Meditation Minute

Dearest Brothers and Sisters in Christ:

“Hail, O favored one, the Lord is with you!” In today’s Gospel reading (Luke 1:26-38), we hear the story of the Annunciation. The Angel Gabriel appear before Mary and tells her, “Do not be afraid, Mary, for you have found favor with God. 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.” At that time, what do you think went through Mary’s mind. First, she was visited by an angel, secondly, she was told by the angel that she will bear the son of God. When the angel greets her, he knows she will be scared so he says to her, “Do not be afraid.” The first thing he does is calm any fear she may have so she can openly hear the Word of God. Mary does not question the commandment of God, but responds with absolute wonder and awe. She does not say that “This cannot be!”, but replies, “How shall this be, since I have no husband?” The angel tells her, “For with God nothing will be impossible.” Mary responds with total commitment, “Behold, I am the handmaid of the Lord; let it be to me according to your word.”

Every single one of us is called into the service of God. How do we respond to God when he calls upon us? Do we react with the same wonder and awe that Mary did? Do we respond with doubt or do we respond with the joy and amazement which would show that we are a handmaid of the Lord. It says that the Holy Spirit came upon her and overshadowed her. The same power of the Holy Spirit is available to us. If we call upon God, He will send the Holy Spirit to us. If we are willing to be the handmaid of the Lord, He will overshadow us “for with God nothing will be impossible.” When we encounter Christ, the first thing we must overcome is fear. Anytime a person encounters an angel, the first thing they say is, “Do not be afraid.” When we encounter Christ, the first thing we should hear is, “Do not be afraid.” He is there to hold us and protect us. He is there to guide us. Do not be afraid, because God has found favor in you. God has blessed you with many graces. We should take time today to inventory the graces which God has given us and to hear what God is calling us to do. Do not be afraid at what you hear for all things are possible in God.

A Simple Prayer

Lord God in Heaven, you call me by name.

You call me to be your handmaid.

Help me to hear and understand my calling.

Give me the strength to accept my challenge

With the wonder and awe as Mary did.

Your Servant in Christ

Michael Marcon

Meditation Minute

My Dearest Brothers and Sisters in Christ:

“It is the Lord!” In today’s Gospel reading, Jesus again reveals himself to the apostles. Peter along with Thomas, Nathanael, and John have been out fishing all night but have not caught anything. The apostles do not recognize Jesus as he approaches them on the shore. He tells them to cast the net on the other side of the boat. When they do, the net becomes so full of fish that they cannot haul it in. At that moment, John realizes that it is Jesus on the shore. Out of excitement, Peter jumps in the water and swims to shore to greet Jesus. Peter and the others decided to return to their trade because they felt abandoned. They lost hope and suffered from despair. They did not understand the mission Jesus had given to them. But when Christ reveals himself to Peter, he again abandons his trade to join Christ. When he reaches the shore, Jesus is cooking some bread and fish to feed them. How do you react when Christ greet you? Are you willing to jump out of the boat and run to Christ. Where do you find your security? Christ is there ready to feed us and nurture us, but we must be willing to abandon our comfort zone. We must be willing to leave the safety of our boat for when we reach the shore, Christ will nourish us with everything we need to survive.

A Simple Prayer

Lord Jesus, you are the resurrection and life.

You feed me and nourish my soul.

It is you whom I seek.

Protect me and guide me as I swim to meet you.

Yours in Christ

Michael Marcon

Meditation Minute

My Dearest Brothers and Sisters in Christ:

“Repentance and forgiveness of sins should be preached in his name to all nations.” In today’s Gospel reading (Luke 24:35-48), Jesus appears to the apostles. The two men were relaying their story to the apostles about seeing Jesus on the road to Emmaus and “how he was known to them in the breaking of the bread” when Jesus appeared before them. The apostles are not only frightened but troubled with what they see. They cannot believe what they see. Jesus says to them, “See my hands and my feet, that it is I myself; handle me, and see; for a spirit has not flesh and bones as you see that I have.” Even seeing his wounds, they still disbelieved. How many times in our lives have we witnessed the wonders of God and disbelieved? How many times have we been in situations where we needed Christ and were afraid to call upon him. Even with Christ standing right before them, they doubted. “Then he opened their minds to understand the scriptures, and said to them, ‘Thus it is written, that the Christ should suffer and on the third day rise from the dead, and that repentance and forgiveness of sins should be preached in his name to all nations, beginning from Jerusalem’.” Jesus has to go to great lengths to make them understand that he is not an illusion nor a ghost, that he is flesh and bones. Jesus was really present on the road to Emmaus and was really present among the apostles. He ate with them and he broke bread with them. He did this to make sure that they understood that he was truly resurrected.

