God gave us Jesus so we could see the Word of God

My Dearest Brothers and Sisters in Christ:

In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God… And the Word became flesh and dwelt among us. In today’s Gospel (John 1:1-18) we hear John’s version of the infancy narrative. This narrative does not talk about the manger, nor the three wise men, nor having to flee Israel. Today’s Gospel links Christ to the Word of God we hear throughout the Old Testament. Today’s Gospel introduces us to the spiritual birth of Christ. Moses heard the Word in the burning bush on Mount Sinai. John tells us that “He was in the beginning with God” letting us know that Christ was with God when he spoke to Adam and Eve and when he spoke to Moses. We are told that Christ is the Word of God made flesh; that he is the light of the World. John tells us that Christ is life-giving and light-giving. When Christ was born, the people did not know who he was. John tells us, “He was in the world, and the world was made through him, yet the world knew him not. He came to his own home, and his own people received him not.” John’s description of the birth of Christ is less spectacular then that of Matthew or Luke, yet it provides a much deeper understanding of the significance of his birth. “But to all who received him, who believed in his name, he gave power to become children of God; who were born, not of blood nor of the will of the flesh nor of the will of man, but of God.” John tells us that if we believe in Christ and accept him into our lives, we will be born into God. God gave us Jesus so we would believe, so we could see the Word of God.

A Simple Prayer Christ, you are the Word made Flesh, You are the light of the world. I receive you into my home and believe in your name Because through you all things were made.

Yours in Christ Michael Marcon

You will be given the Kingdom of God

My Dearest Brothers and Sisters in Christ:

“He who endures to the end will be saved.” Today’s Gospel reading (Matthew 10:17-22) seems to be a little out of place. We just celebrated the glorious birth of Christ and were told of the great joy and hope which was given to the world by God. Yet, in today’s reading we hear that there will be consequences if we follow Christ. We hear if we follow Christ, others will hate us and others will make fun of us. It even says that some of us will be put to death if we follow Christ. This does not sound like the good news we have been hearing for the past couple of days. However, Christ became flesh to save us from our sins and free us from death. He came to give us new life in the Kingdom of God. We learn that the way to heaven is through the cross. If we want to live in the glory of God, then we must be willing to take up the cross no matter what the consequences. Jesus tells us, “When they deliver you up, 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; for it is not you who speak, but the Spirit of your Father speaking through you.” We should not fear being committed to God; we should not be afraid to tell our friends that we are Christian Catholics; and we should not be afraid to standup for the teachings of Christ because “he who endures to the end will be saved.” Following Christ is like running a marathon. The training and practice is grueling and our body continually tells us to quit, but persistence wins. We win the marathon not by crossing the line first but simply by crossing the line. In today’s Gospel reading, Christ is telling us that we may even be hated by our brothers and sisters, but if you are persistent, in the end you will be given the Kingdom of God.

A Simple Prayer Lord Jesus, I am scared to carry my cross. Strengthen my will so I can withstand the punishment For it is through you that I find the Kingdom of God.

Yours in Christ Michael Marcon

We are called to prepare His way

My Dearest Brothers and Sisters in Christ:

“And you, child, will be called the prophet of the Most High; for you will go before the Lord to prepare his ways, to give knowledge of salvation to his people in the forgiveness of their sins, through the tender mercy of our God, when the day shall dawn upon us from on high to give light to those who sit in darkness and in the shadow of death, to guide our feet into the way of peace.” Today’s Gospel reading (Luke 1:67-79) is about the proclamation of Zechariah, John the Baptist’s father. John is born and Zechariah can know speak as was promised by the angel. And what does he do; he proclaims that his John must prepare the ways for the Lord. On this day before Christmas, we too are called to prepare His way and to let everyone know of Christ’s salvation and tender mercy. We are called to carry the torch to light the way for those who sit in darkness. We are called to guide them to the way of peace. At this time of year, we should focus our prayers for peace on earth and good will to all. We should focus on filling the church in hopes that those souls will become permanently connected with Christ and the Eucharist. We should prayer that hatred in the world is abolished and that peace shall reign for ever. We should pray that all the new born children will become beacons of freedom for all and that those expectant mothers will deliver the joy and happiness that each child naturally represents. Tomorrow is Christmas, the day we celebrate the birth of Christ, the day we celebrate the birth of our salvation and the day we celebrate the love, hope, and joy provided to all of humanity from God. Tomorrow we should proclaim that Christ is King.

