So Much Lost -But All Found

BEADS OF JOY 09-11-16

“So Much Lost -But All Found”

©2016 James Dacey, Jr. OFS

My Friends,

 Today’s Gospel: Luke 5:1-32 (So Much Lost -But All Found)

“Now the tax collectors and sinners were all drawing near to hear him. And the Pharisees and the scribes murmured, saying, "This man receives sinners and eats with them." So he told them this parable: "What man of you, having a hundred sheep, if he has lost one of them, does not leave the ninety-nine in the wilderness, and go after the one which is lost, until he finds it? And when he has found it, he lays it on his shoulders, rejoicing. And when he comes home, he calls together his friends and his neighbors, saying to them, `Rejoice with me, for I have found my sheep which was lost.' Just so, I tell you, there will be more joy in heaven over one sinner who repents than over ninety-nine righteous persons who need no repentance. "Or what woman, having ten silver coins, if she loses one coin, does not light a lamp and sweep the house and seek diligently until she finds it? And when she has found it, she calls together her friends and neighbors, saying, `Rejoice with me, for I have found the coin which I had lost.' Just so, I tell you, there is joy before the angels of God over one sinner who repents.

And he said, "There was a man who had two sons; and the younger of them said to his father, `Father, give me the share of property that falls to me.' And he divided his living between them. Not many days later, the younger son gathered all he had and took his journey into a far country, and there he squandered his property in loose living. And when he had spent everything, a great famine arose in that country, and he began to be in want. So he went and joined himself to one of the citizens of that country, who sent him into his fields to feed swine. And he would gladly have fed on the pods that the swine ate; and no one gave him anything. But when he came to himself he said, `How many of my father's hired servants have bread enough and to spare, but I perish here with hunger! I will arise and go to my father, and I will say to him, "Father, I have sinned against heaven and before you; I am no longer worthy to be called your son; treat me as one of your hired servants."' And he arose and came to his father. But while he was yet at a distance, his father saw him and had compassion, and ran and embraced him and kissed him. And the son said to him, `Father, I have sinned against heaven and before you; I am no longer worthy to be called your son.' But the father said to his servants, `Bring quickly the best robe, and put it on him; and put a ring on his hand, and shoes on his feet; and bring the fatted calf and kill it, and let us eat and make merry; for this my son was dead, and is alive again; he was lost, and is found.' And they began to make merry.

Now his elder son was in the field; and as he came and drew near to the house, he heard music and dancing. And he called one of the servants and asked what this meant. And he said to him, `Your brother has come, and your father has killed the fatted calf, because he has received him safe and sound.' But he was angry and refused to go in. His father came out and entreated him, but he answered his father, `Lo, these many years I have served you, and I never disobeyed your command; yet you never gave me a kid, that I might make merry with my friends. But when this son of yours came, who has devoured your living with harlots, you killed for him the fatted calf!' And he said to him, `Son, you are always with me, and all that is mine is yours. It was fitting to make merry and be glad, for this your brother was dead, and is alive; he was lost, and is found.'"

Reflection:
Wow. Today is one power packed gospel, chock full of way too much to talk about. But the gem is The Parable of The Prodigal Son. A son who was full of contempt and pride forcing division within his family; returns finding mercy and forgiveness and restoration as the family unites and celebrates. When Jesus tells a parable it’s always a story about something we need to understand and learn. Here the prodigal son is (all of us) and the father the son returns to, is Almighty God. It’s a vivid picture but we can see it. Look at the character of God towards the returning son (His child) who was ungrateful and demanding. Upon his return there was NO Judgment, NO slander, NO reprimand, NO hardship! ONLY LOVE!!

Can we learn of His love? Can we love our children and others with His love? This father never lost hope, nor has he ever given up, that his son would return to him. As our Lord continues to hope, never giving up on us, that all of us would return our love and faith and lives to Him and return home. Do you know the kind of love Jesus and God the Father have to offer us? It's far beyond anything we could ever imagine. It is deeper and more sincere and more loving than any love we could ever receive in this life. God the Father will never hold anything against us. His love is the purest and most giving of all. When He welcomes us “home” it will be with open arms and an open heart full of generosity and kindness and forgiveness that will shower us with so much Joy. All of our needs will be fulfilled and He will love us unconditionally for all eternity.

What did the prodigal son realize and learn while he was away? A great deal indeed. He returned humble and even said how he would speak to his father saying, “Father, I have sinned against heaven and before you; I am no longer worthy to be called your son; treat me as one of your hired servants." This son (a child of God) was repenting in the deepest most humiliating way. He openly admitted his sin and guilt; doing all he can to reconcile with his father. There is no way he would have ever imagined the response his father gave him. Just as Almighty God gives each one of us, every time we turn to Him and ask for forgiveness in confession. Jesus wants all of us to “return home” and be the daughters and sons he has always wanted us to be. While some walk off with worldly wealth with Almighty behind them; our Lord stands in hope of their return to His arms. Transform your hearts my sisters and brothers, love Jesus above all things, don’t get caught up in the swine and mud of this worlds pleasures. It will only distract you and keep you away from the Father. He is waiting for you, waiting and hoping for your return. His arms are open. Love you guys. More to come tomorrow, but you already knew that.


