What kind of seeds are you sowing?

My Dearest Brothers and Sisters in Christ:

"He who sows the good seed is the Son of man; the field is the world, and the good seed means the sons of the kingdom; the weeds are the sons of the evil one, and the enemy who sowed them is the devil; the harvest is the close of the age, and the reapers are angels." Today's gospel reading (Matthew 13:36-43) reflects on the deeds that we do. We are sowers of seeds and our deeds and our actions are the seeds that we sow. What kind of seeds are you sowing? Will the seeds produce weeds or will they produce bountiful fruit? Weeds choke the good plants robbing them of the nourishment that they need to survive. The weeds take away from the harvest. Will the seeds that you sow choke out the good plants or will the harvest be plentiful? In the endof our earthly life, we will all be judged by the quality of the harvest. "For a person will reap only what he sows, because the one who sows for his flesh will reap corruption from the flesh, but the one who sows for the spirit will reap eternal life from the spirit. Let us not grow tired of doing good, for in due time we shall reap our harvest." (Galations 6:7-9). At work camp, we have had the opportunity to sow many good seeds. These seeds will not only benefit our own harvest, but more importantly, they will encourage others to sow better seeds. While it is much easier to sow the seeds of weeds becuase they do not take as much care to grow; good seeds take sacrifice and commitment. They take a sacrifice for others. You must water them, you must fertilize and most importantly, you must provide good light.

A Simple Prayer

Lord, you are my inspiration and my light.

You provide me with all that I need.

And while I may want, you know what my soul needs

to live in the Kingdom of God.

Yours in Christ

Michael Marcon

The Seed inside us

My Dearest Brothers and Sisters in Christ:

Yesterday we arrived at the Catholic Heart Work Camp in St. Louis via a 16 hour Greyhound Bus ride. Sleeping on a bus brings a new definition to cramped quarters. We all made it with a little (ok a lot of) help from the Holy Spirit. The day ended with Mass. What a beautiful way to end a day in the presence of the Kingdom of God . As I sat in Mass, I could feel the presence of the Holy Spirit raining down on the work campers. The room was on fire with the Holy Spirit. I don't know if it was the Eucharistic celebration, the music or the anticipation of sharing the Eucharist with the St Louis community, but after receiving the Holy Communion, I felt the over pouring grace of God embracing me and cuddling me like a baby. The energy in the room was unbelievable. Today's gospel message (Matthew 13:31-35) is about that fire that is planted in us. It starts out as a mustard seed, "the smallest of all seeds, but when it has grown it is the greatest of shrubs and becomes a tree, so that the birds of the air come and make nests in its branches." We can become the salvation and the place of protection for others. The mustard seed, while small, grows into a mighty tree which provides protection and security for others. If we abandon ourselves to the Lord, then we can become that same tree of safety and security for others. This became evident today in the work that was shared with the local community. As people returned from the first day, you could see the change, the growth of the Holy Spirit. It can only grow because it has been welcomed by the work campers. Please continue to pray for us at work camp and ask the angles and Saints to protect us and deliver us safely back to Spring.

A Simple Prayer Lord God, You have filled me with the Holy Spirit. May your Grace overflow in me. May it nourish my body. May it grow within me so that I can provide shelter and security for others.

Your in Christ Michael Marcon

Cherish the word and share it with others

My Dearest Brothers and Sisters in Christ:

Today’s Gospel Message (Matthew 13:18-23) is a rather simple message with many intertwined lessons sewn together. Today’s gospel is the parable of the sower. The sower is God spreading his word among the people. When he casts out his message, sometimes the message fall upon deaf ears; some people hear the message but do not care; and others grasp the message and grow in the word. For the first person, the seed of God’s word falls upon the path. The soil along the path is trampled and hardened not allowing the seed in to receive the nourishment of the soil. The one who does not get the message is a person whose heart is hardened. This person does not understand the word of God because he does not know his love and compassion. This person has not opened their heart to others to accept the light which surrounds him. The absence of love allows Satan to darken his soul. A seed does not grow in darkness. The seed is trampled and does not grow and prosper.

The second seed of God is sown in the briar patch. This is a person who hears the word and knows the word, but allows earthly vices to control their lives and choke out the Word of God. The weeds are those things in our lives that prevent us from fully accepting and nourishing the Word of God. These are things that rob our seeds of needed nutrients to make them grown strong. While the seed sprouts; it is weak. It does not grow into maturity because the weeds in our life choke the plant.

The last seed sown is on fertile soil; an open heart and a receptive mind. Jesus tells us, “As for what was sown on good soil, this is he who hears the word and understands it; he indeed bears fruit, and yields, in one case a hundredfold, in another sixty, and in another thirty.” This last verse tells us the importance of having fertile soil within our hearts. Not only will the word of God grow within us; but we will produce new fruits and new fruits produce new seeds. The seeds that we produce must also be sown. In the gospel reading, one seed had the ability to produced 100 new children of Christ, another 60 and yet another 30.