A Simple Prayer:

Lord, I shot your name on high that all will hear it and come to you table.

You ask me to prepare the ways and give light for those in darkness, but my spirit is weak.

Strengthen me to plow the road and carry the torch which will lead others to your manger.

Yours in Christ

Michael Marcon

God within us

My Dearest Brothers and Sisters in Christ:

Well the saga of Mary continues. In today’s Gospel reading (Luke 1:39-45), “Mary arose and went with haste into the hill country, to a city of Judah, and she entered the house of Zechariah and greeted Elizabeth.” Mary was so excited about the news from the angel of God that she had to go and confirm the news. When Elizabeth hears the voice of Mary, “the babe leaped in her womb; and Elizabeth was filled with the Holy Spirit.” At this time, Jesus is probably only a week or so old in the womb of Mary and he is already changing the world. Can you imagine the joy and excitement that must have been shared in that house that day? What is most surprising is that Elizabeth recognized Mary as the mother of God immediately. She said to Mary, “Blessed are you among women, and blessed is the fruit of your womb!” Immediately she recognized her Lord. At this moment, these two women must have been overwhelmed with the excitement of what they contained within their wombs. The life that they carried within them would forever change the world.

We too must recognize God within us. God dwells in our heart and soul. Once we realize he is with us, we too can be filled with the Holy Spirit. We can allow the Holy Spirit to change our lives forever. When Elizabeth recognized Christ within Mary, not only was she filled with the Holy Spirit, but so was her unborn son. John the Baptist would be special from birth. His mission started in the sixth month of his conception. The Holy Spirit is a wonderful grace which allows us to see Christ within us and to bring Christ to others for their salvation. Mary brought Christ to Elizabeth and Elizabeth was overwhelmed with God. This is exactly why we celebrate Jesus’ birthday. We celebrate the gift which God placed on this earth to save us from our sins. This wonderful gift is placed within us from our conception in the womb. So on Christmas morning, thank God for giving us his son, and for placing Christ within each and every one of us.

A Simple Prayer God, I am in joyful anticipation of the coming of the Messiah. May he enter my life and fill me with the Holy Spirit.

Yours in Christ Michael Marcon

God is there. Have Faith and Trust!

My Dearest Brothers and Sisters in Christ:

“Behold, I am the handmaid of the Lord; let it be to me according to your word.” In today’s Gospel reading (Luke 1:26-38), Mary is told that she will be the mother of Christ. Her womb will hold what the universe could not. An angel appears to Mary saying, “Hail, O favored one, the Lord is with you!” We know from this passage alone that Mary is very special; she is favored by God. God has a mission for Mary. At first Mary is troubled and probably just a little bit scared of the angel. The first thing the angel said to Mary was, “Do not be afraid, Mary, for you have found favor with God.” Before the angel gives Mary the news, he comforts Mary and sets her at ease. Mary is then told her chosen task, “And behold, you will conceive in your womb and bear a son, and you shall call his name Jesus. He will be great, and will be called the Son of the Most High; and the Lord God will give to him the throne of his father David, and he will reign over the house of Jacob for ever; and of his kingdom there will be no end.” Can you imagine the way Mary must have felt at this time? She wasn’t married and was betrothed to Joseph. However, Mary simply replied, “Behold, I am the handmaid of the Lord; let it be to me according to your word.” She accepted her responsibility without question; she exhibits true faith and love for God. Just as Eve was the mother of all humanity, Mary now becomes the mother of salvation, she is the mother of the new Adam, the one who will save us from our sins. By the grace of God which was given to her at birth, she realizes the magnitude of task which has been bestowed upon her and she simply says yes. Wow!!!