The Parable of The Lost Sheep

The Parable of The Lost Coin

The Parable of The Prodigal Son

LOVE YOU GUYS !!!!

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

**(NEW DAILY FEATURE)

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

Rosary Man Jim's Glorious Reflections: http://beads-of-joy-blog.blogspot.com/2013/05/the-glorious-mysteries.html

Wise and Foolish Builder

BEADS OF JOY 09-10-16

“Wise and Foolish Builder”

©2016 James Dacey, Jr. OFS

My Friends,

Today’s Gospel: Luke 6:43-49 (Wise and Foolish Builder)
“For no good tree bears bad fruit, nor again does a bad tree bear good fruit; for each tree is known by its own fruit. For figs are not gathered from thorns, nor are grapes picked from a bramble bush. The good man out of the good treasure of his heart produces good, and the evil man out of his evil treasure produces evil; for out of the abundance of the heart his mouth speaks. "Why do you call me `Lord, Lord,' and not do what I tell you? Everyone who comes to me and hears my words and does them, I will show you what he is like: he is like a man building a house, who dug deep, and laid the foundation upon rock; and when a flood arose, the stream broke against that house, and could not shake it, because it had been well built. But he who hears and does not do them is like a man who built a house on the ground without a foundation; against which the stream broke, and immediately it fell, and the ruin of that house was great."

Reflection:
Ok here we go… Homebuilder’s, carpenters, electricians, brick layers and I know so many others, lend me your ears (Yes, I’ll give them back!). Today Jesus taught a parable you might want to read. I’m only going to reflect on His teaching. I personally never build a house, at least not with a hammer and nails. I’ve draw homes (and built scaled models with balsa wood) on an architectural level including all building requirement specifications; so I have some simplistic semi-educated knowledge. I did all that throughout High School and my first year of College. My initial career choice was to be an Architect. So home design (foundation to chimney top) was something I loved since I was a teenager. Still do to some degree. Not with brick and mortar and getting my hands dirty of cause; but with the creative ideas of my mind on paper.

Building a house takes great planning, it’s not only a floor plan and a bunch of pictures of what the future inside will look like. But the location must also be taken into account. And when you pick the location, you must take into consideration the seasons, current and past. Even though it may look beautiful today, maybe three years ago there was a flood in the very spot you have chosen. I’m sure you are wondering, what does all this have to do with our faith? I thought the same thing to, the very first time I heard this scripture. But think about it. The basic concept here is the “foundation” and what the house is built upon.

What is your house built upon? YOU, your heart, your ulterior motives, your desires, your intentions, your choices; the very character of who we are. That my sisters and brothers is our foundation. The house that is built upon it, is our words, our sincerity, our gestures, our faith, our intentions, our motives and our actions. Do you speak out of the both sides of your mouth? Do you know what that means? It means on one side you say one thing and then on the other side you say and do the complete opposite. God sees that. He knows the Character of His children. We must build our lives on a solid foundation of faith and keep our house in order. If we say we are Christians and we care for others and love our Lord; then we need to live a life that reflects just that. We must say and do what we mean and live by what we claim we live by. There are way too many phony people in the world today! Don’t be one of them! Turn to Jesus and promise Him your honest, reliable self and live a life pleasing to Him; while helping and serving others with His hands and His love. God loves you all. See you tomorrow.

“Our words matter, for the very words we speak; come from the very foundation we are built upon.” ~me

LOVE YOU GUYS !!!!

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

**(NEW DAILY FEATURE)

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 & 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 -it begins with the Rosary.

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

Stop Judging Others

BEADS OF JOY 09-09-16

“Stop Judging Others”

©2016 James Dacey, Jr. OFS

My Friends,

Today’s Gospel: Luke 6:39-42 (Stop Judging Others)
“He also told them a parable: "Can a blind man lead a blind man? Will they not both fall into a pit? A disciple is not above his teacher, but every one when he is fully taught will be like his teacher. Why do you see the speck that is in your brother's eye, but do not notice the log that is in your own eye? Or how can you say to your brother, `Brother, let me take out the speck that is in your eye,' when you yourself do not see the log that is in your own eye? You hypocrite, first take the log out of your own eye, and then you will see clearly to take out the speck that is in your brother's eye.”

Reflection:
Ok… I am going to listen to my own title and Not write about Judging Others or groups of Others to defeat the purpose of this reflection. Instead, let us look at what Jesus wants us to do. He wants us to HEAL our relationships! He wants us to restore them with His love! He wants us to be like Him in many ways and do all we can do build relationships rather than destroy them. So let’s NOT judge others in any way. Because in all reality, that’s God’s Job, not ours. Let’s leave the Judging to Him, after all He will judge us all. Instead let’s be the peacemakers.

