We should be prepared

My Dearest Brothers and Sisters in Christ:

“The bridegroom came, and those who were ready went in with him to the marriage feast.” In today’s gospel reading (Matthew 25:1-13), we hear the story of the ten virgins. Like yesterday’s message, today’s message emphasizes the need to be vigilant in our quest for communion with Christ, the bridegroom. The ten virgins had oil lamps, five had a surplus of oil and five did not. The virgins were the bridesmaids whose job it was to light the way to the house of the bride. When the bridegroom would approach, they were to light their lamps so the bridegroom would know where to find them. The five young virgins who had a store of excess oil where well illuminated and prepared for the bridegroom. Their lamps shone brightly all the time. The other five were not prepared because they ran out of oil. While they left to go buy more, the bridegroom arrived and entered the house. He closed the door behind him to keep out the strangers. The five who were prepared were let in and the five that were not were stuck outside. They cried out, “Lord, lord, open the door.” But the bridegroom replied, “Truly, I say to you, I do not know you.” It is unfortunate because these five virgin’s were originally inside the house, but because they were not prepared, they were drawn away from the house when the bridegroom arrived. We too must be prepared for the Lord. We may be in the house, but if we are not vigilant in our pursuit of the Kingdom, then we too can be lead away from the house. We should be prepared. We should stock up on grace so that our lamp will shine forever bright. If our lamp is week or it runs out of oil, the Bridegroom will not know us and will not let us in. We should continually renew the oil of our lamp by actively participating in the Eucharist, by living the gospel and by sharing the love which God has poured into our souls. God will provide us with an endless supply of oil if we only look to heaven for his grace.

A Simple Prayer Lord, make vigilant and attentive to the presence of the Bridegroom, May I be prepared when he calls me into his house.

Yours in Christ Michael Marcon

"Am I Prepared?"

My Dearest Brothers and Sisters in Christ:

“The Son of man is coming at an hour you do not expect.” Today’s gospel reading (Matthew 24:42-51) about the parable of the faithful servant has two stern warnings. The first is that we will not know the time of our death and the second is that we better be ready for our death when it comes. Jesus compares death to a thief. He tells us “that if the householder had known in what part of the night the thief was coming, he would have watched and would not have let his house be broken into.” The same thing applies to us. If we knew when we were going to die, we could prepare for our death and avoid the unpleasantries we may experience during our final judgment. We could actually wait for the last minute to ask for absolution from our sins. We wouldn’t have to worry about the things that will keep us from entering through the gates of heaven. We could party with the drunks and dance with the sinners with no threat of the consequences. But because we do not know the time nor the place, Jesus tells us that we must be always prepared. Jesus says, “Blessed is that servant whom his master when he comes will find so doing.” This parable tells us that we should live life like today is the last day of our life.

Jesus’ second warning tells us what will happen if we are not prepared for our final judgment. Jesus says, “The master of that servant will come on a day when he does not expect him and at an hour he does not know, and will punish him, and put him with the hypocrites; there men will weep and gnash their teeth.” This is a metaphor for hell. Basically, if we live life among the wicked, with those that have no regard for the laws of the church, then we will spend eternity crying and weeping with the rest of the unrepentant sinners for salvation. However, if we live out the gospels, if we bring Christ into this world through our actions and our words, then we will be prepared and will be rewarded with eternal life in heaven. Each morning when you wake, first thank God for allowing the opportunity to live another glorious day, then ask yourself, “What if today was my last day on earth? Am I prepared?” If your not prepared, take today to seek out the salvation you need to purify your soul.

A Simple Prayer Lord, help me be vigilant in preparation for my end time; Help me be strong so that can be ready when death comes. I ask that your love and grace fill my heart with the passion to live the Gospels so that I may enjoy eternity in heaven.

