Meditation Minute

My Dearest Brothers and Sisters in Christ:

"Can the wedding guests mourn as long as the bridegroom is with them?”

Gospel Reading: Matthew 9:14-15 The disciples of John approached Jesus and said, "Why do we and the Pharisees fast much, but your disciples do not fast?" Jesus answered them, "Can the wedding guests mourn as long as the bridegroom is with them? The days will come when the bridegroom is taken away from them, and then they will fast."

In today’s Gospel reading, Jesus is questioned about fasting. Jesus replies, “Can the wedding guests mourn as long as the bridegroom is with them? The days will come, when the bridegroom is taken away from them, and then they will fast.” So who are the wedding guests? They are generally the closest friends of the bridegroom. Jesus refers to himself as the bridegroom and his disciples are his closest friends. The wedding is a time of great celebration. How can one fast when they are in the presence of the wedding party? How can one fast when Jesus is with them? Jesus’ disciples are hungry for the kingdom of heaven. They celebrate because Christ is with them. They do not fast from God, but seek God to enter their lives. So what type of fasting should we practice? We should fast from things that separate us from God. We should fast from our bad habits, our sinful ways and our vices. But most importantly, we should share in the hunger of those who go without food. Today is a fast day. Take time to decide what it is that you need to fast from. While you abstain from meat, think about those who do not have food for their own table. Think of those who have no shelter to live in. Pray for the poor and the hungry that they may be fed today. Today, we should hunger for God and we should hunger for peace to cover the world.

A Simple Prayer

Come Lord Jesus, I hunger for your love.

I hunger for the love you poured out for us.

Help me conquer those things which keep me from you.

Help me fast from sins of my life.

Yours in Christ

Michael Marcon

“What profit is there for one to gain the whole world yet lose or forfeit himself?"

My Dearest Brothers and Sisters in Christ:

“What profit is there for one to gain the whole world yet lose or forfeit himself?"

Gospel Reading: Luke 9:22-25 Jesus said to his disciples: "The Son of Man must suffer greatly and be rejected by the elders, the chief priests, and the scribes, and be killed and on the third day be raised." Then he said to all, "If anyone wishes to come after me, he must deny himself and take up his cross daily and follow me. For whoever wishes to save his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life for my sake will save it. What profit is there for one to gain the whole world yet lose or forfeit himself?"

Today’s Gospel reading proclaims the coming of the Passion of Christ and the need for self denial. Jesus asks each of us a very simple question, “Are we ready for the journey?” Jesus tells his disciples that “the Son of Man must suffer greatly and be rejected by the elders, the chief priests, and the scribes, and be killed and on the third day be raised.” The message is meant to open the eyes of his disciples so that they can see who he is and why he was sent to earth. He also tells them this so they can understand their own mission. We are told that no matter what happens to us, if we give up our life to Christ, we will rise up triumphant in the end. To gain eternal life, we must follow Christ. To follow Christ, you must be willing to deny yourself and carry the cross of Jesus. When Jesus was crucified, he was joined by two other men who were crucified with him; one man accepted Jesus and one man denied him. We must chose which cross we want to bear, the cross of good or the cross of evil. Which cross will you chose this Lent? Our materialistic world can appear to be appealing and desirable. The material things in our lives can become the god that we worship. If we are not careful, our spiritual life can be dominated by our material desires. The material things such as new cars, fancy expensive clothes, the latest IPod or Xbox can become more important than honoring God and walking in His ways. If these things become the most important thing in your life, then you have lost site of the true cross. If Christ were to walk into your home, which altar would he find. Would he even know that you are Christian? “What profit is there for one to gain the whole world yet lose or forfeit himself?”

A Simple Prayer

"Lord Jesus, I give you my hands to do your work.

I give you my feet to go your way. I give you my eyes to see as you do.

I give you my tongue to speak your words.

I give you my mind that you may think in me.

I give you my spirit that you may pray in me.

Above all, I give you my heart that you may love in me, your Father, and all mankind.

I give you my whole self that you may grow in me, so that it is you, Lord Jesus, who lives and works and prays in me."

(Prayer from The Grail)

Yours in Christ

Michael Marcon

"your Father who sees what is hidden will repay you."

My Dearest Brothers and Sisters in Christ:

Gospel Reading: Matthew 6:1-6, 16-18

Jesus said to his disciples: "Take care not to perform righteous deeds in order that people may see them; otherwise, you will have no recompense from your heavenly Father. When you give alms, do not blow a trumpet before you, as the hypocrites do in the synagogues and in the streets to win the praise of others. Amen, I say to you, they have received their reward. But when you give alms, do not let your left hand know what your right is doing, so that your almsgiving may be secret. And your Father who sees in secret will repay you. "When you pray, do not be like the hypocrites, who love to stand and pray in the synagogues and on street corners so that others may see them. Amen, I say to you, they have received their reward. But when you pray, go to your inner room, close the door, and pray to your Father in secret. And your Father who sees in secret will repay you. "When you fast, do not look gloomy like the hypocrites. They neglect their appearance, so that they may appear to others to be fasting. Amen, I say to you, they have received their reward. But when you fast, anoint your head and wash your face, so that you may not appear to be fasting, except to your Father who is hidden. And your Father who sees what is hidden will repay you."

