Care-taking In Action

BEADS OF JOY 01-07-13 “Care-taking In Action”
©2012 James Dacey, Jr. OFS

My Friends,

I am sorry for the delay in the recent couple of day’s blogs. Last night Chrissy had a horrible night, she felt very weak. And through the weekend it was non-stop; between spending time with family and chores. I had barely enough time to really sleep well. And even with sleep aid, I couldn’t sleep sound and solid. Rough weekend…

Now Chrissy is awake and up and about. PRAISE JESUS !!! I am making her 2 eggs up and bacon and toast; a favorite breakfast of hers, to help her gain some energy and pep. Afterwards she will be lying down on the couch and I will be cleaning my cooking mess. LOL. This week I will catch up with our blog, tomorrow Chrissy has a doctor appointment with her cancer doctor. Updates always posted on my Facebook wall.

<3 u guys !!!

“Jesus, I Trust in You.”

Your Brother in Christ Jesus
and His Most Precious Mother Mary,
Jimmy (The Rosary Man) Dacey Jr OFS

The Sorrowful Mysteries

BEADS OF JOY 01-04-13 
“The Sorrowful Mysteries”
©2013 James Dacey, Jr. OFS

The Sorrowful Mysteries with Chrissy
My Friends,

Today we Pray The Sorrowful Mysteries, might I suggest these meditations to be added to your prayers; when you ponder on each of the mysteries. As Mary invites us to Pray The Rosary each day, she invites us to unite our prayers with hers as she presents all of them to her Son. This very simple, very humble prayer is hated by the evil one; all the more reason to be so devoted to it. But I will warn you from my own experience, the more devout you become (my own experiences), the more it seems like satan targets you, and your family. You must remain strong and loyal to Jesus, no matter what. The Sorrowful Mysteries brings me to tears, but in that; they strengthen me, for this life. These meditations were written when I was by Chrissy’s side when she was suffering on January 1, 2013.

Sorrowful Mysteries

1. The Agony in the Garden

Happiness of God (Loving You Without Always Understanding)

Dear Lord, I beg of you to guide me when I don’t understand, lead me and show me the way. There are so many times when different events happen in my life or in the lives of family members that I just don’t understand, please show me the way. I know you know that I won’t understand everything, but with that said, know Lord that I am very happy in You, loving You, trusting fully and completely in You Lord. Amen

2. The Scourging

Patience of God (Admirable Serving You Lord Fully)

Dear Lord, I turn to you with patience, without full understanding. Serving You Lord is my life; I live for my love for You. These lashes hurt, but I won’t scream. The lashes cut, and yes I bleed. The lashes burn as events and situations continue to hit us, but I don’t surrender. These lashes throw me down on my knees, but only to love and praise You. I have patience because I trust fully and completely in you Lord. Amen

3. The Crowning with Thorns.

Beauty of God (Unspeakable While Suffering)

Dear Lord, so much pain goes unspoken, so much pain I choose to hide. I think I am strong, then I collapse, I know You are there for me Lord. Sometimes I feel like my body is being poked and punched with a reed. Sometimes my insides bleed with so much pain; I can’t explain it to anyone but You. But know that I trust fully and completely in You Lord. Amen

4. The Carrying of the Cross.

The Omnipotence of God (Boundless In Strength Forging Forward)

Dear Lord, the path I am on is bumpy, narrow, filled with pot-holes and with no one by my side helping me, except You. Though many tears flow at a distance for us, seeing us suffer, knowing our pain, we are left on this path alone carrying this cross. We shall remain on this path, forging forward for You Lord, suffering for our love for You. Nothing will distract us; we will only continue loving You and trusting You fully and completely. Amen

5. The Crucifixion

Justice of God (Tremendous Love Is Here)

Dear Lord, there are times when I feel the nails being hammered into my hands and my feet. I feel like I am being locked down and I can’t move anymore. I know how horrible that feels only too well. But I know Lord that in all this suffering there is immeasurable love from You, and in that love, blood is shed and tears are flowing. Nothing can take my eyes off you Lord, not even the suffering pain of death. Even when evil thinks it wins; it loses because I give all my love to You Lord, trusting and loving you fully and completely. Amen

“Jesus, I Trust in You.”

Your Brother in Christ Jesus
and His Most Precious Mother Mary,
Jimmy (The Rosary Man) Dacey Jr OFS

Behold, The Lamb of God

BEADS OF JOY 01-03-13 “Behold The Lamb of God”
©2012 James Dacey, Jr. OFS

My Friends,

What are your plans in this life that God has given you? Our time here on earth is short and before you know it; you’re married, you have children, your children get married and they have children and before you know it, you are putting your teeth in the bathroom in a cup and you go to bed. LOL. Okay that was a little dramatic, but funny. And in answer to the question directed to me, no I currently sleep with my teeth, and I am not a grandpa. LOL. Humor is a wonderful gift given to us from God; every day it’s nice to plan a time for laughter. Talk to a friend that always makes you laugh or find a funny youtube video you know that makes you laugh. Seems like I am getting a little side-tracked, but I’m not; actually today’s gospel is all about directing our attention to Jesus, The Lamb of God. The intended start of today’s blog was about getting your attention. I hope it worked.