Yours in Christ Michael Marcon

Reconciliation is the dishwasher for our souls

My Dearest Brothers and Sisters in Christ:

“First cleanse the inside of the cup and of the plate, that the outside also may be clean.” In today’s gospel reading (Matthew 23:23-26), Jesus is telling us that we must look inward before we look outward. We must make sure that we are worthy of the Lord. To cleanse our soul, we must first no how to tell if it is dirty. We do this by the process of examining our conscience. This is an exercise we should do daily. Every evening we should kneel down and reflect on the things that transpired that day, the good things and the bad things. We should look at the things that moved us closer to the Kingdom of Heaven and those things that diverted us. We should reflect on how we can make ourselves better people and reflect on the sins that kept us from God. By looking inward, we check to make sure that our soul is clean. If our soul is truly clean, then our outer image will also be clean. Jesus told the scribes and Pharisees, “Woe to you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! for you cleanse the outside of the cup and of the plate, but inside they are full of extortion and rapacity.” It does no good for us to look clean if internally we are dirty. Would you drink from a cup when the inside of the cup is unclean? Who cares what the outside looks like if the liquid is in contact with filth, you probably won’t drink it. Through the examination of conscience, we make ourselves aware of the things that make our soul unclean. However, to truly purify the soul, we must go to reconciliation. Reconciliation is the dishwasher for our souls. We go in dirty, and we come out clean – both inside and out.

A Simple Prayer Most Heavenly Father, Make me aware of my sins and trespasses, Help me avoid these sins so my soul remains clean. Fill my heart with your compassion and love So I may find the Kingdom of Heaven.

Yours in Christ Michael Marcon

Put our allegiance in the hands of God

My Dearest Brothers and Sisters in Christ:

“But woe to you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites!” In today’s Gospel reading (Matthew 23:13-22), Jesus gets a just little upset with the Pharisees because they are trying to out do each other with their offerings. They put more worth in the offering then in God. As they brought people to God, they required them to give large offerings to demonstrate their worthiness. Jesus tells them that it is not the offerings of gold and silver that make us worthy but the offerings from our heart. The gold on the altar does not make the altar any more valuable. Jesus tells them, “You blind men! For which is greater, the gift or the altar that makes the gift sacred?” We cannot make God any more valuable then he already is. There is nothing we can give him that will make God more Godly. God asks us to make a full commitment to Him and not to earthly things which are placed on the altar. The offerings that we bring and the oaths that we make must be to the altar of God and not to our treasures. We should not measure our heavenly value by our earthly treasures but by the commitment we give to God from our hearts. Jesus tells the Pharisees that “he who swears by the altar, swears by it and by everything on it; and he who swears by the temple, swears by it and by him who dwells in it; and he who swears by heaven, swears by the throne of God and by him who sits upon it.” Today’s gospel reading is a direct attack on the Pharisees because they treasure the wealth that is placed on the altar and not the God that makes the treasures valuable. To enter the Kingdom of heaven, to make it through the narrow gate, we too must put our allegiance in the hands of God.

A Simple Prayer Lord, you are my master and I am your servant. My loyalty is to you and the things that are sacred, For it is you that makes all things sacred.

Yours in Christ Michael Marcon

"Come and See"

My Dearest Brothers and Sisters in Christ:

And Jesus said to him, "Truly, truly, I say to you, you will see heaven opened, and the angels of God ascending and descending upon the Son of man." In today's gospel reading (John 1:45-51), an Israelite is questioning whether Jesus is truly the Son of God. Nathanael stated, "Can anything good come from Nazareth?" Not only did he question Jesus' authenticity, he kind of smacked him a little for being from the other side of tracks. There are times in our life when we too can become skeptical about the Son of God. We might ask the question, "Was He real?" Did Jesus really die on the cross? Did He rise from the dead? If we question, then how do we find the faith to believe? Instead of arguing with Nathanael, Philip invites him to "come and see" Jesus and to meet Jesus. He knew that a personal encounter with Jesus would open his heart. There is nothing I can say to make you believe and there is nothing I can do to make you have faith. You must "come and see." Jesus invites us every Sunday to His alter to "come and see" the miracle of the Eucharist. We also witness His great works in the miracles we see everyday around us. He also invites us to come and see the Gospels. Think of the retreats that you attended and how you felt after the retreat. You probably didn't want to go to the retreat, but afterwards your heart was opened. Jesus opened Nathanael's heart so he could witness Christ. If we "come and see" Christ, He too will open our hearts. Once our hearts are open, the Kingdom of heaven will flow in. He will give us faith.

A Simple Prayer God I come and see the goodness of the Lord. Open my heart and fill it with the Holy Spirit so I do not doubt. Give me the strength to bring people to you so they can come and see.