Kindness and mercy go a long way. Remember any judgment can be wrong and misguided, so the best way to avoid a difficult situation that could cause some serious heartache of wrongful accusation, is just avoid it completely. We are not perfect, not one of us can say that we are. So instead, let us think the best of others, to the best of our ability and let us try to always be known for that. Kindness and mercy go a long way. A critical and harsh spirit are hard to love; but a merciful, kind and loving spirit can be easy to love. Be that spirit to all. Shock the world by your kind, merciful love. Think about it, anyone can say, “Look how horrible you are. You fool!” Rather be the one saying. “You’ll get through this, I’m here for you my friend.” Always think this: Kindness and mercy go a long way.

Ask Jesus to fill your heart with His love. His kindness. His mercy. So that you may be more charitable to others in all situations, even when they offend you. Ask our Lord to remove all the sin of selfishness, that puts the judgment of others in your heart. We must practice and focus to do our best daily, to think the best of others always. If the love inside our hearts ever has a chance to grow, then we must not allow the sin of hurting others to grow with that love. They cannot grow together. In order to allow the love inside our hearts to grow, we must tear out the weeds of judgment so that our kindness and our mercy is pure. Kindness and mercy go a long way. Till we meet again tomorrow on these same pages, have a fantastic day.

LOVE YOU GUYS !!!!

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

**(NEW DAILY FEATURE)

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

FRIDAY’S I share this meditation I wrote back in 2010. Here I share my own personal insight and experience, as I journey with our Lady from station to station.

Many Franciscan groups around the world use this for their own group gathering while they meditate the Stations with our Lady. http://beads-of-joy-blog.blogspot.com/2010/03/marys-way-of-cross.html It is unique and emotionally very moving as you move from station to station… From my heart to yours.

A Virgin Shall Conceive

BEADS OF JOY 09-08-16

“A Virgin Shall Conceive”

©2016 James Dacey, Jr. OFS

My Friends,

Today’s Gospel: Matt 1:1-16, 18-23 (A Virgin Shall Conceive)
“The book of the genealogy of Jesus Christ, the son of David, the son of Abraham. Abraham was the father of Isaac, and Isaac the father of Jacob, and Jacob the father of Judah and his brothers, and Judah the father of Perez and Zerah by Tamar, and Perez the father of Hezron, and Hezron the father of Ram, and Ram the father of Amminadab, and Amminadab the father of Nahshon, and Nahshon the father of Salmon, and Salmon the father of Boaz by Rahab, and Boaz the father of Obed by Ruth, and Obed the father of Jesse, and Jesse the father of David the king. And David was the father of Solomon by the wife of Uriah, and Solomon the father of Rehoboam, and Rehoboam the father of Abijah, and Abijah the father of Asa, and Asa the father of Jehoshaphat, and Jehoshaphat the father of Joram, and Joram the father of Uzziah, and Uzziah the father of Jotham, and Jotham the father of Ahaz, and Ahaz the father of Hezekiah, and Hezekiah the father of Manasseh, and Manasseh the father of Amos, and Amos the father of Josiah, and Josiah the father of Jechoniah and his brothers, at the time of the deportation to Babylon. And after the deportation to Babylon: Jechoniah was the father of Shealtiel, and Shealtiel the father of Zerubbabel, and Zerubbabel the father of Abiud, and Abiud the father of Eliakim, and Eliakim the father of Azor, and Azor the father of Zadok, and Zadok the father of Achim, and Achim the father of Eliud, and Eliud the father of Eleazar, and Eleazar the father of Matthan, and Matthan the father of Jacob, and Jacob the father of Joseph the husband of Mary, of whom Jesus was born, who is called Christ.

Now the birth of Jesus Christ took place in this way. When his mother Mary had been betrothed to Joseph, before they came together she was found to be with child of the Holy Spirit; and her husband Joseph, being a just man and unwilling to put her to shame, resolved to divorce her quietly. But as he considered this, behold, an angel of the Lord appeared to him in a dream, saying, "Joseph, son of David, do not fear to take Mary your wife, for that which is conceived in her is of the Holy Spirit; she will bear a son, and you shall call his name Jesus, for he will save his people from their sins." All this took place to fulfill what the Lord had spoken by the prophet: "Behold, a virgin shall conceive and bear a son, and his name shall be called Emmanuel"(which means, God with us).”

Reflection:
Before I begin I hope you take the time to enjoy the attached video. It is really wonderfully made, not by me of cause. But it is one I think you will enjoy a lot once you see it. Let us begin:

What can we learn by the faith, trust and obedience that Our Lady and St. Joseph have in the Lord God in their lives, that we can have in our life? Well for starters, even when they seem to be spoken to, they do way less talking. One thing I have noticed and you may have to; they do way more listening. Yeah I am into the “way” word. LOL! But when they do inquire, it’s short and simple and when their concerns are answered they are satisfied and do as the Lord asked. We can learn a great deal by their example. I often wonder: Why are we of this generation so in doubt of the power and love of God? I know not every single one of us is. I’m not! But so many are. So many question everything little thing; to do all they can to destroy simple humble beautiful faith.

