Meditation Minute

My Dearest Brothers and Sisters in Christ:

“Is a lamp brought in to be put under a bushel, or under a bed, and not on a stand?” In today’s Gospel reading (Mark 4:21-25), Jesus tells us the story of the lamp. The lamp symbolizes the Word of God. He challenges us by asking us what we do with the lamp. The lamp provides light so we can see through the darkness in this world. The light enables us to avoid trouble and find our way. It illuminates the pathway. When we are given the lamp, do we shield it from others or do we set it out for all to see? Not only does the light provide us safety and security, it is there to provide safety for others. Jesus tells us, “For there is nothing hid, except to be made manifest; nor is anything secret, except to come to light.” If we place a bucket over the light, it will still be visible around the rim. It is impossible to fully contain the light and not let it shine. Jesus is calling us to proclaim the word, not hide it. No matter how much we try to avoid it, it will get out. Eventually the light of Christ will fully illuminate all of the world. The question is “Will we like what the light reveals?”

The Gospel reading goes on to say that the Word of God is a treasure. This part of the reading is an extension of yesterday’s parable of the seed. He who sows the Word of God will be given more grace and will yield more fruit. But he who does not sow the seeds, will become more and more impoverished. Without the fruits of the seed, how will we feed ourselves? I think we are weakest when we push Christ out of our life. Our spiritual life suffers and so does our personal life. When we are filled with the power of the Holy Spirit, it radiates from us. If we pollute our bodies with material possessions and unrighteous acts and thoughts, we diminish the gift of grace given to us by God. Christ tells us, “from him who has not, even what he has will be taken away.” Evil is disruptive and destructive. Evil is soul cancer. Fortunately, there is a cure; prayer, fasting and almsgiving. These are the three pillars of Lent. The more we practice these three things, the more grace that is poured into our lives. We become enriched with the spirit of God.

A Simple Prayer

Lord God, you are the light of the world.

You make all things visible through your love and compassion.

May I become a beacon of your light to lead others to your table.

Yours in Christ

Michael Marcon

Meditation Minute

My Dearest Brothers and Sisters in Christ:

It is late in the day and I apologize for the lateness of the message. Today’s Gospel reading (Mark 4:1-20) is such a powerful message I would be remiss in not providing a mediation minute.

“Those that were sown upon the good soil are the ones who hear the word and accept it and bear fruit.” Today’s reading is about the parable of the sower. Jesus compares our lives to those of seeds sown upon the land. Some of the seeds fall upon the walk, some among the stones and others in the soil. He tells us that those in the soil can be plagued with thorny weeds. The seeds represent our faith and commitment to God. The seeds that fall upon the path are not protected and the birds quickly eat these seeds. These are the times in our lives when we completely shut out God. These are the times when we have a choice between good and evil and we chose evil. Satan is quick to come after us at these times in our lives because we are easy pray.

At times our faith is like the seeds that fall along the sides of the path. There are a lot of rocks with very little soil. Our seed sprouts but does not survive. How often do we get excited about something in our lives to only see it quickly wither away. Maybe we have fallen away from daily prayer or even strayed from mass. We go back to mass and while in mass, we feel the instant gratification of prayer and the Eucharist. In the moment we make all kind of promises to God. But before you even leave the church parking lot you’re arguing with your family and completely forget the commitments you just made. Jesus tells us that during these times we “immediately receive it with joy” but our faith has no roots so it quickly withers. We must learn to nurture and grow our faith. It must have a solid foundation. It must have good soil with plenty of nutrients.

Jesus tells us that the seeds sown in the soil will grow, but that they still need to be care for. If we let weeds grow in our lives, they can choke out our faith. So often we have strong beginnings and a good foundation, but we let the evils of society prevail. Evil lurks in so many places including the people we associate with, the television we watch and the places we go. If we are not careful, Jesus tells us that “the cares of the world, and the delight in riches, and the desire for other things, enter in and choke the word.” We become numb to the Word of God because we are surrounded by materialistic things.