I think the Sermon on the Mount from the Gospel of Matthew is probably the first “How To” book ever written. Jesus spells out everything we need to do to be a good follower of Christ. The reading today focuses on the main pillars of lent. Today’s Gospel reading clearly tells us what we need to do during our Lenten journey. We need to pray, to fast and to give alms. Why is praying, fasting and almsgiving so important? Because these are the cardinal works of a pious life; these are the pillars of a good Christian life. But when your piety becomes more about what others think then about pleasing God, your piety becomes boosting. It becomes more about fulfilling your own desires then about fulfilling the needs of your neighbor. Lent is not about “me” but about “you.” Do you pray, fast or give alms so others will feel more highly about you or do you do it for the glory of God. Many of you are active in a number of church activities and ministries. Are we involved in those activities so we can check off a confirmation requirement or so that others feel good about us. Jesus warns us about self-seeking glory and that it will not buy us a place in heaven. He tells us that it is better to do these things and nobody know about them. The important thing is that God knows what is in our heart. He hears our prayers, he knows the things that we give up and he sees the aid we give to others. Nobody else needs to know. True piety is a loving devotion to our Lord and Savior. It is through the gifts that we have been given by God that we show God our appreciation. If we use these gifts to “impress others” then we are taunting these gifts in front of others for our own glory. We will be rewarded for our efforts, not by those who we impress, but by our God in heaven.

A Simple Prayer

Lord God, I am your servant, may everything I do be for you.

Instill in me a faith which is on fire and a hope which is unending.

May my actions be for your glory and not the glory of others.

Yours in Christ

Michael Marcon

“If anyone wishes to be first, he shall be the last of all and the servant of all.”

My Dearest Brothers and Sisters in Christ:

“If anyone wishes to be first, he shall be the last of all and the servant of all.”

Gospel Reading: Mark 9:30-37 Jesus and his disciples left from there and began a journey through Galilee, but he did not wish anyone to know about it. He was teaching his disciples and telling them, "The Son of Man is to be handed over to men and they will kill him, and three days after his death the Son of Man will rise." But they did not understand the saying, and they were afraid to question him. They came to Capernaum and, once inside the house, he began to ask them, "What were you arguing about on the way?" But they remained silent. For they had been discussing among themselves on the way who was the greatest. Then he sat down, called the Twelve, and said to them, "If anyone wishes to be first, he shall be the last of all and the servant of all." Taking a child, he placed it in their midst, and putting his arms around it, he said to them, "Whoever receives one child such as this in my name, receives me; and whoever receives me, receives not me but the One who sent me."

Today is Mardi Gras or Fat Tuesday. This is the last big fling before lent. So how does today’s Gospel reading help me prepare for my Lenten journey. What is it in this message that will set me on a course to the resurrection. What is it that I must do during Lent to bring me closer to God? Today’s Gospel reading starts with Jesus trying to explain what is getting ready to happen. They are getting ready to experience the final journey to Calvary where Jesus is crucified for us. So what are His disciples doing during this time? Their arguing over who is top dog. Is it not like man to always want to be top dog. We all want to be first but Jesus tells us that we must be last to be first. This goes against human nature. None of us enter a race to finish last and none of us enter a competition to be defeated.

Human ambition tells us that we must be first to satisfied. But Jesus tells us that we must be willing to sacrifice everything we have to be first in the kingdom of God. When we seek a path to heaven, we must find the trail which requires total abandonment. We must be willing to abandon all our worldly goods and possessions. We must become a servant to the needs of man. To bask in the glory and honor of God, one must be willing to burden the cross. One must be willing to make sacrifices. We must learn that lent is not about us, but about us bringing people to Christ. How do we do that? By praying for others, by fasting for others and by giving alms for others. It is not about us, but about those that we the sacrifice.

Jesus embraces a young child to demonstrate his message. Children were the very bottom of the Jewish society. They were equivalent to the house servants. By embracing this child, Jesus elevated the small child to a position of honor. When we go out into the world, who is it that we seek; the healthy or the sick; the rich or the poor. To be greatest in the kingdom of God requires us to humble ourselves for the benefit of others. We must be willing to abandon our own needs for the needs of others. If we are to fill ourselves with the glory of God, we must empty ourselves of our own vanity. When you look in the mirror, ask the simple question, who am I? Who do I serve? Who will I feed today? Who will I lead to Christ today?

A Simple Prayer

Lord, you have given me the greatest example.

You came to be my servant and now I must learn to be the servant of man.

Help me to humble myself before my fellow man.

Help me to seek the glory of God through the abandonment of my vanity.

Yours in Christ

Michael Marcon

“Everything is possible to one who has faith.”

My Dearest Brothers and Sisters in Christ:

“Everything is possible to one who has faith.”

Gospel Reading: Mark 9:14-29 As Jesus came down from the mountain with Peter, James, John and approached the other disciples, they saw a large crowd around them and scribes arguing with them. Immediately on seeing him, the whole crowd was utterly amazed. They ran up to him and greeted him. He asked them, "What are you arguing about with them?" Someone from the crowd answered him, "Teacher, I have brought to you my son possessed by a mute spirit. Wherever it seizes him, it throws him down; he foams at the mouth, grinds his teeth, and becomes rigid. I asked your disciples to drive it out, but they were unable to do so." He said to them in reply, "O faithless generation, how long will I be with you? How long will I endure you? Bring him to me." They brought the boy to him. And when he saw him, the spirit immediately threw the boy into convulsions. As he fell to the ground, he began to roll around and foam at the mouth. Then he questioned his father, "How long has this been happening to him?" He replied, "Since childhood. It has often thrown him into fire and into water to kill him. But if you can do anything, have compassion on us and help us." Jesus said to him, "'If you can!' Everything is possible to one who has faith." Then the boy's father cried out, "I do believe, help my unbelief!" Jesus, on seeing a crowd rapidly gathering, rebuked the unclean spirit and said to it, "Mute and deaf spirit, I command you: come out of him and never enter him again!" Shouting and throwing the boy into convulsions, it came out. He became like a corpse, which caused many to say, "He is dead!" But Jesus took him by the hand, raised him, and he stood up. When he entered the house, his disciples asked him in private, "Why could we not drive the spirit out?" He said to them, "This kind can only come out through prayer."