Yours in Christ Michael Marcon

All Are Welcome

My Dearest Brothers and Sisters in Christ:

“Tell those who are invited, Behold, I have made ready my dinner, my oxen and my fat calves are killed, and everything is ready; come to the marriage feast.” In today’s gospel reading (Matthew 22:1-14), Jesus tells us yet another parable, this time about a pending wedding feast. The wedding feast is a celebration of the union between the bride and bridegroom. In this particular story, a King’s son is to be married and the King sent out invitations well in advance of the celebration. However, the invited guests, his supposed loyal subjects ignored the invitation. In this parable, the King represents God and Jesus is portrayed the King’s son, the heir to throne. In the Gospels, Jesus is commonly referred to as the bridegroom and we, the church, his bride. We are called to celebrate this union around a great feast. God has sent out many invitations, but the invitations are ignored. As it states in the scripture, “they made light of it and went off, one to his farm, another to his business, while the rest seized his servants, treated them shamefully, and killed them.” In stead of listening to the word of God, we make light of our obligations. We do not take seriously the call to obey the commandments. We are too busy with other distractions in our lives. Jesus is waiting for us, are we willing to come to the table.

The parable indicates that the wedding feast was attended by “both bad and good; so the wedding hall was filled with guests.” This means God is inviting every one, even sinners to the wedding feast. All are welcome and no one is turned away; however, you need to be properly dressed for the festival. If we come unprepared and improperly dressed, we will be turned away. Even though God extends his grace, we must be willing to take on the responsibility of his grace. God’s grace only comes into our souls when we are truly receptive and prepared to receive his grace. God invites each of us to the table that we may celebrate in joy of Lord - be prepared and properly dressed.

A Simple Prayer Father in heaven, your grace is enough, You have prepared the banquet table for a feast Help open my heart to your feast.

Yours in Christ Michael Marcon

All the Lambs will be Allowed in the Kingdom

My Dearest Brothers and Sisters in Christ:

Who deserves the rewards of heaven more - the person who worked all their life for God or the person who found God just minutes before their death. In today’s gospel reading (Matthew 20:1-16), were hear the parable about the laborers in the vineyard. First thing in the morning, the owner goes out and gathers a group of laborers and agrees to pay them a day’s salary. Each hour throughout the day, the master hires more laborers. At the end of the day, each of the laborers receives the same pay. The laborers that worked only one hour were paid the same amount as the laborers that had worked 12 hours. The laborers that worked 12 hours said to the master, “These last worked only one hour, and you have made them equal to us who have borne the burden of the day and the scorching heat.” But the master replied, “Friend, I am doing you no wrong; did you not agree with me for a denarius? Take what belongs to you, and go; I choose to give to this last as I give to you.” Jesus does not care when we find him, but only that we find him. All our labor is equal if it is given to God in Heaven. Our God is most generous and most forgiving. Why should we expect anything else from our God? If he is truly compassionate, then the last will receive what he has given the first. We should feel relieved that all the lambs we bring to God will be allowed into the Kingdom of Heaven. This is also why we must be forgiving and not dwell on the past. We should only look to the future when we all celebrate at the table of our Lord.

A Simple Prayer Lord, I am your servant and your laborer, May I be worthy to sit at your table. Give me the strength to bring others to your table.

Yours in Christ Michael Marcon

We must put God before everything else.

Sorry for the delay. I have had problems sending email from Lake Charles.

My Dearest Brothers and Sisters in Christ:

After reading yesterday’s gospel reading and then reflecting on today’s (Matthew 19:23-30), one would again think that being a “rich man” would be a sin. Jesus tells his disciples: “Truly, I say to you, it will be hard for a rich man to enter the kingdom of heaven. Again I tell you, it is easier for a camel to go through the eye of a needle than for a rich man to enter the kingdom of God.” Like in yesterday’s gospel, the reference to being a “rich man” again refers to our alliances. Who do we love more, money or God? Jesus is telling us that if we put our hearts into worldly investments, we will not share in the Kingdom of God. We must be willing to invest our time and our talents in the church. Jesus is not opposed to the wealthy; in fact he has friends who are wealthy. Jesus says, “it is easier for a camel to go through the eye of a needle.” The eye of the needle was the small door that allowed late night travelers to enter into the city without having to leave the large gates open. A man would have to bow down to enter through this door, but a camel would have to get on his knees and crawl through the door. This was a very difficult task for a camel, but not impossible. Jesus reassures disciples that “With men this is impossible, but with God all things are possible.” Only putting our faith in God will allow us to make it into heaven. We will not be riding high on the camel, but on our knees crawling in forgiveness and penance. Jesus promises that “those of you who have followed me will also sit on twelve thrones.”