It is through his resurrection that the scriptures are fulfilled. The apostles are the witnesses that provide the evidence that we need to believe. More importantly, it is the resurrection that defeats death and sin. It is our hope for eternal life. The cross is the narrow door to heaven. It is the pathway we must follow to find eternal life. The hope of our own resurrection gives us the strength to overcome the sorrow and despair of sin. Jesus told the apostles, “You are witnesses of these things.” The apostles were commanded to go out and spread the word. We too are called to be witnesses to the resurrection of Christ. We must go out into the world and spread the good news of the Gospels. We must go out a preach repentance and forgiveness of sins through the cross.

A Simple Prayer

Lord, Jesus open my mind to your word.

Give me the strength to spread the word to others.

Let me be the witness to your resurrection.

Yours in Christ

Michael Marcon

Meditatioin Minute

My Dearest Brothers and Sisters in Christ:

“He was at table with them, he took the bread, blessed it, and broke it, and gave it to them and their eyes were opened and they recognized him.” In today’s Gospel reading (Luke 24:13-35), we hear the story about the two disciples on the road to Emmaus. Two of Jesus’ disciples are reflecting upon the events which had just transpired when the risen Christ joins them. Then two men do not recognize Jesus. It is obvious that the two men are saddened by all that has happened. The men have lost hope and began to feel that life has no meaning. The men reflect on the life of Jesus, his crucifixion and his death. Jesus sees the sorrow in their hearts and reaches out to them to nourish them. When they reach Emmaus, the two men ask Jesus to join them for supper. At supper, he takes the bread of life, blesses it and gives it to them. Once they received the bread, “their eyes were opened and they recognized him.” How many times have we let despair crush our hope? How many times have we lost sight of Christ in our lives? Today’s Gospel reading talks about the journey. No matter where we are, Christ is with us. We might not recognize his presence, but he is there. We all must journey to Emmaus. It is through the journey that we find the bread of life. The two disciples reflect, “Did not our hearts burn within us while he talked to us on the road, while he opened to us the scriptures?” Christ burns within all of us when we encounter him. When we lose hope and are over come with despair, the flame dims. But when we read the scriptures and when we participate in the Eucharist, the fire of Christ burns strong within us. It is the journey which leads to the encounter. The two disciples originally saw defeat in the cross, but once they experienced Christ, the realized that he truly was the risen Lord and savior. We too must see the path which leads through the cross to life everlasting. We must be able to see the risen Christ.

A Simple Prayer

Father God, my heart burns for your love.

May I open the scriptures to all who I encounter.

May I take your message with me as I journey through life.

Yours in Christ

Michael Marcon

Meditation Minute

My Dearest Brothers and Sisters in Christ:

Jesus said to her, “Woman, why are you weeping?” In today’s Gospel reading (John 20:11-18), Mary Magdalene is seeking out Jesus at his tomb. It says that she was weeping outside the tomb and when she looked inside the tomb she saw two angles sitting where the body of Jesus had lain. The angles wanted to know why she was weeping. She said to them, “Because they have taken away my Lord, and I do not know where they have laid him.” “Saying this, she turned around and saw Jesus standing, but she did not know that it was Jesus.” How many times are we seeking Jesus but do not see him standing there with us. Mary was looking for Jesus and He was right there with her. And finally, when Jesus calls her name, she recognizes him. Being filled with the joy of the encounter with Christ, she goes and tells the disciples, “I have seen the Lord.” It is not enough for us to know about the Lord, but we must encounter Christ in our lives. We must experience Him when He calls our name. We must be willing to go to others and say, “I have seen the Lord.” An encounter with Christ is the very foundation of the Christian faith. To be truly Christian is to have experienced Christ first hand. It is through our faith that we can see the power of the resurrection and eternal life. It is through the eyes of our faith that we encounter the Kingdom of God here on earth. Celebrate your encounter with Christ and shout out, “Alleluia, Alleluia, I have seen the Lord!”

A Simple Prayer

Lord Jesus, Father in heaven.

You are the risen Christ.

It is through you that my sins are forgiven.

It is through you that I find eternal life.

Give me the eyes of faith to see you.