Today’s gospel can be found in John 1:29-34 (John The Baptists Testimony to Jesus). John identifies Jesus as the man he has been talking about and He is the one he was waiting for. John directs us to Jesus. Do we recognize Jesus when He is close by? Do we immediately confidently share Him with others? Jesus willingly gave up His life to save ours, by doing so He saved us and He paid for our sins.

Think of how powerful that is, I can’t for the life of me figure out why the world doesn’t get it. The penalty for our sins is death, if we confess our sins and sincerely do our best to avoid those sins we tend to be drawn to most; God knows our heart and we will be forgiven. That forgiveness was paid in full by Jesus being nailed to the Cross for us. But if we live a life purposely deleting God and Jesus and the Cross from it; there is no one to pay for the sin but ourselves. In the past I have said it this way, “When we ask God to forgive us for our sins, Jesus pays the price for the sins we have committed; but when we don’t ask God for forgiveness, we pay the price for our sins.”

So when I look at today’s gospel what do I see, what did I hear, what did I learn: Behold, Jesus the Lamb of God; be attentive as to who He is and that He is here now with us.

“Jesus, I Trust in You.”

Your Brother in Christ Jesus
and His Most Precious Mother Mary,
Jimmy (The Rosary Man) Dacey Jr OFS

Make Straight The Way

BEADS OF JOY 01-02-13 “Make Straight The Way”
©2012 James Dacey, Jr. OFS

My Friends,

How do you live your life? Are you aware of the Lord’s presence in your life? Are you a fearless witness stirring up the people, as you share your faith, humbly and faithfully trying to lead others to Jesus? We all can’t be like John the Baptist, I agree; but nothings saying we can’t at least try to be like him in some way. In the end John the Baptist was a martyr, and he gave his life in humility and absolutely sincerity; he was that one voice telling us to prepare the way. Make straight the way, John was doing all he can, and so surrendered his entire life over to God; serving Him alone, never having his own agenda to follow.

Today we are reading John 1:19-28 (John The Baptist’s Testimony to Himself). John was a great prophet, humble in his ways; living with the sole purpose of leading and pointing everyone to Jesus. What kind of life do we live? Are we sharing our faith, our testimony and our witness? Are we living examples of Christ; evangelizing without using words, instead living a life of selflessness, love and mercy and forgiveness and sacrifice for others? Or are we trying to just blend in, going with the flow of society and not wanting to create any ripples? Are we scared? Is the influence of others we know, more dominating and meaningful in our lives, than our Lord’s words?

A life well lived isn’t necessarily a life that is pleasing before God. When looking at John the Baptist, in a worldly sort of way; what do we see? I’ll tell you what my worldly vision sees: A poor man, a man who had no taste in the clothes he wore, a lazy man not working for a living, a homeless man who chose to live in the wilderness. See how easily why the world could look down upon John The Baptist. Why would the world of non-believers be so harsh in thinking like this?

We must understand that John’s message, though it be loyal and incredibly faithful to his calling; we can’t help but wonder outside the way movies portray him, that John the Baptist, was really rough around the edges. And his message really interrupted the lives of many. He was asking the people to repent from their bad habits and the patterns of life they were already living. Many were living in sin; living a life unpleasing to God in their families and in the way they were doing business and virtually everything. John’s message was one of hope and promise, pointing many in a direction they could not see. God really loves us, let us do all we can to repent and make clean our soul before God.

“Jesus, I Trust in You.”

Your Brother in Christ Jesus
and His Most Precious Mother Mary,
Jimmy (The Rosary Man) Dacey Jr OFS
Shhh.. Today’s my birthday; I am 48 years old today.

2013 New Year's Resolutions

2013 New Year’s Resolutions

Dear Lord, thank you for allowing me to be part of your wonderful family. This past year was pretty incredible, difficult at times, but still incredible. I look forward to whatever direction you send me personally, as long as I can worship you, and share you with everyone. I desire nothing in this worldly life, other than for you, to do with me whatever you will with my life, my talents and my time for you Lord. (Footnotes are added throughout to give more insight)

2013 Resolutions

Spiritual Resolutions

- Always remain focused on Jesus, always; because in the end “Jesus” is all that will matter. Always keep this thought in front of me in everything that I do. He is the one who will give us everlasting life. He is the one who gives us peace; He is the one who gives us joy, for He is Joy. In this short moment of time we have been given, let's use it wisely.
(Footnote: I am addicted to Him already I have been since 1983.. LOL)

- Daily Mass. I must return to this commitment as best as I possibly can. Since I am working nights, I am home early enough to attend 9am Daily Mass before I go to sleep. St Vincent’s is less than a ½ mile walk away.
(Footnote: I have done this so many times throughout my life, time to get back to Daily Mass)

- Everyday at my prayer time at home, look to continue adding names for those I pray for every day. Let’s make 2013 the "Year of Praying For Others".
(Footnote: Continue building a list of those wanting and needing prayer.)