Christ gives us great hope and promise. “But those sown upon the good soil are the ones who hear the word and accept it and bear fruit.” Our faith must bear fruit. We are called as Christians to preach the gospel daily and as St Francis say, use words only if necessary. It is through a strong foundation, good nourishment and tending of the seeds that they produce many fruits. As we are one week away from the beginning of lent, it is crucial to reflect upon your life. You need to decide where you have sown your seeds. Take some time to reflect upon your conscience. You should begin a deep examination of your soul to determine if your seeds are sown on the sidewalk or sown in the fertile fields. If your seeds are in the field, then are you allowing materialistic things between you and God? We should begin lent with a clean soul. Reconciliation helps to center our life and our journey through lent. Now is a great time to seek the Sacrament of Reconciliation.

A Simple Prayer

Lord Jesus, I have sown my seeds. Help me find the fertile soil.

Let me have the faith and wisdom to see your divine truth.

Open my ears to your call and my eyes to the Word so I can journey with you.

Yours in Christ

Michael Marcon

Meditation Minute

My Dearest Brothers and Sisters in Christ:

“Whoever does the will of God is my brother, and sister, and mother.” In today’s Gospel reading (Mark 3:31-35), Jesus’ family comes to greet him while he is addressing an audience. The crowd said to Jesus, “Your mother and your brothers are outside, asking for you.” He responds with a simple question, “Who are my mother and my brothers?” At first it may seem like Jesus is ignoring his mother and family. It almost seems like they are not important. He says, “Here are my mother and my brothers.” There is no doubt that Jesus loved his mother and his family dearly. But Jesus is trying to teach his audience that God is what is important in our relationships. That through God we are all one family. We are all children of God and therefore, we are all brothers and sisters. When we form a relationship with God, we form a relationship with every other person. When we think of a family, we probably think of a relationship involving love, affection, kindness, loyalty, support and protection. Our family becomes our security and our foundation. This is what Jesus is telling his followers; a relationship with God offers all these things and more. When we think of a mother, we think of someone who nurtures, who cuddles, and who holds us close or a brother is someone who defends us or confides in us. In God we find that same motherly/brotherly compassion. God is not a set of laws but a relationship. It is through Christ that we become the sons and daughters of God.

A Simple Prayer

Father in Heaven, you are my love and my security.

You give me strength and hope to face the world.

Yours in Christ

Michael Marcon

Meditation Minute

My Dearest Brothers and Sisters in Christ:

And he said to them, “Go into all the world and preach the gospel to the whole creation.” Today’s Gospel reading (Mark 16:15-20) comes from the very end of the Gospel of Mark. This passage is referred to as the Long Ending because it tells of the ascension of Christ into heaven. Before Christ departs this world, he provides instructions for his disciples, “Go into all the world and preach the gospel to the whole of creation.” Christ tells us that “he who believes and is baptized will be saved; but he who does not believe will be condemned.” Christ is telling us that there is power in belief. He tells us that if we truly believe we will be able to cast out demons, speak in new tongues, pick up serpents and drink deadly things without being hurt. He also tells us that we will be able to lay hands on the sick and make them better. Jesus’ ascension into Heaven marked a new beginning; a new gift given to man through God. This last passage of Mark is very simple, very short and very full of hope. This one passage described the whole of Christ’s mission on earth; to save man from his sins and to free him from the afflictions which keep him from God. The passage tells us that Jesus ascended into heaven to sit at the right hand of God. Although Jesus is now in heaven, “the Lord worked with them and confirmed the message by the signs that attended it.” We continue to see the signs today. Through the power of prayer, people are healed and miracles continue to happen. Jesus, through the power of the Holy Spirit, continues to reach down to earth to set us free from the bondage of sins.

A Simple Prayer

Lord Jesus, through the gift of the Holy Spirit,

You fill me with an unending spirit of praise and joy.

May I be a witness to those around me of the gospel

and the reality of your resurrection.