There is no need to be so cruel and rude to those of us who do believe so devoutly. Honestly I wish everyone would believe, but if you don’t, well, I will pray for you. I know I don’t for a second know the mind and heart of Almighty God; but I do know this, He does know the mind and hearts of His children (us). So all we can do is our best to help those we feel led to and pray for those who are led astray. Ok GEAR CHANGE: (always expect the unexpected from me) What does your Spiritual Family Genealogy look like? I’m sure none of us is as impressive as Jesus’ is. Holy Cow, Jesus has every Biblical Legend in it. LOL Ok, we must get an autograph. Time for a selfie. Just kidding. Ok, down to some serious thoughts. Maybe some of us have some very spiritual relatives in our family tree and some of us don’t, well here’s my solution. First off write your story, title it “My Story” ... Not! my story, YOUR story... you know what I mean…

“If you have no Spiritual Ancestral Legacy to share, be the Legacy.” ~me

See what I mean. Make your spiritual life a major significant experience to share with future generations. Write it down! Video record it! Audio record it! Save each significant Joyful Experience! Document Your Journey! And then don’t pass it to your kids or grand kids, I suggest if you can to the best of your ability, pass it to your great grand kids. Or to the furthest generation you are able to in a very special way that will impact their lives so that this incredible legacy of faith will live on for many generations to come… Just an idea. Push it as far forward as you can, with as much detail as you can, being as compassionate and as loving as you can. Be the most loving and memorable Catholic Ancestor in your Family that ever existed. I don’t mean it in a pompous way. LOL! Did I say that? Wow. I mean it in a pious and devout sincere loving way that is genuine and something your future generations won’t be able to put down. Open the doors and let them into your faith my sisters and brothers. Maybe they didn’t listen while you were alive, but long after you are gone; many will be curious of your inner peace and depths of your faith. Much to think about after today, don’t you think. Till tomorrow, Ta Ta. (Made you Smile)

Excellent VIDEO, one I believe you will cherish:

LOVE YOU GUYS !!!!

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

**(NEW DAILY FEATURE)

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!!

Rosary Man Jim's Luminous Reflections: http://beads-of-joy-blog.blogspot.com/2013/05/the-luminous-mysteries.html

Blessed Are The Poor

BEADS OF JOY 09-07-16

“Blessed Are The Poor”

©2016 James Dacey, Jr. OFS

My Friends,

Today’s Gospel: Luke 6:20-26 (Blessed Are The Poor)
“Looking at his disciples, he said:
“Blessed are you who are poor,
    for yours is the kingdom of God.
Blessed are you who hunger now,
    for you will be satisfied.
Blessed are you who weep now,
    for you will laugh.
Blessed are you when people hate you,
    when they exclude you and insult you
    and reject your name as evil,
        because of the Son of Man.
“Rejoice in that day and leap for joy, because great is your reward in heaven. For that is how their ancestors treated the prophets.

“But woe to you who are rich,
    for you have already received your comfort.
 Woe to you who are well fed now,
    for you will go hungry.
Woe to you who laugh now,
    for you will mourn and weep.
Woe to you when everyone speaks well of you,
    for that is how their ancestors treated the false prophets.”

Reflection:
Ok, I was originally going to start with another statement. I’ll get back to that shortly. But I came across a much more compelling one. Have you ever been thirsty or hungry before? I don’t mean like you were purposely fasting and your stomach was growling; or you missed lunch and you couldn’t wait to eat dinner. I mean that you haven’t eaten a thing in two days because you had no food in your home and no money buy any. I’m sure I hit a nerve with someone. Chrissy and I have been there. Poverty and hunger are difficult, they are tough enough for one person, but when 2 or 3 or 4 or 5 kids are looking at you and say they are hungry; there’s no way a parent can eat, all the food must go to the children and the parents must not eat anything. We have done that many times in the past and even a few times in the present. You don’t understand poverty and hunger till you can’t fulfill your own desire of hunger.

Now flip this over and pat it down and let’s fill it with Joy. Have you ever had a hunger and thirst for the Lord that was so great and so strong that you just had to: Open your bible, go to Mass, be at Adoration for hours, tell everybody about Jesus, write about Him, sing to the Lord out loud!! Now this Hunger is a hunger that overflows with Joy. And the Joy is Jesus. This Hunger can only be satisfied by Jesus. We must have a hunger and desire of the Spirit that seeks out Jesus our whole life. Do you know what the “Poverty of Spirit” is? It is not what is may sound like, what it is to me is, our Spirit making room in our life to possess God alone and making Him our Greatest Treasure in this life. Our nourishment by which we gain our strength is God’s Word and Love. The “poverty” which brings “sorrow” to me is when I allow my life, that is “my time” to be wasted, away from my Lord.

