True Cost of Discipleship

BEADS OF JOY 11-06-13
“True Cost of Discipleship”
©2013 James Dacey, Jr. OFS

 

Today's gospel maybe too harsh for many. I find it to be “inspiring truth” to me. Jesus never said following Him was going to easy. The cross He asks for us to embrace and follow in this gospel in verse 33 says this, “So therefore, whoever of you does not renounce all that he has cannot be my disciple.” Today's gospel is Luke 14:25-33 (Sayings about Discipleship). Some might interpret this has a very hard saying from our Lord, but we must understand the importance of us placing Him first in our lives, period. Just take a look at the first three verses, “Now great multitudes accompanied him; and he turned and said to them, "If any one comes to me and does not hate his own father and mother and wife and children and brothers and sisters, yes, and even his own life, he cannot be my disciple. Whoever does not bear his own cross and come after me, cannot be my disciple.” Verses 25-27. We are to "hate" and "bear", my research shows that obviously we are not to "hate" as in the meaning of the word the way we use it. My research found that hating something back then, meant “to prefer it less”. Language was strong so that there was complete clarity in the message that no one at all must be in our lives first, before God. All the cost have been taken into consideration as that echoes in this scripture.

Yes I will be the first to tell you that “the cost” to take up your cross and follow Him; truly, will cost you your earthly life, some friends and all of the world's treasures. Many close friends (not necessarily school friends) of the past, who initially knew me as a “Jesus freak” have abandoned me. I care and I do pray for them, but, oh well what can I do? Along with the loss of many of my other acquaintances, I often deal with dirty looks or wise remarks when I speak of Jesus, and believe me I speak of Him a lot; most especially when it comes to our ministry. Through the years the wise remarks have lessened and my answers have gotten more Christ-like. And now in my old age (lol), I don't ever get anger when someone’s ignorance of God or Jesus or our Lady -attacks me. I instead pour out His love inside me all over them, usually that always puts out the flame of hatred they have towards me, because of God or Jesus or our Lady. Which brings to mind a question, I thought of this when I was doing all my reading while researching: What is the cost and risk, that was spoken of in the gospel, and why is it so important to plan ahead? The answer is more insightful than straight forward. Jesus guarantees us success when we follow Him, that's a true biblical fact. So with that said, we begin following Him knowing what will inevitably happen. What does that do? It should give us the “kahunas” to forge forward sharing His love with everybody. LOL. So be BOLD in the Lord...

So now we know that in order for us to “FOLLOW JESUS” it will cost us literally everything. Hmm…, are you still following my blog now, it's no joke, this is for real, I surrendered my embrace of this world a long time ago. Nothing here will get us there (Heaven that is…). If you hold on to the things of this world they will become the anchor that won't allow you to freely, quickly follow Him. Now consider: Is what Jesus is offering to us, worth everything, is the cost to receive "Eternity in Heaven with Him" too much for you to bear? I hope that was rhetorical. Of cause it's worth every bit of it and more. “One mere drop of His precious blood is worth more than every single possession, and every kind of wealth in the entire universe.” –you can quote me on that… We are God's children, we should be screaming and shouting with JOY, that we have such an awesome, loving, caring God and Father in Heaven. We should do anything and everything we possibly can to do whatever it'll take to be with Him. Consider scripture as your guide (use my Mon-Fri Gospel challenge) and Jesus' own words as the directions. Also PRAY THE ROSARY every single day; 20 decades… We must give our Lord 24 hours of every day, and then fit everything else in. You will regret not doing that. Please I beg of you to put Jesus absolutely first all the time.

So as we wind down this very exciting, very direct gospel and blog, do you see what we really need to do? Do you see how important it is for us not even to put any person before Him? Anything or anyone worshiped and thought of before God is "idolatry" in some form. And our God is a loving, merciful, forgiving, caring God; but He wants no other Gods before Him. So we must trust in His word, His promises and the depths of His love for us; so that when we put every single thing we possesses and cherish on the line for Him, we know we are doing the right thing. Praise Jesus for today's very powerful reading. I really hope you to get excited and all wound up with overflowing Joy after reading today's gospel. We know the ending of the story, we know what God has promised; now it's up to us. Drop everything and put everyone on hold and RUN after Him with every single bit of energy and excitement that you have inside your heart. Become like me, a goofy, all wound up strange excited child of God. My Joy is ALWAYS in Him. He sets my heart a flame with His love. He is all I think of 24/7/365... Just do it. Pray to Him constantly, day in and day out, "Jesus, I trust in You."