When God gives us graces, he expects us to follow the example of Mary. We should always reply, “Yes, Lord. I am your handmaid; let me do your will.” This passage tells us that God did not leave Mary alone. He was there with her through the whole ordeal. The angel said, “The Holy Spirit will come upon you, and the power of the Most High will overshadow you.” God does not give us tasks to do and then abandons us. He gives us everything we need to complete the task and is there to hold us up. We just have to accept the task and trust in him. Trust is a difficult thing. I can remember when my kids were little and we would go to the neighborhood pool. At the time they could not swim without my help or the use of floats. In teaching them to swim, I would ask them to jump from the side of the pool and I would catch them. In their mind, they believed that I could catch them, but they had to overcome the fear of drowning in the water before they would jump. They had to have faith that I would be there for them. Faith is more than believing that something can be done; faith is taking action in your beliefs. Faith is the willingness to do the task that has been given to you and knowing that God will be there to catch you. What faith Mary exhibited on this day when she agreed to be the Mother of God.

A Simple Prayer Lord, You call me to be your servant. You call be to have faith and trust in you. I am weak and afraid, May the strength of Holy Spirit give me the strength I need.

Yours in Christ Michael Marcon

Make ready the way of the Lord

My Dearest Brothers and Sisters in Christ:

You have six days left before the world is renewed in the Holy Spirit of God. In today’s Gospel reading (Luke 1:5-22) we hear the story of the birth of John the Baptist. Zechariah, a Jewish priest and father of John drew the lot to burn the incense in temple. This was by random drawing that one would be chosen for this task and would be very rare. You might be selected only once in your entire life to have this great honor if you were lucky. To the Jews, this was like winning the $100 million lottery. While in the temple, Zechariah was visited by the angel Gabriel. Gabriel told him that his wife Elizabeth, who was “barren and advanced in years,” would “bear you a son, and you shall call his name John.” Zechariah questioned the angel, “How shall I know this? For I am an old man, and my wife is advanced in years.” And the angel answered him, "I am Gabriel, who stands in the presence of God; and I was sent to speak to you, and to bring you this good news. And behold, you will be silent and unable to speak until the day that these things come to pass, because you did not believe my words, which will be fulfilled in their time.”

What would you have done if the angel appeared before you? Would you have questioned the word of God? The passage starts out describing Zechariah and Elizabeth as “righteous before God, walking in all the commandments and ordinances of the Lord blameless.” We know from this passage that they both were very religious and obedient servants of God. So why would Zechariah have doubt? The angel told Zechariah that “your prayer is heard and your wife Elizabeth will bear you a son” and “he will be great before the Lord” and “he will be filled with the Holy Spirit” and “he will turn many of the sons of Israel to the Lord their God” and “he will go before him in the spirit and power of Elijah, to turn the hearts of the fathers to the children, and the disobedient to the wisdom of the just, to make ready for the Lord a people prepared.” What an overwhelming commandment from God! Could God really give him a child let alone to do all these miraculous things. God silenced Zechariah so he would believe in the gift that was given to him. For nine months, Zechariah was silenced so he could hear the word of God. God also calls us to silence so we can hear his words and know our mission. Take time before Christmas to sit and listen to the Lord and see what gift he has to offer to you. Ask him what he wants from you. Ask him what expectations he has for your life. In complete silence, God will speak to you.

God also used Zechariah’s silence as a sign to others. The passage says, “And the people were waiting for Zechariah, and they wondered at his delay in the temple. And when he came out, he could not speak to them, and they perceived that he had seen a vision in the temple; and he made signs to them and remained dumb.” This let the people know that a great miracle had happened, but Zechariah could not tell them what it was. They would have to wait and witness it themselves. John, while not conceived of the Holy Spirit like Jesus, had the Holy Spirit in him. His journey from birth was to make ready the way of the Lord. He was to bring all people to God by turning the hearts of “the disobedient to the wisdom of the just.” We too are called to let the Holy Spirit fill our lives so that we can make ready the way of the Lord. For the next six days you job is to bring all people to God by turning the hearts of “the disobedient to the wisdom of the just.”