Yours in Christ

Michael Marcon

Meditation Minute

My Dearest Brothers and Sisters in Christ:

“And whenever the unclean spirits beheld him, they fell down before him and cried out, ‘You are the Son of God.’” In today’s Gospel reading (Mark 3:7-12), the people of Israel are overwhelming Jesus. People from all over the country are coming to Jesus to be healed. The Gospel reading says “And he told his disciples to have a boat ready for him because of the crowd, lest they should crush him; for he had healed many, so that all who had diseases pressed upon him to touch him.” Freedom from their affliction was offered to those who reached out to touch Christ. Because of their faith, they reached out to Christ. Because of their faith they were healed. We too can reach out to Christ. He will chase away our demons. The demons are no match for Christ. It says in the gospel that the demons “fell before him and cried out, ‘You are the Son of God’.” As we approach Lent, we need to focus our faith on Christ. We need to reach out for his saving grace. This is done through deepening our prayer life and giving of our talents and treasures. We should reach out with expectant faith to his healing powers.

A Simple Prayer

Lord God, I reach out to touch your robe.

I reach out with expectant faith for your healing love and grace.

Set me free from my afflictions which block the path to you.

Yours in Christ

Michael Marcon

Meditation Minute

My Dearest Brothers and Sisters in Christ:

“Is it lawful on the Sabbath to do good or to do harm, to save life or to kill?” Again in today’s Gospel (Mark 3:1-6) Jesus is challenged about good works being performed on the Sabbath. A man with a crippled hand enters the synagogue. The Jewish leaders sit there waiting to see what Jesus does. Sensing the hardness of their hearts, Jesus calls the crippled man over and asks the Jewish leaders, “Is it lawful on the Sabbath to do good or to do harm, to save life or to kill?” Jesus cures the man’s hand. This enrages the Jewish leaders and they go out and begin to plot against him. What is the real purpose of the Sabbath? - to honor God for all he has done for us. If we see someone cripple or hurt, what better display of gratitude toward God then to reach out and help the individual. The scribes and the Pharisees we so determined to get Jesus that they could not see the good that he was doing. They were blinded by their hatred and their anger. Jesus points out that the purpose of the Sabbath is to do good and not to do harm. That we are called to save the lives of our fellow brothers and sisters when they are indeed in need. Christians celebrate the Lord’s Day, now Sunday, to honor God for all he has done for us. We celebrate the new life that was given to us through the cross and Christ’s resurrection. Through the resurrection, we are given new life. God saved our life through the death of his only son. It is this form of love that God wants us to remember and reflect on during the Sabbath. If we truly love and honor God, then his love will overflow from us out to our neighbors “to do good” and “to save life.”

A Simple Prayer

Lord, Jesus Christ, I celebrate the resurrection of new life.

Give me the strength to reach out and give this love to others.

Yours in Christ

Michael Marcon

Meditation Minute

My Dearest Brothers and Sisters in Christ:

“The Sabbath was made for man, not man for the Sabbath.” In today’s Gospel (Mark 2:23-28), Jesus is questioned about the Sabbath. God gave Moses the commandment to keep holy the Sabbath. This day was set aside for remembrance of our Lord. This is supposed to be a day for us to celebrate God’s gifts and graces he has given us. It is a day where we should praise God for all he has done for us. On this particular Sabbath, Jesus’ disciples were picking grain to eat and were challenged by the Pharisees. They said to Jesus, “Why are they doing what is not lawful on the Sabbath?” Jesus uses the scriptures from the Old Testament to justify their actions. Jesus tells us it is more important for us to take care of our human needs then to practice ritual customs. Jesus tells the Pharisees that the Sabbath was designed to renew us and refresh us. Withholding our basic humanly needs was not the purpose. As Jesus told the Pharisees, “The Sabbath was made for man, not man for the Sabbath.”

A Simple Prayer

Lord, may I keep holy your day.

May I give the mercy and grace which you unconditionally give to me.