LOVE YOU GUYS!!!!
Come PRAY THE ROSARY with us every evening Monday through Friday 9pm EST with our
"Our Lady's Rosary Text Vigil Group"…

Invitations posted daily… and throughout the evening…
https://www.facebook.com/RosaryManJim

Your brother in Christ Jesus
And His Most Blessed Mother,
Jim (The Rosary Man) Dacey Jr OFS
My Revised and Revitalized blog from: Sept. 9, 2010

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They Cannot Repay You

BEADS OF JOY 11-04-13
“They Cannot Repay You”
©2013 James Dacey, Jr. OFS

Today’s Gospel: Luke 14:12-14 (Humility and Hospitality) “He said also to the man who had invited him, "When you give a dinner or a banquet, do not invite your friends or your brothers or your kinsmen or rich neighbors, lest they also invite you in return, and you be repaid. But when you give a feast, invite the poor, the maimed, the lame, the blind, and you will be blessed, because they cannot repay you. You will be repaid at the resurrection of the just."”

My Friends,

How do you help others? How do you decide who you will help and who you won’t help? Hmm, yes a rather interesting thought to begin today’s blog with. But honestly, let us consider the purpose and end game of why we help others. Why do many pay extra attention to successful, wealthy, worldly people? Is it because you will be “paid back” or maybe you’ll be the one who will be there to “catch the crumbs”, “receive gifts”??  There are indeed many things to consider. Our ulterior motives in many ways will be our undoing and in the end will destroy us.

Generosity not only demands that our hearts love and charity guide it; but even more so our generosity must demand honest sincere self-sacrifice. Self-sacrifice doesn’t mean you invest in debt that someone else will owe you; rather self-sacrifice is debt we owe to Jesus our Savior. When we help others without ever seeking anything in return, we are returning to Jesus –His love for us. Remember Jesus gave His very life to save ours. We’ll never be able to pay Him back, so in turn with our lives, let us give it to Him as a living-sacrifice. Are you following me? With all that said –every chance we get let us help others (who are unable) to pay us back, never selfishly seeking anything in return.

LOVE YOU GUYS!!!!

Come PRAY THE ROSARY with us every evening Monday through Friday 9pm EST with our
"Our Lady's Rosary Text Vigil Group"…

Invitations posted daily… and throughout the evening…
https://www.facebook.com/RosaryManJim

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

I also invite you to follow me on Twitter and Pinterest:
https://twitter.com/Rosarymanjim

http://www.pinterest.com/rosarymanjim/

Make Haste and Come Down

BEADS OF JOY 11-03-13
“Make Haste and Come Down”
©2013 James Dacey, Jr. OFS

Today’s Gospel: Luke 19:1-10 (Jesus and Zacchaeus)”He entered Jericho and was passing through. And there was a man named Zacchaeus; he was a chief tax collector, and rich.  And he sought to see who Jesus was, but could not, on account of the crowd, because he was small of stature. So he ran on ahead and climbed up into a sycamore tree to see him, for he was to pass that way. And when Jesus came to the place, he looked up and said to him, "Zacchaeus, make haste and come down; for I must stay at your house today." So he made haste and came down, and received him joyfully. And when they saw it they all murmured, "He has gone in to be the guest of a man who is a sinner." And Zacchaeus stood and said to the Lord, "Behold, Lord, the half of my goods I give to the poor; and if I have defrauded any one of anything, I restore it fourfold." And Jesus said to him, "Today salvation has come to this house, since he also is a son of Abraham. For the Son of man came to seek and to save the lost.”

My Friends,

Very interesting insight to today’s gospel. How would you react if Jesus said to you, “___, make haste and come down; for I must stay at your house today!” We know that no one is perfect, no one is without sin; but the real question and thought I guess would be: How ready for Jesus’ arrival are we? Would we have to ask Him to please wait outside, I need to clean up and put away (hide) those things I’d be ashamed for you to see Lord. Or rather, can we say, “Praise Jesus, come into my home anytime You desire Lord, I am always ready for You.” Zacchaeus’ heart was forever changed after spending time with Jesus. Zacchaeus was not popular in a good way, he was a ruthless tax collector that abused his authority and stole from many, by overcharging them. But today was going to change his heart forever –today Zacchaeus wanted God’s mercy and forgiveness for all he had done; he wanted to be right with God.