Yours in Christ

Michael Marcon

Meditation Minute

My Dearest Brothers and Sisters in Christ:

“They came up and took hold of his feet and worshiped him.” In today’s Gospel reading (Matthew 28:8-15), Mary Magdalene and the other Mary learn that the tomb is empty. They had been told by an Angel that Jesus has risen from the dead. The gospel reading says the two woman “leave quickly from the tomb with fear and great joy, and ran to tell his disciples.” The fear comes from the unknown and the great joy comes from the anticipation. On their way, Jesus met them and said, “Hail! Do not be afraid; go and tell my brethren to go to Galilee, and there they will see me.” These two woman were frightened and when they met the Lord, they fell to their knees and took hold of his feet. Jesus immediately relieved them of their fear and disbelief. How do we react when we meet the risen Lord? During the Triduum and finally ending with Easter Sunday, we experience so many emotions starting with the Last Supper, the agony in the garden, the trial, the scourging, the crucifixion, the burial and finally the resurrection. Just think of the level of anxiety the disciples faced during this period. The two Marys had been through it all with Christ and now they were face to face with Christ. We too have the same opportunity to experience the risen Christ. We will find him on our knees in prayer and reflection. It is through our faith that we will encounter Christ and through the Holy Eucharist that we see Christ face to face.

The soldiers who guarded the tomb also witnessed the resurrection. The Gospel reading says that they went to the chief priest and he paid them money to lie about the events. “So they took the money and did as they were directed; and this story has been spread among the Jews to this day.” The chief priest did not want to believe, so they paid the guards to silence them. The experience of Christ is much greater and the chief priests can not deter the faithful. Even though the guards try to cover up the events, encounter by others spreads like fire through a dry field. The glory of the risen Lord cannot be contained. We too must celebrate the Easter resurrection even though people try to convince to deny Christ. The evil in the world tries to take over our faith and shake us off our foundations. It is our faith that forms the foundation of our belief. We must chose which story to believe? Our actions and our words tell others which story you chose.

A Simple Prayer

Oh most Holy Risen Christ.

I behold you feet.

Pass your blessing upon me

That I may share the glory of your resurrection.

Yours in Christ

Michael Marcon

Meditation Minute

My Dearest Brothers and Sisters in Christ:

Jesus said, “It is finished”; and he bowed his head and gave up his spirit" In today’s Gospel reading (John 19:17-30), we hear the story of the crucifixion of Christ. The crucifixion brings us each face to face with the great suffering Christ had to endure for our sins. At the cross, we finally realize who Christ is. Pilate, a Roman leader, places title for Jesus which read, “Jesus of Nazareth, the King of the Jews.” It is through this great sacrifice that we are saved from our sins. In one unbelievable act, Christ bears the burden for everything we have done to wrong the world. He was abandoned at the cross by all the apostles except one. His mother and two other women endured the brutality of the punishment he took to save us from the fires of hell. Abandoned and left alone, he was beaten, spit upon, mocked and then sacrificed his own life to save each and every one of us from our sins. How times have we abandoned Christ and yet we turn around to find him still there taking care of us. Jesus exclaimed, “It is finished” to signified the end, yet it really signified the beginning of our hope for eternal life. Through the sacrifice of the cross, we become aware of the hope of the resurrection. Through our own resurrection, we will live with Christ forever. Through the power of cross, Satan is defeated and hope is restored. We now know that we can defeat sin and rise again in the splendor and glory of God in heaven.

A Simple Prayer

Lord Jesus Christ, through the cross we have found the door which leads to eternal life.

Through the cross you have defeated sin and death.

May my life be worthy of the sacrifice which you made for me.

Yours in Christ

Michael Marcon

Meditation Minute

My Dearest Brothers and Sisters in Christ

Lent is now over and we begin the celebration of the Triduum. Triduum literally means three days. We begin the Triduum with Holy Thursday and the Last Supper. In today’s Gospel reading (John 13:1-15), we are told about the washing of the feet. Jesus demonstrates pure humility to the apostles. A Jew would never have washed the feet of another. This task was reserved for the house servants. The Gospel says that Jesus stripped himself and then bowed down before each of the apostles and washed their feet. He did this humiliating act even knowing that one of them would betray him and the rest would abandon him. Jesus tells the apostles, “Do you know what I have done to you? You call me Teacher and Lord; and you are right, for so I am. If I then, your Lord and Teacher, have washed your feet, you also ought to wash one another's feet. For I have given you an example, that you also should do as I have done to you.” Jesus is telling the apostles that they too must lower themselves to the level of servant to others to truly live in the spirit of Christ. We must be willing to empty ourselves and take on the form of servant. We must be willing to wash the feet of others, even those who are going to trespass against us. Christ tells us that he came into this world not to be served but to serve others. We too are put on this world to serve others and to lead them to the kingdom of God. Christ gives us the ultimate example of humility and in the next days he will give us the ultimate example of love and mercy. Please make the effort to celebrate all the ceremonies throughout Holy Week. Through these celebrations, we form a deeper understanding of the humility, love and grace which God has poured out for our undeserving souls. Can you imagine having your feet washed by the Son of God? This is what happens every time we open ourselves up to be a servant for others.

A Simple Prayer

Lord, you washed my feet in my baptism and purified my soul.