A Simple Prayer Lord, open my ears so I can hear your words. Allow me to hear what you want me to do. May I make ready the way of the Lord.

Yours in Christ Michael Marcon

Are you obedient to the will of God?

My Dearest Brothers and Sisters in Christ:

“An angel of the Lord appeared to him in a dream, saying, ‘Joseph, son of David, do not fear to take Mary your wife, for that which is conceived in her is of the Holy Spirit.’” In today’s Gospel (Matthew 1:18-24), we hear the story of Joseph. He has just found out that Mary is pregnant with Jesus and being a just man and not wanting to shame Mary, he resolves to divorce her quietly. But an angel appeared to Joseph in a dream and said, “do not fear to take Mary your wife, for that which is conceived in her is of the Holy Spirit; she will bear a son, and you shall call his name Jesus, for he will save his people from their sins.” When he woke up he did as he was commanded by the angel. This story has two great messages. The first message is the willingness of Joseph to obey the will of God. His fiancé is pregnant and they are not married. How embarrassing that would be for his wife to be to be pregnant and they were not married. Yet Joseph listened and obeyed the angel of God. The second message, which is more subtle in this Gospel reading, is the faith and trust of Mary. Mary also has to trust in God and have faith that he will take care of her and provide for her. In the time of Christ, Mary would likely have been stoned or cast out of the community. This was a huge commitment by both.

We too are called to be obedient to the will of God no matter what he asks us to do, no matter how embarrassing, and no matter how uncertain the outcome. The Holy Spirit comes down upon us and gives us many gifts wrapped in strange packaging. We are called to use those gifts to spread the word of God, to make way for the Kingdom of God. We are also called to have great trust and faith in God. We need to trust that he knows what he is doing. During the Christmas season, it is so easy to get caught up in the materialistic aspects of “All I want for Christmas is…” when I should be saying yes to the angel of God when he calls. During the advent season, we should take the time to reflect on the gifts which God has given us and give him thanks and praise for these gifts are given to us freely without any expectations of return. We should reflect on our talents which were given to us by God and decide whether we are using them how he intended us to us them. The Christmas season is not about the material gifts that we receive on Christmas Day but about the spiritual gifts which are wrapped up in the paper of the Holy Spirit. We should celebrate the family that we have and blessing that we were given. We should celebrate the gift of Christ in our lives. Once we accept these gifts from God, we can truly appreciate the other gifts which we will receive this Christmas.

A Simple Prayer God, you give me more graces than I deserve. Give me the strength to use those gifts to your satisfaction. May I have the obedience of Joseph and the faith of Mary To use the gifts which you have given me. Your son was the greatest gift of all for he came to forgive us our sins. May I also forgive those who sinned against me.

Yours in Christ Michael Marcon

The genealogy of Christ, are adopted into the royal family

My Dearest Brothers and Sisters in Christ,

In today’s Gospel reading (Matthew 1:1-17), we hear the genealogy of Christ. So why do we need to know our genealogy? It helps us understand who we are and where we come from. We hear that Jesus is a direct descendant of Abraham, the Father of God’s chosen people and of the house of David, the King of Israel. This genealogy fulfills the Old Testament scriptures which promised that a descendant of the house of David would come to save us from our enemies. The linage presented in Matthew confirms that Christ is the promised Messiah, the Son of Man sent to save us. Like Moses who freed the Israelites from the bondage of Pharaoh’s slavery, Jesus freed us from the bondage of sin. We know from this Gospel reading that Christ is the hope which was sent to lead man to the Kingdom of God. The greatest present of all was given to humanity. This small present wrapped in swaddling clothes fulfilled all the prophecies of the Old Testament. This small package, born of the Virgin Mary, came to adopt all of humanity. Christ was not a present just for the Jews but for all Nations. Through Christ, we are adopted into the royal family, through Christ, we are delivered to the Kingdom of God.

A Simple Prayer Lord, you are the Messiah from the house of David. You are the savior of the world and the hope for all of humanity You are my Lord and Master, take my heart and my soul And us them to do your will.