- True happiness must be found in serving others. This is not just an entry in my list of resolutions; this must be JOY to its fullest, beyond the immense levels of joy I already experience in my life every day now. Joy meaning: Jesus Others Yourself. The center of all my joy must be in the service of others. I must give my life away by putting others before me. 1 John 4:20 "If someone says, "I love God," and hates his brother, he is a liar; for the one who does not love his brother whom he has seen, cannot love God whom he has not seen."

- Scriptures to apply: 2 Timothy 2:15 "Be diligent to present yourself approved to God as a workman who does not need to be ashamed, accurately handling the word of truth."

- 1 Peter 4:10 "Each one should use whatever gift he has received to serve others, faithfully administering God's grace in its various forms."

-Return to my Daily Gospel Reading method of study. Monday – Matthew / Tuesday – Mark / Wednesday – Luke / Thursday – John / Friday – Acts… I use to really love this, every day, read the entire gospel. Do this every single week Monday through Friday.

Family Resolutions

- This year Chrissy and I would like to go through ALL our family photos. We have 26 years of photos to go through, literally multiple boxes of pictures. Digitally scan all of them and look into having a "homepage" of sorts for them on-line, for easy access for the kids. Also make a couple of collages of memories for the living room.
(Footnote: We have so many boxes of photos; this really needs to be done.)

- One day out of every month will be "Secret Family, Helping Others Day" this could be so much fun. Secretly find out who needs help and then together come up with a plan to drop off to them: food or money or a gift card or a mix of a bunch of things for them and their family. Help them be more encouraged through difficult times. We fully understand how that feels.

- Every single day, tell my family that I love them. Verbally or with a note, a call, a text, whatever way the message can be conveyed. Every single day!!!

- Get the basement organized... New clear storage containers, rebox everything and throw out and give away as much as possible. Transform our already finished basement into an area for movie/theatre viewing and an area for
exercise and dancing. Put down a plexi-glass floor in that area.

-Dacey Family Historian: This year all throughout the year, I’d like to contact, get with, swap all update information with and take lots of pictures with- all of my cousins, literally all of my cousins, on both sides of the family. Then I’d like to also plan a cousin’s get-together. Maybe a big BBQ at a park centrally located or beach area we all can get to. From this maybe we can plan to do this every year or two. I will create an information link so everyone can keep in touch with everyone.
(Footnote: I am the family historian – My Uncle Al Dacey passed the reign to me back in the 1990’s)

Husband Resolutions

- Need work in this area.  The past eight years or so have been very challenging and since Chrissy’s illness we have been thrown into the fire. But recently during the month of December, I will say that we have been making progress reconnecting, for the first time in years. Oddly enough I believe Chrissy’s illness is healing our relationship. 2013 needs to be a time for us to reconnect even more.

- Scripture to always apply: Matthew 7:5 "You hypocrite! First remove the beam from your own eye, and then you will see clearly enough to remove the speck from your brother's eye." Apply this passage with this approach.

Daddy Resolutions

- Continue to stay on my game being a dad who is continually in contact with all his children. Texts, call, chat and update them on their mom's health issues.

- Continue to help them as needed and as to what we can afford to. Their needs would always come before our own.

Friends Resolutions

- This year amongst all my friends expand my address book to include all of my on-line friends. Include: mailing addresses, email address, phone #, birthdays, anniversaries, etc. Good idea for Christmas 2013 for mailing Christmas Cards. It would be incredible this year to have hundreds of Christmas Cards to send around the world.

- Seek out more friends, who are devoted to the rosary, love Jesus, and enjoy fellowship. And help many desiring to learn more who want to join us in prayer each day.

Community Resolutions

- Our Lady's Pathways Prayer Group, Staten Island, NY. Reconnect with Jerry Kelly and Carol Bulcroft; get our family involved with the prayer group, the gatherings and the events.
(Footnote: We use to be very involved with this prayer group from 1983-2000)

- Seek out Prayer Groups Nationwide to start, then expand worldwide. Reason: Connect to add their prayer needs to our list, and our prayer needs to their list, uniting all of us in prayer.

Helping Others Resolutions

- Easter 2013, secretly help out a family.

- Christmas 2013, secretly help out a family.