Do you have things that inflict you? Are there sins in your life that have possession over you? In today’s Gospel, Jesus tells us about the power of faith and prayer. A father has brought his son to be healed of a demon which possesses his body. But before the boy can be healed, the father must demonstrate that he believes in power of God. The father says, “If you can do anything, have pity on us and help us.” And Jesus replies, “If you can!” Jesus lets the father know that the doubt he possesses is what keeps his son from being healed. The father submits to Jesus saying “I believe.” Because of his strengthened faith, his son is healed. We too must be willing to submit completely to Christ to conquer the demons in our life. Unfortunately, we let doubt come between us and Christ. It’s like when Peter tried to walk on water. It was his faith that allowed to walk on water, but then doubt set in and he fell into the water. The sea was troubled and Peter was overcome by his doubt. Our lives are a lot like the troubled sea. There are many things that attach our faith and try to drive a wedge between us and God. Doubt is one of the strongest tools that Satan has. It is through our faith that we share in the true power God. We share in the power of God over all. Faith is a gift from God. When our faith is weak and we have doubt, we must be willing to fall on our knees and ask God to strengthen our faith. If we allow doubt to grow, the doubt will continue to eat at our faith. Jesus told his disciples the reason they could not dispel the demon was because it required prayer. Prayer is communication with God. It is our link to our Father in Heaven. Prayer is not just words, but actions as well. The disciples were trying to cure the boy on their own. However, it is the power of God Almighty that gives us the strength. When we try to conquer our troubles without God, we set ourselves up for defeat. God is our power and our strength. With him on our side, we can conquer anything.

A Simple Prayer

Lord God in Heaven, everything is possible with you.

I believe, help my unbelief.

Give me strength and wisdom to conquer my doubt.

Yours in Christ

Michael Marcon

“Who do people say that I am?”

My Dearest Brothers and Sisters in Christ:

“Who do people say that I am?”

Gospel Reading: Mark 8:27-33 Jesus and his disciples set out for the villages of Caesarea Philippi. Along the way he asked his disciples, "Who do people say that I am?" They said in reply, "John the Baptist, others Elijah, still others one of the prophets." And he asked them, "But who do you say that I am?" Peter said to him in reply, "You are the Christ." Then he warned them not to tell anyone about him. He began to teach them that the Son of Man must suffer greatly and be rejected by the elders, the chief priests, and the scribes, and be killed, and rise after three days. He spoke this openly. Then Peter took him aside and began to rebuke him. At this he turned around and, looking at his disciples, rebuked Peter and said, "Get behind me, Satan. You are thinking not as God does, but as human beings do."

Today’s Gospel reading presents two very challenging question we all must answer - Who do others say that I am and Who do you say that I am? I think that Christ asks this question because he knows that we are heavily influenced by peer pressure. We are so concerned with what others think that we allow these pressures to forms our thoughts and our opinions. The second question clearly challenges His disciples to see beyond what others think and for them to form their own opinion of Christ. When Jesus asked Peter these questions, He was challenging Peter’s faith. There is no way that Peter could have formed this conclusion on his own. Peter does not have the advantage of the whole story yet. He has not witnessed the crucifixion and resurrection. Therefore, it had to be revealed to him through the grace of God. Do you see Christ as just a wise man and a great profit or do you truly see him as our Lord and Messiah? In this passage Jesus tells His disciples about His journey on earth. He tells them, “the Son of Man must suffer greatly and be rejected by the elders, the chief priests, and the scribes, and be killed, and rise after three days.” So what is He really trying to teach His disciples. First, do you really know who I am and secondly, are you truly willing to follow me. It is obvious that being a disciple of Christ is not going to be easy. The passage says the Peter “began to rebuke him.” In typical Peter style, Peter begins to protest Christ’s words. He was challenging Jesus probably telling him not to talk like that or you’ve got to be crazy if you think we’re going to let anything happen to you. Jesus responds to Peter’s outcry telling him, “Get behind me, Satan!” Jesus is telling Peter not to tempt Him, that His mission is a mission from God.

So many times we hear the word of God and yet we do not like what we hear. So many times we decide to listen to others and not to be led by the spirit which is alive in our own heart. Jesus came to save us from our sins. He gave us very simple commandments and he showed us the way to the cross. More importantly, He showed us a way to the resurrection. Unfortunately, society today tries to divert us from the path. Satan tempts us every day. Satan wants us to listen to his message and not the message of Christ. In this case, we say no to Jesus, we don’t want to obey Him or, we convince ourselves that it is too difficult to obey. However, our Faith will give us the strength we need to follow Christ. We need to exercise that Faith so it will grow strong to face the challenges which we will face. Today spend a few moments in silence and mediate on the question, ”Who do you say I am?” Listen to your heart. Let the answer guide you to the spiritual path which leads to his Eucharistic Table.

A Simple Prayer

Jesus, You are the Messiah who freed us from our sins.

You came to this earth to light the path and show us the way.

Help me to hear your words and see you wisdom.

May I find one true path that leads to eternal life.

Yours in Christ

Michael Marcon

“His sight was restored and he could see everything distinctly.”