Zacchaeus’ experience with Jesus not only changed his heart and his life; but his generosity of repentance, changed the whole community as he made restitution with so many from all the evil he has done against them. One man’s changed heart changed many. Can you to change like that when you are with Jesus? My life has never been the same since Jesus came into my life. His presence forever changed the way I act, speak and treat others. Zacchaeus’ experience is one for us to learn from and return to time and time again to remember…

Please take a moment and read what St. Augustine of Hippo said in his sermon about today’s gospel: “The Lord, who had received Zacchaeus in his heart deemed himself worthy to be received in his house. He tells him: Zacchaeus,  come down quickly, for I must stay in your house. (Luke 19:5) He considered seeing Christ as a good luck.    And he who considered seeing Him as great and ineffable luck, found himself worthy to have Him at once in his house. Grace is infused. Faith moves through love, Christ is received, who was already dwelling in the heart. Zacchaeus tells Jesus: Lord, I will give half of my goods to the poor, and if I have cheated anyone, I will pay him back fourfold.(Luke 19: 8) It is as if he said: I am keeping half of my wealth, not to possess it, but to have something from which I pay people back. Behold, this is what it means to receive Jesus, that is, to receive Him in the heart. Christ was truly there; He was in Zacchaeus, and by his inspiration, he said to himself what he was hearing from his heart. It is what the Apostle says: May Christ dwell in your hearts through faith. (Ephesians. 3: 17)

Since it was Zacchaeus, the chief tax collector and a great sinner,  that crowd, believed to be of sound mind, was preventing him to see Jesus. They were filled with awe and found reproachable the fact that Jesus entered into a house of sinner, which is the same as finding reproachable a doctor, who enters the house of  the sick. Since Zacchaeus turned to be an object of mockery as a sinner, those sick ridiculed him, he who was already restored to health.  The Lord responded to those deriders: Today salvation has come into his house. (Luke 19:9) Behold the reason why I entered this house: Today salvation has come. Had the Savior not entered, truly salvation must not have come to that house”. (Sermon 174,5-6)

God Bless you my sisters and brothers, have a blessed Sunday.

LOVE YOU GUYS!!!!
Come PRAY THE ROSARY with us every evening Monday through Friday 9pm EST with our
"Our Lady's Rosary Text Vigil Group"…

Invitations posted daily… and throughout the evening…
https://www.facebook.com/RosaryManJim

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

I also invite you to follow me on Twitter and Pinterest:
https://twitter.com/Rosarymanjim

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You Are The Messiah, Lord

BEADS OF JOY 11-02-13
“You Are The Messiah, Lord”
©2013 James Dacey, Jr. OFS

Today’s Gospel: John 11:17-27 (The Death of Lazarus) “Now when Jesus came, he found that Lazarus had already been in the tomb four days. Bethany was near Jerusalem, about two miles off, and many of the Jews had come to Martha and Mary to console them concerning their brother. When Martha heard that Jesus was coming, she went and met him, while Mary sat in the house. Martha said to Jesus, "Lord, if you had been here, my brother would not have died. And even now I know that whatever you ask from God, God will give you." Jesus said to her, "Your brother will rise again." Martha said to him, "I know that he will rise again in the resurrection at the last day." Jesus said to her, "I am the resurrection and the life; he who believes in me, though he die, yet shall he live, and whoever lives and believes in me shall never die. Do you believe this?"  She said to him, "Yes, Lord; I believe that you are the Christ, the Son of God, he who is coming into the world."”

My Friends,

Why did Jesus wait so long? What is the reason why Lazarus had to be left to die? I have considered many explanations in my own reflections. What seems to make sense to my understanding is this: 4 days in the tomb no doubt says Lazarus is indeed dead. And then Jesus, the Christ, the Son of God arrives. Though many believed in Jesus, many didn’t. This resurrection of Lazarus is kind of a precursor of Jesus’ own Resurrection. Later in this scripture from verse 40-44 this is what Jesus said: “Then Jesus said, “Did I not tell you that if you believe, you will see the glory of God?” So they took away the stone. Then Jesus looked up and said, “Father, I thank you that you have heard me. I knew that you always hear me, but I said this for the benefit of the people standing here, that they may believe that you sent me.” When he had said this, Jesus called in a loud voice, “Lazarus, come out!” The dead man came out, his hands and feet wrapped with strips of linen, and a cloth around his face. Jesus said to them, “Take off the grave clothes and let him go.”’