When we allow the Word of God to grow in the fertile soil of our soul, we are also commanded to spread that word with others. This message tells us that some of the people we meet will not hear us and some will hear us but will be consumed with earthly treasures. However, some of our seeds will again fall on fertile soil. It does no good to let the Word of God in and then conceal the word from others. St. Francis of Assisi tells us to preach the gospel daily and if necessary use words. The most fertile seeds that we sow are our actions. They are the things that come from our examples. Your example is the loudest message of all. Cherish the word and share it with others.

A Simple Prayer Lord, my soul is for you. I pray that I am receptive to your word I pray that my soil is fertile and can grow the seeds you have sown I pray that the seeds become fruitful and that which I produce is plenty. I pray that the seeds that are sown from my fruit are sown on fertile ground.

Yours in Christ Michael Marcon

life on the playground is tough

My Dearest Brothers and Sisters in Christ:

Today’s gospel reading (Matthew 20:20-28) reminds me of the school playground when I was in elementary school. It seem like one kid was always the king of the playground and the rest of the kids regarded him as the ruler. Once somebody took charge, every other kid wanted to be his second in command. The apostles John and James were no different. They were beginning to realize that Jesus was the head of the playground, the Messiah, and they wanted to position themselves at the right and left hand of the new head of the playground. Jesus asks them if they can handle the pressure. He tells them that it won’t be easy being his follower and that life on the playground is tough. They tell Jesus not to worry, that they can handle the playground. When the rest of the apostles hear that John and James are jockeying for position, they get just a little upset. So Jesus calls them all around to explain the rules of the playground. He tells them: “that the rulers of the Gentiles lord it over them, and their great men exercise authority over them. It shall not be so among you; but whoever would be great among you must be your servant, and whoever would be first among you must be your slave.” Jesus was sent to this earth to be our Lord and savior, not to lord over us. To be at the right hand of the Father, we must not be the master but be the slave. We must be willing to do for others. We must be willing to make great sacrifices for the benefit of those in need. Just as the Son of Man came not to be served but to serve, we too must take on a life of service for others. Jesus’ service to mankind was exemplified in all his actions and his teaching. His mission was one of enduring love and compassion for all man, not just those that believed. He reached out to the sick and to the sinner; to the Jew and the Gentile. Jesus lets us know that for us to have any true authority, we must sit in the back and humble ourselves to those that need us. He tells us that we must be last to be first. God gives each of us so many graces not so we can hold these powers over people, but so we can use these powers to create the Kingdom of God right here on earth. We must be a community for others. We must be willing to be generous with our gifts, our talents and our time for everything that we own was given to us from by God above. Even the life that we breathe is a gift from God. We do not own anything. We may not always be popular and we may not always be seen as the king of the playground, but we will always be loved by our Father in Heaven. Are you willing to commit to God? Are you willing to drink from the same sacrificial cup? For us, the sacrificial cup means a daily commitment to Christ, daily prayer, a daily renewal of our faith and most of all, service to others.

A Simple Prayer (or Song) Lord, Jesus, make me a servant; humble and meek. Lord let me lift up those who are weak; And may the prayer of my heart always be - Make me a servant.

Yours in Christ Michael Marcon

My Dearest Brothers and Sisters in Christ

My Dearest Brothers and Sisters in Christ:

“For whoever does the will of my Father in heaven is my brother, and sister, and mother.” In today’s gospel reading (Matthew 12:46-50), it might first appear that Jesus is blowing off his own mother and family. When he is told that his mother and family were there to speak with him, Jesus responded, "Here are my mother and my brothers,” indicating those that had gathered to here the Word of the Lord were his family. Jesus was not ignoring his mother, but instead he was teaching his disciples the significance of a relationship with God. Our relationship with God is the most significant relationship we can seek and that all who seek the Lord are brothers and sisters. When I begin my letters with “My Dearest Brothers and Sisters in Christ” I am acknowledging the fact that we are all part of a family of Christ. I consider that we all form a unique community centered on the teachings of Jesus and the Gospels. Christianity is centered on this relationship with God; a relationship that binds us together like family. When we think of a family relationship, we think of the trust, the compassion loyalty and love that our fellow family members put forth for the family unit. When we establish a relationship with others, we are forming a community. If we form this community out of love, we are forming this community with God. Who ever does the will of God is a member of this family. God is our Father. Like a Good Father, he seeks us out and tries to keep us safe. He provides for all our needs, both earthly and spiritual. We must love him and our fellow brothers and sisters.

A Simple Prayer Most Heavenly Father, You are the leader of my Family. You provide for us and keep us safe. Allow me to glorify your family, To show love and compassion as you have shown me. Allow me to grow within the family and to become a worthy member.

Yours in Christ Michael Marcon

Is doubt really a curse?