May I nourish my spiritual needs so I may grow in you.

Yours in Christ

Michael Marcon

Meditation Minute

My Dearest Brothers and Sisters in Christ:

“Can the wedding guests fast while the bridegroom is with them?” In today’s Gospel reading (Mark 2:18-22), Jesus proclaims that the bridegroom is among them. The bridegroom defines the bridge between the Old and New Testament. It marks the beginning of the Kingdom of Heaven on earth. The apostles are the guests of the wedding feast and Jesus says that they should be celebrating his life and not fasting. This is a time of joy. He warns his followers that his time with them is limited. We too should celebrate when Christ is with us. To walk with Christ brings about a new joy and elation in our life. As we feast on the Gospel, our soul is nourished with the joy of knowing Christ.

The disciple’s of John the Baptist complained that Jesus’ disciples were not fasting. Jesus tells them that they need to open their minds to change. “No one puts new wine into old wineskins; if he does, the wine will burst the skins, and the wine is lost, and so are the skins; but new wine is for fresh skins.” Jesus is telling them that there is something new among them and that they must be willing to adopt new traditions. He tells them that it is time to accept change. This does not mean that we reject the old, but that we must accept the new. The wine represents our traditions. All the wine is valuable; not just the old or the new. Jesus tells them that there is a time to observe old traditions (the old wine skin) and a time to establish new ones (the new skins). He tells them that they should not be stuck in the past but to embrace what is at hand. We must have the old and the new. The Old Testament and the New Testament define who we are. We are not just the Old Testament nor are we just the New Testament, but the culmination of both. Jesus tells the disciples to celebrate because he is here. You will be able to fast when I’m gone.

A Simple Prayer

Lord Jesus, I want to celebrate your life.

Fill me with your love and truth so I can feast today.

And help me prepare for the coming fast.

May I find joy is serving you.

Yours in Christ

Michael Marcon

Meditation Minutes

My Dearest Brothers and Sisters in Christ:

“My son, your sins are forgiven.” In today’s Gospel reading (Mark 2:1-12), Jesus is visited by a paralytic man. The reading tells us that Jesus was busy preaching to a large crowd. There was no more room, “not even about the door.” Four men were carrying a paralytic man. Because they could not get to Jesus, “they removed the roof above him; and when they had made an opening, they let down the pallet on which the paralytic lay.” Because of their deep faith Jesus said to the man, “My son, your sins are forgiven.” Jesus healed the man of his greatest affliction; he forgave the man of his sins. The scribes were not happy with Jesus because only God could forgive sins and therefore Jesus was claiming to be God. Jesus sensing what was in their hearts said to the crowd, “Why do you question thus in your hearts? Which is easier, to say to the paralytic, `Your sins are forgiven,' or to say, `Rise, take up your pallet and walk'?” To prove who he was, he commanded the paralytic man to walk again. The crowd responded, “We never saw anything like this!” These people witnessed the true healing power of forgiveness. So what was the greater affliction, the man’s sins or being paralyzed? It was obviously his sins. By the faith of the paralyzed man and the four men who brought him, Christ freed this man from his sins. This is the same freedom we can experience after reconciliation. As we remove the sins that afflict our body, our soul becomes free to walk again. The burden of our sins can paralyze us and hold us back. It is difficult and humbling to have a deep and sincere confession. Sometimes we have to tear the roof off our house to expose the sins which keep us from Christ. It is our desire for forgiveness that yields freedom from the sins.

A Simple Prayer

Lord Jesus Christ, you are so kind and merciful.

Your forgiveness heals my soul and my body.

May your love consume and control my life, my body and my soul.