Jesus has been sent to us in the same way, to save us. We must trust that whenever He arrives to save us, to heal us, to help us… It is in the time that He so wanted to, and in the end it was all for His Glory in His Will. Our faith must remain true, even if we don’t see things happen when we want them to. When in doubt and you feel alone, lost or even completely misunderstood.. I ask that you take the time to pray one Our Father and One Hail Mary, One Glory Be and the Fatima Prayer…

Just Like this…

Our Father
Our Father, Who art in heaven, hallowed be Thy name; Thy kingdom come; Thy will be done on earth as it is in heaven. Give us this day our daily bread; and forgive us our trespasses as we forgive those who trespass against us; and lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil. Amen.

Hail Mary
Hail Mary, full of grace. The Lord is with thee. Blessed art thou amongst women, and blessed is the fruit of thy womb, Jesus. Holy Mary, Mother of God, pray for us sinners, now and at the hour of our death, Amen.

Glory Be
Glory be to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit, as it was in the beginning, is now, and ever shall be, world without end. Amen.

Fatima Prayer
O my Jesus, forgive us of our sins. Save us from the fires of hell. Lead all souls into heaven, especially those in most need of thy mercy.

Ending Prayer
Lord I ask that you lead me through this, I trust fully in You, and I wait upon Your Will in this. I don’t understand any of this fully, but I do love You and that’s all I need to know. Glory and Honor and Praise to You my Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. Amen…

LOVE YOU GUYS!!!!
Come PRAY THE ROSARY with us every evening Monday through Friday 9pm EST with our
"Our Lady's Rosary Text Vigil Group"…

Invitations posted daily… and throughout the evening…
https://www.facebook.com/RosaryManJim

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

I also invite you to follow me on Twitter and Pinterest:
https://twitter.com/Rosarymanjim

http://www.pinterest.com/rosarymanjim/

Marian Feast Days of November

BEADS OF JOY 11-01-13
“Marian Feast Days of November”
©2013 James Dacey, Jr. OFS

Marian Feast Days of November

1 - Our Lady of the Palm (Cadiz, Spain).

 2 - Our Lady of Emminont (Abbeville, France).

 3 - Our Lady of Rennes (Britianny, France).

 4 - Our Lady of Port Louis (Milan, Italy).

 5 - Our Lady of Damietta (Egypt).

 6 - Our Lady of Valfleurie (Lyons, France).

 7 - Our Lady of the Pond (Dijon, France).

 8 - Our Lady of Belle Fontaine (La Rochelle).

 9 - Our Lady of Almudena (Madrid, Spain).

10 - Miraculous cure through the intercession of Our Lady of Loretto.

11 - Our Lady of the Portuguese.

12 - Our Lady of the Tower Secret (Turin, Italy).

13 - Our Lady of Nanteuil (France).

14 - Our Lady of the Grotto (Lamego, Portugal).

15 - Our Lady of Pignerol (Savoy, France).

16 - Our Lady of Ostra Brama (Lithuania)

16 - Our Lady of Chieves (Hainault, Belgium).

17 - Our Lady of Sion (Queen of the Jews).

18 - The Rosary Virgin of Chiquinquira (Columbia).

19 - Our Lady of Divine Providence.

19 - Our Lady of Good News or Glad Tidings.

20 - Our Lady of La Guarde (Bologna, Italy).

21 - Presentation of the Blessed Virgin Mary in the Temple.

21 - Our Lady of Quinche.

21 - Our Lady of Peace of Salvador.

21 - Nuestra Señora de la Regla / Our Lady of the Rule (Spain/Philippines)

22 - Our Lady of Lavang (Vietnam).

23 - Our Lady of the Vault (Italy).

24 - Our Lady of Montserrat (Spain).

25 - Our Lady of the Rock of Fiesola (Tuscany, Italy).

26 - Our Lady of the Mountains (Italy).

27 - Our Lady of the Miraculous Medal.