My Dearest Brothers and Sisters in Christ:

Is doubt really a curse? Why do we need proof or scientific evidence of the existence? People still today try to prove that the historical Jesus exited through ancient writing and artifacts. Why do we demand proof that Jesus was around. We should be focused on living the life of Jesus and not trying to validate his existence. It becomes a matter of faith. In today’s gospel message (Matthew 12:38-42), the Pharisees and the scribes demand to see a sign from Jesus so they can validate that he is the messenger from God. Jesus responds, “An evil and adulterous generation seeks for a sign; but no sign shall be given to it except the sign of the prophet Jonah.” What does Jesus mean by adulterous in today’s reading. He is referring to their spiritual infidelity. They questioned God and they demanded God give them a sign. Jesus tells them that he is the sign and they should need no other. The Pharisees and the scribes rejected Jesus as the sign. They could not accept him as the Son of God. For some reason, healing people, freeing them from their internal demons and bringing people back from the dead was not enough. To believe in God and recognize the signs which he so clearly provides to us should be enough us yet at times we demand a sign. We say to him, “If only …, then I would believe.” God performs miracles before our very eyes so we can witness his greatness. What other signs do we need? We allow the darkness of evil in the world to blind our vision. Instead, when we witness a miracle, we should fall to our knees and praise the blessing which he has bestowed upon us. That he has provided a sign so we may believe. Jesus told the Jews that “Jonah was three days and three nights in the belly of the whale, so will the Son of man be three days and three nights in the heart of the earth.” This would be the ultimate sign proving that he is truly the Son of God, the Messiah. It is ok to have doubts, but do not let your doubts become demands of God. We should seek the answer and not allow the doubts to grow into demands of our God. We just need to open our hearts and allow the Holy Spirit to fill us with wisdom and he will show us his glory. Miracles occur everyday. If we wish to have the wisdom of the Holy Spirit in us, we must humble ourselves to the Lord.

A Simple Prayer: “Lord Jesus, fill me with your Holy Spirit that I may grow in wisdom and knowledge of your love and truth. Free me from stubborn pride and wilfulness that I may wholly desire to do what is pleasing to you.”

Yours in Christ Michael Marcon

keep holy the Sabbath day

My Dearest Brothers and Sisters in Christ:

We are commanded to keep holy the Sabbath day. In today’s gospel reading (Matthew 12:1-8), Jesus is chastised by the Pharisees for not keeping the Sabbath. The Sabbath was set aside as a time of rest when the Jews were not to any work or labor. Conservative Jews take this day very seriously. They go as far as to limit the number of steps one takes, everything they eat on this day is prepared the day before and that they expend no effort in labor. This day was set aside to honor the greatness of God’s creation. In the gospel story, the disciples were hungry and therefore were harvesting and eating corn. This action was forbidden on this day. Jesus explains that these actions are not in violation of the Sabbath and that when men are hungry, it is okay for them to eat. Jesus says that God “desires mercy and not sacrifice.” He is telling the Jews while the ritual of the Sabbath is important, compassion for mans basic human needs are more important. Jesus was trying to tell the Jews that they were missing the truly important meaning of the Sabbath. The Sabbath is truly about honoring the greatness of God’s creation. If we allow God’s creation to suffer on this day, then are we really honoring this day. If we see a person who is hungry, should we not feed them. Allowing him to starve would be dishonoring this day.

Modern Christians have lost the meaning of honoring the Sabbath. Stores are now open on Sundays. Most of us work on Sundays or are involved in activities that take us away from the greatness of this day. Many Christians do not even go to mass anymore. We are so busy that we forget the importance of this day. We are still called to keep holy the Sabbath day. This is still one of the commandments. Dishonoring this commandment is a sin. This means that we are called to rest and to reflect on this day. We are to go to church, to pray and give thanks for all the things that God has given us. Many of us are so busy that this day goes on like any other day. We should take the time on this day to cherish what God has given us. We need to take time to smell the roses. We should celebrate the graces that God has bestowed upon us. We should spend time with our family and most importantly, we should spend time before with Christ thanking him for the sacrifice he made to save our souls.

A Simple Prayer Lord God, thank you for all of creation. Thanks you for the mountains and thank you for the seas and the oceans. Thank you for all the living creatures on this earth. Give me the wisdom to know the Sabbath and to honor it.

Yours in Christ Michael Marcon

"My yoke is easy, and My burden is light"

My Dearest Brothers and Sisters in Christ:

“Take my yoke … for my yoke is easy, and my burden is light." When I read today’s gospel reading (Matthew 11:28-30), I was reminded of my visit to Guatemala City. While I was their, my sister and I took a tour of the City and while on the tour bus, we witnessed many a merchant pulling these large overloaded carts through the city. One or two men would grab onto the yoke and pull these loads up hills, down hills and through the congested city streets. At times, our life my seem extremely burdensome, that we must pack this heavy load up a large hill, or the weight of our load is pushing us uncontrollably downhill, or that I am caught up in the congestion of everyone else’s burdens while I can barely handle my own burden. Jesus gives us the ultimate invitation – “Come to me, all who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest.” We are called to offer up the burdens which weigh us down. God has a special yoke for us made to fit us; however, we must be willing to put our burdens in his lap. No matter what sin burdens our life, Jesus will free us from that burden and make our load much lighter. No matter how offensive the act, God will never turn us away. Jesus’ message today is inviting and welcoming. Imagine you’re weighed down with the struggles of life, barely getting one foot in front of the other and you look up and see Jesus with his arms open inviting you into his house. He probably offers you a big glass of water and rubs your shoulders to free the pain and stress you experienced carrying that load. He gives us the nourishment and the energy we need to carry our burdens. He nourishes our souls with the bread of life so we can handle the burdens. Without Christ, our load is heavy, without Christ our load is difficult to handle and control, and without Christ it may appear that the burdens of the world are un relenting and overwhelming. This Sunday when you enter the church and kneel down to pray before the altar of our Lord, look up at Jesus, I bet his arms are open and waiting for you.