God calls us to put him first. We must put him before everything else. Not just before money and wealth, but before life itself. We must accept what God calls us to do. It may mean giving up significant things including wealth. Jesus told the disciples, “And every one who has left houses or brothers or sisters or father or mother or children or lands, for my name's sake, will receive a hundredfold, and inherit eternal life.” We will be rewarded for the sacrifices we make in the name of Jesus. Jesus is telling us that no sacrifice will go un rewarded. What ever we place on the altar of God will become a new treasure for us in heaven.

A Simple Prayer Most heavenly Father God, My time and my talents are yours, Use them as you will. You have given me so much, May I always love you first, And do your will.

Yours in Christ Michael Marcon

What's most important in your life?

My Dearest Brothers and Sisters in Christ:

What is it that we all seek? I think the simple answer is everlasting happiness. In today’s world, the definition of happiness is redefined by what the media wants us to understand as happiness. In today’s Gospel reading (Matthew 19:16-22), a man poses this question to Jesus, “Teacher, what good deed must I do, to have eternal life?” Jesus first replies, “If you would enter life, keep the commandments.” The young man replies that he is obeying all the commandments, so what else must he do. Then Jesus gives him the most difficult task of all, “If you would be perfect, go, sell what you possess and give to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven; and come, follow me.” The man left sad because he could not let go of his treasures. The young man in today’s story was blessed with many treasures including significant wealth and security but yet this was not enough to make him happy. These things that he treasured kept him from fully uniting with God. Why, because he loved these treasures more than he loved God. At first read, one may think that being wealthy is a sin and that God is calling us all to become poor. This story is quite the opposite. In fact it has nothing to do with monetary wealth, but with spiritual poverty. It has to do with the releasing the treasures we hold closer to heart then God so that we can abound in the joy and happiness of the Kingdom of Heaven. God gives each of us many talents and many gifts. If we do not use these gifts for the glory of God, then we place these gifts higher than God. If these gifts cause us to become possessive and greedy, then we are not truly aligned with God. These treasures could be our friends, our car, our clothes, our stereo. Right now in your life – what is the most important thing in your life? Think hard, what do you treasure more than anything else? What is it that you can’t do without? If you answered anything else beside God, get rid of it. It is keeping you from the kingdom of heaven. It is causing you sadness. The gifts that God gives us will reign down on us if we release the treasures that cause us to become possessive. God always provides more to us then we give. The more we give, the more of God’s love will overflow in us. “Teacher, what good deed must I do, to have eternal life?” Again, if the answer to “What is the most important thing in your life” is not God, then you need to get rid of it to let God more fully into our lives.

A Simple Prayer Lord Jesus Christ, you have blessed me with so many gifts, I know that you are the source of all happiness, Give me the strength to get those things out of my life that I possess more than you. Help me to make you the greatest treasure in my life.

Yours in Christ Michael Marcon

We are the Bride and Christ is the Bridegroom

My Dearest Brothers and Sisters in Christ:

Did you remember to thank God today for all he has provided? Have you thanked God for all the graces that have overflowed in you? Have you thanked Him for giving you the breath of life? When you awaken in the morning, take 5 minutes to just lay there and think of all the glorious things that God has given you. You have been blessed with life, the ability to breathe yet another breath. You have been given the ability to touch and see God in this world. We are united with our Father in heaven through the gift of life and baptism. Before we were born we were a spiritual being known to God. We were then placed in our earthly body, a body which was formed out of the dirt of this earth. Eventually our soul will be freed from the bonds of this earthly body and we will return to our spiritual being in God. Today’s Gospel (Matthew 19:3-12) talks about the union formed in marriage. The Pharisees question God about the legality of divorce. Jesus answers them, “So they are no longer two but one flesh. What therefore God has joined together, let not man put asunder.” We too are united with God like the marriage between a man and a woman. No man should do anything to separate us from his love and compassion for we are the Bride and Christ is the Bridegroom.

A Simple Prayer Lord Jesus, you are the Bridegroom and I am your loyal spouse. Like a good spouse, you provide me with everything I need. May I cherish you love and compassion forever.

