Sunday, April 22, 2018

One Shepherd


BEADS OF JOY 04-22-18
“One Shepherd”
©2018 James Dacey, Jr. OFS

My Friends,


Today’s Gospel: John 10:11-18 (The Good Shepherd)
“I am the good shepherd. The good shepherd lays down his life for the sheep. He who is a hireling and not a shepherd, whose own the sheep are not, sees the wolf coming and leaves the sheep and flees; and the wolf snatches them and scatters them. He flees because he is a hireling and cares nothing for the sheep. I am the good shepherd; I know my own and my own know me, as the Father knows me, and I know the Father; and I lay down my life for the sheep. And I have other sheep, that are not of this fold; I must bring them also, and they will heed my voice. So, there shall be one flock, one shepherd. For this reason, the Father loves me, because I lay down my life, that I may take it again. No one takes it from me, but I lay it down of my own accord. I have power to lay it down, and I have power to take it again; this charge I have received from my Father."

Reflection: from the heart…
I want to be near to you Lord. Closer than words can ever express. Closer than my time will permit. More than You and I can ever have. How can I do this? I must commit to a sincerely devote prayer life and a very active, aggressive desire to want to be at Eucharistic Adoration and Mass as often as possible. I want You Lord to be the absolute center focus of my life. Consume me Lord, as I do all I can to consume You.

My life is only complete when I am near to you Lord. This life can be deceiving and very misleading. One might think fame and fortune are the greatest and most important accomplishments, but they aren’t. In this life, the greatest accomplishment we can ever achieve is to be closer to You. Our relationship with You far exceeds the value of anything in the universe. Our lives deem no value if they hold no eternal life and through You Lord, we have eternal life.

This life is only complete when my life is near to you Lord. I give all of me to You Jesus, every fiber of my being, hearing Your words, reciting Your prayers. I seek only You. This life is exciting and wonderful because of You. Yes, this life has it’s challenges no doubt, but because of You Lord, I am able to see beyond them and work closer and closer to Heaven. On this journey Lord, I desire to help and direct as many others who will be open Lord, to listen to You, as I lead them to You.
The Good Shepherd and His Sheep



Pondering these thoughts today: Jesus is the Good Shepherd. Today I offer a wonderful, exciting, fun challenge. Take a look at all the things in your life that you are involved in. Now ask yourself one question: Do they involve Jesus or the environment that is positive for sharing God, scripture, our Lady, the Rosary or anything about our Lord? If not, is it possible to make it that way? If not, I challenge you, to not, do things in your life that do not, involve Jesus in some way. I know that may sound harsh but staying focused on Jesus in all that we do makes our lives even more incredible and more blessed. Don’t waste precious time.

LOVE YOU GUYS !!!!

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

Today is Sunday: We pray the Glorious Mysteries:

The Glorious Mysteries

1. The Resurrection (Faith) –Mark 16:1-8
2. The Ascension (Hope) –Luke 24:50-53
3. The Descent of the Holy Spirit (Love) –Acts 2:1-4
4. The Assumption of Our Lady
(Grace of a Happy Death) –Rev 12:1-6
5. The Coronation of Mary (Mary’s intercession) –Judith 15:9-10

Glory and Honor and Praise to You Lord Jesus Christ!


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Saturday, April 21, 2018

The Spirit Gives Life


BEADS OF JOY 04-21-18
“The Spirit Gives Life”
©2018 James Dacey, Jr. OFS

My Friends,


Today’s Gospel: John 6:60-69 (The Words of Eternal Life)
“Many of his disciples, when they heard it, said, "This is a hard saying; who can listen to it?" But Jesus, knowing in himself that his disciples murmured at it, said to them, "Do you take offense at this? Then what if you were to see the Son of man ascending where he was before? It is the spirit that gives life, the flesh is of no avail; the words that I have spoken to you are spirit and life. But there are some of you that do not believe." For Jesus knew from the first who those were that did not believe, and who it was that would betray him. And he said, "This is why I told you that no one can come to me unless it is granted him by the Father." After this many of his disciples drew back and no longer went about with him. Jesus said to the twelve, "Do you also wish to go away?" Simon Peter answered him, "Lord, to whom shall we go? You have the words of eternal life; and we have believed, and have come to know, that you are the Holy One of God."