Yours in Christ

Michael Marcon

Meditation Minute

My Dearest Brothers and Sisters in Christ:

“If you will, you can make me clean.” In today’s Gospel (Mark1:40-45), again we hear a story about a leper seeking God’s help. Moved with pity, Jesus reaches out his hand and says, “I will; be clean.” What is it that we bring before the Lord and ask for his mercy? No matter what it is, Christ will reach out his hand and heal us. Lepers were considered untouchables; people cast out from society and left to wither and die in seclusion. Jesus embraces Leper and cures despite his being cast out by society. No matter how unclean you become, Jesus will not leave you. No matter how grotesque your sins, Jesus will say to you, “I will; be clean.” It Jesus’ will that we all be clean and purified. In this Gospel reading, Jesus also sets the example for us. We too are called to reach out to the untouchables. We are called to forgive everyone, even those who have committed the most contemptible of sins. We are called to reach out our hands and forgive. It is through our mercy and love that we demonstrate our true commitment to Christ. No matter how deep the wound, we must reach out. As lent approaches, we need to think of those whom we have shunned and those that we have cast out and reach out to them. At the same time we give our mercy and love, Christ is abundantly filling us with his.

A Simple Prayer

Lord Jesus, If you will, make me clean.

Help me prepare my heart so that I may reach out to others.

Fill me with your love and mercy so I may give it freely.

Yours in Christ

Michael Marcon

Meditation Minute

My Dearest Brothers and Sisters in Christ:

“They brought to him all who were sick or possessed with demons.” In today’s Gospel reading (Mark 1:29-39), Jesus is presented as the solution to all our problems. He is in the house of Peter and his mother-in-law is sick. Jesus reaches out to heal her from her sickness. After being freed from her affliction the Gospel tells us that she was able to serve God. After seeing this great work, they bring to Jesus all who are sick or possessed with demons. Again, Jesus reaches out and cures them of the things in their lives that afflict them. How many times are we afflicted with things that trouble our lives or demons that possess us? Jesus tells us to bring our troubles to him and he will free us from our afflictions and those things that prevent us from serving him. We must be willing to freely give up what keeps us from walking with Christ. We must be willing to humble ourselves before him. Not only does Christ restore us, be he gives us the strength we need to serve others. After performing the miracles, Jesus goes off to a private place to pray. Peter follows him saying, “Everyone is searching for you.” And Jesus replies, “Let us go on to the next towns, that I may preach there also; for that is why I came out.” If you are searching for God, he is there. Reach out in prayer with your problems and your afflictions for this is why he came.

A Simple Prayer

Lord, I am burdened with many troubles

I offer these problems up to you

That you may restore me and free me from my demons

So that I may serve you, my Lord and Master.

Yours in Christ

Michael Marcon

Meditation Minute

My Dearest Brothers and Sisters in Christ:

“The time is fulfilled, and the kingdom of God is at hand; repent, and believe in the gospel.” In today’s Gospel reading (Mark 1:14-20), Jesus calls forth the apostles to repent and follow him. He proclaims that the kingdom of God is at hand and calls us to believe in the Gospel. This is the beginning of his three year mission. He calls his disciples by name and says, “Follow me and I will make you become fishers of men.” The gospel reading says that they immediately left their nets and followed him. They didn’t hesitate in their decision. They heard the call of God and joined him on his mission to bring others into the kingdom of God. These men gave up everything to follow Jesus. Eventually, most of them would give up their lives. So why would they leave the comfort of their lives as fishermen to become followers of Christ. They did it because of the promise of peace and salvation. They heard the good news about the kingdom of God and new which was greater. We too are called by name to be fishers of men. We are called to bring people into the kingdom of God. As Lent approaches we should reflect on our calling. What is God calling us to be? We are called to be the light of the Gospel so others can see God.

A Simple Prayer

Lord God, the kingdom of heaven is at hand.

You have called me by name to be your servant.

Give me the strength to be your light to lead others to you.