Help me to humble myself so I can be a servant for others.

Give me the grace to be truly compassionate to those who would trespass against me.

Yours in Christ

Michael Marcon

Meditation Minute

My Dearest Brothers and Sisters in Christ:

“Truly, I say to you, one of you will betray me.” Again in today’s Gospel reading (Matthew 26:14-25), we hear the story of the betrayal of Christ by Judas. The Gospel says that the apostles were very sorrowful, and began to say to him one after another, “Is it I, Lord?” It is interesting that Judas reply is slightly different. Judas replies, “Is it I, Master?” Judas was given 30 pieces of silver, the price of a slave in Israel at the time of Christ, yet he refers to Jesus as Master. Judas represents all of us who sell out the Word of God for earthly treasures. How many times have we become slaves to earthly desires only to be mastered by them. We want and desire the latest in fashions, the most expensive cars, the most glamorous clothes, the latest in electronic gadgets and at the same time turn our backs on Christ. Jesus tells the apostles, “Woe to that man by whom the Son of man is betrayed! It would have been better for that man if he had not been born.” It is okay to have nice stuff, but only to the degree that it does not become the master of your life. We must not sell out to the earthly treasures which are created through lust and greed. Instead, we should find glory and happiness in our service to the Lord.

A Simple Prayer

Lord God in Heaven, I raise my eyes to Passion of Christ

I know that he suffered for our sins.

I know that through my sins I betray him.

Give me the passion to avoid sin and to be his servant.

Yours in Christ

Michael Marcon

Meditation Minute

My Dearest Brothers and Sisters in Christ:

“A new commandment I give to you, that you love one another; even as I have loved you, that you also love one another.” In today’s Gospel reading (John 13:21-28), Jesus announces that one of apostles will betray him. Not only does he announce the betrayal of Judas, but also the denouncement by Peter. Jesus lets Judas know that he knows what he is about to do. He tells Judas, “What you are going to do, do quickly.” Peter, on the other hand, has no intention to deny Jesus. Jesus knows that Peter’s heart is in the right place but his will is weak. In both cases, Jesus still expressed love and compassion for each individual. He knew that Judas was plotting against him. He knew the evil that dwelt in Judas’ heart, yet Christ still reached out to Judas with loving arms. The Gospel says that Satan entered Judas after Christ reached out to him. Satan has the habit of turning good into evil, twisting the gifts that God gave us into attacks against Christ. Judas was greedy and Satan was able to infect his soul. We too act like Judas when we knowing plot against others. When we let hatred build in our hearts. The hatred builds into sin which kills the soul. We must be careful not to let Satan enter into hearts for he will twist what is good and make it evil.

Peter never meant to hurt Jesus. He loved Jesus and was committed to Jesus. Peter said to him, “Lord, where are you going?” Jesus answered, “Where I am going you cannot follow me now; but you shall follow afterward.” Peter replied, “Lord, why cannot I follow you now? I will lay down my life for you.” I think that most of us are more like Peter. We proclaim our loyalty to Christ and there is no way we would deny him. Yet, when we are put to the test, we deny Him. We do not necessarily deny him by our words as much as we do by our actions. We do things to others that are not an expression of love but an outward denial of Christ in our lives. When we ignore those who need help or those that are less fortunate, we deny Christ. When our brothers and sisters reach out in need, how do you respond.

At the last supper, Jesus gives us a new commandment that “you love one another; even as I have loved you, that you also love one another.” It is by these actions that everyone will know that you are disciples of Christ. Jesus says that we must “love one another.” We must reach out to everyone. Jesus, demonstrated this by reaching out to both Judas and Peter. He knew that both would sin against him. Yet he still loved both.

A Simple Prayer

"Give me, O Lord, a steadfast heart which no unworthy thought can drag downwards;

an unconquered heart which no tribulation can wear out;

an upright heart which no unworthy purpose may tempt aside.

Bestow upon me also, O Lord my God, understanding to know you,

diligence to seek you, wisdom to find you, and a faithfulness that may finally embrace you;

through Jesus Christ, our Lord."

(Prayer of Thomas Aquinas)

Yours in Christ

Michael Marcon

Meditation Minute

My Dearest Brothers and Sisters in Christ:

“Let her alone, let her keep it for the day of my burial.” In today’s Gospel reading (John 12:1-11), it is six days before Passover and Jesus is having supper with Lazarus, Mary and Martha. Mary took some very expensive ointment and anointed the feet of Jesus and wiped his feet with her hair. The gospel reading says, “the house was filled with the fragrance of the ointment.” Mary takes the most precious thing that she owns and uses it to honor Jesus. She puts herself at the feet of her Lord to how much she truly loves him. She does not hold back the extravagance of her love for him. The sweetness of this gift is not only presented to Jesus, but the fragrance that spreads through the room is shared by all.