Beads of Joy Rosary Ministry Resolutions

- Expand our outreach even further. Spreading the Joy of the Rosary and building our unity as a prayer group is the central focus. More and more and more of us really are praying together every day.

-Build "Our Lady's Rosary Text Vigil Group" Currently we are at 31 strong, let's try to exceed 100 by the end of the year. This group I am speaking of is a group of people around the world that I personally text each evening (Monday - Friday) where we unite and Pray The Rosary at 9pm together. We have been doing this for about 3 years now.

- Eventually it would be nice to see all our "Friends of the Rosary" connect with all the prayer groups throughout our nation and the world. This is a huge task that is already in motion.

Health Resolutions

- Exercise. My current career is not good for my health, I need more exercise. Join Planet Fitness (Port Jervis, NY) as a family. Workout together.

- Do more research for vegetarian recipes. Looking to expand on meal ideas that are fully vegetarian, not just the usual way we always do it. And then share the recipes online through all social networks to help others eat healthier.

- On a personal note, I'd like to return to my Vegan Diet.

Intellectual Resolutions

- Read a "new" book every month. Realistic goal is once a book is completed start the next one. Focus: Books on the life of a saint. Not only with the objective to deepen my own faith, but to also expand my inner joy with my love for our Lord and our Lady; by following the life of a saint.
(Footnote: I have done this many times in the past, it’s a good thing.)

- Revisit and restart making word games and number games again. I have many already created, time to revive them, make more and share them. This was always a lot of fun.

-LEARN SPANISH this year… Mostly for Prayer purposes; prayer groups, and discussing Jesus and our Lady. (Written and spoken ability).

Writing Resolutions

- Continue my "Beads of Joy Blog" devoting more and more time to it’s topical daily Gospel focus. I'd eventually like to see this published in every Diocese publication as a syndicated monthly feature.

- On a poster board visually layout my (6) book projects that already in motion. I need a plan to one by one get them finished and published. Many years in the makings, it's time to take it to the next level. My goal by the time I am 50 years old is to be a full-time writer.

- Start seeking out places that could use a writer for articles, research and devotional studies, do all the work for free this year.

- Plan one of these book projects to be fully beneficial to Our Lady of Fatima’s Shrine. Ask Fr. Peter to consider co-authoring the book with me. We have discussed this already in the past, then Chrissy got sick and we haven’t returned to the idea, till now. All profit from this writing/ book project will go to the shrine 100% towards their debt.

See how I told you how these "resolution" lists can get out of hand. Have Fun !!

Your Brother in Christ Jesus
and His Most Precious Mother Mary,
Jimmy (The Rosary Man) Dacey Jr OFS

Mary, Mother of God

BEADS OF JOY 01-01-13 
“Mary, Mother of God”

©2013 James Dacey, Jr. OFS

 

My Friends,

Silence is undoubtedly one of the mysteries of God. In scripture the minimal references of Mary does emphasize her maternal presence in our faith. Today we celebrate "The Solemnity of the Blessed Virgin Mary - Mother of God". Some wonder how she got such a title. It is in Jesus' human nature that Mary becomes Mother of God. All of this is in God's infinite plan of salvation for all of us. It was Ignatius of Antioch who explained that Mary's marriage to Joseph was a means to hide three most important mysteries from the devil.

1. The Virginity of Our Blessed Mother
2.  The Virgin Birth of God's Son
3.   And Jesus' death and resurrection on the cross

One thing I must say. Our Lord has blessed us with so many saints to turn to for wisdom and insight. St. Ambrose of Milan's writings clearly shows his devout love for our Blessed Mother. What follows is an excerpt from his writings: "He is Son of man because the Virgin is a human creature. That which is born of flesh is flesh; that which is born of human being is called man. Christ assumed, not something resembling flesh, but the reality of our flesh; a true body." Ambrose further stated when all Jesus' friends abandoned Him: "His mother stood before the Cross, and, while the men fled, she remained undaunted. She did not fear the torturers. His mother offered herself to his persecutors."


This study has been beyond exciting for me. Whenever I am led to learn from those who adore our Blessed mother, it just thrills my heart. St. Augustine of Hippo known as a giant of western theology absolutely loved and adored our Blessed Mother. Read this, it's so inspiring; so much joy fills my heart and soul. "I repeat, there is no more outstanding example of predestination than the Mediator Himself. The faithful Christian who wishes to understand this well should pay attention to this example, for in it He will find Himself." Please read on St. Augustine of Hippo is so insightful. "Then (at the foot of the Cross) He recognized her; yet, He had always known her. Even before He was born of her, He knew his Mother in her predestination. Before He, as God, created her from whom He would be created as man, He knew His Mother. And so He created a Virgin, whom He had chosen to be His Mother: a woman who did not conceive according to the law of sinful flesh; that is, not by the instinct of fleshly concupiscence. Rather she, with pious faith, merited to receive the holy seed within her. He chose her, to be created from her."