My Dearest Brothers and Sisters in Christ:

“His sight was restored and he could see everything distinctly.”

Gospel Reading: Mark 8:22-26 When Jesus and his disciples arrived at Bethsaida, people brought to him a blind man and begged Jesus to touch him. He took the blind man by the hand and led him outside the village. Putting spittle on his eyes he laid his hands on the man and asked, "Do you see anything?" Looking up the man replied, "I see people looking like trees and walking." Then he laid hands on the man's eyes a second time and he saw clearly; his sight was restored and he could see everything distinctly. Then he sent him home and said, "Do not even go into the village."

In today’s Gospel reading, Jesus heals a blind man. The blind man is not cured instantly, but in stages. The people lead the blind man to Jesus and ask that Jesus touch him so he can be healed. The reading says that Jesus took him by the hand and led him. Due to the faith of the people, the blind man was partially healed. But it was not until the blind man began to witness the power of God that he was fully cured. Jesus touched him a second time and his eyes were fully opened. We too have the power to bring people to Christ. Through our own faith, we can lead the spiritually blind to Christ. Through our own desires and our actions, we can begin to open their eyes. But for their eyes to be fully open, they must submit to God. The blind person in this story had to first put his faith in the hands of the people to be led to Christ and once he was in front of Christ, he had to take Christ’s hand. This action demonstrates the power of the church. We are the body and Christ is the head. It takes the whole church to heal the sinner.

We are currently on a journey towards lent; a forty day period of conversion. We begin lent by having ashes smeared on our forehead. The ashes are like the spittle that was placed on the eyes of the blind man. During the following 40 days we are called to pray, fast and give alms as repentance and forgiveness in preparation for Easter. During this period we are to go through a spiritual cleansing so we can die to our earthly sins and be resurrected in the glory God. Lent is the Oxy Clean of the church season. If we truly submit to the power of lent, the sins which keep us from heaven will be removed. Take Christ’s hand and allow him to lead you through this period. You have one week to prepare for lent. Spend this week in meditation to discern what acts of pray and fasting God is calling you to do. It takes time to prepare for a journey like lent. You need to begin the preparation now and not wait until next Tuesday.

A Simple Prayer

Christ, your people have brought me to your door step.

Take my hand and lead me, wash my eyes so I may see you.

Open my heart so I can grow in your love and compassion.

Yours in Christ

Michael Marcon

“Do you have eyes and not see, ears and not hear?”

My Dearest Brothers and Sisters in Christ:

“Do you have eyes and not see, ears and not hear?”

Gospel Reading – Mark 8:14-21

The disciples had forgotten to bring bread, and they had only one loaf with them in the boat. Jesus enjoined them, "Watch out, guard against the leaven of the Pharisees and the leaven of Herod." They concluded among themselves that it was because they had no bread. When he became aware of this he said to them, "Why do you conclude that it is because you have no bread? Do you not yet understand or comprehend? Are your hearts hardened? Do you have eyes and not see, ears and not hear? And do you not remember, when I broke the five loaves for the five thousand, how many wicker baskets full of fragments you picked up?" They answered him, "Twelve." "When I broke the seven loaves for the four thousand, how many full baskets of fragments did you pick up?" They answered him, "Seven." He said to them, "Do you still not understand?"

Jesus asks us a very simple question in today’s Gospel – “Do you have eyes and not see, ears and not hear?” In today’s Gospel reading, Jesus is fusing at the disciples because of their lack of faith. It’s like he’s saying, “Come on guys, don’t you remember all the miracles that I performed?” It’s as if they weren’t even there. Jesus says that he has provided everything they need, why do you not see this? The disciples are worried that they only have one loaf of bread among them. Jesus reminds them about the feeding of the five thousand and then the feeding of the four thousand. After each feeding, there was an abundant supply of bread left over. Jesus tells the disciples that they should not worry that He will take care of them. This is the same message we should receive today. God provides everything we need. He is the true bread of life. We are called to put our trust in his hands and to believe in Him, but Jesus also warns us about the bread that corrupts. He tells them, “Watch out, guard against the leaven of the Pharisees and the leaven of Herod.” Our daily bread is what truly nourishes us both body and soul. If the bread does not nourish our souls but leads us to be greedy, we need to avoid that bread. What bread do you seek? Through our own greed, others have not. If we hoard the bread, others will not eat.

A Simple Prayer

Lord Jesus, you are the bread of life.

Lead me to your table that I may be nourished in the sacramental body.

That your bread will fill me with the Holy Spirit and give me eternal life.

Yours in Christ

Michael Marcon

“Amen, I say to you, no sign will be given to this generation.”

My Dearest Brothers and Sisters In Christ:

“Amen, I say to you, no sign will be given to this generation.”

Gospel Reading: Mark 8:11-13

The Pharisees came forward and began to argue with Jesus, seeking from him a sign from heaven to test him. He sighed from the depth of his spirit and said, "Why does this generation seek a sign? Amen, I say to you, no sign will be given to this generation." Then he left them, got into the boat again, and went off to the other shore.

In today’s Gospel reading, Jesus expresses deep sadness from the questioning by the Pharisees. The Pharisees still do not accept Jesus as the messiah sent by God. Even after performing miracles and preaching the Word of God to them, they ask for a sign. If the Pharisees reject these miracles as signs, then what could Jesus do to convince them. Jesus asks the all important question, “Why does this generation seek a sign?” It is simply that their hearts have become hardened to the Word of God. Jesus himself was sent as the sign of the messiah. The Pharisees are asking for sign not because they seek the truth, but because this do not accept Christ as the messiah. How many times do we ask God the same thing? How many miracles have we witnessed and yet we turn to Christ and say, show me a sign? It is okay to have doubt, but to have doubt and to challenge God is a sin. It is our weakness that causes us to question God. God reveals his presence to us every day; we just need to open our hearts and be willing to see the light. Christ provides everything we need to believe; we just need to open our eyes and accept the truths that are laid before us.