We too are called to give the most precious things that we own to God. We are now in the last week of lent and Jesus is entering Jerusalem. The crowds are excited to see Jesus because of the miracles that he has performed. During Lent, have you let Jesus in to your heart. Have you opened the doors to your soul and given him extravagant gifts of love and joy. The fragrance of the ointment filled the room. Does your love for God also fill the room with the sweet smelling fragrance of unconditional love?

Judas was mad at Mary for what she did. Judas says to Christ, “Why was this ointment not sold for three hundred denarii and given to the poor?” The gospel reading tells us that Judas says this not because of his concern for the poor but because of his own greed. What treasures do you hold back from Christ? Has greed held you back from your commitment to Christ. During lent, we are called to pray, to fast and to give alms. Judas was not truly committed to Christ, therefore, his greed for money controlled him. This is why he sold out Christ in the garden. Judas lost track of prayer, fasting and almsgiving for the material riches of this earthly world. Lent is a time to learn to shed off those earthly desires and to take up a cross with Christ. It is not too late. Renew your commitment this last week. Make extra efforts to attend mass on Thursday and Friday. Attend reconciliation service. Be prepared for the eternal life which Christ brings to us on Easter. Be ready to celebrate Easter with all the extravagance that Mary celebrated with Christ during that meal.

A Simple Prayer

Lord, may my love for you be extravagant.

May I the will to offer all that own.

Because everything I have is a gift from you to me.

Yours in Christ

Michael Marcon

Meditation Minute

My Dearest Brothers and Sisters in Christ:

“Amen, amen, I say to you, if any one keeps my word, he will never see death.” In today’s Gospel reading (John 8:51-59), the Israelites continue to challenge Jesus. Jesus’ teaching are so far removed from anything they have heard before they become angered at his declarations. The Jews did not understand what Jesus was telling them. The Jews said to him, "Now we know that you have a demon. Abraham died, as did the prophets; and you say, `If any one keeps my word, he will never taste death.' Are you greater than our father Abraham, who died?” What death is Jesus talking about? The death that Jesus talks about is Hell. To deny the Word of God is sure death. To know the Word is to know God. To know God is to know eternal life. We must live the Word as part of our daily life. The Word of God has been given to us. The Word of God is the love dispersed without any expectation. The Word of God s the mercy and compassion we yield to those who deserve it the least. The Word of God is desire to give our life to Christ.

A Simple Prayer

Come Holy Spirit, fill my soul with the Word of God.

May the fire in my soul lead others to your Word.

Yours in Christ

Michael Marcon

Meditation Minute

My Dearest Brothers and Sisters in Christ:

“If you continue in my word, you are truly my disciples, and you will know the truth, and the truth will make you free.” In today’s Gospel reading (John 8:31-42), Jesus is questioned by those who believe in him. They ask Jesus, “We are descendants of Abraham, and have never been in bondage to anyone. How is it that you say, `You will be made free'?” The answer is simple, “Truly, truly, I say to you, everyone who commits sin is a slave to sin.” We make ourselves slaves to sin and to the material world. Our wants, our desires can become the master who keeps us from the freedom we experience through God’s love and mercy. When it becomes our will and not His, we fall prey to the lures that trap us into the bondage of sin. Jesus tells us that “The slave does not continue in the house for ever; the son continues for ever. So if the Son makes you free, you will be free indeed.” To free ourselves from slavery, we must submit to God’s will. We are rewarded for our faithfulness. Jesus defeated sin on the cross and defeated death through His resurrection. He gave his life so that we too could experience eternal life in heaven. He was willing to make the ultimate sacrifice for us. He was whipped and beaten for our sins. In these actions, he frees us from the bonds of slavery. All we need to do is to submit to his will. Through the gift and power of the Holy Spirit, we can chose to renounce sin and walk with Christ. We can chose to be a disciple of Christ. A disciple is one who listens and follows the Word of God. We must humble ourselves and open our hearts to his love and mercy. Once we do this, we become truly free from the bonds of sin and the material world.

A Simple Prayer Lord Jesus, make me a disciple of your love and mercy. Free me from the bonds of sin and the material world So I may share your love and grace with others.