Does this not explode with excitement within your heart so filled with joy? There is so much love, so much joy, so much wisdom that we can find in our Dearest Blessed Mother. The saints not only lead us to our Lord, but they also lead us to our Blessed Mother who leads us to her Beloved Son.

“The Blessed Virgin was eternally predestined, in conjunction with the incarnation of the divine Word, to be the Mother of God. By decree of divine Providence, she served on earth as the loving mother of the divine Redeemer, an associate of unique nobility, and the Lord’s humble handmaid. She conceived, brought forth, and nourished Christ” (Dogmatic Constitution on the Church, 61).


Prayer in Honor of Mary, Mother of God

-Hail, Mary, Mother of God, venerable treasure of the whole universe, lamp that is never extinguished, crown of virginity, support of the true faith, indestructible temple, dwelling of him whom no place can contain, O Mother and Virgin! Through you all the holy Gospels call blessed the one whom comes in the name of the Lord. -Hail, Mother of God. You enclosed under your heart the infinite God whom no space can contain. Through you the Most Holy Trinity is adored and glorified, the priceless cross is venerated throughout the universe. Through you the heavens rejoice, and the angels and archangels are filled with gladness. Through you the demons are banished, and the tempter fell from heaven. Through you the fallen human race is admitted to heaven. -Hail, Mother of God. Through you kings rule, and the only-begotten Son of God has become a star of light to those who were sitting in darkness and in the shadow of death.

Saint Cyril of Alexandria, Bishop and Doctor

“Jesus, I Trust in You.”

Your Brother in Christ Jesus

and His Most Precious Mother Mary,

Jimmy (The Rosary Man) Dacey Jr OFS

MY FIRST BOOK. More to come…

https://www.amazon.com/Marys-Way-Cross-Rosary-Man-ebook/dp/B079TJZFQJ/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1519240799&sr=8-1&keywords=rosary+man+jim

The Word Became Flesh

BEADS OF JOY 12-31-12 “The Word Become Flesh”
©2012 James Dacey, Jr. OFS

My Friends,

God’s only begotten Son became flesh; so that He may redeem the world through the sacrificial death of Jesus His Son. We unite ourselves, our lives and our understanding with Him; making us His sons and daughters. That is why God is also our Father. God’s purpose for all of us for all eternity has always been; to do whatever it takes to unite us with Him. In Jesus we are fully united with God the Father. He became like us, to defeat death for us, so that He can unite us with our Father in Heaven. Jesus’ blood not only represents His defeat of eternal death; but it also represents our unity to His eternal life. Do you feel the excitement and Joy that is all Jesus? He is our Lord and our Savior; let us love Him with a most special adoring love.

As a man, Jesus’ love for us increased; even further understanding our fears, our challenges and our joys. His time with us has most certainly helped Him, so that His mercy might flex more realistically to the obstacles we face, day to day as a human. Our human nature is best understood when you see and you feel and you face daily challenges every day in an array of situations. How can one best understand another’s challenges? Walk in their shoes. That is why Jesus’ love and compassion for us is so great; He knows first-hand what we deal with every single day.

Have you thanked God for sending us Jesus? We need to thank Him, for it was through Jesus that we are united to God the Father and that we get to share in His glory.

My Prayer
Heavenly Father, you have shown your great love for me by giving your only Son to die for me. Thank you for not turning your back on me when I forget this and go my own way. Let me always remember that my stay is very short here on earth and I must do your work in this limited time. Help me to be stronger, never giving up my faith, keeping my eyes completely fixed on Jesus. Amen!

“Jesus, I Trust in You.”

Your Brother in Christ Jesus
and His Most Precious Mother Mary,
Jimmy (The Rosary Man) Dacey Jr OFS

Feast of The Holy Family

BEADS OF JOY 12-30-12
“Feast of The Holy Family”
©2012 James Dacey, Jr. OFS

My Friends,

Today we celebrate The Feast of The Holy Family. Each of us has been called to a very special mission in our lives. Many of us are in families, obviously all of us are, but some of us are a direct member of a day to day living experience with a spouse, or siblings, or a mom and a dad or like many who have children. We all have been given a most blessed gift in whatever structure of a family that we live in. That is what is it that binds all of us together? Are we able to relate to Jesus, in the family setting? Can we live a life really close and private with Jesus while sharing a home with six other people? Oh indeed we can.

The foundation of a family is two-fold. Whereas Jesus is the center of the sacrament of marriage; so we have one man and one woman joining in the sacrament of marriage; and in the center of that commitment to one another is a commitment to Jesus, together and separate. I hope I didn't lose anyone with all that, I almost confused myself. LOL. Point here is that that is truly the perfect of all combinations to better secure and hold strong the family that will stay together for many years. Are all marriages and families all that perfect? Absolutely not, challenges and friction are a daily part of survival in a family. That is why we need Jesus all the more.