Reflection:
So, what do you believe? Has your life gone through a spiritual transformation yet? St. Augustine of Hippo says, "I believe in order to understand, and I understand the better to believe." Remember Jesus did not choose scholars, rather he chose very ordinary people. Throughout scripture we read about doubters and even Saul who became Paul who was hunting down and imprisoning and even killing followers of Jesus. Through Paul’s transformation Jesus did a great work in Him.

If there is anyone’s life to study first in scripture other than our Blessed Lord, might I suggest Paul; through the power of the Holy Spirit he is the author of 28% of the New Testament. Start with The Acts of The Apostles and your life will be truly transformed. I love that book so much. To me it is the true Resurrection at work in the lives of the Apostles after Jesus’ crucifixion. Or might I encourage you to take the time to watch this movie Paul The Apostles. This is one of my favorite movies, I have it on DVD. I literally watch it 3-4 times a week.



Paul The Apostle: Movie



I encourage everyone to read The Acts of The Apostles and to watch this movie it’s very close to the Acts of The Apostles. It is very inspiring and life changing as you journey through your life following Jesus. This movie is not about celebrities or fame, it’s about faith and scripture. I know many movies like this, all of which inspire and encourage us on our Pilgrimage as we journey home. 
Many Disciples Desert Jesus




Pondering these thoughts today: Jesus Christ can transform your life forever. What we must do is allow Him into our lives. A simple prayer, a simple thought every single day that you focus on, can transform who you are in your everyday life. When I see time, or should I say a time frame, I see a chance for me to incorporate and share and have fellowship about: Jesus and Our Lady and The Rosary into those hours. What I am referring to is work hours, drive hours, stuck in the house hours. Every single day 24/7/365 Jesus, Mary and The Rosary must be entwined in whatever it is I am doing. Then to me it is a day that I spent with my Lord and His Mother. It’s really a simple goal to have. Try it out for a couple days, or even a week; I bet you can’t stop once you begin. 


 LOVE YOU GUYS !!!!

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

Today is Saturday: We pray the Joyful Mysteries:

The Joyful Mysteries

1. The Annunciation (Humility) – Luke 1:26-28
2. The Visitation (Love of Neighbor) – Luke 1:39-45
3. The Birth of Jesus (Poverty of Spirit) – Luke 2:1-20
4. The Presentation (Purity of Mind and Spirit) – Luke 2:22-38
5. Finding in The Temple (Obedience) –Luke 2:41-50

I simply love Saturday mornings, because Saturday like every other day of the week -begins with the Rosary.



Rosary Man Jim’s Joyful Reflection: http://beads-of-joy-blog.blogspot.com/2014/02/the-joyful-mysteries_10.html

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Friday, April 20, 2018

I Will Raise Him Up


BEADS OF JOY 04-20-18
“I Will Raise Him Up”
©2018 James Dacey, Jr. OFS

My Friends,


Today’s Gospel: John 6:52-59 (The Bread of Life Discourse)
“The Jews then disputed among themselves, saying, "How can this man give us his flesh to eat?" So, Jesus said to them, "Truly, truly, I say to you, unless you eat the flesh of the Son of man and drink his blood, you have no life in you; he who eats my flesh and drinks my blood has eternal life, and I will raise him up at the last day. For my flesh is food indeed, and my blood is drink indeed. He who eats my flesh and drinks my blood abides in me, and I in him. As the living Father sent me, and I live because of the Father, so he who eats me will live because of me.”