Yours in Christ

Michael Marcon

Meditation Minute

My Dearest Brothers and Sisters in Christ:

“Lord, if you will, you can make me clean.” In today’s Gospel reading (Luke 5:12-16), Jesus heals a man with Leprosy. In the time of Jesus, leprosy was a disease of uncleanliness. People inflicted with this disease slowly rotted away and the disease ate the body. One was not suppose to touch or associate with people who had this disease. The Jews considered these people already dead and cast out of society. In the story the leper fell on his face in front of Jesus begging for mercy and said, “Lord, if you will, you can make me clean.” Jesus stretched out his hand and touched the man saying, “I will; be clean.” The uncleanliness of the leper was washed away and he was healed. We too are afflicted with things that make our souls unclean. All we have to do is humble ourselves before God and ask for his forgiveness. Jesus will reach out and touch us and purify us. As we approach the Lenten season, we should strive to purify our souls. We should humble ourselves before God and ask, “Lord, if you will, make me clean.” Jesus demonstrated the purest form of love and compassion for the Leper by reaching out to him and touching him. Lent is all about love, forgiveness and sacrifice, about reaching out to God and reaching out to others. We too can experience this love by abandoning ourselves to God. As we learn to receive the love and compassion of God, we must also learn to give love and compassion to others.

A Simple Prayer

Lord, if you will, make me clean.

Purify my heart and soul so I can receive you more fully.

Help me to abandon the things that make me unclean.

Yours in Christ

Michael Marcon

Meditation Minute

My Dearest Brothers and Sisters in Christ:

“The Spirit of the Lord is upon me, because he has anointed me to preach the good news to the poor.” In today’s Gospel (Luke 4:14-22), Jesus proclaims that he is the Lord promised to us in the Book of Isaiah. He goes on to say, “He has sent me to proclaim release to the captives and recovering of sight to the blind, to set at liberty those who are oppressed, to proclaim the acceptable year of the Lord.” Jesus tells them that he has come to perform miracles to free those who are least among his people. He has come to free us from the burdens in life which hold us back. He has come to give us sight so that we might see the Lord. He tells us, “Today this scripture has been fulfilled in your hearing.” The reading concludes that “all spoke well of him.” The people in the temple opened their eyes and their ears to the Word of God and believed. Jesus brought them the hope and promise that was made to the Jews through Isaiah. This is the same Word that is presented to us on Sundays during mass. Do you open your heart to see and hear the Word? There are many things in our lives which cloud our vision or muffle our hearing. But when we truly her the Word of God, our hearts dance with the joy and love that set us free.

A Simple Prayer

Lord God Heavenly Father,

Bless my lips and ears that I may see and hear the Word of God.

Purify my heart that it may become a beacon for your message.

Yours in Christ

Michael Marcon

Meditation Minute

My Dearest Brothers and Sisters in Christ:

“Take heart, it is I; have no fear.” In today’s Gospel reading (Mark 6:45-52), Jesus demonstrates his power over our earthly fears. Jesus just got through multiplying the loaves and fishes and he sends the apostles to the other side of the Sea of Galilee. It is night time and a storm is brewing. The wind is blowing and the sea has become very turbulent. The reading indicates that Jesus is looking over the apostles from a distance as they make their journey across the sea. The apostles begin to fear for their lives when out of the darkness Jesus appears walking on the sea. “When they saw him walking on the sea they thought it was a ghost, and cried out; for they all saw him, and were terrified.” Jesus calmed the apostles and said, “Take heart, it is I; have no fear.” He then joined them in the boat and calmed the sea. Jesus had just preformed the miracle of the multiplication of the loaves and fishes and the apostles did not understand who he was. The gospel reading says, “And they were utterly astounded, for they did not understand about the loaves, because their hearts were hardened.” They did not yet know or believe that Jesus was the Messiah, our Lord and savior. They had not yet opened their faith to Christ.

How many times do we fall into the same boat as the apostles? How many times have we set out on a journey only to find the water turbulent and the wind fighting us? How many times has Jesus seemed distant and removed from us? The reading says that not only did they fear the storm, but they thought that Jesus was a ghost coming to get them. Instead, they needed to learn to put their trust in God for it is through him the winds and the sea are calmed. While we might not be able to see Christ, he is their watching over us. When your life becomes a sea of troubles and you feel like the wind is going to blow you away, you have two choices; you can cower in fear or you can reach out for God’s help. Our faith in God is the calming factor which subdues the storm. We must be willing to let go of the fears and trust in God. He wants to help us. His loving arms are always reaching out to comfort us and protect us. He is our Father.