But let's see what a family is? Like the Holy Family, a family is the union of one man and one woman (united in the sacrament of marriage) and then the multiplying of children (Which we seem to have mastered well in our home. LOL). A family truly has become "a family" once the children arrive. I realize that's not always true, but for the purpose of reflecting on the Holy Family, we'll look at it this way. Children are like the diamonds in the rough of life, they bring so much joy to a couple that mere words can never express this overflowing happiness. Yes there are countless hours of lost sleep, endless dirty diapers from such a small person, and many of us can agree, so much more. Jesus unites us so that we can take care of one another. Not only physically, but even more importantly spiritually.

As a family "we" have a vocation together, our first ministry together. I see it this way: We all need to support one another and help one another get to Heaven. For what purpose is this life if we don't use it to get to the next one in eternity with Jesus. And if we don't spend time nurturing and helping the flesh of our own flesh, what kind of an example are we when we try so hard to help our friends get to Heaven. That is why "the family" (our own families) needs to be our first ministry. There will be trials, challenges, fights and so on. Families will experience everything possible on this journey. The world we live in is not family friendly; in fact too much of a degree the political correctness undermines a family. We need to find that place in our own families were we can best serve each other, forgiving one another and loving one another no matter what. Unconditional love must rule supreme between all members, building supportive strength together.

“Jesus, I Trust in You.”

Your Brother in Christ Jesus
and His Most Precious Mother Mary,
Jimmy (The Rosary Man) Dacey Jr OFS
Revived from my own writings 12-27-09

Respond - Immediate Recognition

BEADS OF JOY 12-29-12
“Respond – Immediate Recognition”
©2012 James Dacey, Jr. OFS

My Friends,

What an absolutely beautiful day to celebrate. Today’s gospel is "The Presentation of Jesus in The Temple". This is also the Fourth Joyful Mystery. See how the Rosary is all about scripture, hence it's all about Jesus. Today our Lord takes His first journey to His Father's house; 40 days after His birth according to Mosaic Law, an absolutely exciting journey indeed. When this is celebrated as the feast day it is often called "Candlemas", meaning "Candle Mass" in my research I have also found that this day is also referred to as "Feast of the Purification of the Blessed Virgin", I heard of that one; but I also came across, "Hypapante tou kyriou" which means: the meeting of the Lord in the temple, I never heard of that one before. Either way it is a rather interesting find in my research, I thought I’d share.

How in tune with the Holy Spirit are you? Simeon without a doubt knew his mission in life and hence devoted his life to stay in tune with it. Let us take a moment to really RESPOND to this, with all our heart. Do you see where this is all going on its simplest understanding?  What is the one thing that the Holy Spirit always seeks? To be with Jesus…of cause!!! Meaning as a foundational approach on seeking out God’s will in our life, at minimum, let us spend as much time as we can in His presence. How about this: Attending Mass not only on Sunday; but also as many times as we can throughout the week. Another idea might be, spending time is in Eucharist Adoration, let’s say one to two hours a month to start with.

Mary was blessed beyond our understanding of blessing; being our Lord’s mother she would have a sword pierce her heart when her Son would be sacrificed. This was something Simeon knew about and prophesied to Mary and Joseph. The crowns Mary has is both filled Joy and Sorrow; we to have also been blessed with the ability to carry both understandings of this. Our heart hurts when our Lord takes up His cross and dies for us; while at the same time we are filled with unending Joy when He rises from the tomb. How about you, have you fully surrendered your life to God with an immeasurable faith and true trust in God?

Let us pray:
Almighty and ever-loving God, we humbly pray that, as your only-begotten Son was on this day presented in the temple, we to may be presented to you with pure and clean hearts by Jesus Christ our Lord; who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever. Amen.

 

“Jesus, I Trust in You.”

Your Brother in Christ Jesus
and His Most Precious Mother Mary,
Jimmy (The Rosary Man) Dacey Jr OFS

Respond - To The Suffering

BEADS OF JOY 12-28-12
“Respond – To The Suffering”
©2012 James Dacey, Jr. OFS

My Friends,

Suffering can be a tough topic, how can we RESPOND? Today’s scripture brings us to an event where all male children two years and under were massacred. I admit I have such a hard time with this topic; it gets me so emotionally enraged, how do you RESPOND? Today’s gospel can be found in Matthew 2:13-18 (Flight to Egypt / The Massacre of the Infants). Today's gospel begins with Joseph having the angel of the Lord telling him to flee to Egypt, because Herod was looking for the child to kill Him. And then when Herod couldn't find him he had all the boys two years and younger in Bethlehem and the surrounding area killed, in the hopes that one of them would be Jesus. This story is reminiscent to when Pharaoh had all the Hebrew males killed, "Pharaoh then commanded all his subjects; "Throw into the river every boy that is born to the Hebrews, but you may let the girls live." Exodus 1:22.