Fr. Mullally once, ok several times, OK Many Times, told me, “Jim, you need to have other activities and interests in your life other than just your faith.” I was like “WHAT??? NO!!” I’ve shared this in great detail in another recent blog. To me Jesus, our Lady and the Rosary are my whole entire Life. PERIOD! What is the point of this life, if we don’t use it to properly to prepare for our eternal life? Think about this: Why would a person who is studying to be a doctor spend years studying and learning and when it came time for the MCAT exams not care? Of cause they would care and of cause they spend time reading and studying. They have spent part of their life preparing for the MCAT, do you not think they would make sure they would be ready. They would probably eat, drink and sleep MCAT thoughts day and night with excitement. They too would not be 100% certain of the outcome, but they would do all they can to be 100% ready. Ok our future Doctors of The Soul, prepare yourselves NOW for Heaven. We have been granted this time to prepare. Let us use it wisely. See you all tomorrow.

LOVE YOU GUYS !!!!

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

**(NEW DAILY FEATURE)

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
(Grace of a Happy Death) –Rev 12:1-6
5. The Coronation of Mary (Mary’s intercession) –Judith 15:9-10

Rosary Man Jim's Glorious Reflections: http://beads-of-joy-blog.blogspot.com/2013/05/the-glorious-mysteries.html

The Twelve Apostles

BEADS OF JOY 09-06-16

“The Twelve Apostles”

©2016 James Dacey, Jr. OFS

My Friends,

 Today’s Gospel: Luke 6:12-19 (The Twelve Apostles)

“In these days he went out to the mountain to pray; and all night he continued in prayer to God. And when it was day, he called his disciples, and chose from them twelve, whom he named apostles; Simon, whom he named Peter, and Andrew his brother, and James and John, and Philip, and Bartholomew, and Matthew, and Thomas, and James the son of Alphaeus, and Simon who was called the Zealot, and Judas the son of James, and Judas Iscariot, who became a traitor. And he came down with them and stood on a level place, with a great crowd of his disciples and a great multitude of people from all Judea and Jerusalem and the seacoast of Tyre and Sidon, who came to hear him and to be healed of their diseases; and those who were troubled with unclean spirits were cured. And all the crowd sought to touch him, for power came forth from him and healed them all.”

Reflection:
Hey! What are you doing here? No really why are you here? Ok, I’ll be more clear in my question: What has God called you to do with your life? Yes, I have asked myself this very question a bazillion times over the past 33 years. There are times I know exactly and then I go through smokey unclear times that I am uncertain. The only certainty is my faith and love for my Lord; but like many of us, the exact precious purpose at times gets foggy. I know I am here to: Love Him, Serve Him, Honor Him and Share Him and I do all I can to do those things every single new day I am given. Not one day goes by that He is not on my mind. Not one day goes by that my heart doesn’t pound harder thinking how much I love Him.

Look at the chosen twelve, they were simple men. Jesus didn’t pick scholars or elite men who were the well-spoken of His time; on the contrary, He chose ordinary everyday working men that He saw a special quality in. We are just like these men in many ways, who were unable to bring anything to the table to offer, except themselves. So what’s holding you back from doing the same? Is there anything holding you back from giving Jesus everything you got? Every ounce of love? Every bit of energy? Ideas? The ability to reach out to others? To be His hands in mercy and love to others? Is anything you can do in His Name? I am sure there is a gift He gave you, a “talent” an “ability”. Can you share it? Can it bring Joy to others? Maybe you are a great story teller? Maybe you enjoy building furniture or crafts? Whatever it is you can ask the Lord to show you how you might do this wonderful talent for His Glory, in His Name. Do you know how I started writing? Well I will tell you… You knew this was coming. LOL

I started writing poetry in my High School senior year 1983. I don’t really know exactly what drew me to it, I did and still do love music. Lyric always intrigued me, as do words in sentences and books and stories and I love to read. So I guess all that combined just got me writing poetry. It was short, to me it was simple and I wrote dozens every day. Some about my life, my family, relationships. Then in the Spring of 1983 I met Jesus. And I knew instinctly what I needed to do. Now I indeed to write poems about my Lord and my Love for Him and share them with everyone. Eventually in a very skeleton sort of way, “Beads of Joy” began in typed monthly form. LOL, wow that was way back in the day. I have hundreds upon hundreds of poems about my Love for Jesus, our Lady and The Rosary. Eventually this evolved into writing short explanations, stories, my life, my personal story, etc. And here we are today 33 years later. I trust the Lord will lead you to your talent and you will use it for His Glory. Till tomorrow. God Bless you.

LOVE YOU GUYS !!!!

