy 08-10-11
It Is Death, That Brings Life
©2011 James Dacey, Jr. SFO
Hello Everybody,
I pray this reflection isn’t too hard to understand, not intellectually; but spiritually hard to understand. Together we can work at understanding, how through death, life is reborn. Please understand I will not by any means speak to you in affluent educated way, I believe all the Beads of Joy writings show that; I will not use terms or language that I have to explain. I am a very simple man, seeking only to serve a splendid, amazing, powerful, loving God. Please open your minds and your hearts for a moment and think of a seed, even the grain of wheat spoken of in today’s gospel. Before I continue, today’s gospel is John 12:24-26 (The Coming of Jesus’ Hour). Yes these three simple verses share with us, an insight into the hour our Lord must die for us. We don’t plant seeds so that they remain buried as seeds; we plant seeds, so that through their “sacrifice” they grow into plants that multiple many more seeds than just the one that was planted. The key here is the sacrifice. We to, are like the seed; we must offer our own lives as a sacrifice to our Lord.
When we offer our lives as a sacrifice, a living sacrifice; we don’t simple, go to Mass when we can, toss a couple dollars in the plate as it comes around; and on occasion help someone in need. A true living sacrifice surrenders all selfishness to the service of God. I hope this is making sense. I also hope this doesn’t discourage anyone from serving our Lord. This service gives us Joy, a Joy that cannot be so easily explained in words. A Joy that only Jesus can instill in the hearts and minds and soul of those who follow Him. Let’s just ponder a few minutes, reading today’s gospel: John 12:24-26
“Truly, truly, I say to you, unless a grain of wheat falls into the earth and dies, it remains alone; but if it dies, it bears much fruit. He who loves his life loses it, and he who hates his life in this world will keep it for eternal life. If any one serves me, he must follow me; and where I am, there shall my servant be also; if any one serves me, the Father will honor him.”
God alone knows our purpose in this life; but our purpose and our point remains “alone” and we never get to share it with others, until we die to self. We will lose everything if all we live for is ourselves, and we selfishly hold onto everything in this life. Selfishness rewards us with… nothing!!! Jesus says in today’s gospel “he who hates his life”. We know God doesn’t want us to “hate” our lives; He’s always telling us to rejoice. My own studies and spiritual life has led me to believe and understand that he only wishes us to hate that it is keeping us from Him; in other words, we prefer this life less, that’s all. And by thinking that way in this life, we place our desires and needs aside and we put His purpose and will first in our lives. This not only honors our Lord, but we get the chance to taste Heaven with the Joy that will fill our hearts by doing this. The Joy I am always speaking about. I pray that this is all making sense. Ask God to guide your heart to Himself, tell Him that you will not allow anything or anyone to come between you and Him. Surrender today and forever and for all eternity you will remain on the ready for His service. Trust in Him with all your heart, and know that you are surrounded by many sisters and brothers who love God just the same. You are not alone.
“Jesus, I trust in You.”
Your brother in Christ Jesus & His Most Blessed Mother,
Jim (The Rosary Man) Dacey Jr. SFO
Today we pray the Glorious Mysteries
1. The Resurrection
2. The Ascension
3. The Descent of the Holy Spirit
4. The Assumption
5. The Coronation
It Is Death, That Brings Life
©2011 James Dacey, Jr. SFO
Hello Everybody,
I pray this reflection isn’t too hard to understand, not intellectually; but spiritually hard to understand. Together we can work at understanding, how through death, life is reborn. Please understand I will not by any means speak to you in affluent educated way, I believe all the Beads of Joy writings show that; I will not use terms or language that I have to explain. I am a very simple man, seeking only to serve a splendid, amazing, powerful, loving God. Please open your minds and your hearts for a moment and think of a seed, even the grain of wheat spoken of in today’s gospel. Before I continue, today’s gospel is John 12:24-26 (The Coming of Jesus’ Hour). Yes these three simple verses share with us, an insight into the hour our Lord must die for us. We don’t plant seeds so that they remain buried as seeds; we plant seeds, so that through their “sacrifice” they grow into plants that multiple many more seeds than just the one that was planted. The key here is the sacrifice. We to, are like the seed; we must offer our own lives as a sacrifice to our Lord.