A Simple Prayer

Abba, Father, I fear the storm and the wind.

Comfort me and protect me from turmoil of my life.

Watch over me and guide me to safe harbor.

Yours in Christ

Michael Marcon

Meditation Minute

My Dearest Brothers and Sisters in Christ:

“And they all ate and were satisfied.” In today’s Gospel (Mark 6:34-44), we hear the miracle of the loaves and fishes. Jesus comes ashore to find a large crowd of people which he compares to a flock of sheep without a shepherd. It says, “and he had compassion on them.” Jesus greets the large crowd and begins to teach them and shepherd them. The crowd is fed the Word of God. They were hungry and he fed them spiritually. Their souls were empty and misguided and Jesus had compassion on them. Jesus fed the desire of their hearts with his love. At the end of his teaching, Jesus commanded his disciples to feed the crowd, but they only had five loaves and two fish. Jesus took the bread and looked upon heaven, blessed the bread and broke it. He gave it to his disciple to feed the crowds. The bread which fed the 5000 was the manna from heaven. This same bread of life that had fed the Israelites as they fled Egypt now feeds the 5,000. Not only does it feed the 5,000, but there are 12 baskets left over after everyone has been satisfied.

This miracle is a foreshadowing of the Pascal Supper. The bread of life, Christ himself, is what we need to satisfy our hunger. The Eucharist is the bread of life which feeds our soul. Without the Eucharist, we are not fed; we are sheep without a shepherd. In this Gospel we reading, we learn that we are nourished by the Eucharist. The Eucharist is the bread of life which satisfies our deepest hunger; the hunger of our heart and soul. When God gives the bread, he gives abundantly. His gives more than we can eat. He gives until we are satisfied. God always gives in surplus. He gives us enough that we can share with others. God’s graces fill our souls to overflowing capacity. We are to share these blessing with others. When the crowd was done eating, they had 12 baskets left over. These 12 baskets did not go to waste, they fed more people. This is the same bread of life which we consume during the Eucharist.

We too are like the crowd who awaited Christ on the shore. We are like sheep without a shepherd lacking guidance and direction. The Gospel, the Word of God, nourishes us and satisfies us. We are brought together to be one great herd. God takes each of us and forms us into his greatness. Together we become the body of Christ. Together, we are joined through the Eucharistic bread. Together, we are called to share the bread of life with others.

We are just three weeks away from the beginning of lent. Take this three week period to prepare yourself for the Lord.

A Simple Prayer Jesus, You are the Bread of Life. You satisfy my every need with abundance. May I learn to share this abundant love with others So they too can share in the Eucharistic Supper.

Yours in Christ Michael Marcon

Lamb of God, the Passover Lamb

My Dearest Brothers and Sisters in Christ:

Jesus said to them, "Come and see." In today’s Gospel reading (John 1:35-42), John proclaims to two of his disciples, “Behold, the Lamb of God!” The disciples heard this and decided to follow Christ. Jesus turned, and saw them following him and said, “What do you seek?” They want to know where he is staying and Jesus replies, “Come and see.” Jesus is again referred to as the Lamb of God, the Passover Lamb. This is the same Lamb that led the Israelites out of Egypt. The two disciples recognize him and proclaim, “We have found the Messiah.” We too are called to follow Christ and invite him to stay within us. One of the two who followed Christ was Andrew, the brother of Simon. Andrew brought Simon to Christ. When Simon encountered Christ, Christ embraced him and gave him a new name – Peter – which means rock. Like Andrew, when we encounter Christ, we too are called to bring others to his table. How many of us received a gift this Christmas we just had to share with others? This is what Andrew felt like when he encountered Christ. When we encounter Christ, we should want to lead others to Christ with the same enthusiasm and excitement we would for any prized treasure we receive. We should call all to “Come and see.”