28 - Our Lady of Walsingham (England).

29 - Apparition of Our Lady of Beauraing (Belgium).

30 - Our Lady of Genesta (Genoa, Italy).

LOVE YOU GUYS!!!!
Come PRAY THE ROSARY with us every evening Monday through Friday 9pm EST with our
"Our Lady's Rosary Text Vigil Group"…

Invitations posted daily… and throughout the evening…
https://www.facebook.com/RosaryManJim

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

I also invite you to follow me on Twitter:
https://twitter.com/Rosarymanjim

Marian Feast Days of October

BEADS OF JOY 10-01-13
“Marian Feast Days of October”
©2013 James Dacey, Jr. OFS

Marian Feast Days of October

1. Foundation of the Abbey de la Couronne in Angouleme (1122)

2. Our Lady of the Assumption, Naples, Italy (11th Century)

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. Our Lady of the Rosary, instituted by Pope Gregory XIII (1573)

8. Our Lady of Good Remedy/ Church of Our Lady of Gifts, Avignon France (1st Century) 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 Zapopan, Mexico, (1541)

13. Our Lady of Clairvaux, France, (1114)

14. Our Lady of La Rochelle, France (7th Century)

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

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 the Holy Cross & 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 Underground, Grand Cairo (12 Century)

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 (1070)

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)

LOVE YOU GUYS!!!!
Come PRAY THE ROSARY with us every evening Monday through Friday 9pm EST with our
"Our Lady's Rosary Text Vigil Group"…

Invitations posted daily… and throughout the evening…
https://www.facebook.com/RosaryManJim

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

I also invite you to follow me on Twitter:
https://twitter.com/Rosarymanjim

Happy Birthday Mama Mary

BEADS OF JOY 09-08-13
“Happy Birthday Mama Mary”
©2013 James Dacey, Jr. OFS

Hail Mary, full of grace. The Lord is with thee.
Blessed art thou amongst women,
and blessed is the fruit of thy womb, Jesus.
Holy Mary, Mother of God,
pray for us sinners,
now and at the hour of our death. Amen.

My Friends,

Today is a most splendid day to celebrate. Today we celebrate Mary, Mother of God, born to her parents Saint Anne and Saint Joachim. Here are some findings I’d like to share with you in regards to Mama Mary’s Birth and some wonderful saintly quotes about our dear precious beloved Blessed Mother.

BIRTH OF MARY - Feast - September 8
This feast is connected with the basilica constructed in the fifth century on the site of the pool at Bethesda. This is the supposed home of Ann and Joachim and where the basilica of St. Ann stands today. The feast was introduced by Pope Sergius I around 701. There are apocryphal accounts of Mary's birth, such as the gospel of pseudo-Matthew and another by St. Jerome. This feast opens the liturgical year in the East and was celebrated with an octave by Pope Innocent IV and with a vigil under Pope Gregory XI.

St. Augustine connects Mary's birth with Jesus' saving work. St. Augustine tells the earth to rejoice and shine forth in the light of her birth. “She is the flower of the field from whom bloomed the precious lily of the valley. Through her birth the nature inherited from our first parents is changed.”

REDEMPTORIS MATER – Pope John Paul II
3. The circumstance which now moves me to take up this subject once more is the prospect of the year 2000, now drawing near, in which the Bimillennial Jubilee of the birth of Jesus Christ at the same time directs our gaze towards his Mother. In recent years, various opinions have been voiced suggesting that it would be fitting to precede that anniversary by a similar Jubilee in celebration of the birth of Mary.

In fact, even though it is not possible to establish an exact chronological point for identifying the date of Mary's birth, the Church has constantly been aware that Mary appeared on the horizon of salvation history before Christ. It is a fact that when "the fullness of time" was definitively drawing near-the saving advent of Emmanuel- she who was from eternity destined to be his Mother already existed on earth. The fact that she "preceded" the coming of Christ is reflected every year in the liturgy of Advent. Therefore, if to that ancient historical expectation of the Savior we compare these years which are bringing us closer to the end of the second Millennium after Christ and to the beginning of the third, it becomes fully comprehensible that in this present period we wish to turn in a special way to her, the one who in the "night" of the Advent expectation began to shine like a true "Morning Star" (Stella Matutina). For just as this star, together with the "dawn," precedes the rising of the sun, so Mary from the time of her Immaculate Conception preceded the coming of the Savior, the rising of the "Sun of Justice" in the history of the human race.