Reflection:
Jesus Died for Me! Pitiful sinful me, why would anyone die for me? Jesus must love me so much. We should all take the time to learn what this means. We don’t have to be scholars or seminarians to be close to Jesus to understand His suffering. All we need to do is spend time with Him at Adoration, Daily and/or weekly Mass and spend as much time as you can in scripture.

Jesus Died for You! Yes You! Jesus, loves you with all His heart and every breathe in His precious blessed body. All it would take is one drop of Jesus’ blood to pay the price, but Jesus gave so much more. Consider having your own private prayer life, one that would honor and love our Lord in a very personal way. Then build upon it and make it special between you and Him.

Jesus Died for the Sins of The Whole World! Yes, every single one of us! Who are we to judge? God alone judges! Jesus not only died for you and me, but He died for every single human being in the entire world throughout time. Jesus paid the ultimate price for all our sins with His blood. Our commitment and allegiance to Him, should be and must be unwavering. 

The Bread From Heaven



Pondering these thoughts today: What meaning does the Crucified Cross of Jesus have in your life? I’d like you to try this most powerful exercise. I promise you may need to have tissues nearby. Either do this at home if you have a Crucified Cross of Jesus or go to your church and sit before the Cross there. Once the time is right and it’s just you and Jesus upon the Cross. Look at the cross and stare at the nails and think about your sins and ask Jesus to forgive you. Continue to stare at those nails and tell Jesus how much you love Him. Slowly, pray the Our Father, the Glory Be and the Fatima Prayer (all Rosary Prayers) … repeat this entire exercise as many times as it takes till you feel it in your heart. You’ll understand that once you continue. Blessings my friends.
jimdaceyjunior@yahoo.com

LOVE YOU GUYS !!!!

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

Today is Friday: We pray the Sorrowful Mysteries:

The Sorrowful Mysteries

1. Agony on the Garden (Sorrow for sin) –Matt 26:36-46
2. Scourging at the Pillar (Purity) –Mark 15:1-16
3. Crowning with Thorns (Moral Courage) –Matt 27:27-31
4. Carrying of the Cross (Patience) –Mark 15:20-22
5. The Crucifixion (Perseverance) –Luke 23:33-46

Thank you Lord for loving us so much…


Rosary Man Jim’s Sorrowful Reflection: http://beads-of-joy-blog.blogspot.com/2014/02/the-sorrowful-mysteries_11.html

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Thursday, April 19, 2018

Raise Him Up


BEADS OF JOY 04-19-18
“Raise Him Up”
©2018 James Dacey, Jr. OFS

My Friends,


Today’s Gospel: John 6:44-51 (Bread of Life Discourse)
“No one can come to me unless the Father who sent me draws him; and I will raise him up at the last day. It is written in the prophets, `And they shall all be taught by God.' Everyone who has heard and learned from the Father comes to me. Not that anyone has seen the Father except him who is from God; he has seen the Father. Truly, truly, I say to you, he who believes has eternal life. I am the bread of life. Your fathers ate the manna in the wilderness, and they died. This is the bread which comes down from heaven, that a man may eat of it and not die. I am the living bread which came down from heaven; if any one eats of this bread, he will live forever; and the bread which I shall give for the life of the world is my flesh."

Reflection:
This is an excerpt from a commentary I found online about the entire Bread of Life Discourse.  www.scborromeo.org/papers/bread.pdf  I have never come across this before. I hope this is helpful and insightful in today’s gospel reflection. That link is for John 6:25-71, that is straight through till Saturday’s gospels. I am only sharing this today. Tomorrow’s reflection will be written by me. From time to time I like to have a variety for everyone to see, how I find material that I study from.

Verse 44: No one can come to me unless the Father who sent me draws him;

God’s grace is necessary in order to have faith and understand (Isaiah 54:13). Jeremiah 31:33-34 has the same theme which accompanies the promise of the new covenant.

and I will raise him up on the last day.