Yours in Christ Michael Marcon

We must always forgive

My Dearest Brothers and Sisters in Christ:

“Lord, how often shall my brother sin against me, and I forgive him?” Today’s gospel reading (Matthew 18:21-19:1) is a compliment to yesterday’s message. Yesterday’s gospel reading commanded us to seek out those that have trespassed against us and to heal the injury of their sin. So how many times must I forgive someone who trespasses against me? Peter guesses seven times. But Jesus responds, “I do not say to you seven times, but seventy times seven.” Jesus is telling Peter that forgiveness should be unlimited. There is no specific number of times we should forgive somebody. Jesus explains this through the parable of the Unforgiving Servant. In this parable, the servant owes his master a very large debt and is unable to pay the debt back. He begs the master to forgive the debt and not send him to jail. Out of his kindness, the master forgives the debt. Likewise, a fellow servant owed this same person a very small debt and, as the first, could not pay the debt back. This servant also begged for patience from his fellow servant, but the servant refused and sent the man to jail. The master called this servant back before him and said, “You wicked servant! I forgave you all that debt because you besought me; 33 and should not you have had mercy on your fellow servant, as I had mercy on you?” We too turn to God to ask him to remove the greatest burdens of our sins. But how can we ask to have these burdens removed if we can not forgive our fellow man for the sins he has committed against us. The parable tells us that we must always forgive others, no matter what and we must do it whole heartedly. If necessary we must force ourselves to forgive those that offend us from the very moment the sin occurs. The offense that they commit against you is nothing compared to what God has forgiven you.

A Simple Prayer “Lord, you have been kind and forgiving towards me. May I also be kind and merciful. Free me from the resentment I hold against my fellow man. Open my heart to the compassion you give to me."

Yours in Christ Michael Marcon

Spiritual Good Samaritan

My Dearest Brothers and Sisters in Christ:

If one of your fellow brothers or sisters were lying injured on the side of the road, would you be a Good Samaritan and help them? If they we sick in bed with the flu, would you not wish them comfort and pray for their speedy recovery? Today’s Gospel reading (Matthew 18:15-20), is about our requirement to be a Spiritual Good Samaritan. Not only must we care for those with physical injuries, be we called to care for those with spiritual injuries. Jesus tells us that “If your brother sins against you, go and tell him his fault, between you and him alone.” If a person does something to injure you, then you should seek out this person and try to make amends. Jesus tells us if we do not try to repair the relationship, then we are worse then the person who caused the sin in the first place. In the Our Father, we say, “For give us our trespasses as we forgive those who trespassed against us.” How can we be forgiven for our own sins if we do not forgive those who have sinned against us? Today’s reading takes it a step further, we must approach this person and let them know that they are forgiven. Our position should not be one of condemnation or judgment, but one of compassion and forgiveness. It is good to forgive and forget, but the person who sinned against you is still wounded. Their soul is damaged by the sin they committed. Therefore, we are called to repair that wound. It is so important to repair this wound that Jesus tells us, “if he does not listen, take one or two others along with you, that every word may be confirmed by the evidence of two or three witnesses.” Maybe you are not capable of the needed compassion to repair this wound because of the depth of the hurt caused to you. Then you should bring along someone who is level headed enough to be the mediator. Lastly, if this does not repair the injury, you should seek out the church community to pray for the situation and to give guidance. Unattended wounds caused by sin will fester and create hatred that runs deep. Hatred is the sword of the devil which he wields freely about to create chaos in the world. Just look at how many of the major world conflicts are born out of hatred; a hatred that started between two children of God. We must do all we can to eliminate and fight hatred before it grows. Hatred becomes contagious and spreads like wildfire. There is no greater feeling then reconciliation among friends. Therefore, “If your brother sins against you, go and tell him his fault, between you and him alone. If he listens to you, you have gained your brother.”

A Simple Prayer

Our Father, who art in heaven, forgive me for I am a sinner.

But before you forgive me, give me the strength to forgive others who have sinned against me.

Give me the strength and courage to encounter them and to heal this wound.

Make me source of healing love and peace in this world.