A Simple Prayer Lord, I burden is heavy and I am weak. I offer up my burden to you in exchange for your loving grace. Free me from weight of my sins so I can enjoy glory of your salvation.

Yours in Christ Michael Marcon

Childlike Belief

My Dearest Brothers and Sisters in Christ:

“I thank you, Father, Lord of heaven and earth, that you have hidden these things from the wise and understanding and revealed them to babes.” Why does Jesus tell us this in today’s gospel? (Matthew 11:25-27) Think of the time when you were very young, maybe even before you were in school. You believed in God and Jesus and all is miracles without question. You believed the stories and were amazed at the wonder and awe expressed by Jesus in his works on earth. I can remember sitting there listening to my religion teacher teaching us about Jesus and never once did I doubt the things that I was told. A child is simple and tends to think in a simple way. This simplicity allows Jesus to be revealed to the child in his full glory. A child is naturally humble with no consuming pride which prevents them from seeing God as our creator, Lord and master. The questions and the comments that young children ask are from their innocence and reveal to them the greatness of the Father in Heaven. Yet as we grow in world knowledge and understanding, we somehow let this new found intelligence cloud our vision of God. We begin to try to rationalize his existence and justify his being. We try to use science to confirm his miracles instead of just simply accepting Jesus as who he is. We are like Thomas who needs to validate his existence by examining Christ wounds.

We are all called to have a childlike belief in the Father and the Son, our Lord Jesus Christ. Not only does a babe express unconditional belief in our Father in heaven, they also express unconditional love. The clearest example of this is a child’s loves for their parents. This love is unbounded and without limitations or conditions. Jesus Christ expressed this same unconditional love when he walked on the earth saving us from our sins and lastly when he died on the cross to defeat evil. Jesus expressed love perfected and without blemish. Jesus tries to reveal himself to us through his miracles and his teachings. We must become childlike in our belief to fully grasp the unconditional love that was expressed by Christ for us. We must humble ourselves. It does no good to brag about our intelligence if this intelligence keeps the Father, the Son and Holy Spirit from being fully revealed to us.

A Simple Prayer Lord I ask for childlike belief and understanding so that I can see you in your true glory. May this childlike expression of love fill me with a deeper relationship with you.

Yours in Christ Michael Marcon

WARNING!

My Dearest Brothers and Sisters in Christ:

Warning, this message contains a harsh warning. If you are not a sinner, you can ignore this message. "Woe to you, Chorazin! woe to you, Bethsaida! Today’s message (Matthew 11:20-24) is again a warning to his disciples. Jesus is just a little upset with the people from these two towns for he has done great miracles in these towns and the people have not repented to the Lord. Chorazin and Bethsaida were small communities probably represented by a single Jewish synagogue. He compares them to the towns of Sodom, Tyre and Sidon. These towns were known for loose living, prostitution, gambling, drunkenness. We all know what happened to Sodom and how they were punished for their loose living and sinful ways. Jesus tells the people from these two towns “that it shall be more tolerable on the day of judgment for the land of Sodom than for you.” This is probably one of Jesus’ harshest warnings he gives in the Gospel of Matthew. The people have witnessed the great miracles; they have seen Jesus cure people of their afflictions; and they have heard the message from Jesus yet they are indifferent to him. Would Jesus deliver the same message to us today? What would Jesus think about Houston, Texas? What would he think about Spring? Even worse, what would he think about our own church or our neighborhood or even our own home? Is Jesus Christ alive in your house? When we look at our community, do people realize the miracles of God that occur all around them? We are called to proclaim the word of God. We are called to repent. When Jesus said that these towns did not repent, he implies that they did not change their ways. We need to change our ways to create change within our community. We need to convince others to change their ways so that they can realize the salvation of the Word of God. It is through our actions and our words that our family and our community can see the change in us. Jesus’ anger in today’s gospel is really sadness for us. He is sad because we have not seen the light of his salvation. If do not change then we will not be with him in heaven. Christ calls each of us walk with him; to carry our cross and to repent for our sins. We are all sinners and we must all repent, we must all change. None of us are perfect.

A Simple Prayer Most Glorious God in Heaven Open my heart and my mind so that you can reign in on me. Shower me with your grace so that I can change. May my change be seen by others as new light leading them to Christ.