Yours in Christ Michael Marcon

Take up the yoke of Christ and he will give you rest

My Dearest Brothers and Sisters in Christ:

“Come to me, all who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest.” Today’s Gospel reading (Matthew 11:28-30) is such a comforting message. Jesus tells us to take up the yoke of the Lord “For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light.” To help ease the load on the oxen, each ox had its own tailor made yoke. Jesus tells us that he will help us with our load if we will take up his yoke. He has a tailor made yoke just for us. It is designed to free us from the heavy burden of life. Yokes are made for two. This makes room for you and Christ to pull the load. We are called to pull the load of Christ which sets us free from the heavy burden of sin. Any other load is crushing and weighs us down. It is through Christ that we find our worries removed.

During advent, we are preparing for the coming of Christ. We open the doors to our soul to let Christ in. He is coming to lighten our load and to remove the burdens of sin which we place upon ourselves. Through Christ, our sins are not only forgiven, but removed from our cart. Through reconciliation, we ask God to lift the sins from our back. It is through the love Christ that he relieves us from our burden. We too have the option to lighten the load of others. We are called to forgive those who trespass against us. When we ask for forgiveness we are also called to give forgiveness. This forgiveness removes the burden which others have placed upon themselves. What a great place this world would be if we all forgave each other for all the sins that committed. Take up the yoke of Christ and he will give you rest.

A Simple Prayer Lord, my yoke is heavy and my load is burdensome. Help me free myself from the burdens which hold me back And give me strength to help free the burden placed on others.

Yours in Christ Michael Marcon

No matter how lost we become, God is always there

My Dearest Brothers and Sisters in Christ:

“So it is not the will of my Father who is in heaven that one of these little ones should perish.” In today’s Gospel reading (Matthew 18:12-14), we hear the story about the shepherd. Jesus asks the question, “If a man has a hundred sheep, and one of them has gone astray, does he not leave the ninety-nine on the hills and go in search of the one that went astray?” Today’s message is one of good news and hope. No matter how lost we become, God is always there to help us find our way back. God wants us all in the kingdom of heaven and does not want us separated from him. Today’s message is truly good because Christ tells us that the Father in Heaven wants everyone to be part of the flock. God is sad and worried when one of his sheep is lost. A sheep is a very social animal and needs the protection of the shepherd. If it gets separated from the flock, it panics and becomes disoriented. It will not eat and becomes susceptible to wolves and other wild animals that prey upon them. The shepherd knows that he has to look for the sheep before something bad happens to it. This is the same thing that God does for us. And when he finds his lost sheep, “he rejoices over it more than over the ninety-nine that never went astray.” If we fall, God does not get mad at us, but instead he worries about us. He knows that when we are separated from him that we are alone and disoriented so he reaches out to us with arms to pull us back. God does not want us separated from him. He wants us with him in his loving arms. God seeks us out constantly. He forever wants us in his flock What does he do when we return? He rejoices and celebrates like the father did when the prodigal son returned home.

A Simple Prayer Lord, you are my shepherd. Guide me when I am lost and gone astray Guide me when I can not find my way back I desire to be with you at all times.

Yours in Christ Michael Marcon

Meditation Minute

My Dearest Brothers and Sisters in Christ:

“Which is easier, to say, 'Your sins are forgiven you,' or to say, 'Rise and walk’?” In today’s Gospel reading (Luke 5:17-26), Jesus is teaching and a crowd of people including Pharisees and teachers of the law. The Pharisees and scribes were the most knowledgably of all the Jews. They knew what was and what was not allowed by Jewish law and tradition. Jesus is imparting wisdom on those who have stopped to listen to his message. Crowds of people would stop to listen making it almost impossible to even get near him. On this event, some men brought a friend of theirs who was paralyzed. They could not get to Jesus because of the crowds so “finding no way to bring him in, because of the crowd, they went up on the roof and let him down with his bed through the tiles into the midst before Jesus.” Jesus, seeing the faith of the men said, “Man, your sins are forgiven you.”