Quotes about Mama Mary…

“Never be afraid of loving the Blessed Virgin too much. You can never love her more than Jesus did.” ~St. Maximilian Kolbe

“We never give more honor to Jesus than when we honor his Mother, and we honor her simply and solely to honor him all the more perfectly. We go to her only as a way leading to the goal we seek – Jesus, her Son.” ~St. Louis Marie de Montfort, True Devotion to the Blessed Virgin

“Mary, my dearest Mother, give me your heart so beautiful, so pure, so immaculate so full of love and humility that I may receive Jesus as you did – and go in haste to give him to others.” ~Blessed Mother Teresa

“To serve the Queen of Heaven is already to reign there, and to live under her commands is more than to govern.” ~St. John Marie Vianney

“Thus Christ by being born of a virgin, who, before she knew Who was to be born of her, had determined to continue a virgin, chose rather to approve, than to command, holy virginity. And thus, even in the female herself, in whom He took the form of a servant, He will that virginity should be free.” ~St. Augustine, On Holy Virginity

“As mariners are guided into port by the shining of a star, so Christians are guided to heaven by Mary” ~St. Thomas Aquinas

“And by a new nativity [Christ] was begotten, conceived by a Virgin, born of a Virgin, without paternal desire, without injury to the mother’s chastity…The origin is different by the nature like: not by intercourse with man but by the power of God was it brought about: for a Virgin conceived, a Virgin bare, and a Virgin she remained.” ~St. Leo the Great, Sermons

“A gentleman of the Protestant faith, the son-in-law of Malcolm Muggeridge, told me: “I love you, your work, everything I see, but there is one thing I do not understand: Our Lady. You are full of Mary.” I replied to him: “No Mary, no Jesus –no mother, no.” A few months later he send me a card with these words printed in big letters: “I believe, no Mary, no Jesus! This has changed my life.”” ~Blessed Teresa of Calcutta

“If through faith Mary became the bearer of the Son given to her by the Father through the power of the Holy Spirit, while preserving her virginity intact, in that same faith she discovered and accepted the other dimension of motherhood revealed by Jesus during his messianic mission. One can say that this dimension of motherhood belonged to Mary from the beginning that is to say from the moment of the conception and birth of her Son. From that time she was “the one who believed.”” ~Blessed John Paul II, Mother of the Redeemer 21

“If there is an apostle on whom our eyes would be fixed, was likely to teach us about the Blessed Virgin, it is St. John, to whom she was committed by our Lord on the cross – with whom, as tradition goes, she lived at Ephesus till she was taken away. This anticipation is confirmed; for, as I have said above, one of the earliest and fullest of our informants concerning her dignity, as being the Second Eve, is Irenaeus, who came to Lyons from Asia Mino and had been taught by the immediate disciples of St. John.” ~Blessed Cardinal John Henry Newman

“Now I seem to be penetrating what was the martyrdom of our most beloved Mother…Oh, if all people would but penetrate this martyrdom! Who could succeed in suffering with this, yes, our dear Coredemptrix? Who would refuse her the good title of Queen of Martyrs?” ~St. Padre Pio of Pietrelcina

“In that first ‘fusion’ with Jesus (holy communion), it was my Heavenly Mother again who accompanied me to the altar for it was she herself who placed her Jesus into my soul.” ~St. Therese of Lisieux

Your brother in Christ Jesus
And His Most Blessed Mother,
Jim (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 Annunciation - Reflection

BEADS OF JOY 09-02-13
“The Annunciation - Reflection”
©2013 James Dacey, Jr. OFS


Gospel: (Luke 1:26-38 / The Annunciation)

“In the sixth month the angel Gabriel was sent from God to a city of Galilee named Nazareth, to a virgin betrothed to a man whose name was Joseph, of the house of David; and the virgin's name was Mary. And he came to her and said, "Hail, O favored one, the Lord is with you!" But she was greatly troubled at the saying, and considered in her mind what sort of greeting this might be. And the angel said to her, "Do not be afraid, Mary, for you have found favor with God. And behold, you will conceive in your womb and bear a son, and you shall call his name Jesus. He will be great, and will be called the Son of the Most High; and the Lord God will give to him the throne of his father David, and he will reign over the house of Jacob forever; and of his kingdom there will be no end." And Mary said to the angel, "How shall this be, since I have no husband?" And the angel said to her, "The Holy Spirit will come upon you, and the power of the Most High will overshadow you; therefore the child to be born will be called holy, the Son of God. And behold, your kinswoman Elizabeth in her old age has also conceived a son; and this is the sixth month with her who was called barren. For with God nothing will be impossible. “And Mary said, "Behold, I am the handmaid of the Lord; let it be to me according to your word." And the angel departed from her.”