Yours in Christ Michael Marcon

Sword of Holy Scriptures

My Dearest Brothers and Sisters in Christ:

Generally when we think of the gospel message from Jesus, we think of loving and compassionate words. However, today’s gospel message (Matthew 10:34-11:1) at first appears to be rather harsh and condemning. Jesus tells us: “Do not think that I have come to bring peace on earth; I have not come to bring peace, but a sword. For I have come to set a man against his father, and a daughter against her mother, and a daughter-in-law against her mother-in-law; and a man's foes will be those of his own household.” Why would Jesus want us to take up a sword against our parents or to be in opposition to our families? This does not sound like a person who came in peace to love and serve the world, but one who wants to start a war. He even goes on to say that, “He who loves father or mother more than me is not worthy of me; and he who loves son or daughter more than me is not worthy of me; and he who does not take his cross and follow me is not worthy of me.” Not only was Jesus sent to love the world, he was also sent to defeat the powers of evil and free us from darkness. Jesus is trying to tell us that our true salvation comes from obedience to Him and that me must follow Him. We must open our hearts to hear the Word of the Lord and not let others lead us astray, not even our own families. The sword that we must take up is not a sword of steel, but the Holy Scriptures. We must be willing to take up our cross and follow him no matter what happens to us.

But rest assured, today’s message is not telling us to be disobedient to our parents or to be in opposition to the fourth commandment, but to the set the first commandment above all. In this great battle, Satan is trying to defeat Christ and lead us into darkness. Satan will use any means available to lead us astray. Satan wants to establish conflict that separates us from Christ. So where do you establish your allegiance? The actions you take and the decisions you make establish which trail you are on. You can not be on two trails at the same time. Either you are following Christ or you are not. This boils down to the classic battle between good and evil. Our decisions, our actions and our words will determine whether we are walking toward the light or toward darkness. The message is clear and we must be willing to risk our present life to have eternal salvation. This is like gossiping about someone and justifying it by saying it’s the truth. If we are gossiping, we are looking for the darkness in someone. Instead, we are called to find the good in everyone.

The gospel message goes on to have a very positive message: “He who receives a prophet because he is a prophet shall receive a prophet's reward, and he who receives a righteous man because he is a righteous man shall receive a righteous man's reward. And whoever gives to one of these little ones even a cup of cold water because he is a disciple, truly, I say to you, he shall not lose his reward.” Christ asks us to find good in the world. We must seek good and not evil; we must look for the good in everyone. We must try to find the good in the least of our brothers. Not only will this make you a better person, but it brings you closer to Christ. Christ came to help us find the light and to show us the way. By seeking the righteousness and good in people, we are showing them the light and the way. The true love expressed by God is for everyone and we must express that same love. We are not only asked to love our families and our best friends, but those who are difficult to love. If we give to others, Christ tells us that we will be rewarded in heaven. We are not called to serve ourselves but to serve God, for he who serves God will celebrate with our Father in Heaven.

A Simple Prayer Lord, lead me to you. May I be obedient to you; May my actions and words be pleasing; Help me to find the goodness in others So I can receive the rewards that you promised.

Yours in Christ Michael Marcon

Sheep among Wolves

My Dearest Brothers and Sisters in Christ:

Have you ever felt when your around your non-Catholic friends that you needed to defend your faith or that you were attacked because of your Catholic faith or were told that you’re not really Christian. In today’s gospel (Matthew 10:16-23), Jesus tells us that we are sent “out as sheep in the midst of wolves.” The gospel reading tells us that we will encounter opposition to our faith: “Beware of men; for they will deliver you up to councils, and flog you in their synagogues, and you will be dragged before governors and kings for my sake, to bear testimony before them and the Gentiles.” We must stand strong in our faith and be the example of what it means to be a member of the one true church. Be proud to be a Catholic, but do not let the pride become boastful. It is through your example that others will learn what it means to be a member of the one catholic and apostolic church. When you are put on trial by others who proclaim to be Christians, God tells us, “Do not be anxious how you are to speak or what you are to say; for what you are to say will be given to you in that hour.” Every week when you go to mass and receive the Eucharist, you receive the energy you need to defend the church and to defend your faith. You become a living tabernacle of Christ and symbol of the love that was poured out for us on the cross. There are many false churches out there that are not true to the teachings of Christ, some even promise earthly riches, and others contend that a simple statement of belief is all you need to be “saved”. The commitment to Christ is much more significant than that. It is a journey with many trials and we are not the judge or the jury in these trials. Only God can judge our actions. We will fail in some of these trials, but our faith is what gives us the strength to get back up and return to the path. Be strong my young lambs for you are among wolves, wolves dressed in sheep’s clothing.

A Simple Prayer Lord Jesus, I am a sheep among wolves. Give me the wisdom and knowledge to defend my faith. Allow me to be a beacon of hope for others. Give me the strength to accept the persecution of others. Give me the courage to do your will.

Yours in Christ Michael Marcon

PS: I am back from Guatemala with the newest member of the Marcon Clan. Sophia Marie is a most beautiful angle of God who will bring a new sense of joy to my family. Life is precious, live your faith and cherish life.

Can you help clean our own house?

Mike is having some computer issues... so here is Today's. Peace, Andy D.