A Simple Prayer

Lord Jesus, may I always see your loving ways.

May your miracles be the shining light which guides me to your door.

May your words inspire my heart to love and obey your every command.

Yours in Christ

Michael Marcon

“He makes the deaf hear and the mute speak.”

My Dearest Brothers and Sisters in Christ:

“He makes the deaf hear and the mute speak.”

Gospel Reading: Mark 7:31-37 Jesus left the district of Tyre and went by way of Sidon to the Sea of Galilee, into the district of the Decapolis. And people brought to him a deaf man who had a speech impediment and begged him to lay his hand on him. He took him off by himself away from the crowd. He put his finger into the man's ears and, spitting, touched his tongue; then he looked up to heaven and groaned, and said to him, " Ephphatha!" (that is, "Be opened!") And immediately the man's ears were opened, his speech impediment was removed, and he spoke plainly. He ordered them not to tell anyone. But the more he ordered them not to, the more they proclaimed it. They were exceedingly astonished and they said, "He has done all things well. He makes the deaf hear and the mute speak."

How often are we blinded to the word of God? Our ears are closed to hear the word; and worse yet, we cannot speak the Word of God. We must learn to open our hearts to hear the truth. We must “be opened” to hear God’s will. In today’s Gospel, the deaf man also has trouble speaking. Not only can he not hear Christ, he has a hard time talking to Christ. Christ reaches out to the man and places His fingers in the man’s ears. Once he is touched by Christ, his faith is awakened. The man becomes filled with the Holy Spirit and is able to hear. Jesus also connects with his stuttering by again placing his own spittle on the tongue of the man. Now he has Christ on his tongue and he is able to speak clearly so that others can understand him. We too should ask God to place his fingers in our ears so we can be opened to the Word of God and have His spittle placed on our tongue so that we can speak His Word clearly to others.

In this Gospel reading, not only has Christ touched the deaf man, but he has also touched the crowd. The crowds response to His action – “He has done all things well.” The crowd is simply amazed at how Christ has reached out in a kind and caring fashion to help someone else. “He makes the deaf hear and the mute speak.” Christ reached out with the purest of kindness and compassion – no strings attached. We too are called to reach out and help our neighbor when they are in need. We should do it in such a way as not to draw attention to ourselves nor the one we are helping. We should do it purely for the love of the other person.

A Simple Prayer

Lord Jesus, touch my ears so I may hear your word.

Unlock my tongue so I may spread your Gospel to others.

Yours in Christ

Michael Marcon

"Lord, even the dogs under the table eat the children's scraps."

My Dearest Brothers and Sisters in Christ:

Gospel Reading: Mark 7:24-30

Jesus went to the district of Tyre. He entered a house and wanted no one to know about it, but he could not escape notice. Soon a woman whose daughter had an unclean spirit heard about him. She came and fell at his feet. The woman was a Greek, a Syrophoenician by birth, and she begged him to drive the demon out of her daughter. He said to her, "Let the children be fed first. For it is not right to take the food of the children and throw it to the dogs." She replied and said to him, "Lord, even the dogs under the table eat the children's scraps." Then he said to her, "For saying this, you may go. The demon has gone out of your daughter." When the woman went home, she found the child lying in bed and the demon gone.

Do you ever get the feeling that God’s not listening? You’re in desperate need of some major intervention and he just ignores you. You go as far as to fall on your knees and beg for his help, but the reply is appears to be silent. In today’s Gospel reading, a gentile woman cries out to Jesus to save her daughter from a demonic spirit. The gentiles were not religious people so for her to reach out to Jesus was a rather bold move. But for her to fall on her knees and beg for help required her to humble herself before God. But still Jesus tested her to make sure her faith was true. At first Jesus appears to ignore her cries for help. He tells her that he is there to save the children of Israel, not the heathens who are dogs. The woman stands strong in her faith and replies to him again that even the “dogs” deserve his Grace. Feeling the truth of her conviction, Jesus replies, “For saying this, you may go. The demon has gone out of your daughter.” When we cry out, “My God, My God,” he is listening to us. The question is, are we truly faithful in our request. No one is denied help from the Lord; however, he calls for us to be faithful in our desire for his love. Jesus ends up praising this woman for her faith and her prayers are answered. We too must exhibit unconditional faith in God. We must seek the Lord with a deep and sincere faith. If we do, our cries will be answered.

A Simple Prayer

My God, My God, I cry out to you.

You are my Savior and my Lord.

May I trust you always and pursue your love.

May I never stray or weaken in my faith.

Yours in Christ

Michael Marcon

"Nothing that enters one from outside can defile that person; but the things that come out from within are what defile."

My Dearest Brothers and Sisters in Christ:

Gospel Reading: Mark 7:14-23 Jesus summoned the crowd again and said to them, "Hear me, all of you, and understand. Nothing that enters one from outside can defile that person; but the things that come out from within are what defile." When he got home away from the crowd his disciples questioned him about the parable. He said to them, "Are even you likewise without understanding? Do you not realize that everything that goes into a person from outside cannot defile, since it enters not the heart but the stomach and passes out into the latrine?" (Thus he declared all foods clean.) "But what comes out of the man, that is what defiles him. From within the man, from his heart, come evil thoughts, unchastity, theft, murder, adultery, greed, malice, deceit, licentiousness, envy, blasphemy, arrogance, folly. All these evils come from within and they defile."