Sincerely

Michael Marcon

Childlike Faith & Bringing back the Lost Sheep

My Dearest Brothers and Sisters in Christ:

"Truly, I say to you, unless you turn and become like children, you will never enter the kingdom of heaven.” In today’s gospel (Matthew 18:1-5,10,12-14), the disciples of Jesus want to know "Who is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven?" The disciples, like most human beings, want to know how to get to the top of the list. They want to know who is the greatest in the eyes of God. Do we not all want to be King the Hill. In answering the question, Jesus points to a child, someone who has no social standing in society, someone who is simple and innocent. So why did Jesus use a little child? It simple, a child believes without doubt. A child does not express hatred, he does not allow pride to control him, and his faith is uncompromising. His life is simple and without the complications we add to it. It is the grace of humility that all children possess and that Jesus says we must all possess to be great. We must receive the children of God because they truly reflect Jesus. They are innocent, pure and tender hearted as was Jesus. Therefore, the be greatest in heaven is easy, we must simply exhibit a childlike faith.

The second half of today’s gospel compliments the first. The first half talks about the innocence of the children and that they are the greatest in heaven. But the second half talks about the sinner, the lost sheep. Jesus tells us, “If a man has a hundred sheep, and one of them has gone astray, does he not leave the ninety-nine on the mountains and go in search of the one that went astray?” A shepherd is dedicated to his flock. He will risk his life not only for the flock as a whole but for even one of his sheep. If one of the sheep goes astray, he knows that the sheep will become disoriented, become confused and likely die. We are also challenged to seek out the lost sinner because he too will become disoriented and can die to Christ. What great joy God must feel when a lost sheep is brought back into the fold. Jesus calls us to act like the Good Shepherd and to actively seek those souls who are lost. We are all challenged to seek out and to bring the lambs home. This was Jesus’ mission on earth, to bring every lost soul to the Kingdom of God.

A Simple Prayer Lord, teach me to have faith like a humble child. Teach me to relive that innocence I had when I a child. May I become a guiding light to lead others to you.

Yours in Christ Michael Marcon

Jesus is the seed of new life

My Dearest Brothers and Sisters in Christ:

Today’s gospel reading (John 12:24-26) is a parable about the seed. Jesus tells us, “Truly, truly, I say to you, unless a grain of wheat falls into the earth and dies, it remains alone; but if it dies, it bears much fruit.” For a plant to prosper, it must die. In the process of dieing, it produces seeds for new life. If these seeds fall to earth, they will produce many new plants. This message was a foretelling of the pending fate of Jesus. He would have to die on the cross and be buried in the earth before he could rise from the dead and become our savior. Jesus is the ultimate seed of new life. He knew that our salvation over sin was through his death on the cross. Jesus defeated sin by dying on the cross. We too are called to “die” to ourselves so we can “rise” in the new life of the Holy Spirit. In this paradox, death leads to life. So what does this really mean? It means that we must kill those things which are opposed to the will of God. We must experience self denial and sacrifice before we can enjoy the resurrection in the Kingdom of Heaven. We must be willing to take our sins to the cross. If we die to our sins and those things that cause us to sin, we will become fruitful in God. Jesus blesses those who sacrifice. We must die through mortification before we can yield a most blessed harvest.

A Simple Prayer Most Heavenly Father, I offer up my sins and my sinful ways. Let me die to those ways which kill my soul. Give me new life in your ways.

Yours in Christ Michael Marcon

Are we truly faithful in our requests?

My Dearest Brothers and Sisters in Christ:

Do you ever feel that God ignores you when you truly need his help? You cry out “Have mercy on me O Lord” and he does not reply. In today’s Gospel reading (Matthew 15:21-28), a gentile woman cries out to Jesus to save her daughter from a demonic spirit. At first Jesus appears to ignore her cries for help. However, he is putting her faith to the test. He tells her that he is only there to save only the Jews. The woman stands strong in her faith and replies to him again that even the gentiles deserve his Grace. Jesus replies, “O woman, great is your faith! Be it done for you as you desire” and her daughter was healed. When we cry out, “My God, My God,” he is listening to us. The question is, are we truly faithful in our request. No one is denied help from the Lord; however, he calls for us to be faithful in our desire for his love. Jesus ends up praising this woman for her faith and her prayers are answered. We too must exhibit unconditional faith in God. We must seek the Lord with a deep and sincere faith. If we do, our cries will be answered.

A Simple Prayer My God, My God, I cry out to you. You are my Savior and my Lord. May I trust you always and pursue your love. May I never stray or weaken in my faith.