The scribes and the Pharisees began to question Jesus, saying, “Who is this that speaks blasphemies? Who can forgive sins but God only?” So he answered them, "Why do you question in your hearts? Which is easier, to say, ‘Your sins are forgiven you,’ or to say, ‘Rise and walk?’” At that moment, Jesus cured the paralyzed man to demonstrate who he was. This story has so many teachings. Jesus is moved by the faith of the group of men that brought him the paralyzed man. What burden these men had to overcome to bring their friend to God. First, they had to load the paralyzed man on a bed to carry him to Jesus. Once they got there, the entrance to house was blocked because of all the people. Seeing this obstacle, they could have simply turned around and went home. But instead they crawled up on the roof with the paralyzed man, cut a hole in the roof and lowered the man down to Jesus. These acts demonstrate the true determination of these men. Nothing was going to prevent them from getting to Christ. So what did Christ do to reward these men? He forgave the paralyzed man of his sins. Jesus knows what inflictions truly cripple us. It was important to forgive this man of his sins then it was to cure him of his paralysis.

The Pharisees were not happy at what they witnessed. Only God can forgive someone for their sins. They accused Jesus of blasphemy. What little faith these Pharisees had. Even listening to Jesus, they did not recognize who he was. To reveal himself to the Pharisees and scribes he replied to them, “Which is easier, to say, ‘Your sins are forgiven you,’ or to say, ‘Rise and walk?’” He then turned to the paralyzed man and said, “I say to you, rise, take up your bed and go home.” After [performing the miracle “amazement seized them all, and they glorified God and were filled with awe, saying, ‘We have seen strange things today.’”

Jesus came to free us from our sins. He came to reveal himself to man by performing miracle, allowing the blind to see and the paralyzed to walk. Sins separate us from God. They make us unable to see and walk with God in his glory. What ailment was a greater concern to the paralyzed man, his sins or his physical paralysis? Obviously his sins would prevent him from walking in the kingdom of God. Therefore, Jesus cured the paralyzed man by forgiving his sins. What sins are blinding you and keeping you from walking with Christ? What are you willing to do to free yourself from those sins?

A Simple Prayer: “Lord Jesus, through your merciful love and forgiveness you bring healing and restoration to body, soul, and mind. May your healing power and love touch every area of my life – my innermost thoughts, feelings, attitudes, and memories. Pardon my offences and transform me in the power of your Holy Spirit that I may walk confidently in your truth and righteousness.”

Yours in Christ Michael Marcon

Meditation Minute

My Dearest Brothers and Sisters in Christ:

“According to your faith be it done to you.” In today’s Gospel reading (Matthew 9:27-31), Christ cures two blind men because of their faith. The blind men cried out to Jesus, “Have mercy on us, Son of David.” Jesus asks the two men, “Do you believe that I am able to do this?” And the two men replied, “Yes, Lord.” Do you ever feel blind in your faith? There are times in our lives when we all experience dry spells where it is hard to see Christ in our lives. His message is there but for some reason we do not hear him or see him. The message in today’s Gospel reading gives us hope. All we need to do is cry out to the Lord, “Have mercy on me O Lord.” Our God is all powerful and all merciful. When the blind men cried out, “Lord, have mercy on us,” they are not only asking for God’s compassion, but they are asking him to remove their suffering. God’s mercy is unending and all we need to do is have faith in his ability to cure us. Jesus tests them, “Do you believe that I am able to do this?” Because of their faith, they were set free from their affliction. God wants all of us to be freed from our afflictions. Faith in God is the answer. We must trust in his ability to cure us; to open our eyes and our ears so we can see and hear him. Christ wants us all to be members of the kingdom of heaven. Through our growing of our faith, we will see the kingdom unfold before us.

A Simple Prayer

Lord, Have mercy on my soul.

Free me from my blindness in faith.

Open my eyes so I can see the kingdom of God.