My Dearest Brothers and Sisters in Christ:

In today's gospel (Matthew 17:14-20), Jesus commands the twelve disciples to go out and reclaim "the lost sheep of Israel ." His gives them the authority to cast out unclean spirits, heal disease and every infirmity. They are told that their mission is not to evangelize the Gentiles and the Samaritans, but to focus on their fellow Jews. We face a similar challenge today. Do you realize that the Roman Catholic church is the largest religion in the United States . Unfortunately the second largest religion is non practicing Catholics. There's 50 million Catholics and 15 million non practicing. Sometimes we get so focused on converting our protestant brothers and sisters to Catholicism that we miss our own fallen Catholic brothers and sisters. Jesus is telling his disciples that they need to cleanup their own house before they can cleanup their neighbors. Jesus commissioned the twelve to do the same things that he did. God also commissions us to do the same. We are called to help put our own house in order. Can you think of any friends who are Catholics who you haven't seen at church in a while? Invite them back into the fold. Jesus preached that "the kingdom of heaven is at hand." We are creating the kingdom here and now. We don't have to wait, its all around us. When we help bring our brothers and sisters back to the house, we expand the kingdom of heaven. Jesus is calling you to be one of the twelve. Hear the call for God wants to work through you and in you to bring about the kingdowm of heaven for everyone.

A Simple Prayer Lord, I am your servant, use me as you will. The fire of the Holy Spirit is in me, may it light the way to you.

Yours in Christ Michael Marcon

We can set them free.

Sorry for the delay, Technical Difficulty! Have a blessed day!

My Dearest Brothers and Sisters in Christ:

"The harvest is plentiful, but the laborers are few." In today's gospel (Matthew 9:32-38), Jesus is out wandering through Israel "healing every disease and every infirmity." Jesus was brought a dumb man who was plagued by a demon. His friends, realizing the pain and suffering that this man was going through, were in hope that Jesus could rid this man of these evils. Jesus cast out the demon and the man was able to speak. The crowds of people were astonished by this miracle. They commented, "Never was anything like this seen in Israel ." However, the Pharisees accused Jesus of "casting out demons by the prince of demons." What was different about the people who witnessed and proclaimed and the Pharisees who accused. The people who rejoiced in the miracles of Jesus had faith in the power of Christ. Jesus gave the people hope that their sins and their afflictions could be healed. Because of their belief, Jesus set them free from the demons that tormented them. We too can go to Christ with our afflictions and our sins. Whenever we yield to the power of God with unconditional faith, he frees us from evil that binds us and the sins that darken our lives. Jesus acknowledges the massive amount of evil in the world and the people who need help. He tells his disciples, "The harvest is plentiful, but the laborers are few." We too are called to heal, to reach out to those that are in need. Some times our needs are satisfied by taking care of the needs of others. By going out into fields, we too can give faith and hope to others. We can be there to set them free.

A Simple Prayer Lord, may my work shed light and free those that are caught in darkness. Let me be an example of your compassion So others know love. Give me the compassion to be your laborer so others may learn to love.

Yours in Christ: Michael Marcon

Baby Update - Today, in Guatemala , I sit with my sister waiting to complete the adoption process and look around the room into the faces of the others new parents as they reach out to the young lambs. It is unbelievable that amount of love that is emanating from the room. My sister is now a mom. What a wonderful gift! What a blessing to Sophia Marie!

"Your faith will make you well"

My Dearest Brothers and Sisters in Christ:

“Take heart, your faith will make you well.” In today’s Gospel (Matthew 9:18-26), Jesus performs two different miracles to help two different people. It was the compromising faith of the two that yielded Christ to answer their prayers. In the reading, an earthly ruler of a local synagogue comes to Jesus and kneels before him. He tells Jesus, “My daughter has just died; but come and lay your hand on her, and she will live." Touched by his faith, he gets up to help the ruler. But before he could come to the aide of the father, a woman who suffered from hemorrhages for twelve years reaches out to touch Jesus’ garment to receive his healing powers. Jesus turned to this woman and said, "Take heart, daughter; your faith has made you well." Then Jesus went to the ruler’s house and was able to bring his daughter back to life. In both cases, it was the faith of the individuals that Jesus relied upon to help these individuals.

Just imagine, you’re a powerful Jewish ruler and you have to go to Jesus to ask for his help. Not only do the Jews dislike Jesus, they think he is a heretic and one who blasphemies the church. Not only did he go and ask Jesus, but he prostrated himself before Jesus in recognition of who Jesus is even when his followers and friends were laughing at him. He did this knowing that his followers would not respect him anymore. Likewise, the woman that was hemorrhaging was thinking if she could even just touch his garments that would be enough to cure her. So she reached out for him and Jesus, realizing her faith cures her of her aliment.

Belief was not enough. Both people believed in Jesus, but Jesus says, “Take heart, your faith will make you well.” We too must have faith. We must not only believe in God, but we must have faith in his powers. Jesus opened his arms for these people and expressed the deepest form of love. He showed them a love that yielded hope and compassion, at the same time. We too can take our problems and troubles to God. We must be sincere and have faith in what he does. We must be willing to prostrate ourselves before him, even when our friends may make fun of us and laugh at us. It is your faith that will set you free. Through Jesus’ actions, we see the infinite love God extends to all of us. He gave this love freely to each person who needed it. This love was able to cure the sick and raise the dead; it was able to expel demons and heal sinners.