A Simple Prayer Lord, You are the lamb of God. I want to follow you. I want to come and see. Give me the strength to bring others to you.

Yours in Christ, Michael Marcon

Christ is revealed through the Holy Spirit

My Dearest Brothers and Sisters in Christ:

“Behold, the Lamb of God, who takes away the sin of the world!” In today’s Gospel reading (John 1:29-34), John the Baptist gives witness to Christ. He says, “I saw the Spirit descend as a dove from heaven, and it remained on him. I myself did not know him; but he who sent me to baptize with water said to me, `He on whom you see the Spirit descend and remain, this is he who baptizes with the Holy Spirit.' And I have seen and have borne witness that this is the Son of God.” John refers to Jesus as the Lamb of God, the Lamb of the Passover; the Lamb that will deliver us from the evil of our sins. John witnesses the Holy Spirit which descended upon Jesus and remains upon him. John says he did not know Jesus, but realizes who he is once he sees the Holy Spirit. We too must recognize Jesus as the Lamb of God. We are called to allow the Holy Spirit take over our lives because it is only through the Holy Spirit that we can see Christ. Christ is revealed through the Holy Spirit. Once the Holy Spirit becomes active in your life, it is hard to deny his existence.

A Simple Prayer: Lord, fill me with the Holy Spirit so that I may grow to know you. Take over my life because it is all I have to give you.

Yours in Christ Michael Marcon

Do others recognize Christ in me?

My Dearest Brothers and Sisters in Christ:

“I baptize with water; but among you stands one whom you do not know, even he who comes after me, the thong of whose sandal I am not worthy to untie.” In today’s Gospel (John 1:19-28), we hear another proclamation that Christ is among us. The Pharisees have sent messengers out to John the Baptist to see who he is. John did such a great job that some thought that he might be the Messiah. But he was clear in his response, “I am not Christ…I am the voice of one crying in the wilderness.” John’s mission was to lead others to Christ; to “make straight the way of the Lord.” John was the pregame announcer making sure that everyone knew that Christ now dwells among us. John heralded the way of Christ. The Holy Spirit filled John the Baptist and gave him the strength to lead the way to Christ. The big question is, “Do you recognize Christ in your life?” John was blasting the trumpets and crying at the top of his lungs, “Behold the Lamb of God who takes away the sins of the World!” Today, we are given the same mission. Christ is among us and we must make straight the way of the Lord. We must make the commitment to live a life worthy of Christ. It is our job to lead others to Christ. Maybe the real question should be, “Do others recognize Christ in me?” Our New Years resolution should focus on making sure that we are witnesses of Christ.

A Simple Prayer Lord Jesus Christ, you are the Lamb of God. Make me the servant of your Word. Help me to be faithful to your mission. Let me make straight the way of the Lord.

Yours in Christ Michael Marcon

Seek out the babe in the manager

My Dearest Brothers and Sisters in Christ:

Happy New Year to all. I hope all of you had a safe and joyous celebration to bring in this glorious year. In today’s Gospel reading (Luke 2:16-21), we hear the story of the shepherds. The shepherds were visited by an Angel who announced the birth of Lord. “And they went with haste, and found Mary and Joseph, and the babe lying in a manger. And when they saw it they made known the saying which had been told them concerning this child.” This was such a moving experience for the shepherds that they returned to the fields “glorifying and praising God for all they had heard and seen.” The Angels of God have also visited us to tell us about the birth of Christ. Have you responded to the announcement? During this New Year, make a commitment to seek out the babe in the manager and when you see Him, let everyone know what you have seen. For no doubt you will return glorifying and praising God for all you had heard and seen.

A Simple Prayer Lord Jesus Christ, you are the babe of the manger. The star of light has led me to you. I humble myself before your grace. For you are my life and my salvation.

Yours in Christ Michael Marcon