Both of these mass killings of the innocent are a kind of genocide. In the past in history; whenever a certain group of people were no longer wanted or desired by the existing power in charge; in certain situations they did all they can to try to terminate the unwanted. This type of genocide exists today and sadly enough so many embrace it and they are trying to force us to pay for it through our taxes; and even promote it through the government by embracing the killer’s corporation. We must continue to pray for the murderers and all those countless millions of innocent babies who were killed.

When it comes to discussing this I have no compromise for the murderers, in my decision about this. No child of God, no life, no baby deserves death. The innocent who is (prior to its birth) safely growing in its mother’s womb, basically gets executed. That is so sad. To me if anyone is promoting or agreeing that abortion is OK; they are either ignorant to the reality of it being a murder, or they themselves must embrace the slaughter of the innocent. I cannot see this being any sort of a compromise when it comes to killing the innocent. I don't mean to offend anyone, but like I said in the beginning of all this, I have a very hard time with this topic. Because we must note that in the end, there is a dead innocent child.

See what I mean when it comes to this, it bothers me straight to the core of my heart. I feel like my heart is being ripped out of my body every time I hear people talking about this, like they are having a pimple removed. Just knowing that so many millions of innocent unborn babies around the world are being ripped apart inside their mother’s womb, only to be discarded into the garbage just drives me crazy. Unfortunately many people in this world don't believe an unborn baby has any rights or is even a soul, how very sad. How do you RESPOND to today’s gospel? We must keep praying for those people involved. They can't be doctors, to the best of my knowledge, doctors heal; they don't kill. I know we must hate the sin of murder, not those doing or participating in them. Are we aware of the kind of Joy that can be found, when we fully surrender with faith and trust to God? Today’s topic was difficult indeed.

“Jesus, I Trust in You.”

Your Brother in Christ Jesus
and His Most Precious Mother Mary,
Jimmy (The Rosary Man) Dacey Jr OFS

Respond - To The Empty Tomb

BEADS OF JOY 12-27-12
“Respond – To The Empty Tomb”
©2012 James Dacey, Jr. OFS

My Friends,

Today let us continue our quest to RESPOND this week. Was Jesus not so powerful or as impressive in human form as many had hoped the Savior to be? Did His humanity change how the average person may see an all-powerful God? How powerful was the first sight of that empty tomb to John? If Jesus personally told you, He’d raise from the dead three days after His death; what would solidify that statement? Maybe an empty tomb might do it? How might you RESPOND? I think this is what every Catholic and every believer in Jesus needs to see. His word is no longer questioned and what He can and can’t do is no longer questioned. The empty tomb proves that not even death could hold Him; and the He speaks only truth.

Today we find the gospel in John 20:1a, 2-8 (The Empty Tomb). No greater confirmation of our faith than to see the tomb of our Savior empty, knowing that what He said is what He meant. Are our eyes focused on seeing Him? Do we see how His resurrection became the most significant part of our faith and how to this day, His resurrection is still talked about? Without it maybe we may have never heard of Jesus.

What does it take for you to RESPOND? Do you need to personally see the empty tomb? Can you remain strong in what you believe in; from reading about what the disciple John saw? I wonder how the gospels identify how the empty tomb of Jesus was discovered and made know it was empty.

In Matthew's Gospel: Mary Magdalene and the other Mary were told by the angel standing outside the tomb that Jesus was risen. They did not actually look to see if the tomb was really empty, but departed quickly, to tell the disciples.

In The Gospel of Mark: Mary Magdalene, Mary mother of James and Salome found the stone had been moved from the sepulcher and in going in, found Jesus was gone and a young man there to tell them that Jesus was risen.

In Luke's Gospel, the women who came from Galilee, Mary Magdalene, Mary mother of James, Johanna and other women found the stone had been moved from the sepulcher and going in, they found Jesus was gone and two men in shining garments there. The two men told the women that Jesus was risen, and they went and told the disciples, who did not believe them.

In The Gospel of John, Mary Magdalene found the stone moved, but it was still dark and she did not go in the sepulcher. She ran and told Peter and the 'disciple whom Jesus loved'. They ran to the tomb and it was the 'disciple whom Jesus loved' who arrived first (John) and looking in, saw that the tomb was empty. Peter arrived and they both went into the tomb and saw two angels.