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

**(NEW DAILY FEATURE)

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…

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

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

A Healing on The Sabbath

BEADS OF JOY 09-05-16

“A Healing on The Sabbath”

©2016 James Dacey, Jr. OFS

My Friends,

Today’s Gospel: Luke 6:6-11 (A Healing on The Sabbath)

“On another Sabbath, when he entered the synagogue and taught, a man was there whose right hand was withered. And the scribes and the Pharisees watched him, to see whether he would heal on the Sabbath, so that they might find an accusation against him. But he knew their thoughts, and he said to the man who had the withered hand, "Come and stand here." And he rose and stood there. And Jesus said to them, "I ask you, is it lawful on the Sabbath to do good or to do harm, to save life or to destroy it?" And he looked around on them all, and said to him, "Stretch out your hand." And he did so, and his hand was restored. But they were filled with fury and discussed with one another what they might do to Jesus.”

Reflection:
Interesting how the Scribes and the Pharisees only focus wasn’t on the healing; but rather on the destruction of the healer. Such hatred and jealously, these men did not live a life where as God was the center of who they were. Well we know that now and Jesus knew that then. On the Sabbath we are to rest and to slumber and regain our strength honoring our Lord. With that said, we are also to tend to others with mercy, especially those in need. If we are true followers of Jesus placing Him first; others in need would come immediately after Jesus.

How are your Sunday’s Special and Holy? I know in today’s world, so many must work; or be busy cleaning and catching up at home because of working multiple jobs or extreme hours. This leaves the weekend, if you have a weekend to catch up or spend time with family, if you even have anytime with your family. Today’s world is a much different world than the one I grew up in. Sadly, my kids and our younger generation will never ever see it the way we did. The past can be interpreted in a whole bunch of ways and unfortunately depending on how hard your heart is or how your experience was, it can be interpreted differently. But we all have our own story to share.

My childhood was one of joy and family. I remember always seeing respect for Sunday’s, businesses respected Sunday’s, attendance at Mass was standing room only no matter when you went. I was an altar server for many many years as a kid, spending most of my Sunday’s on the Altar with the Priests serving Mass. Wonderful memories at Holy Child Church in Eltingville, Staten Island, New York. Our church had many priests growing up and we had many Masses throughout Sunday. I still can remember how jam packed that church always was all day Sunday, every Sunday. Then after Mass we’d usually go to cemetery and visit family and from there go to visit both Grandma (dad’s mom) and then Grandma and Grandpa (mom’s parents). Just a typical Catholic Italian Sunday growing up. I really miss that so much. I really wish I had that to give to my kids. That would be a real gem, a real legacy to pass down. If you are able to start that, do it!! Talk you all tomorrow.

LOVE YOU GUYS !!!!

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

**(NEW DAILY FEATURE)

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 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

The Cost of Discipleship

BEADS OF JOY 09-04-16

“The Cost of Discipleship”

©2016 James Dacey, Jr. OFS

My Friends,

Today’s Gospel: Luke 14:25-33 (The Cost of Discipleship)

“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. For which of you, desiring to build a tower, does not first sit down and count the cost, whether he has enough to complete it? Otherwise, when he has laid a foundation, and is not able to finish, all who see it begin to mock him, saying, `This man began to build, and was not able to finish.' Or what king, going to encounter another king in war, will not sit down first and take counsel whether he is able with ten thousand to meet him who comes against him with twenty thousand? And if not, while the other is yet a great way off, he sends an embassy and asks terms of peace. So therefore, whoever of you does not renounce all that he has cannot be my disciple.”

Reflection:
So are in or are you out? Think of this as a ship leaving the dock, you are either on the ship or you are off the ship, you can’t do both. After today’s Gospel you should be able to make up your mind. Jesus speaks straight, pure, truth now. To what measure are you willing to follow Him? You must forsake everything and everyone! Wait did you skip that last sentence, that’s Ok I’ll just say it again, I was probably talking so low, no one heard me anyway. YOU MUST FORESAKE EVERYTHING AND EVERYONE! Your life must be consumed by Jesus completely. Yes, it’s all about Jesus and it should be.

So you are still reading, that’s a good sign. Let us not forget that Jesus willingly embraced His cross, not only because God so desired it; but so that we might be set free from the bondage of our sins. Jesus paid for our sins with His blood. We, my sisters and brothers have been bought for a price. Jesus counted the cost and said YES to what His Father wanted and died so that we might live. The life Christ offered to save ours was a great sacrifice; the greatest sacrifice anyone can ever make for anyone else. He willingly did it out of pure love for us. In return we must love Him with every fiber of our being. So toughen up and take up your cross! Sacrifice your life and don’t turn back! What is the cost of true discipleship? Simple look at Jesus. What did it cost Him? It will cost us the same. EVERYTHING!

So I say this as it did in today’s Gospel “Count The Cost” and live your life wisely and prepare as you move forward. If you are a True Disciple, there will be a cost. And yes you will pay a price for it, if indeed you are a true disciple. If you bare the Cross of Christ in your life and you live accordingly. Then you do not live a rosy, peachy, utopia life of lavish plenty, being taken care of by servants. On the contrary, as a true servant and disciple you will have sacrifices and suffering and ridicule and hatred and mean things said to you. 33 years of my life spent “Publicly” loving and sharing my Lord. I have been yelled at, threatened and told hateful mean things about my faith, my priests, my pope, my Lord, our Lady from around the world. Words that cut deep, even scared me to death. “The Cost” of being a disciple! To me it doesn’t matter what they say or do. Jesus is my Lord always, even if it costs me my life. Talk you tomorrow.