Again, the promise of resurrection. This does not mean that all that is necessary is to “Accept Jesus Christ as your personal Lord and Savior@ and you will be saved; salvation results not only from belief but believing so deeply that you act on that belief and A Do whatever He tells you@ (John 2:5).

Verse 45: It is written in the prophets, “And they shall all be taught by God.”

Isaiah 54:13 is what He quotes. Is 54 promises the future covenant which God will establish with His people when the messiah comes (see also Isaiah 53:10-12; Jeremiah 31:31-34).
Everyone who has heard and learned from the Father comes to me. 46Not that any one has seen the Father

Although the Old Testament sometimes represents God with a form, looked upon by creatures, the Jewish belief was firm: God was invisible and could not be seen by man.

except him who is from God; he has seen the Father.
Jesus has seen the Father; He has come down from heaven (verse 38). Man can know God the Father only through the Son because He as seen Him and has come to reveal Him to us.

Verse 47: Truly, truly, I say to you, he who believes has eternal life.

See verse 26 comments. A life and death situation.

Verse 48: I am the bread of life.

Jesus repeats this statement for the second time (verse 35) after repeating the oath; because the audience doubts Him. Having repeatedly identified Himself as one sent by God, Jesus now begins the second part of His discourse where He unveils the mystery of the Eucharist.

Verse 49: Your fathers ate the manna in the wilderness, and they died.

The manna sustained physical life but did not make them immortal, physically or spiritually. Their ancestors ate the manna but still made the golden calf.

Verse 50: This is the bread which comes down from heaven,

It is a gift of God.

that a man may eat of it

In the first Passover meal (Exodus 12:6-10) not only did you have to make the sacrifice and sprinkle its blood, you also had to eat it. and not die. If you do not eat the gift of God, you will die.

Verse 51: I am the living bread which came down from heaven;

The third time (verses 35 & 48) that He identifies Himself as the Bread of Life. In Hebrew numerology the number three represents completeness. Jesus does not attempt to soften or alter His teaching. It is the literal meaning, not a figurative or metaphorical one, that He is trying to drive home.

"My ambition as a youth was to apply to the study of the Holy Scriptures all the refinement of dialectics. I did so, but without the humility of the true searcher. I was supposed to knock at the door so that it would open for me. Instead I was pushing it closed, trying to understand in pride what is only learned in humility. However, the all-merciful Lord lifted me up and kept me safe." ~St Augustine of Hippo

I Am The Bread of Life



Pondering these thoughts today: This is so incredible! Immortal, eternal life, are you ready for that? I don’t think we’ll get bored, I know, I am just guessing; but being in the presence of Jesus and our Lady and so many of our loved ones missed and unknown from our family heritage. I think I will be busy for the next hundred thousand years. I think we will have the most fantabulous time in Heaven praying, laughing and smiling. Let us do all we can in this life to make sure we go there. Jesus first always!

LOVE YOU GUYS !!!!

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

Today is Thursday: We pray the Luminous Mysteries:

The Luminous Mysteries

1. The Baptism of Jesus (Matt 3:13-17)
2. Wedding Feast of Cana (John 2:1-12)
3. Proclamation of the Kingdom of God (Mark 1:15)
4. The Transfiguration (Mark 9:2-13)
5. Institution of the Holy Eucharist (Matt 26:17-30)

Glory and Honor and Praise -Lord Jesus Christ!!


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Wednesday, April 18, 2018

The Bread of Life


BEADS OF JOY 04-18-18
“The Bread of Life”
©2018 James Dacey, Jr. OFS

My Friends,


Today’s Gospel: John 6:35-40 (Bread of Life Discourse)
“Jesus said to them, "I am the bread of life; he who comes to me shall not hunger, and he who believes in me shall never thirst. But I said to you that you have seen me and yet do not believe. All that the Father gives me will come to me; and him who comes to me I will not cast out. For I have come down from heaven, not to do my own will, but the will of him who sent me; and this is the will of him who sent me, that I should lose nothing of all that he has given me but raise it up at the last day. For this is the will of my Father, that everyone who sees the Son and believes in him should have eternal life; and I will raise him up at the last day."