Where does evil come from? Jesus is quite clear that nothing that his Father in Heaven created is evil, but that evil comes out of man. Jesus says that “everything that goes into a person from outside cannot defile… But what comes out of the man, that is what defiles him.” Evil grows from within. Evil starts small as thoughts within our heart. Evil grows from our internal desires. Some people like to believe that sin happens. But sin doesn’t just happen, it forms from deep inside us and then is projected from us into the world. It is our intentions that become actions which become evil. It is us who have to nurture the evil. Only the human mind can conceive evil and only the human will can allow it to grow. We must learn to take control of these thoughts. God wants to free us from the burdens which sin places upon us. God has placed the Holy Spirit within us to help us. It is through God that we recognize sin and through his grace that we are forgiven and freed from the bondage of sin and evil. God’s love for us enables us to recognize sin and gives us the strength to choose what is good and to reject what is evil. We must trust in the power of the Holy Spirit to lead us and guide us and to help us wipe out the evil that forms within.

A Simple Prayer

My Father in Heaven, help me fight the evil which forms within.

Give me the wisdom to recognize evil and to make wise choices.

Yours in Christ

Michael Marcon

"You disregard God's commandment but cling to human tradition."

My Dearest Brothers and Sisters in Christ:

Gospel Reading: Mark 7:1-13

When the Pharisees with some scribes who had come from Jerusalem gathered around Jesus, they observed that some of his disciples ate their meals with unclean, that is, unwashed, hands. (For the Pharisees and, in fact, all Jews, do not eat without carefully washing their hands, keeping the tradition of the elders. And on coming from the marketplace they do not eat without purifying themselves. And there are many other things that they have traditionally observed, the purification of cups and jugs and kettles and beds.) So the Pharisees and scribes questioned him, "Why do your disciples not follow the tradition of the elders but instead eat a meal with unclean hands?" He responded, "Well did Isaiah prophesy about you hypocrites, as it is written: This people honors me with their lips, but their hearts are far from me; in vain do they worship me, teaching as doctrines human precepts. You disregard God's commandment but cling to human tradition." He went on to say, "How well you have set aside the commandment of God in order to uphold your tradition! For Moses said, Honor your father and your mother, and Whoever curses father or mother shall die. Yet you say, 'If someone says to father or mother, "Any support you might have had from me is qorban"' (meaning, dedicated to God), you allow him to do nothing more for his father or mother. You nullify the word of God in favor of your tradition that you have handed on. And you do many such things."

What do you think is more important – to have a clean heart or to have clean hands? Today’s gospel message is quite clear. It’s not what’s on the outside that’s important but what’s on the inside. We must have a clean heart and a clean mind if we are to find the kingdom of heaven. The Jews were more worried about their outward appearance and not about their spiritual well being. In other words, they were more concerned about what went into their mouths then what came out. Jesus tells the Pharisees and the scribes that the true defilement is in our words and the sentiment in our hearts. Hatred and evil are born within us, deep inside our minds and our hearts. It starts in our thoughts and our desires. Our soul is the source of our hatred. If we do not purify the thoughts of our soul, what good is it to have clean hands. Our thoughts and desires are like the seeds of plants, the plants which eventually fill our soul. We must uproot the weeds so the good plants can grow and prosper. If we have good thoughts and desires, then we will grow good plants and our soul will flourish. If we do not tend the garden, the bad seeds will sprout into weeds which will eventually overtake the goodness in our soul. It is through the grace of God that we can kill the weeds and purify our hearts.

What is inside our hearts is what comes out our mouths. If we have a clean soul, we will have clean thoughts and our words will be the words of God. With God’s help, we can change what is in our hearts. Through the power of the Holy Spirit, we can find the power we need to clean out the junk that prevents us from doing God’s will. We must be willing to see and recognize the sins in our lives. Once you recognize the sins, you can call upon the Holy Spirit to give you the strength you need to purge yourself of these sins and desires. Eventually, you can overcome the evil which dwells within, but only through the grace of God. It is through the loving grace of our Father in heaven that you are provided the power to change. Call upon God. Ask him to come forth into your life and purify your heart and your mind.

A Simple Prayer

Lord God, master of all.

Help me to identify the sins in my life.

Give me the wisdom to recognize wrong from right

And the power to change and cleanse my soul.

Yours in Christ

Michael Marcon

"That they might touch only the tassel on his cloak; and as many as touched it were healed"

My Dearest Brothers and Sisters in Christ:

Gospel Reading: Mark 6:53-56

After making the crossing to the other side of the sea, Jesus and his disciples came to land at Gennesaret and tied up there. As they were leaving the boat, people immediately recognized him. They scurried about the surrounding country and began to bring in the sick on mats to wherever they heard he was. Whatever villages or towns or countryside he entered, they laid the sick in the marketplaces and begged him that they might touch only the tassel on his cloak; and as many as touched it were healed.