Yours in Christ

Michael Marcon

Meditation Minute

My Dearest Brothers and Sisters in Christ:

“Not every one who says to me, `Lord, Lord,' shall enter the kingdom of heaven, but he who does the will of my Father who is in heaven.” Today’s Gospel reading (Matthew 7:21,24-27) is a message of being prepared. Jesus says it is not enough to say you believe in God, but one must act upon the words of God. “Every one then who hears these words of mine and does them will be like a wise man who built his house upon the rock; and the rain fell, and the floods came, and the winds blew and beat upon that house, but it did not fall, because it had been founded on the rock.” He is telling us that we must be prepared and to be prepared means we must have a solid foundation for our faith. Our faith is built upon hope and longing for Christ in our lives. We must desire Christ and want Christ, but even more, we must seek Christ. Advent is a time of preparation. We are preparing the way for the greatest gift ever given to man. In preparing for this gift, we should open our hearts to the Word. Daily mediation on the teachings of Christ is important to building our faith. Faith is a journey and not an endpoint. We must work on building our faith daily. If we do not exercise our faith then Jesus tells us, “And every one who hears these words of mine and does not do them will be like a foolish man who built his house upon the sand; and the rain fell, and the floods came, and the winds blew and beat against that house, and it fell; and great was the fall of it.”

A Simple Prayer

Lord, help me prepare the way.

Help me make ready my heart and soul.

Help me build a strong foundation to stand the test of time.

Help me conform my life to yours.

Yours in Christ

Michael Marcon

Meditation Minute

My Dearest Brothers and Sisters in Christ:

“Blessed are the eyes which see what you see!” In today’s Gospel reading (Luke 10:21-24), we hear the Lord’s hymn of joy. Jesus proclaims that our God is “Lord of heaven and earth!” Jesus tells his disciples that they should celebrate because he has been revealed to them. Jesus tells the discipleship because of their childlike faith his Father has been revealed to him. To have a childlike faith means that one must abandon ones pride and self serving attitude. A child has no problem expressing their dependence on others and we too must realize and express our dependence on Christ. The childlike faith which was expressed by the apostles allowed them to see the great works of God the Father on earth “for such was your [God’s] gracious will.” Because God wanted them to see the Messiah, the Messiah was revealed to them. We must realize that we need grace and the help from our Father in Heaven to find our way to Heaven. Heaven is not a place we just happen upon; it is a place we long for; it is a place which is revealed to us by God. “All things have been delivered to me by my Father; and no one knows who the Son is except the Father, or who the Father is except the Son and any one to whom the Son chooses to reveal him.” It is by the grace of faith that we know who Christ is.

A Simple Prayer

Lord God, reveal yourself to me.

I desire a childlike faith so I can see Christ and find my way to heaven.

Yours in Christ

Michael Marcon

Meditation Minute

My Dearest Brothers and Sisters in Christ:

“Lord, I am not worthy to have you come under my roof; but only say the word, and my servant will be healed.” In today’s Gospel reading (Matthew 8:5-11), we hear the story of the centurion’s faith. The centurion tells Jesus, “Lord, my servant is lying paralyzed at home, in terrible distress.” At the time of Jesus, Jews were not allowed to go into the Roman soldiers’ homes, so the centurion says, “Only say the word, and my servant will be healed.” Through this statement, the centurion has not only established a belief that Christ has healing powers, but also establishes a concern for his Jewish faith. Jesus responds to the centurion, “Truly, I say to you, not even in Israel have I found such faith.” The Roman centurion represented power. He was in control of a large number of men. The centurion described himself as “a man under authority, with soldiers under me; and I say to one, `Go,' and he goes, and to another, `Come,' and he comes, and to my slave, `Do this,' and he does it.” However, the centurion was powerless to help his servant. With all his earthly strength and power, he had no control over life and death or sickness and health. He had to admit his weakness and humbleness to Christ. In admitting his weakness, he admitted the strength of his faith. When things are going good and we feel in control and in charge, it is not easy for us to recognize who really is in control. It is not until we recognize our mortality or our human limitations that we reach out for Christ. In this advent season, we should recognize that we are weak and need Christ all the time. We should prepare the way for the Lord into our life. Allow Christ to be reborn in your soul and your heart. You should use this advent season as a time of renewal and rebirth in your faith.

A Simple Prayer

Lord, I am a servant lying paralyzed;

Only say the word and I shall be healed.

Yours in Christ

Michael Marcon