Reflection:
I feel so distracted today. Chrissy and I use to talk a lot about the Bread of Life and our devout love for the Mass. We also together used to love and sing the song: I Am The Bread of Life (video below). So, this has been a tough couple of days focusing on this particular topic. So, in my research I ended up looking back at some of the most difficult moments with Chrissy struggling with her cancer. So, if it’s ok I am going to share some excerpts of past writings of mine, that brought tears to my eyes today. Sorry for hi-jacking today’s blog, but I think you might like this…

May 22, 2010 ( Somber Reflection Today )
“I am way too stressed out, and emotionally I am torn apart. As many of you know, my darling, precious wife Chrissy is currently experiencing some extremely challenging health issues in her (our) life. The "C" word has arrived, and as of this blog we are uncertain of the extent of her cancer. But this upcoming Wednesday, the absolute results are about to be revealed to us.”

May 31, 2010 ( The Cross – We Embrace It )
“I invite all of you to embrace the cross without fear. Be bold, never allow anything or anyone around you to draw you away from Him. Think of it this way in this little story: "One day you were at the park and over near the benches you see this huge man who looks powerful, almost intimidating. You say to yourself, "Self... LOL, stay away from him, he is a big dude, he looks pleasant, but his power and size are scary." All of a sudden two little kids go running to him into his arms. He lifts them both and hugs and cuddles them making them giggle. So you wonder to yourself, who is this man? Then all of sudden you hear the kids saying "daddy". And you almost cry to yourself understanding the whole image of what just happened before you." No fear is in those who wish to be embraced by their father. By embracing the cross, we embrace Jesus, and by embracing Jesus we embrace God, our Father who embraces us. I pray that this week brings you Joy, a Joy that enables you to cheerfully embrace any and all crosses that come to you in your life.”

June 14, 2010 ( The Joyful – Daily Walk 1/5 )
“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 outright 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.”

Jesus Is The Bread Of Life


Extra Special Memory: 
July 27, 2010 ( Honored To Serve Her Lord )


 "Our Lord has given me a responsibility. A very special, very important task. Our Lord told me, "There is something only you can do. It will require TONS OF LOVE, OCEANS OF PATIENCE, cutting edge COMMON SENSE, the ability to cook some really good meals, you need to do all the laundry, take care of all the kids needs, food shop, general shop, balance a household budget, maintain the landscaping, do back and feet and leg rubs, and pretty much whatever else that will be asked of you..."

Immediately I responded, "Lord whatever it is you wish of me, I will do, it will be my honor to serve You Lord." Jesus then said, "I need you to take special care of Christine. By serving her, you will be serving me, but it further shows your love for Me. I have appointed you to be there for her throughout this most difficult time in her life." Without hesitation I jumped at the chance saying, "It would be my honor Lord. I trust in You to give me the strength and wisdom, to be the best husband, friend, and caretaker Chrissy has ever known."

I Am the Bread of Life by John Michael Talbot



LOVE YOU GUYS !!!!
jimdaceyjunior@yahoo.com 

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

Today is Wednesday: We pray the Glorious Mysteries:

The Glorious Mysteries

1. The Resurrection (Faith) –Mark 16:1-8
2. The Ascension (Hope) –Luke 24:50-53
3. The Descent of the Holy Spirit (Love) –Acts 2:1-4
4. The Assumption of Our Lady (A Happy Death) –Rev 12:1-6
5. The Coronation of Mary (Mary’s intercession) –Judith 15:9-10

Glory and Honor and Praise to You Lord Jesus Christ!