Yours in Christ Michael Marcon

Wednesday: (3/12): "The truth will make you free"

Gospel Reading: John 8:31-42

31 Jesus then said to the Jews who had believed in him, "If you continue in my word, you are truly my disciples, 32 and you will know the truth, and the truth will make you free." 33 They answered him, "We are descendants of Abraham, and have never been in bondage to anyone. How is it that you say, `You will be made free'?" 34 Jesus answered them, "Truly, truly, I say to you, every one who commits sin is a slave to sin. 35 The slave does not continue in the house for ever; the son continues for ever. 36 So if the Son makes you free, you will be free indeed. 37 I know that you are descendants of Abraham; yet you seek to kill me, because my word finds no place in you. 38 I speak of what I have seen with my Father, and you do what you have heard from your father." 39 They answered him, "Abraham is our father." Jesus said to them, "If you were Abraham's children, you would do what Abraham did, 40 but now you seek to kill me, a man who has told you the truth which I heard from God; this is not what Abraham did. 41 You do what your father did." They said to him, "We were not born of fornication; we have one Father, even God." 42 Jesus said to them, "If God were your Father, you would love me, for I proceeded and came forth from God; I came not of my own accord, but he sent me.

Meditation: What saved Shadrach, Meshach, and Abed'nego from the fiery furnace? – obedience to God’s will. They were willing to suffer death rather than disobey their God. God was with them in the fiery furnace and he rewarded them for their faithfulness. Jesus came to do the will of his Father in heaven. He was not spared the cross which he willing embraced for our sake. His obedience reversed the curse of Adam’s disobedience. The Father crowned him with victory over sin, death, and Satan. Jesus shows us the way to true freedom and victory – by freely submitting our heart, mind, and will to an all-merciful, all-loving, and all-wise God. What the Father offers us in exchange is a kingdom of righteousness, peace, and joy in the Holy Spirit (Romans14:17). The happiest, freest people are those who delight in God. Their joy is the pleasure of doing the Father’s will. Do you know the joy of obeying God and trusting in his life-giving word?

The world presents us with a false notion of truth and freedom – “truth is relative so I choose my own criteria for what is true” and freedom means “I can do whatever I please – regardless of what God or others might think.” This is really a mask for slavery to one’s passions and unruly desires. Jesus offers his disciples true freedom – freedom from slavery to pride and arrogance – disbelief and ignorance – selfishness and greed – hatred and revenge – fear and anxiety – despair and depression – and a host of many other hurtful desires and addictions which cripple our lives. The good news is that Jesus Christ has truly set us free from sin and its destructive force in our lives. How is this possible? Through the gift and power of the Holy Spirit we can choose to renounce sin and we can yield to God's grace which enables us to walk each day and each moment in Christ’s way of love and holiness. A disciple is a follower and a listener. If we want to follow Christ and live as his disciples, then we must listen to the words of Jesus, with a humble and teachable spirit. As we listen with faith and obey with trust, Christ himself gives us grace – the enabling power of his Holy Spirit – to live, think, and act in the truth of his word. Do you believe in the transforming power of the Holy Spirit to change your life and to set you free to walk in Christ's way of love and holiness? .

"Lord Jesus, write your words of love and truth upon my heart and make me a diligent student and a worthy disciple of your word."

Meditation Minute

My Dearest Brothers and Sisters in Christ:

“When you have lifted up the Son of man, then you will know that I am he.” In today’s Gospel reading (John 8:21-30), Jesus warns the unbelieving Jews. This same warning goes out to us today. To accept Jesus as the Son of man is to accept everlasting life. Because some of the Jews rejected Jesus, He told them, “Where I am going, you cannot come.” They cannot come because they rejected Jesus, not because Jesus doesn’t want them. However, He provides them hope, “For you will die in your sins unless you believe that I am He.” Jesus tells us that He is Messiah, the one who saves us from our sins. Jesus tells us that He must return to the Father in heaven, but they will not be permitted to join him because of their disbelief. The Jews mocked Him and ridiculed Him even after his warning. We do the same thing when we make decisions that lead us away from Christ. Jesus told the Jews that they will not find heaven because they living under the influence of worldly treasures and desires. They have become the servant of their earthly desires and because they are committed to these treasures, they cannot see that He is the Messiah. He came to save them from this bondage, yet they denied His existence because their love for the material is greater than their love for Christ. The more we commit ourselves to the material world, the more we separate ourselves from Christ. But when we lift up Christ and do his will, we will know that he is of the Father in Heaven. “And he who sent me is with me; he has not left me alone, for I always do what is pleasing to him.” Even though we are sinners, we can still make the decision to walk toward Christ. We can ask God for the forgiveness of our sins and reject the material world which tries to entrap us. If we become slaves to the material world, we will die in the material world. But if we submit ourselves to Christ, we will live in eternal communion with our Father in heaven.

A Simple Prayer “Lord Jesus, I seek you to rule over my soul and my life. I seek you to help me grow in knowledge and faith. I seek you to help me make the decisions that lead me to the Father in heaven. I seek you all the days of my life.