My Friends,

Today I am taking a glance back to January of 1996. It was then that I took much time writing out reflections to each mystery in the Rosary. My passion and love for the Rosary goes beyond words for the most part. It’s been in my life, on my mind and in my heart –and most especially in my writings for over 30 years. Check this out, hope it’s helpful in your own personal Journey.

-How is the humanity of Mary brought forth in the illustration of the Annunciation?

-How has the humanity of Mary inspired me to be more open to God’s Word fully trusting Him?

-Have there been times when I was troubled by having to put God’s Word into practice –and yet fully understand that I must trust in Him?

-What have I found to be a major obstacle to living God’s Word? And how has Mary’s Annunciation been a source of strength for me so that I can be more like her?

-How does Mary’s humble background help her to be open to the God’s Request? And in what ways have I struggled with humility?

-What daily concerns and temptations keep me from doing God’s Will? How have I confronted these challenges so that I am open to God’s Request at all times?

-What recent incident has challenged my faith like no other in my life? Was I able to respond with courage, trust and an even deeper faith?

-Has Mary’s lack of knowledge and understanding played a role in my own journey of faith –allowing myself to be like her and walk in faith and trust even when I don’t fully understand?

GOD BLESS YOU !!!

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

I also invite you to follow me on Twitter:
https://twitter.com/Rosarymanjim

Marian Feast Days of September

BEADS OF JOY 09-01-13
“Marian Feast Days of September”
©2013 James Dacey, Jr. OFS

Marian Feast Days of September

1. Collection of all the Feast of Our Lady, celebrated at Louvain

2. Our Lady of Helbron, Germany (1442)

3. Our Lady of the Divine Shepherd, France

4. Our Lady of Haut restores life to young woman in Belgium (1419)

5. Our Lady of the Woods, Galloro (1621)

6. Our Lady of the Fountain, Valenciennes, France

7. Vigil of the Nativity of Our Lady, instituted by Pope Gregory II (722)

8. Feast of the Birth of the Blessed Virgin Mary (15BC)

9. Our Lady of Puy, France (221)

10. Our Lady of Trut, Shrine near Cologne, Germany, built by St. Heribert (10th Century)

11. Our Lady of Hildesheim, Germany (11th Century)

12. The Most Holy Name of Mary

13. Our Lady of Zell (Mariazell), Austria/Our Lady of Guadalupe, Spain

14. Our Lady of Einsiedeln, Switzerland

15. The Seven Sorrows of the Blessed Virgin Mary

16. Our Lady of Good News, Sicily

17. Our Lady of the Candles (15th Century)

18. Our Lady of Smelcem, Flanders

19. Our Lady of La Salette, France (1846)

20. Our Lady of the Silver Foot, at Toul in Lorraine, France (1284)

21. Our Lady of Pucha, Valencia (1223)

22. The Giving of the Name of Mary to Our Lady by St. Ann, her mother

23. Our Lady of Valvenere, Spain

24. Our Lady of Ransom, Spain (1218)/ Our Lady of Rocamadour, France

25. Madonna, Divine Shepherdess, Spain (1703)

26. Our Lady of Victory at Tourney (1340)

27. Our Lady of Happy Assembly, Le Laus, France (1664)

28. Our Lady of Cambron, France (1322)

29. Our Lady of Tongres, France (1081)

30. Our Lady of Beaumont, Lorraine, France (12th Century) 

LOVE YOU GUYS!!!!
Come PRAY THE ROSARY with us every evening Monday through Friday 9pm EST with our
"Our Lady's Rosary Text Vigil Group"…

Invitations posted daily… and throughout the evening…
https://www.facebook.com/RosaryManJim

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

I also invite you to follow me on Twitter:
https://twitter.com/Rosarymanjim