“Jesus, I Trust in You.”
Your Brother in Christ Jesus
and His Most Precious Mother Mary,
Jimmy (The Rosary Man) Dacey Jr OFS

Respond – Our Allegiance To Him

BEADS OF JOY 12-26-12
“Respond – Our Allegiance To Him”
©2012 James Dacey, Jr. OFS

My Friends,

Christmas was spectacular indeed. Even if like us, you didn’t have many gifts involved, you hopefully had a wonderful day with your family and friends as we did. Today I will challenge you to RESPOND in ways that some might reject and refuse. Before you run away and click the X on the top right of the screen and leave, take the time to consider these things. The best way to set the stage will be for me to show you today’s entire gospel, just take a moment and read this. You may RESPOND before reading any further after you do read today’s scripture.

Matthew 10:17-22 (Coming Persecutions)
“Beware of men; for they will deliver you up to councils, and flog you in their synagogues, and you will be dragged before governors and kings for my sake, to bear testimony before them and the Gentiles. When they deliver you up, do not be anxious how you are to speak or what you are to say; for what you are to say will be given to you in that hour; for it is not you who speak, but the Spirit of your Father speaking through you. Brother will deliver up brother to death, and the father his child, and children will rise against parents and have them put to death; and you will be hated by all for my name's sake. But he who endures to the end will be saved.”

Whether we like it or not, our way to eternity into Heaven with Jesus is through the Cross. We have to accept the Cross that we will have to carry through life to follow Him; no, we won’t be alone and yes Jesus will help us with the burden of its weight. But in the end we must know, that that Cross we are carrying is ours. As Jesus sacrificed His blood and laid down His life to save us; we must live our life as a living sacrifice serving Him, and we may be put to the test with violence against us for following Him. That’s a reality in today’s world.

So what is today’s challenge? How might you RESPOND? Let us always remain loyal to Jesus; never surrender our allegiance to anyone else. How do you RESPOND? What is your first thought? Will you be able to have the strength to with-stand the sword for your faith? Or are you so weak and so easily intimidated, making you turn away from Jesus in an instance in fear of your own selfishness? Interesting challenge to consider; but today’s gospel is pretty clear, “…you will be hated by all…” Do you trust in Him? How do you RESPOND when your life is now the very sacrifice the world seeks? Relax, I am not the one asking you to surrender your blood; today’s gospel does suggest though, that one day we might have to decide. I promised you, this week will be a week, about how we will RESPOND to our faith. God Bless you.

“Jesus, I Trust in You.”

Your Brother in Christ Jesus
and His Most Precious Mother Mary,
Jimmy (The Rosary Man) Dacey Jr OFS

Merry Christmas

BEADS OF JOY 12-25-12 “Merry Christmas”
©2012 James Dacey, Jr. OFS

My Friends,

Merry Christmas:
My dear sisters and brothers, today I only wish to share the early morning readings with you. Let us focus on our families today. As this new week continues we will be focusing on how we might RESPOND to Jesus in His birth, to Jesus in His poverty, to Jesus in His love for us and in our Trusting in Him.

Solemnity of the Nativity of the Lord (Christmas)

Reading 1 IsAIAH 62:11-12 (Restoration of Zion)

See, the LORD proclaims
to the ends of the earth:
say to daughter Zion,
your savior comes!
Here is his reward with him,
his recompense before him.
They shall be called the holy people,
the redeemed of the LORD,
and you shall be called "Frequented,"
a city that is not forsaken.

Responsorial Psalm Ps 97:1, 6, 11-12.

R. A light will shine on us this day: the Lord is born for us.
The LORD is king; let the earth rejoice;
let the many isles be glad.
The heavens proclaim his justice,
and all peoples see his glory.
R. A light will shine on us this day: the Lord is born for us.
Light dawns for the just;
and gladness, for the upright of heart.
Be glad in the LORD, you just,
and give thanks to his holy name.
R. A light will shine on us this day: the Lord is born for us.

Reading 2 TiMOTHY 3:4-7 (Various Ministries)

Beloved:
When the kindness and generous love
of God our savior appeared,
not because of any righteous deeds we had done
but because of his mercy,
He saved us through the bath of rebirth
and renewal by the Holy Spirit,
whom he richly poured out on us
through Jesus Christ our savior,
so that we might be justified by his grace
and become heirs in hope of eternal life.

Gospel LUkE 2:15-20 (The Visit of the Shepherds)

When the angels went away from them to heaven,
the shepherds said to one another,
"Let us go, then, to Bethlehem
to see this thing that has taken place,
which the Lord has made known to us."
So they went in haste and found Mary and Joseph,
and the infant lying in the manger.
When they saw this,
they made known the message
that had been told them about this child.
All who heard it were amazed
by what had been told them by the shepherds.
And Mary kept all these things,
reflecting on them in her heart.
Then the shepherds returned,
glorifying and praising God
for all they had heard and seen,
just as it had been told to them.

“Jesus, I Trust in You.”

Your Brother in Christ Jesus
and His Most Precious Mother Mary,
Jimmy (The Rosary Man) Dacey Jr OFS