Yours in Christ Michael Marcon

Meditation Minute

My Dearest Brothers and Sisters in Christ:

“Let him who is without sin among you be the first to throw a stone.” In today’s Gospel reading (John 8:1-11), we hear the story about the lady who was caught in the act of adultery. The Pharisees wanted to stone her as it was written in the Mosaic law. But Jesus replies, “Let him who is without sin among you be the first to throw a stone at her.” Hearing this, the Pharisees left one by one leaving only Jesus and the woman. Jesus asks her, “Has no one condemned you?” And she replies, “No, Lord?” And Jesus said, “Neither do I condemn you; go, and do not sin again.” How many times do we walk in the shoes of the Pharisees; quick to judge and condemn and extremely resistant to forgive. Jesus is telling the Pharisees it is okay to judge, but only if you are without sin. It is so easy for us to find fault in others, to find those things that they do wrong. And Jesus tells us that it is okay to judge others, but only if we too are free of sin.

Adultery was a very serious crime in the days of Jesus yet He does not condemn her. He does not even judge her. Instead He gives her a simple commandment, “go, and do not sin again.” Jesus could have condemned her for her actions, but instead, He forgives her. The grace of forgiveness is much greater than being condemned. Forgiveness causes us to reflect on our own sinfulness. When we forgive, we reach out to others to help release them from the bonds that hold them to their earthly desires. Forgiveness and condemnation are a battle between the grace of God and the will of man. We believe that condemning others will make us look better, but it does just the opposite. When we condemn others, we are really saying that we are better than those that we condemn. It keeps us from seeing the gates to heaven. But forgiving others frees us to receive the mercy of God.

A Simple Prayer Lord God in Heaven, I judge others unfairly. I condemn them while I myself am a sinner. Fill me with the grace I need to forgive them so that they will build the strength to sin no more.

Yours in Christ Michael Marcon

Meditation Minute

My Dearest Brothers and Sisters in Christ:

“You know me, and you know where I come from?” In today’s Gospel reading (John 7:1-2,10,25-30), the people of Jerusalem questioned Jesus about His origins. The people of Judea built up so much hatred that they wanted to kill him. “And here he is, speaking openly, and they say nothing to him! Can it be that the authorities really know that this is the Christ?” Jesus tells the people, “You know me, and you know where I come from? But I have not come of my own accord; he who sent me is true, and him you do not know. I know him, for I come from him, and he sent me.” Jesus knew that He would upset the people of Jerusalem and He was still willing to deliver the message of God with no fear about what would happen to him. Jesus knew that the message of God would entail suffering and sacrifice. We too have to make tough decisions. Everything we do becomes a choice between God and not God. There is not one decision we will make in life that will either lead us toward or away from Christ. Many times fear of condemnation from others keeps us from making the right decision. The fear of being hurt or being rejected has great power over us. We must overcome these weaknesses. God gave us the grace to know right from wrong and the ability to know the truth. He also gives us the strength through His grace to chose the right decision. After Jesus delivered his message, the people of Jerusalem also “sought to arrest him; but no one laid hands on him, because his hour had not yet come.” We too are saved by the sacrifice of Christ. He came to show us that when chose him, we chose eternal life. It is only through Him that we have access to eternity. We must desire to know Christ because to know Christ is to know God.

A Simple Prayer Lord of heaven and Earth, open the gates of my heart. Fill me with the hope and desire to walk with you. Give me the strength to carry my cross no matter the cost.

Yours in Christ Michael Marcon

Meditation Minute

My Dearest Brothers and Sisters in Christ:

“For the works which the Father has granted me to accomplish, bear me witness that the Father has sent me.” In today’s Gospel reading (John 5:31-47), Jesus asks his opponents a very simple question – How can you believe in the Father and not in His son? They continually demand signs that demonstrate that he is the true Messiah. He tells them that John the Baptist has borne witness and for a while they believed, but their faith was weak. And then Jesus tells them, “But the testimony which I have is greater than that of John; for the works which the Father has granted me to accomplish, these very works which I am doing, bear me witness that the Father has sent me. And the Father who sent Me has Himself borne witness to Me. His voice you have never heard, His form you have never seen; and you do not have His word abiding in you, for you do not believe Him whom He has sent.” Jesus tells them not only does John bear witness but that the scriptures bear witness to his coming. If we do not open our hearts to the miracles of Christ, how can we ever open our hearts to the Word of God. Christ preformed so many miracles, cured so many people, yet the signs were not enough. Even today God shows us so many signs and hundreds of little miracles and yet we still find it difficult to believe in the power of God. We are still unwilling to turn our lives completely over to Christ. Our walk toward Christ is never easy and at times we may stumble and fall and at times we may have doubt. But all we need to do is look around us to see the signs that have been provided to us in the glory of life. It is these miracles that are all around us that bear witness to the power of the Messiah. It is these miracles that makes the Word of God alive within us.