When we offer our lives as a sacrifice, a living sacrifice; we don’t simple, go to Mass when we can, toss a couple dollars in the plate as it comes around; and on occasion help someone in need. A true living sacrifice surrenders all selfishness to the service of God. I hope this is making sense. I also hope this doesn’t discourage anyone from serving our Lord. This service gives us Joy, a Joy that cannot be so easily explained in words. A Joy that only Jesus can instill in the hearts and minds and soul of those who follow Him. Let’s just ponder a few minutes, reading today’s gospel: John 12:24-26
“Truly, truly, I say to you, unless a grain of wheat falls into the earth and dies, it remains alone; but if it dies, it bears much fruit. He who loves his life loses it, and he who hates his life in this world will keep it for eternal life. If any one serves me, he must follow me; and where I am, there shall my servant be also; if any one serves me, the Father will honor him.”
God alone knows our purpose in this life; but our purpose and our point remains “alone” and we never get to share it with others, until we die to self. We will lose everything if all we live for is ourselves, and we selfishly hold onto everything in this life. Selfishness rewards us with… nothing!!! Jesus says in today’s gospel “he who hates his life”. We know God doesn’t want us to “hate” our lives; He’s always telling us to rejoice. My own studies and spiritual life has led me to believe and understand that he only wishes us to hate that it is keeping us from Him; in other words, we prefer this life less, that’s all. And by thinking that way in this life, we place our desires and needs aside and we put His purpose and will first in our lives. This not only honors our Lord, but we get the chance to taste Heaven with the Joy that will fill our hearts by doing this. The Joy I am always speaking about. I pray that this is all making sense. Ask God to guide your heart to Himself, tell Him that you will not allow anything or anyone to come between you and Him. Surrender today and forever and for all eternity you will remain on the ready for His service. Trust in Him with all your heart, and know that you are surrounded by many sisters and brothers who love God just the same. You are not alone.
“Jesus, I trust in You.”
Your brother in Christ Jesus & His Most Blessed Mother,
Jim (The Rosary Man) Dacey Jr. SFO
Today we pray the Glorious Mysteries
1. The Resurrection
2. The Ascension
3. The Descent of the Holy Spirit
4. The Assumption
5. The Coronation
Tuesday, August 9, 2011
Let Us Be Seekers of the Lost
Beads of Joy 08-09-11
Let Us Be Seekers of The Lost
©2011 James Dacey, Jr. SFO
Hello Everybody,
I can’t always explain the Joy, but I always try. Today in the end of the gospel there is a parable, only four verses but it’s awesome! I really love them; I enjoy reading them, reflecting upon them and sharing them. I think many of you already know that. Today’s gospel is found in Matthew 18:1-5, 10, 12-14 (The Greatest in the Kingdom – The Parable of the Lost Sheep). The first part of the gospel was a bit surprising when I first heard this many years ago. Jesus taught love, unselfishness, giving of oneself to another; however did this question of “who is greatest?” come up? Interesting thought, I guess inside many of us, we want to be the center of attention; the first, the best, the most, just to be recognized for it. God only knows what that’s all about. But today let us look upon the second half of today’s gospel, verses 10-14; that is all about the Parable that almost sums up our mission as followers of Jesus.
Jesus clearly tells us that God absolutely does not want any of us to be lost and led astray; look at verse 14, “So it is not the will of my Father who is in heaven that one of these little ones should perish.” It is our mission as believers, the faithful; to seek out the lost and bring them home. This is not going to be easy, and it may take some time and some pain to see some of them through, but with God’s love and our faith and trust in Him, we are given the strength necessary to do this. Scripture confirms that even in Heaven many rejoice, “I tell you that in the same way there will be more rejoicing in heaven over one sinner who repents than over ninety-nine righteous persons who do not need to repent.” Luke 15:7. Many of us know those who need Jesus in their lives, we know the lost and those who wonder. Let us try to direct them with love and compassion to return to the flock; for at their return there is only love and compassion and forgiveness. No one will be turned away; our only desire is that they return to the arms of Jesus.