Sincerely Michael Marcon

He will carry us if we believe in Him

My Dearest Brothers and Sisters in Christ:

“Lord, if it is you, bid me come to you on the water.” In today’s gospel (Matthew 14:22-36), we hear about the miracle of Jesus walking on water. The apostles had taken a boat to cross Lake Gennesaret, a very large lake which commonly experiences strong storms. While crossing the lake, one of the fierce storms had formed causing the apostle to fear for their lives. They cried out for help. Jesus, up in the mountains praying, hears their cries for help and comes to their rescue. The apostles see Jesus walking on water and this too frightens them. Peter cries out, “Lord, if it is you, bid me come to you on the water.” Jesus calls Peter forth from the safety of the boat. Peter leaves the boat and begins to walk on the raging seas toward Jesus. However, Peter’s faith is weak and he begins to doubt and sink into the raging waters. Realizing who his savior is, Peter cries out to Jesus, “Lord, save me.” Jesus reaches out to Peter and says, “O man of little faith, why did you doubt?” Jesus and Peter get into the boat with the rest of the disciples and the waters are calmed.

This story demonstrates that we must trust in the Lord and have faith in his powers. We must realize that all our strength and ability come from God and not from us. However, even if we begin to let the raging waters consume us and experience doubt, we can still cry out to the Lord and he will save us. When we are facing the raging waters of life, Christ is there to help us. He will carry us if we believe in Him. Peter believed in the power Christ and left the boat. He stepped into the raging waters. We too may be called to leave the security of the boat and to enter the raging waters. We will face many challenges in our life, some of them beyond our imagination. We must trust in the Lord; we must realize that he is truly the “Son of God.” Only through him can we walk on water and calm the seas. It is his power that allows us to accomplish great miracles. If we do not have faith, how can God help us? If we deny his power, God will cease to help us. We must be willing to come to Christ and accept him as all powerful.

A Simple Prayer Lord, if it is your will, bid me come to you on the water. Give me the strength to trust you and If I experience doubt and weakness, May I cry out to you for help.

Yours in Christ Michael Marcon

Transfiguration: See the Lord before us

My Dearest Brothers and Sisters in Christ:

And a voice came out of the cloud, saying, “This is my Son, my Chosen; listen to him!” In today’s gospel message (Luke 9:28-36) we hear the story of the transfiguration. Jesus takes his three closest disciples, Peter, John and James, to witness the glory of the transfiguration and to see the true glory of God. The three disciples are asleep while the transfiguration begins. When they are awakened, they witness the Glory of God shining through Jesus. His garments are bright white and his face is glowing like the sun. Can you imagine what it must have been like on top of the mountain with Jesus that day? At the transfiguration, Jesus meets with Moses and Elijah. Moses represents the law of the church and Elijah the wisdom salvation. These two great men of God talked about the pending fate of Jesus. This was revealed to the three disciples. We too can be exposed to the glory of God and become witnesses of the transfiguration. The Glory of God is revealed to us every day. When we open our eyes to his glory, the transfiguration is revealed to us. We can see God for who he really is. The Holy Spirit reveals much, we just need to be receptive; we need to be awake. We can be awakened in him like Peter and John and James. We can see the radiant light shining from his face. We can hold the purity of his garments. All we need to do is awaken from our sleep and see the Lord before us.

Yesterday at Mass during the Eucharistic banquet, a small boy was approaching the Eucharistic minister with his hands cupped and raised in anticipation of receiving Jesus. He was about six or seven people away from the front of the line. You could see the excitement in his face as he approached. As he got closer his hand reached higher. And when he finally reached the Eucharist minister, he stood on his toes with his body stretching as high as he could to receive Christ. When he turned, you could see that he had witnessed the true glory of God in the Host. When we go to receive Christ, are we as excited as this little boy or are we still asleep. This boy was truly awakened by what he was about to receive. We should be awakened in the Eucharist and allow Christ to be revealed to us.

A Simple Prayer Lord God, I am a sleep, Awaken in me your spirit, keep me alert to your miracles, to your words, and your actions, Let me see your glory.

Yours in Christ Michael Marcon

All of Us are Extraordinary People!

My Dearest Brothers and Sisters in Christ:

"A prophet is not without honor except in his own country and in his own house." Have you ever tried to impress your own family or the neighbors you grew up with? In today's gospel (Matthew 13:53-58), Jesus returns to the town where he grew up. They would not recognize him as the Messiah. How could he be, he was the son of a carpenter. We all have difficulty believing that those we are familiar with can do extraordinary things since all of us are ordinary people. Jesus' own town folks commented that this can't be the Messiah, he's the son of Mary, and he's only a carpenter's son. Our most sever critics are generally those we are closest to. They are the ones who can't believe we did that extraordinary thing.

