Beads of Joy Blog II (2025)

Life-Changing Power of God's Love In the depths of John 3:16-21 lies a profound revelation of God's heart toward humanity: "For God so loved the world that he gave his only Son, so that everyone who believes in him might not perish but might have eternal life." This declaration unveils the very essence of salvation history - a Father who loves with such immensity that He offers His most precious gift. The love described here isn't merely affection but agape - a self-giving love that pours itself out completely for the beloved. God's love doesn't remain distant but enters our broken world, taking on flesh in the person of Jesus Christ, demonstrating that God's love is not abstract but tangible, personal, and life-changing. Today's gospel continues with a remarkable assurance: "For God did not send his Son into the world to condemn the world, but that the world might be saved through him." This reflects the merciful nature of God's love...

The Rebirth of the Soul In the stillness of the night, Nicodemus approaches Jesus with the questions that burden his heart. "You must be born from above," Jesus tells him, revealing a profound mystery of spiritual transformation. This truth transcends mere intellectual understanding, inviting us to recognize that the kingdom of God requires nothing less than a complete rebirth. Just as the wind blows where it wishes - its sound heard but its source and destination unknown - so too are those born of the Spirit. The divine life requires not just reformation but regeneration, a supernatural work that originates from heaven itself. The Lord draws upon the natural world to illuminate supernatural reality. Like the wind's mysterious movement, the Spirit's work is both sovereign and perceptible through its effects rather than its essence. When we encounter someone transformed by grace, we witness evidence of this rebirth - new desires, renewed perspectives, and hearts that b...

The Mystery of Being Born-Again In the quiet of night, Nicodemus approached Jesus seeking wisdom, only to be met with a profound truth that would challenge his understanding: "Unless one is born again, he cannot see the kingdom of God." This declaration from Jesus reveals the fundamental transformation required of every soul seeking God's kingdom. It is not a physical rebirth as Nicodemus initially understood, but rather a spiritual regeneration that comes from above. This mysterious second birth transcends our temporal existence, pointing to something entirely new that God initiates within us. The wind blows where it wishes, Jesus tells us, and we hear its sound without knowing where it comes from or where it goes. So too is the nature of spiritual rebirth—mysterious, sovereign, and beyond our control. This beautiful metaphor illuminates how the Holy Spirit works in ways that cannot be fully comprehended or predicted, yet produces visible effects in the lives of believer...

Divine Mercy Sunday: An Ocean of Grace Unleashed  Imagine standing before a massive dam, watching as the floodgates suddenly burst open, releasing a torrent of water so powerful it could sweep away anything in its path. Now replace that water with pure love, forgiveness, and healing - that's Divine Mercy Sunday. This isn't just another day on the liturgical calendar. It's a cosmic appointment with mercy itself. In the quiet convent rooms of Poland during the 1930s, a humble nun named Sister Faustina Kowalska received extraordinary revelations that would eventually transform the spiritual landscape of the Catholic Church. Christ Himself appeared to her, requesting a feast that would serve as nothing less than a divine rescue operation for humanity. The Revelation That Changed Everything In her Diary , entry 699, Sister Faustina recorded Jesus' most comprehensive explanation of this feast: "I desire that the Feast of Mercy be a refuge and a shelter for all soul...

Empty Tomb to The Ends of the Earth After His triumphant resurrection, Jesus first appeared to Mary Magdalene, from whom He had cast out seven demons. Despite her faithful testimony, the disciples refused to believe. They remained locked in their grief and doubt, unable to embrace the reality of resurrection. Even as reports multiplied, two travelers on the road encountered Jesus - their hearts remained hardened, trapped in the prison of their despair and disbelief. How often do we similarly refuse to believe good news, particularly when it challenges our expectations or demands transformation? Jesus finally appeared to the Eleven themselves as they sat at the table, and He rebuked them for their stubborn refusal to believe those who had seen Him risen. Their hesitation reminds us that faith often comes slowly, even to those closest to the divine mysteries. Yet this very human struggle did not disqualify them from their mission - rather, it became part of their testimony. The Lord meet...

Finding Hope on the Shores of Tiberias In the early morning light on the Sea of Tiberias, seven discouraged disciples returned to what they knew best - fishing. After a night of empty nets, they encountered the risen Christ standing on the shore, though they did not recognize Him. With simple instructions to cast their nets to the right side of the boat, Jesus transformed their failure into abundance - 153 large fish, yet "the net was not torn." This miracle echoes His earlier call in their lives and reminds us that when we return to our ordinary routines after profound spiritual experiences, Jesus Christ meets us there, often unrecognized at first, ready to bring supernatural abundance to our natural efforts. The beloved disciple's recognition - "It is the Lord!" - and Peter's impetuous dive into the sea reveal two paths of discipleship: contemplative insight and passionate action. While some disciples remained with the boat and the miraculous catch, Peter ...

