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