We are simple people, how can we perform miracles? How can we preach to those that we know? This week, we took 48 youth to St. Louis for catholic heart Work Camp – 48 ordinary teenagers who did extraordinary things. How many of their friends would believe that they did what they did, yet in St. Louis these teenagers were the most amazing teenagers in the world according to the local residence. To listen to the residences talk you would of thought these kids walked on water. The Holy Spirit flooded their souls and their hearts and they shared the love of God with St. Louis.

Have we become so familiar with Christ that we do not recognize him and his miracles that are all around us? Many times we do not recognize the blessing which have been bestowed upon us. Do you go to church and not recognize or sit in awestruck at the Eucharistic Mystery because it is familiar? Today's gospel challenges us see God's miracles as if it were the first time we met him. We should great Jesus like we do a new born baby. Everyone wants to hold the new baby and embrace the miracle. We should do this everyday with our faith and our commitment to God. God breeds new life in us through his miracles. If we do not believe, how can we recognize the miracles when we witness them?

A Simple Prayer

Father, give me the new life.

Help me renew my friendship with you.

Help me, an ordinary person, become extraordinary.

Yours in Christ

Michael Marcon

The church is non discriminating

My Dearest Brothers and Sisters in Christ:

"The angels will come out and separate the evil from the righteous." At first glance, today's gospel (Matthew 13:47-53) is about the judgment day. But is also about the church and her mission. Jesus tells us that the "kingdom of heaven is like a net thrown into the sea and gathered fish of every kind." Fish nets are non discriminating. The nets gather everything in the water, the good fish, the bad fish, the trash, and the seaweed. The fish net represents the church. The church is non discriminating. It invites everyone into her net. The church does not care if you are righteous or not. The message of Christ is available to everyone who will join her. and it catches all the fish – the good fish and the bad fish. The fishermen then cull the good fish from the bad fish. The good fish are placed in coolers to preserve them while the bad fish are thrown away. Once the net has been cast it is up to the church to teach the ways of Christ, to show everyone the glory of God. The mission of the church is to bring us all to Christ so we can share in the glory of the Kingdom of Heaven. However, we must be worthy to enter. The church will bring us there, but it is up to make ourselves worthy.

A Simple Prayer

Lord Father, your net has been cast.

May I be worthy of the catch.

I long for the treasure of the kingdom of heaven.

Yours in Christ

Michael Marcon

The Kingdom of Heaven is here and now

My Dearest Brothers and Sisters in Christ:

What are the treasures that you hold most dear to your heart? What treasures really matter in your life? In today's gospel reading (Matthew 13:44-46) Jesus tells us that "The kingdom of heaven is like treasure hidden in a field, which a man found and covered up; then in his joy he goes and sells all that he has and buys that field." If you were to find the Kingdom of Heaven today, would you be able to give up everything you own for it? This question is difficult to answer honestly because we all want the Kingdom of Heaven, but when we find it, it is difficult for us to give up our earthly treasures. If we look around, the Kingdom of Heaven is being built. The real question is, are we are a part of the construction crew. Here at workcamp, it is easy to see the Kingdom of Heaven in the work that is being done. I have had the most wonderful opportunity to go out and work with many of the work teams and to witness the Holy Spirit in his full glory. If you will stop and look, you will see the Kingdom of Heaven all around us. However, fully discovering and embracing the Kingdom is a different story. To embrace the Kingdom means to sacrifice and to suffer for God. Sometimes those sacrifices may mean giving up friends who lead you away from the Kingdom. It may also mean making difficult decisions in which you must chose between church and a movie or a retreat over a football game. If you truly discover Christ, you will truly discover the Kingdom. The Kingdom of Heaven is here and now. It is being built around you. If you want to go to heaven, don't wait, it's here. When you help someone else, when you give freely of the talents you were provided you experience heaven.

A Simple Prayer

"Lord Jesus, reveal to me the true riches of your kingdom.

Help me to set my heart on you alone as the treasure beyond compare with any other.

Free my heart of any inordinate desires or attachment to other things

that I may freely give to you all that I have in joy and gratitude for all that you have given to me.

May I always find joy and delight in your presence."

Yours in Christ

Michael Marcon