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Tuesday, April 17, 2018

Bread From Heaven


BEADS OF JOY 04-17-18
“Bread From Heaven”
©2018 James Dacey, Jr. OFS

My Friends,


Today’s Gospel: John 6:30-35 (Bread of Life Discourse)
“So, they said to him, "Then what sign do you do, that we may see, and believe you? What work do you perform? Our fathers ate the manna in the wilderness; as it is written, `He gave them bread from heaven to eat.'" Jesus then said to them, "Truly, truly, I say to you, it was not Moses who gave you the bread from heaven; my Father gives you the true bread from heaven. For the bread of God is that which comes down from heaven and gives life to the world." They said to him, "Lord, give us this bread always." Jesus said to them, "I am the bread of life; he who comes to me shall not hunger, and he who believes in me shall never thirst."

Reflection:
Everlasting Life! That is our goal! That is why we are here! We need to focus on that and all that that encompasses. If all we were here for the stuff and a selfish attitude; well we’d have the world we ended up with now. Oh?? Well, we can change that one prayer at a time, one soul at a time. I’m not being negative, just very realistic. So, on a positive note, let’s get to work and start sharing Jesus every day with someone new. Remember: Jesus is The Bread of Life!

So, let us focus on how we can make the world better today and an infinity of tomorrows. Jesus came so that we can have life, not just this life, but Everlasting Life with Him in Heaven. We need to live a life here that is pleasing to Him so that we indeed do go to Heaven. We all sin and we all fall short, no doubt. But through God’s grace and the sacrament of confession we can clean our hearts and soul regularly. Do you hunger for the Bread of Life?

Do you know that this life and time go by very quickly? I am more than a half a century old, there I said it. Holy Mackerel (Yeah, I know that’s a fish LOL.) Well, now that everyone knows it, even those who didn’t, I will say this; this time in life has gone by so very fast. I can remember high school and college like it was yesterday. Literally the people, the classes, conversations, even the weather. And poof here we are 30-40 years later. WOW! Stay fully focused on Jesus throughout your life, you won’t regret that. I promise you.

I look back on my (our) 30 incredible years of marriage, our most sincere love for one another, holding hands all the time, hugging and cuddling so much, kissing so tenderly and being so playful. I cherish those memories so much. God has blessed me with so many fond, heart warming memories of three incredible decades. But like I have been saying all along today, all that time went by so fast. And we knew what was to come, but it still caught us by surprise. So, we must be ready all the time, keeping Jesus, The Bread of Life front and center in our lives.

Jesus the Bread of Life



Pondering these thoughts today: Do you truly, sincerely hunger for the bread of life that Jesus has to offer? We need to learn how to detach ourselves from this life, this world, these very distracting things here on this earth; so that we can truly focus more fully on Jesus. I know some of you may think that was a hard statement. I don’t apologize. Yes, I do feel that strongly about that. If only we can stay more fully focused on Jesus. Try it one day at a time. Even start with one hour at a time. All things Jesus.

LOVE YOU GUYS !!!!

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

Today is Tuesday: We pray the Sorrowful Mysteries:

The Sorrowful Mysteries

1. Agony on the Garden (Sorrow for sin) –Matt 26:36-46
2. Scourging at the Pillar (Purity) –Mark 15:1-16
3. Crowning with Thorns (Moral Courage) –Matt 27:27-31
4. Carrying of the Cross (Patience) –Mark 15:20-22
5. The Crucifixion (Perseverance) –Luke 23:33-46

Thank you Lord for loving us so much…


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Monday, April 16, 2018

I Want To Be a Priest!