A Simple Prayer Father in Heaven, as I walk the journey of life I witness many trials. Give the prudence and wisdom to hear the Word of God. Open my heart so I may bear witness to Christ.

Yours in Christ Michael Marcon

Meditation Minute

My Dearest Brothers and Sisters in Christ:

“My Father is working still, and I am working.” In today’s Gospel reading (John 5:17-30), Jesus makes it quite clear that he is the Son of God sent to give us life. Jesus said to his disciples, “Truly, truly, I say to you, the Son can do nothing of his own accord, but only what he sees the Father doing; for whatever he does, that the Son does likewise.” Jesus not only claims to be the Son of God, but has demonstrated His great power by healing the sick and freeing people from the demons that possess their lives. Jesus even raised a person from the dead to show the people of Israel that he has power over death. But most importantly, Jesus tells us, “Truly, truly, I say to you, he who hears my word and believes him who sent me, has eternal life; he does not come into judgment, but has passed from death to life.” If we desire eternal life with God, then we need to commit ourselves to the word of God. Jesus tells us that the day is coming when “all who are in the tombs will hear his voice and come forth, those who have done good, to the resurrection of life, and those who have done evil, to the resurrection of judgment.” When you face your judgment, where is it that you want to go? The decisions we make today will decide our eternal fate. It is up to you. Lent is a time to refocus our path and to give our life to God. Jesus sets the example. He tells us that “the Son can do nothing of his own accord, but only what he sees the Father doing.” This is what he expects of us. He expects us to follow the example set by Christ. He tells us that we must be willing to sacrifice our lives for others. New life comes to those who yield to the way of Christ.

A Simple Prayer Father God, you sent your son as my example. Give the strength to follow his way. Fill me with your grace so that I may be a servant to others.

Yours in Christ Michael Marcon

Meditation Minute

My Dearest brothers and Sisters in Christ:

"Do you want to be healed?" In today’s Gospel reading (John 5:1-16), we hear the story of a man who was healed by Jesus after being sick for 38 years. Jesus asks the man, “Do you want to be healed?” The man answers, “Sir, I have no man to put me into the pool when the water is troubled, and while I am going another steps down before me." Jesus replies, "Rise, take up your pallet, and walk." The Gospel says, “And at once the man was healed, and he took up his pallet and walked.” What is it that you ask of Christ? In this Gospel story, a man had tried for years to get into the healing waters to cure himself of the aliments which inflicted his body. He desired to be healed, but he could not get to the water. When Jesus sees the sincerity in his heart, He frees him from the bonds of his affliction. Jesus is the river of life which flows out to each of us. The healing waters transform us and bring us new life. But, we must be willing to venture into the water. We cannot be relieved of the things which hold us back unless we reach out. Jesus tells the man, “See, you are well! Sin no more, that nothing worse befall you.” It is truly our sins that wounds us. Once we are liberated from sin, we must strive to keep sin away. If we become complacent with who we are, then we will fall again. Every day we must strive to walk toward Christ. Every day we must recognize the sins which have inflicted us and ask for God’s help.

A Simple Prayer My Lord, Jesus, I desire to change. I desire to be cleansed in the river of life. Give me the strength to walk into the river.

Yours in Christ Michael Marcon

Meditation Minute

My Dearest Brothers and Sisters in Christ:

“Unless you see signs and wonders you will not believe.” In today’s Gospel reading (John 4:43-54), Jesus is approached by an official whose son was ill and on his death bed. He begged Jesus to come and heal his son. Jesus tells the man, “Go, your son will live.” The gospel reading tells us that “The man believed the word that Jesus spoke to him and went his way.” At that moment his son was healed. Jesus says, “Unless you see signs and wonders you will not believe.” It was the faith and belief that this man possessed that saved his son from the clutches of death. Because of our doubt, Jesus performed miracles to show us the power and glory of the Kingdom of Heaven. The fact that a government official, a person of power, had to ask Jesus for help shows that our earthly power is no match for the heavenly power of God. Part of his faith and belief came from his humbling himself before Jesus. He had to admit that God was more powerful than he. We too must exhibit this same humbleness when we approach God. When we ask God for help, we must be willing to humble ourselves. We must be willing to say I cannot do it alone God, I need your help. We must be willing to say that I am powerless and you are most powerful. It seems so simple, yet it is one of the most difficult things we have to do. We have to admit that we are weak. Today’s gospel message tells us that our faith is born out of our humbleness to God.

A Simple Prayer Lord Jesus, I am weak and you are strong. I humble myself before you. Give me the strength to build my faith as I walk with you.

Yours in Christ Michael Marcon