LOVE YOU GUYS !!!!

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

**(NEW DAILY FEATURE)

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

Rosary Man Jim's Glorious Reflections: http://beads-of-joy-blog.blogspot.com/2013/05/the-glorious-mysteries.html

Debate About The Sabbath

BEADS OF JOY 09-03-16

“Debate About The Sabbath”

©2016 James Dacey, Jr. OFS

My Friends,

 Today’s Gospel: Luke 6:1-5 (Debate About The Sabbath)

“On a Sabbath, while he was going through the grain fields, his disciples plucked and ate some heads of grain, rubbing them in their hands. But some of the Pharisees said, "Why are you doing what is not lawful to do on the Sabbath?" And Jesus answered, "Have you not read what David did when he was hungry, he and those who were with him: how he entered the house of God, and took and ate the bread of the Presence, which it is not lawful for any but the priests to eat, and also gave it to those with him?" And he said to them, "The Son of man is Lord of the Sabbath."

Reflection:
Wonderful Gospel for 20 years ago, in my opinion. I know there are still millions of us worldwide who believe in “keeping Holy the Sabbath”. But unfortunately society as a whole has thrown in the towel. Businesses operate basically 7 days a week now. Very rare do you find anyone publicly respecting Sunday’s anymore. Look at overall Mass attendance. It’s so sad. Yet not long ago Sunday’s were sacred and respected not only to worship our Lord, but to give workers a day of rest. Now most have to work two jobs or more just to pay bills, so many tend to be working Sunday’s. I know many people that do, my kids do. We live in a new world today, one that unfortunately has a diminishing love and respect for God.

Like I have said numerous times throughout my blog it is imperative that each of us have a personal prayer life. A very in-depth, devout, very private, almost Saintly one. Yes, go to Mass, participate in Church activities and your community, evangelize all you can. But in the meantime, have a very exciting private prayer life in motion 7 days a week, one that is very natural for you, so that in the event of anything publicly changing or stopping you always have Jesus with you at home in a very special way. It is imperative and very important, regardless of anything changing or not. Our private prayer life shows Jesus even more, who we really are behind closed doors when we are with Him, one on one.

The Pharisees didn’t live day to day like Jesus, offering mercy and love. So there was no way they could understand, why Jesus would make sure His hungry disciples ate on the Sabbath. Jesus’ argument has always been that human needs have precedent over any ritual. Jesus healed on the Sabbath many times. It’s the same in our lives today. How many of you can relate to this? Rent/Mortgage is due and you have 5 kids sitting at the table waiting to eat and you have NO food. But you are holding the cash in your hand. Do you not delay the payment, pay the late fee, buy food and take care of your family first? Of cause you do! Human needs take precedence over all other responsibilities. On days like that Chrissy and I didn’t even eat; so that there was more for our children to eat. Sacrifice is an essential foundational part of love. Don’t talk about it, just do it. Talk to you all tomorrow.

LOVE YOU GUYS !!!!

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

**(NEW DAILY FEATURE)

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 & 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

Questions About Fasting

BEADS OF JOY 09-02-16

“Questions About Fasting”

©2016 James Dacey, Jr. OFS

My Friends,

 Today’s Gospel: Luke 5:33-39 (Questions About Fasting)

“And they said to him, "The disciples of John fast often and offer prayers, and so do the disciples of the Pharisees, but yours eat and drink." And Jesus said to them, "Can you make wedding guests fast while the bridegroom is with them? The days will come, when the bridegroom is taken away from them, and then they will fast in those days." He told them a parable also: "No one tears a piece from a new garment and puts it upon an old garment; if he does, he will tear the new, and the piece from the new will not match the old. And no one puts new wine into old wineskins; if he does, the new wine will burst the skins and it will be spilled, and the skins will be destroyed. But new wine must be put into fresh wineskins. And no one after drinking old wine desires new; for he says, `The old is good.'"

Reflection:
Old wine skins, new wine skins? What? Why didn’t they just use bottles? LOL. Oh yea they didn’t have any back then. Wake up Jim (speaking to myself). Just remember I don’t have a format to my reflection, I literally come out of the gate after my prayer time and research time thrilled to be able to share Jesus. Sometimes I get goofy as you see. The whole message is about the Old Testament and the New Testament. Jesus don’t want us to discard the Old, nor does He want us to replace the Old; the purpose of the New is the fulfill the Old. Jesus is the new wine skins. Hello everybody! (me smiling at you)

Let us be eager to grow with the New Testament with an incredible foundation of the Old Testament. There are hidden secrets and tresures throughout the Old Testament that lead us to Jesus, the Old is vitally important to understand; yet in order to grow we need the New Testament to make us stronger as we deepen our faith. It is the New that will take us to eternity, into the arms of Jesus. I have learned through our small bible study how both the Old and the New Testaments have worked together to build our faith. How can you do Calculus without knowing basic addition or subtraction. That’s my analogy. The foundation and Glory of the New Testament is throughout the Old Testament. Knowing both make our faith breath-takingly magnificent. We all should cherish our bibles and really get to know them much better.