Encountering the Risen Lord In Luke's vivid account of the Risen Christ's appearance, we witness the disciples' journey from fear to faith. As the two disciples recounted their Emmaus experience, Jesus stood among them, offering peace to their troubled hearts. Their initial reaction - terror and doubt - mirrors our own struggles when confronted with divine mystery. Yet Jesus patiently invites them to see and touch his wounds, to witness that he is not a ghost but truly risen flesh and bone. In this intimate moment, Jesus bridges the gap between human limitation and divine revelation, showing that the resurrection is not merely spiritual but a transformation of the entire person. The disciples' astonishment turns to joy, yet Scripture notes they still struggled to believe. How profoundly human this response is! Even when faced with the miraculous, our hearts resist what our minds cannot fully comprehend. Jesus meets them - and us - in this very space of uncertainty, not ...

Seeing Jesus in the Eucharist In the aftermath of the resurrection, two disciples journey to Emmaus, their hearts heavy with confusion and disappointment. They had hoped Jesus would be the one to redeem Israel, but now their hopes seem dashed despite rumors of an empty tomb. As they walk, a stranger joins them - Jesus himself - though their eyes are kept from recognizing him. This moment captures a profound truth of the spiritual life: Jesus often walks beside us, hidden yet present, especially in our moments of disillusionment and grief. As Jesus interprets the Scriptures for them, beginning with Moses and the prophets, their hearts burn within them. The Word of God, illuminated by Christ himself, becomes not merely intellectual knowledge but a kindling flame within their souls. This burning heart experience reminds us that an authentic encounter with the Holy Scripture should not leave us cold, but rather set our hearts aflame with recognition of God's consistent love and provide...

  When Mary Heard Her Name Mary Magdalene stood weeping outside the tomb, her grief so consuming that even the presence of angels did not distract her from her singular focus: finding the body of her Lord. She mistook Jesus for the gardener in her profound sorrow - a beautiful irony, as He who created Eden now stood as the gardener of new creation, cultivating resurrection life where death once reigned. The moment captures the intimate pattern of divine revelation; God meets us in our humanity, often in disguise, waiting for our recognition. When Jesus speaks her name - "Mary" - everything changes. The personal address cuts through her grief and confusion, revealing the living Christ before her. In that sacred moment of recognition, we witness the power of being truly known by the risen Lord. This encounter reminds us that resurrection faith is not merely intellectual assent to doctrine but a personal relationship with the One who calls us by name. Mary's response, "...

Easter Monday Radiance in the Shadow of the Tomb After witnessing the empty tomb, the women fled with fear and great joy to tell the disciples. Fear—a natural response to something beyond comprehension—mingled with joy, the recognition that death had indeed been conquered. This paradoxical emotional state perfectly captures our own spiritual journey during Easter. We too oscillate between trembling before the awesome mystery of resurrection and exulting in the promise it holds. Like these faithful women, we are called to move through our fear, not allowing it to paralyze us, but rather letting it propel us toward sharing the good news. While the women hurried to spread word of Christ's resurrection, the guards and chief priests conspired to contain it with lies and bribery. How often we witness this same pattern in our world: divine truth confronted by worldly deception. Yet what strikes us most is the futility of their efforts. No amount of silver or fabrication could keep the ris...

Easter Sunday Jesus Christ our Hope Has Risen Mary Magdalene approached the tomb in the early darkness, expecting only to mourn. Instead, she discovered the stone rolled away, the burial cloths cast aside - not the signs of theft but the first whispers of Resurrection. This moment marks the pivot point of human history, where grief transforms into wonder and defeat gives way to victory. Even in our own lives, how often do we approach our darkest moments expecting only more darkness, only to find unexpected light breaking through? The disciples' race to the tomb captures our human struggle between doubt and faith. Peter entered, observing the burial cloths with curiosity but uncertainty. Yet the beloved disciple "saw and believed," even though they did not yet understand the Scripture. Their journey mirrors our own spiritual path - sometimes we need physical signs, while other times faith comes through the heart's recognition of truth. The empty tomb stands as both my...

Holy Saturday Waiting For The Miracle To Unfold The Sacred Silence Before The Dawn In the solemn quiet of Holy Saturday, we find ourselves suspended between the anguish of Good Friday and the jubilation that awaits. The Church keeps vigil in silence today - no Gospel proclamation breaks the stillness as we contemplate the Lord resting in the tomb. This sacred pause invites us into the experience of the first disciples and our Blessed Mother, who waited in grief yet clung to the promise that death would not have the final word. Their faith in darkness becomes our guide as we, too, wait with hearts both heavy and hopeful. Mary, the perfect model of faith, remained steadfast even when all seemed lost. Draw close to her today as she holds the memories of her Son's promises in her heart. Perhaps praying the complete Rosary - all twenty decades - might provide spiritual companionship on this day of anticipation, allowing her maternal presence to prepare your spirit for the celebration t...