My Reflections Prior to Speaking with Fr. John 4/16/18



I have always felt this inner calling to be a Priest. But, with that being said; I know that God had other plans for me long ago. Here is the back story: My mother and I prayed for almost a year back in 1983, asking our Lord, if being a Priest was something I should pursue. Back then I was also wanting to be a Dad and a Husband, like my dad, who I admired. I didn’t start dating at all, till I was in college. Odd, I know, but pure truth. Well, I met this girl Deana and I fell in love, so I thought. We were together 2.5 years and engaged. I did love her, but I always told her, something was missing, and I don’t know what. This relationship was non-sexual, and we were waiting for our honeymoon. Anyhow, one day at work Christine Mersereau passed by me, only to find out she worked with me. It was my first day at my new job. I didn’t know her name and I knew absolutely nothing about her. All I knew was in my head and in my heart, I said to myself, “There is the future Mrs. Dacey!” And so, we became friends and at the first moment of our exchange of conversation, I felt that SPARK inside my heart and I knew this is what was missing.

I can’t fully explain it, but I knew I had to let go of everything and everyone and pursue this incredible woman and get her into my life. Which I did, and holy smokes did I create controversy and confusion. Mind you, I was already engaged, we had the hall, the church, the date, we already had an engagement party. I really had no clue that this was going to get so crazy. I guess I was naive. But no matter what, even with all the trouble I thus created; I was not taking my eyes or my heart off Christine. She will be my wife, forever. I remember our first lunch date, it was at the Dove, a diner about a mile from work. I was doing 70 mph, on Richmond Avenue in my Dodge Aspen coupe, it had T-Tops it was so cool. I know I wasn’t. The funny part is, I raced us back to work, and Chrissy got out and said to me, “I will never ever get in a car with you again, you are crazy.” LOL! I laughed to myself and looked at her and said, “Oh we’ll see, you will.” I was cocky, and I was falling in love.

The reason I am telling you all of this, is because this drive inside of me, this “calling” if you will, to have Christine in my life was so strong. All I knew in my heart and in my head, is that life will be perfect, if she is with me. And I was so right! Life was incredible, I found my true Princess, my Soulmate, my one True Love. In my life back then, I was meant to be a Dad and a Husband, who loved and adored his wife with all his heart, no matter what. I fell in love with Chrissy over and over again through our 30 years together. My heart always skipped a beat every time we held each other and kissed. My parents at the time were irate, after all I was with another girl for 2.5 years, made all these wedding plans, etc. and I willingly left it all to pursue a girl I didn’t really know. My parents said, “You guys won’t last a year, you’re throwing everything away for someone you don’t even know.” Well… LOL… Well...



I told my parents, “I can’t explain it, but Christine will be my wife and we will be together forever, and we will have a family.” My mom was like, “How can you say that, you guys just met?” I said, “I can’t explain it, I just know, she is my one true love, we will always be together.” My parents eventually, obviously realized, we seriously fell in love and it was forever, and it was more real than ever and we were like teenagers in love all the time.

I tell you this, because inside me NOW, since the 17th day of Lent 2018, I have had this burning desire inside of me to pursue the Priesthood and become a Priest. Can I fully explain it? No. Do I know it’s real and our Lord’s love is overflowing and bubbling inside me? YES! So, I must do all I can to pursue this. Sometimes, you just know, that you know, that you know. Hope that makes sense. Only difference here is that I can’t make all the decisions. Priests and the Bishop could do all they can to show me, this is not my calling. I pray that they sense this burning desire deep inside of me to serve our Lord this way.

I truly desire a life of self-sacrifice. I can’t explain it, but I have always admired the life of a Priest. A Priest who willingly gives his life to the Church to serve his community and to bring Jesus to all of us. Like I told Fr Peter Calebrese many years ago in Lewiston, NY, when he was my Spiritual Director. I said to him, “I admire you and I admit I even envy you, for having such a wonderful incredible life as a Priest.” He was like, “What?” I said, “Please don’t misunderstand me, I love my wife with all my heart and I adore all our children, it’s just that, you are doing exactly what I have always wanted to do, since I was in high school.” I had to tell him this, I felt my heart screaming inside to share with him how I truly felt about the Priesthood.