In today’s Gospel reading, again we hear the desire of the people seeking out Christ to be healed from there ailments. When the people heard that Christ was near, they flocked to see him. They brought him their sick even if they had to carry them on a mat. They had a deep desire to be freed from their inflictions. It says, “Whatever villages or towns or countryside he entered, they laid the sick in the marketplaces and begged him that they might touch only the tassel on his cloak; and as many as touched it were healed.” All they had to do was touch his cloak and they were healed. We too should seek out Christ with the same passion of the early Jews. Every Sunday, Christ is truly present in the mass. He comes in his full glory to heal and nurture us. We should bring the sick and the unclean before his altar so that they too can touch his cloak. We must approach the Eucharist with the same passion as the Israelites approached Jesus. We must abandon our doubts and those things we put in front of us that prevent us from truly seeing Christ. It says that the people “immediately recognized him.” Do you recognize Christ when he is present? We must be able to recognize Christ whenever he is present in our life. We begin to recognize Christ the more we become committed to him. The more we look for him, the easier he is to find. In the mass, we see Christ in two different ways; we see him in the Word and we see him in the Eucharist. This is when Christ should be most visible to you. Christ is also present in all the Sacraments. The sacraments allows us to reach out and touch his garments and to be healed and to be brought closer to God. But Christ is also present everyday in our lives. All we need to do is open our eyes and see his glory all around us. No matter what village or town you are in, Christ is there healing the sick and freeing us from the bondage of our sins. There is no where you can go that Christ is not present. You just need to open your eyes to see him.

A Simple Prayer

Christ, if only I could touch your garments I would be healed.

Help me to open my eyes so I can see you in my daily activities.

Help me to reveal God in my daily life so others can be saved.

Yours in Christ

Michael Marcon

"King Herod heard about Jesus, for his fame had become widespread"

My Dearest Brothers and Sisters in Christ:

Gospel Reading: Mark 6:14-29

King Herod heard about Jesus, for his fame had become widespread, and people were saying, "John the Baptist has been raised from the dead; That is why mighty powers are at work in him." Others were saying, "He is Elijah"; still others, "He is a prophet like any of the prophets." But when Herod learned of it, he said, "It is John whom I beheaded. He has been raised up." Herod was the one who had John arrested and bound in prison on account of Herodias, the wife of his brother Philip, whom he had married. John had said to Herod, "It is not lawful for you to have your brother's wife." Herodias harbored a grudge against him and wanted to kill him but was unable to do so. Herod feared John, knowing him to be a righteous and holy man, and kept him in custody. When he heard him speak he was very much perplexed, yet he liked to listen to him. Herodias had an opportunity one day when Herod, on his birthday, gave a banquet for his courtiers, his military officers, and the leading men of Galilee. His own daughter came in and performed a dance that delighted Herod and his guests. The king said to the girl, "Ask of me whatever you wish and I will grant it to you." He even swore many things to her, "I will grant you whatever you ask of me, even to half of my kingdom." She went out and said to her mother, "What shall I ask for?" Her mother replied, "The head of John the Baptist." The girl hurried back to the king's presence and made her request, "I want you to give me at once on a platter the head of John the Baptist." The king was deeply distressed, but because of his oaths and the guests he did not wish to break his word to her. So he promptly dispatched an executioner with orders to bring back his head. He went off and beheaded him in the prison. He brought in the head on a platter and gave it to the girl. The girl in turn gave it to her mother. When his disciples heard about it, they came and took his body and laid it in a tomb.

In today’s Gospel we hear the story of John the Baptist’s execution. The story starts off with a discussion of Jesus and whether he is the resurrected John the Baptist. If Jesus is comparable to John the Baptist, then John must have been a really holy man dedicated to his Father in Heaven. John the Baptist was revered as a great profit announcing the coming of Christ. Jesus even revered John the Baptist as the greatest man born from a woman. While many people thought that John was the Messiah, he was described as the witness to the light. He had a great following of people. John was also described as a rather wild looking unkempt individual. So how could an individual who was rather eccentric looking attract so many followers? He must have spoken with true wisdom about God and Jesus. In the story today, Herod is struggling between his desire to hear John versus his hatred for the message. It says that “When he heard him speak he was very much perplexed, yet he liked to listen to him.” John was a conscience for Herod telling him what was right and what was wrong. Herod feared John because of his righteousness. We are all given a conscience which helps us decide right from wrong. Our conscience feeds us information but does not cause us to act. Our free will causes us to act. While John told Herod what he was doing was wrong, Herod still acted.

The second part of the story deals with Herod’s oath to his daughter. Because of the nature of her dance, Herod promised her anything she wanted even half his kingdom. She requested that Herod behead John and because of his oath to her, he did what she wanted. Herod struggled with the decision, but in the end he stayed true to his promise. Oaths and promises which are based on immoral acts should never be made. We should never negotiate for sinful favors. If we make an unjust oath or promise, we are obliged by the church to break that promise. This type of action bring grave harm to the individual’s soul.

The story contains three key individuals, a righteous man, a man struggling with his conscience and a person who had already sold herself to the worldly treasures. John, the righteous man, makes the ultimate sacrifice for his faith. John stood firm on his beliefs and because of this he lost his life. How strong is your faith? Are you willing to make sacrifices for Christ no matter what the cost. When asked, most Christians say that they would be willing to give their lives for Christ. Throughout the ages, many Christians have given their life in defense of their faith and Christianity. The blood of the martyrs has lined the path to the kingdom of heaven. In their sacrifice, we find the strength to defend our faith. Through Christ’s own sacrifice and victory on the cross, we too should be willing to make the sacrifice. But are we really ready to make the sacrifice? When our faith is challenged, do we stand strong or do we cower? When deciding between right and wrong, which path do you choose? Do you chose the path of John or the path of Herod. We must learn to stand strong, even when we must choose the path which cause us to suffer. The Holy Spirit gives us the strength and courage to defend ourselves. We must learn to have faith in our commitment. We do not need to fear those who try to lead us astray or those who oppose the Gospel. We need to realize that Christ’s love is stronger than fear and death itself. Jesus Christ is our source of eternal happiness. We are called to make Christ known to all through our words and our actions no matter what the consequences

A Simple Prayer

Lord, your are the true light and the true salvation.