Good Friday At The Foot of The Cross Finding Hope in the Day of Sorrow Today, April 18, we stand in solemn remembrance at the foot of the cross, witnesses alongside Mary to the ultimate sacrifice. The Passion narrative from John's Gospel unfolds before us—a divine love story written in suffering. From the garden of Gethsemane to the final breath at Golgotha, we trace the steps of a love that surrenders everything. Each moment of Christ's passion speaks volumes of a Father who would give His only Son and a Son who embraces the cup of suffering for our sake. As we journey through the Stations of the Cross, we're invited to see ourselves in this narrative—in the denials of Peter, the washing of hands by Pilate, the weeping of the women, and the steadfast presence of the beloved disciple. Yet most profoundly, we're called to recognize ourselves in the gaze of Jesus, who even in His agony sees and loves each soul. His crown of thorns, His wounded hands, His pierced side—all...

Maundy Thursday: A Call to Humble Service As we enter this sacred evening of Holy Thursday, also known as Maundy Thursday, we witness one of the most profound moments in our Christian tradition: Jesus, knowing his hour had come, kneels before his disciples to wash their feet. This gesture would have shocked those present - their Master taking the position of the lowest servant. The King of Kings, bending low, handling the dust-covered feet of ordinary men. In this act, Jesus redefines leadership and love in terms that continue to challenge us today. The name "Maundy" itself comes from the Latin "mandatum," meaning "commandment," referring to Jesus's words that evening: " A new commandment I give to you, that you love one another: just as I have loved you ." This commandment forms the heart of Maundy Thursday, a day that commemorates not only the washing of feet but also the institution of the Holy Eucharist at the Last Supper. It marks the be...

The Price of Silver: Betrayal on the Path to Calvary As we journey through this Wednesday of Holy Week, we encounter one of the most somber narratives in our faith - Judas agreeing to betray our Lord for thirty pieces of silver. In Matthew's Gospel, we witness this pivotal moment when one of Jesus' chosen twelve approaches the chief priests, asking, "What will you give me if I hand him over to you?" This transaction, so cold and calculated, stands in stark contrast to the loving sacrifice that Jesus will soon make. The betrayal came not from an enemy but from one who had walked alongside Jesus, shared meals with Him, and witnessed His miracles. How profound is this wound when betrayal comes from those closest to us? This narrative compels us to examine our own hearts and priorities. For what price would we compromise our integrity, our faith, or our relationships? The thirty pieces of silver that Judas accepted represent more than mere currency—they symbolize the worl...

The Bread of Betrayal: Choosing the Path of Repentance In today's Gospel, we witness an intimate moment that carries profound weight: Jesus is at the table with his disciples, his heart troubled as he reveals, "One of you will betray me." The gravity of this moment echoes through time to us now, in this sacred Holy Week of contemplation. When Jesus hands the dipped bread to Judas, we see more than identification of a betrayer - we see divine mercy offering one final gesture of communion before the darkness descends. "What you are going to do, do quickly," Jesus tells him. The hour approaches. How striking that within this same passage, we see Peter's passionate declaration: "I will lay down my life for you." His intentions are noble, yet Jesus knows the weakness that awaits him. "Will you lay down your life for me? Before the cock crows, you will deny me three times." Two disciples, two falls - yet what different paths they choose afterwa...

Fragrance of Surrender: Mary's Gift at Bethany Six days before Passover, Mary took costly perfume worth a year's wages and anointed Jesus' feet, filling the house with fragrance. While Judas objected, claiming concern for the poor, Jesus defended her act of devotion: "Leave her alone. She has kept this perfume for my burial." In this profound moment from John's Gospel, we witness true worship. Mary's gift wasn't calculated—it was extravagant, personal, and given without reservation. She knelt before Jesus, using what was most precious to honor him, unmoved by criticism or judgment. How often do we hold back in our own giving? Do we measure our generosity by what we might receive in return? Mary teaches us that authentic love requires sacrifice, a willingness to pour ourselves out completely. Perhaps you've never given away a car or substantial money, but Jesus calls us to examine what we truly value. That major (sort of selfish) purchase you've...

Our Lady of Fatima Shrine Palm Sunday Buffet Brunch Look through, search, and find yourself, your family, your friends, and COPY - PASTE - and KEEP them for yourself. Pictures before anyone arrived.. Sunrise at The Fatima Shrine on Palm Sunday. 7:00 am Palm Sunday Mass for the Employees and Volunteers Fr Albino presiding... Sunrise was really so beautiful this morning. Mary Ann Buchan A Culinary Marvel Among Us! Did you know? It's MARY ANN who's the genius behind all those mouthwatering delicious recipes that keep us coming back for more! When you spot her at the Fatima Shrine, don't miss your chance to shower her with well-deserved praise. Mary Ann - our culinary mastermind pours her heart and soul into creating some of the most spectacular meals for everyone to enjoy. Her passion for food isn't just something she personally enjoys -it's a gift she wants to share with our entire community! Here are some of the incredible people who helped assist Mary Ann in making ...