Think of this also. Through Jesus in the New Testament, the “new wine skins” are more flexible, they can handle far more pressure and stress than the old can. Jesus has opened our eyes in a calmer, more loving, more forging, more merciful way. The Old Testament was much harsher and stricter to the core of law. Jesus came not to replace the law, but to fulfill it. Jesus came to us in love and died to pay the price that needed to end that debt hanging over us from the Old Testament. That’s my understanding. I didn’t get that from any book or research. I got that through prayer. Jesus was sent by God to wipe the slate clean “the new wine skins” so that all of us can be saved. He died because He loves us that much. I hope that makes sense; in my heart and soul, it does. See you guys tomorrow.

LOVE YOU GUYS !!!!

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

**(NEW DAILY FEATURE)

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

FRIDAY’S I share this meditation I wrote back in 2010. Here I share my own personal insight and experience, as I journey with our Lady from station to station.

Many Franciscan groups around the world use this for their own group gathering while they meditate the Stations with our Lady. http://beads-of-joy-blog.blogspot.com/2010/03/marys-way-of-cross.html It is unique and emotionally very moving as you move from station to station… From my heart to yours.

Call to Simon The Fisherman

BEADS OF JOY 09-01-16

“Call to Simon The Fisherman”

©2016 James Dacey, Jr. OFS

My Friends,

Today’s Gospel: Luke 5:1-11 (Call to Simon The Fisherman)

“While the people pressed upon him to hear the word of God, he was standing by the lake of Gennesaret. And he saw two boats by the lake; but the fishermen had gone out of them and were washing their nets. Getting into one of the boats, which was Simon's, he asked him to put out a little from the land. And he sat down and taught the people from the boat. And when he had ceased speaking, he said to Simon, "Put out into the deep and let down your nets for a catch." And Simon answered, "Master, we toiled all night and took nothing! But at your word I will let down the nets." And when they had done this, they enclosed a great shoal of fish; and as their nets were breaking, they beckoned to their partners in the other boat to come and help them. And they came and filled both the boats, so that they began to sink. But when Simon Peter saw it, he fell down at Jesus' knees, saying, "Depart from me, for I am a sinful man, O Lord." For he was astonished, and all that were with him, at the catch of fish which they had taken; and so also were James and John, sons of Zebedee, who were partners with Simon. And Jesus said to Simon, "Do not be afraid; henceforth you will be catching men." And when they had brought their boats to land, they left everything and followed him.”

Reflection:
Are you a witness to God’s Truth to those around you? Isn’t it simply amazing how Jesus always seems to pick the simplest, most ordinary people? He doesn’t look for the affluent, well off individuals in mansions; rather he looks for the ordinary working folks or the poor wretched souls on the street. That’s extremely encouraging, of cause our Lord wants everyone - old, young and rich and poor; but by choosing the poor to me, it makes His message more real and more welcoming. There are no worldly requirements in Jesus’ eye, except that you Love the Lord with all your heart and all your soul and you love your neighbor as yourself. Once you begin with that everything else falls into place.

Let us continue these thoughts. When you are met with disappointment and negative results as Simon Peter did in today’s Gospel; do you turn to the Lord for answers and solutions? Even though his response to Jesus initially was a bit negative, he did say, “But at your word I will let down the nets." He knew by listening to Jesus’ counsel he would have the solution he was seeking. And by golly he did! He had an overabundance of success by simply having trust in the Lord. It really is that simply. I can bare testimony to that in my own life and in my family’s life. It is our Trust in Jesus that has pulled us through some of the most difficult of situations.

Sometimes life gets to be very difficult and we don’t know why and sometimes during these most difficult times the people you “think” who will stand by your side don’t! Instead those people scatter and run away and desert you and they don’t even treat you like you are alive. And what happens is other people, more Godly people become your greatest most encouraging allies and you build an alliance that helps build your faith. I know some of you out there that like me, who have also dealt with this in their lives. You understand this, you can relate to this. God knows our needs, He will not see us left alone, He will fill our nets if they are empty, if our own families are the ones who make them empty -God will make sure they are full and overflowing. Keep the faith my sisters and brothers. Till tomorrow, keep praying, keep trusting.

LOVE YOU GUYS !!!!

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

**(NEW DAILY FEATURE)

Today is Thursday: We pray the Luminous Mysteries..

http://beads-of-joy-blog.blogspot.com/2013/05/the-luminous-mysteries.html