A Simple Prayer Lord God, your love is all I need. It heals my pains and makes me well. Help me to give that same love to others so that I too can be healing.

Yours in Christ Michael Marcon

PS – I am traveling today to Guatemala City to meet my sister who is adopting a new baby. Please extend extra prayers that she and the baby are protected by the loving hand of God and that he will carry them back to Houston safely.

Do you have a Special Calling?

My Dearest Brothers and Sisters in Christ:

Through our baptism, all Christians are called to follow Christ. But in some cases, we can receive an additional calling for a specific purpose (e.g., to be a priest or a nun or to be a lay minister). In today’s Gospel reading (Matthew 9:9-13), Matthew, the tax collector, receives such a calling to follow Jesus and “he rose and followed him.” Jesus extends these special graces to us and we must respond. It is Jesus who calls us, not us Jesus: “You did not choose me, but I chose you” (John 15:16). What is most special about Matthew’s response is that it is immediate. Matthew does not delay, does not procrastinate. He hears the calling of Jesus and immediately gets up and follows him without delay. Is Jesus calling you to a special calling? Are you avoiding this call? It is okay to be afraid, but refusing the call is selfish. Tomorrow may be too late. Jesus calls us from the comfort of our ordinary lives to do extraordinary things. Listen to his calling and respond; he will take care of you.

Given that Jesus called Matthew for such a special role, one would assume that Matthew was one of the “good guys”. But instead Matthew was a sinner. In the days of Christ, tax collectors such as Matthew were corrupt people who stole and robbed from the general population. They would not have been high on the list of “ideal fiends” list. They would have the same general reputation as an Enron Executive or organized crime member. The Pharisees were appalled that Jesus would actually sit and talk, let alone eat with such people. The Pharisees were hard core Orthodox Jews who boasted about following every letter of the Law. They considered themselves most righteous and would not socialize or do business with people such as Matthew. This would be like us going and sitting with one of the street gangs and having dinner with them. But Jesus responds: “Those who are well have no need of a physician, but those who are sick. I desire mercy, more than sacrifice. For I came not to call the righteous, but sinners.” Jesus has come to save us - the sinners. Jesus tells us “Judge not, that you be not judged” (Matthew 7:1). “Let him who is without sin cast the first stone” (John 8:7). The fact is, we are all sinners. None of us are pure of heart; none of us are without sin. Therefore, we should not be surprised when a fellow Christian sins. All of us are capable of committing the most violent of sins, but for the grace of God we do not lower ourselves to the level of the beasts.

We are called to recognized and accept that we are sinners. We must accept that we fail and that we fall down. Jesus came and died on the cross to save us from our sins. On the cross, he forgave the murderer who was crucified beside him. He too will forgive us if we seek his forgiveness. Jesus says that “I desire mercy more than sacrifice.” He wants us to seek and desire forgiveness. Our sacrifices must come from our hearts and not from some prescribed menu of punishment. Christ is all merciful and all forgiving. There is nothing we can do to divorce ourselves from God love. We just need to open our souls to receive it.

A Simple Prayer "Lord Jesus, our Savior, let us now come to you: Our hearts are cold; Lord, warm them with your selfless love. Our hearts are sinful; cleanse them with your precious blood. Our hearts are weak; strengthen them with your joyous Spirit. Our hearts are empty; fill them with your divine presence. Lord Jesus, our hearts are yours; possess them always and only for yourself.” (From the prayer of St. Augustine)

Yours in Christ Michael Marcon

"Your sins are forgiven"

My Dearest Brothers and Sisters in Christ:

"Take heart, my son; your sins are forgiven." In today’s Gospel reading (Matthew 9:1-8), Jesus is presented with a paralytic man. Seeing his truth faith, Jesus says to the man, "Take heart, my son; your sins are forgiven". The scribes accuse Jesus of blasphemy because only God has the power to forgive sins. Jesus questions them, “For which is easier, to say, `Your sins are forgiven,' or to say, `Rise and walk'?” To prove his heavenly authority, Jesus also healed the man of his physical aliment. Before the paralytic man’s physical affliction could be healed, Jesus had to cleanse his soul. Because the man was truly faithful and sorrowful for his sins, his sins were forgiven. What is Jesus really trying conveying in his actions? What is worse being unable to move because of paralysis or being afflicted with the sins of our life. Ours sins are a far greater affliction then any physical handicap we may have because only our sins can keep us from uniting with our Father in Heaven. Jesus demonstrates his heavenly authority by both forgiving the man of his sins and healing him of his earthly affliction. Not only is God forgiving, but God is compassionate and loving. Only the Grace of God can bring us freedom from the sins which cripple us. During reconciliation and a true examination of conscience, we ask God to heal us and to make our souls whole again. You should make every effort to go to reconciliation at least twice a year. Examining your conscience everyday will help you become aware of the afflictions that are crippling your soul and allow you to free yourself from their bondage. Only through these acts can you rise and walk again with God and be freed of these sins.

A Simple Prayer Father in Heaven, forgive me for I am a sinner. Through your love and compassion, free me from the bondage of my sins. Allow the Holy Spirit to enter my soul burn away the sins that keep me from you.