How can we really draw others to Jesus? How can we lead them back, the misled and misinformed? In our prayers we can ask God through the Holy Spirit to guide us, and to give us strength. For starters I believe the best approach on someone who refuses to hear anything about Jesus or our Blessed Mother, is just pray for them. And keep praying for them, every single day, pray for them. Prayer is a gift you can give away, over and over again. And the greatest part about praying for someone else is that they can’t stop you, and in fact most of the time they don’t even need to know. Just try to be the “Jesus” in their lives. Meaning, give them love, compassion, forgiveness, and have concern for their challenges; and always have open arms and always be understanding with them, show them, without saying a word, how Jesus has changed who you were to who you are. Let us, in our travels, become seekers of the lost. Planting seeds of Joy, Love, and Hope are a great way to start. The more of us that do this for the lost, will result in the less that will be lost and more will be returning home. Pray about this, ask God for His will to help you to seek out others to draw them back to Him. You will see opportunities open up, and people will be led to you. His will is the only way. God Bless all of you and all your efforts in seeking out the lost.
“Jesus, I trust in You.”
Your brother in Christ Jesus & His Most Blessed Mother,
Jim(The Rosary Man)Dacey Jr. SFO
Today we pray the Sorrowful Mysteries
1. Agony in the Garden
2. The Scourging at the Pillar
3. Crowing with Thorns
4. Carrying of the Cross
5. The Crucifixion of Jesus
Let Us Be Seekers of The Lost
©2011 James Dacey, Jr. SFO
Hello Everybody,
I can’t always explain the Joy, but I always try. Today in the end of the gospel there is a parable, only four verses but it’s awesome! I really love them; I enjoy reading them, reflecting upon them and sharing them. I think many of you already know that. Today’s gospel is found in Matthew 18:1-5, 10, 12-14 (The Greatest in the Kingdom – The Parable of the Lost Sheep). The first part of the gospel was a bit surprising when I first heard this many years ago. Jesus taught love, unselfishness, giving of oneself to another; however did this question of “who is greatest?” come up? Interesting thought, I guess inside many of us, we want to be the center of attention; the first, the best, the most, just to be recognized for it. God only knows what that’s all about. But today let us look upon the second half of today’s gospel, verses 10-14; that is all about the Parable that almost sums up our mission as followers of Jesus.
Jesus clearly tells us that God absolutely does not want any of us to be lost and led astray; look at verse 14, “So it is not the will of my Father who is in heaven that one of these little ones should perish.” It is our mission as believers, the faithful; to seek out the lost and bring them home. This is not going to be easy, and it may take some time and some pain to see some of them through, but with God’s love and our faith and trust in Him, we are given the strength necessary to do this. Scripture confirms that even in Heaven many rejoice, “I tell you that in the same way there will be more rejoicing in heaven over one sinner who repents than over ninety-nine righteous persons who do not need to repent.” Luke 15:7. Many of us know those who need Jesus in their lives, we know the lost and those who wonder. Let us try to direct them with love and compassion to return to the flock; for at their return there is only love and compassion and forgiveness. No one will be turned away; our only desire is that they return to the arms of Jesus.
How can we really draw others to Jesus? How can we lead them back, the misled and misinformed? In our prayers we can ask God through the Holy Spirit to guide us, and to give us strength. For starters I believe the best approach on someone who refuses to hear anything about Jesus or our Blessed Mother, is just pray for them. And keep praying for them, every single day, pray for them. Prayer is a gift you can give away, over and over again. And the greatest part about praying for someone else is that they can’t stop you, and in fact most of the time they don’t even need to know. Just try to be the “Jesus” in their lives. Meaning, give them love, compassion, forgiveness, and have concern for their challenges; and always have open arms and always be understanding with them, show them, without saying a word, how Jesus has changed who you were to who you are. Let us, in our travels, become seekers of the lost. Planting seeds of Joy, Love, and Hope are a great way to start. The more of us that do this for the lost, will result in the less that will be lost and more will be returning home. Pray about this, ask God for His will to help you to seek out others to draw them back to Him. You will see opportunities open up, and people will be led to you. His will is the only way. God Bless all of you and all your efforts in seeking out the lost.
“Jesus, I trust in You.”
Your brother in Christ Jesus & His Most Blessed Mother,
Jim(The Rosary Man)Dacey Jr. SFO
Today we pray the Sorrowful Mysteries
1. Agony in the Garden
2. The Scourging at the Pillar
3. Crowing with Thorns
4. Carrying of the Cross
5. The Crucifixion of Jesus
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