I did not plan to write this this morning. I was only going to work on my blog and my books. I had no intentions to share all of what I just wrote, I just felt led to do so. And now my heart and my soul feel refreshed and joyous, because I did...

From my heart to yours,
Jim Dacey Jr, OFS

jimdaceyjunior@yahoo.com 

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Food Which Perishes


BEADS OF JOY 04-16-18
“Food Which Perishes”
©2018 James Dacey, Jr. OFS

My Friends,


Today’s Gospel: John 6:22-29 (Bread of Life Discourse)
“On the next day the people who remained on the other side of the sea saw that there had been only one boat there, and that Jesus had not entered the boat with his disciples, but that his disciples had gone away alone. However, boats from Tiberias came near the place where they ate the bread after the Lord had given thanks. So, when the people saw that Jesus was not there, nor his disciples, they themselves got into the boats and went to Capernaum, seeking Jesus. When they found him on the other side of the sea, they said to him, "Rabbi, when did you come here?" Jesus answered them, "Truly, truly, I say to you, you seek me, not because you saw signs, but because you ate your fill of the loaves. Do not labor for the food which perishes, but for the food which endures to eternal life, which the Son of man will give to you; for on him has God the Father set his seal." Then they said to him, "What must we do, to be doing the works of God?" Jesus answered them, "This is the work of God, that you believe in him whom he has sent."


Reflection:
Do you hunger for that which comes from God? Or are you under a spell with the things of this earth? Everything on this planet will perish and rot away; you are wasting your time if you are into this stuff. It is by the power of the Holy Spirit; that Jesus Christ alone can satisfy every hunger pang that exists in our body, in our hearts and in our spirit. Seek Him out! Put nothing before Him! Put no one before Him! Jesus Christ is the one who will give you everything your heart and soul have every wanted and even more. You do not have to believe me, open your heart and let Him in; His love alone will show you exactly what I am talking about.

This life goes by way too fast, we must do all we can to act upon that which matters as quickly as we can. I wish we knew the dates and the times and the places we needed to be ready for our Lord. But, we know that’s not how things work. We must always be ready and always know that at any time it can be time for us to return home before our Lord. That is why I believe in whatever capacity we must all live a life that is Jesus 24/7/365. Obviously, that will be different for everyone, but let’s be real; everyone can pray in their hearts while doing something else, everyone can ponder the thoughts of loving Jesus while doing something else. So, it is possible. Make it your own.

It is through Jesus that we love like we never loved before. It is through Jesus that we forgive like we never forgave before. It is through Jesus that we open our arms for others like we never did before. Jesus Christ has given us an incredible gift, one that can’t be wrapped or purchased, one that can only be shared.

Jesus The Bread of Life



Pondering these thoughts today: What do you hunger for? Is it wealth? Is it love? Is it power? What is it? How about your treasures? What are you spending your money on? A most intriguing sign of what really matters to you the most. I know many of us don’t have much disposable cash, but we do have some. Where does that money go? Do you buy worldly things that make you look good? Gold? Diamonds? Cars? Vacations? Not that anything is wrong with any of that stuff, but are you also at least helping those who are suffering. And we can’t forget that we must help our church every week, that is very important. Hopefully this has left you thinking about many things today. See you tomorrow.

LOVE YOU GUYS !!!!

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

Today is Monday: We pray the Joyful Mysteries:

The Joyful Mysteries

1. The Annunciation (Humility) – Luke 1:26-28
2. The Visitation (Love of Neighbor) – Luke 1:39-45
3. The Birth of Jesus (Poverty of Spirit) – Luke 2:1-20
4. The Presentation (Purity of Mind and Spirit) – Luke 2:22-38
5. Finding in The Temple (Obedience) –Luke 2:41-50

I simply love Monday mornings, because every morning begins with the Rosary.


MY FIRST BOOK.
(Mary’s Way of The Cross - .99¢)

MY SECOND BOOK.
(Praying The Complete Rosary - .99¢)

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