Yours in Christ Michael Marcon

Demoniac Spirits

My Dearest Brothers and Sisters in Christ:

Have you ever met someone you thought might be possessed by the devil? Someone that is so mean and nasty that you would avoid this person at all costs. In today’s gospel (Matthew 8:28-34), Jesus is confronted by two men that are possessed by demoniac spirits. The gospel reading says that the two demoniacs were “so fierce that no one could pass that way.” Satan recognizes Jesus as the true Messiah and says to him, "What have you to do with us, O Son of God? Have you come here to torment us before the time?" Jesus demonstrated his power over Satan by commanding the demons to leave the men and they had no choice but to obey him. In this story, Jesus displays his almighty power of the devil. Jesus has the ultimate control over evil. Many times we see that Jesus has removed the demons that possessed the people of Israel. How many demons do we have in our life? Do you have things that you are afraid of or that possess your mind or your thoughts? An addiction or a reliance on something that is not holy can be a demon that only God can help us defeat. If we commit these demons to Christ, he will defeat them for us, but we have to be willing to submit them unconditionally to him with out reservation. You must be willing to pray and commit these demons to God. You can not defeat these demons on your own.

A Simple Prayer Lord, free me from my demons so that I may walk with you. I unconditionally commit my demons so that they may be expelled. May there be nothing that prevents me from joining and loving you.

Yours in Christ Michael Marcon

Believe without seeing?

My Dearest Brothers and Sisters in Christ:

“Blessed are those who have not seen and yet believe.” Have you ever doubted the existence of God? Or have you ever said, “If you’ll just show me a sign, I’ll believe.” Today’s gospel reading (John 20:24-29) is about the apostle Thomas who wanted proof before he could believe in the risen Christ. Some people say that Thomas challenged God so that the true existence of God in Christ would be revealed to man. They say that he was driven to question God through the Holy Spirit so that we would have confirmation as to his real existence in a human body. Can you imagine what it must have been like at this time? The apostles abandoned Jesus at his time of glory and thought that he had been defeated at the cross. But Jesus’ true victory happened at the cross. Thomas’ doubt becomes our revelation as to the real existence of Christ. Jesus mysteriously appeared in the locked room among the apostles and once Thomas touches the wounds of Jesus, he immediately believes. This witness is now passed on to us as our confirmation to his resurrection because he knew that some of us would not believe. Jesus is among us everyday and he says to us, “Blessed are those who have not seen and yet believe.” This statement is a Beatitude because our belief will bring us to the faith that leads to heavenly happiness. Jesus offers us the Holy Spirit so that we may believe. Open your eyes and see the light for he is standing next to you. If you need, reach out and touch him, he is there among you.

A Simple Prayer Lord Jesus, give me the strength to become one with you. Let me believe in you without doubt; Let me trust in you without fear; For you are my savior and Lord.

Yours in Christ Michael Marcon

Fox holes and bird nests? Nope!

My Dearest Brothers and Sisters in Christ:

What does it mean to be a disciple of Christ? In today’s gospel reading (Matthew 8:18-22), Jesus tells his disciples, "Foxes have holes, and birds of the air have nests; but the Son of man has nowhere to lay his head." Fox holes and bird nests are refuges where these animals can hide and find sanctuary from their enemies. To be a disciple, we must give up the comfort of our refuge and seek the mission of God. A true Christian is a person who is baptized with the Holy Spirit and is bound to do whatever Christ calls them to do. We must be willing to give up our home, our family and even our friends if Christ calls us to do that. When one of his disciples said he needed to go home and bury his father, Jesus, “follow me and let the dead bury their own dead.” The dead that Jesus refers to in this passage are those who have not seen or are not willing to see the light of true faith. Following Christ is not easy. He calls each of us personally to follow Christ. Each of us will have our own unique mission different from everyone else.

So why is it so difficult to follow Christ, to be his undivided disciple? In our hearts and in our souls, we feel the calling and many of us have a deep rooted desire to follow him; however, fear and lack of self confidence in our Spiritual growth prevent us from becoming fully attached to God. Thomas Merton said, “As long as there is any refuge where man can curl up by himself and hug some private good that nobody else is allowed to share, there remains in his heart a cranny in which the dirt of selfishness accumulates.” If I desire something and hold that something and keep it to myself, then I cannot drink of the fruit of the Lord. I separate myself from Christ. I must be willing to release these things. Jesus promises us if we release those things that are most dear to us, we will be rewarded 100 times in heaven. Our life on earth is short; our new life in heaven is eternal.

Tonight, as you reflect upon the day and recount the sins and the graces, think of the items which you can not release. Make a list of those things that you hoard and ask God to give you strength to release the clutch you have on these things so that you can free up your arms for his service.

A Simple Prayer “Take, O Lord, and receive my entire liberty, my memory, my understanding, and my whole will. All that I am and all that I possess you have given me. I surrender it all to you to be disposed of according to your will. Give me only your love and your grace — with these I will be rich enough and will desire nothing more.” Prayer of St. Ignatius Loyola

Yours in Christ Michael Marcon