Give me wisdom to be able to chose the right path.

Give me the strength to stand in the way of evil and chose good.

And when I fall, give me the humility to stand back up.

Yours in Christ

Michael Marcon

"Jesus summoned the Twelve and began to send them out two by two and gave them authority over unclean spirits."

My Dearest Brothers and Sisters in Christ:

Gospel Reading: Mark 6:7-13

Jesus summoned the Twelve and began to send them out two by two and gave them authority over unclean spirits. He instructed them to take nothing for the journey but a walking stick —no food, no sack, no money in their belts. They were, however, to wear sandals but not a second tunic. He said to them, "Wherever you enter a house, stay there until you leave from there. Whatever place does not welcome you or listen to you, leave there and shake the dust off your feet in testimony against them." So they went off and preached repentance. The Twelve drove out many demons, and they anointed with oil many who were sick and cured them.

In today’s Gospel reading, Christ empowers the Twelve Apostles to go out into the world and proclaim the Good News about the Kingdom of Heaven. He sent them not only to proclaim the Word, but also to heal the sick and have authority over unclean spirits. He gave them the power to heal us physically and spiritually. He tells them “to take nothing for the journey but a walking stick —no food, no sack, no money in their belts.” Jesus requires them to be free from all the earthly attachments which might prevent them preaching the truth. If we are bond to our earthly possessions, they can divert our attention. Jesus let them know that their needs would be met and that all they needed to worry about is preaching the Good News. The Apostles whose mission was to bring forth the Kingdom of God, did not need to rely upon worldly items but on God’s own divine intervention. Whatever they needed was provided by those lives that they changed. Do we not feel compelled to give to those who help us. We feel the need to repay them for their service. The basic human needs of the Apostles were a fringe benefit from doing God’s will.

We too are called to be missionaries of the Good News. God tells us to go forth and spread the Word. We too should be willing to forgo our earthly needs and place our trust in God that he will provide everything we need. Sometimes we are asked to do things that absolutely scare us. I have to believe that the Apostles were just little bit scared when Jesus sent them out into the World to preach the Good News. You can almost hear them say, “But Jesus…” And Jesus replies, “Do not worry for my Father will take care of your needs.” Through the graces from God which they preached, their needs were met. The simple message is that we should not neglect our spiritual needs by worrying about the worldly things. We must release the burdens which tie us to earth and keep us from heaven. How can we ask others to sacrifice if we are not willing to sacrifice ourselves. The more earthly treasures we give up, the more room we make for Christ in our lives. If our life is filled with new cars, X Box, electronic gadgets and new clothes, how can we find space for Christ. Do you set aside time for others in need? Do you set aside time for your family and friends? Do you set aside time for Christ?

A Simple Prayer

Lord God, you gave me the power to proclaim the gospel.

Give me the power to say yes an go forth into the world.

Yours in Christ

Michael Marcon

“A prophet is not without honor except in his native place and among his own kin and in his own house."

My Dearest Brothers and Sisters in Christ:

“A prophet is not without honor except in his native place and among his own kin and in his own house."

Gospel Reading: Mark 6:1-6 Jesus departed from there and came to his native place, accompanied by his disciples. When the Sabbath came he began to teach in the synagogue, and many who heard him were astonished. They said, "Where did this man get all this? What kind of wisdom has been given him? What mighty deeds are wrought by his hands! Is he not the carpenter, the son of Mary, and the brother of James and Joseph and Judas and Simon? And are not his sisters here with us?" And they took offense at him. Jesus said to them, "A prophet is not without honor except in his native place and among his own kin and in his own house." So he was not able to perform any mighty deed there, apart from curing a few sick people by laying his hands on them. He was amazed at their lack of faith.

In today’s Gospel reading, Jesus returns home with his disciples to preach the Word in Nazareth. The towns people are astonished and amazed at his wisdom. One would think that the towns people would celebrate his wisdom. But instead they were very critical of Jesus’ abilities. They could not believe what they were hearing. They were offended by his abilities. Are we not the same to people that are closest to us. The people who judge us most severely are generally those that are close friends and family. They are the ones who have a hard time believing in our success. They cannot believe that a carpenter, a simple man, a common laborer can be so profound in his wisdom. He is no longer just the son of Mary, but now a Rabi professing the Word of God with amazing wisdom. How can Jesus from Nazareth perform such mighty deeds. In the end, the people of Nazareth could not accept his preaching because of who he was. They could only see him as this little boy who played in the streets. He was not from any special family and his father was just a carpenter, a person with no formal training. They immediately rejected Jesus because they knew him. They could not open their minds to accept the wisdom of his teaching. Because these people prejudged Jesus, they had hardened their hearts to his message. They would never accept what he had to say because they had already determined that he was inferior. We can do the same thing with people that we now, with our friends and our family. We need to be open to the gifts God gives us and to others. We need to be willing to accept the good news from God without exception no matter from who it comes.

It says that Jesus was amazed at their lack of faith. Is Jesus amazed at your faith or your lack of faith? Have you become so familiar with your faith that you are no longer amazed. Has your religion become boring. As we approach lent, it is time to renew our commitment to God and to our faith. No matter how familiar we have become with our faith, we need to renew it as if it were a brand new friend we have just met for the first time. We need to have that new found curiosity which helps us dig deeper and find out more. It needs to help lead us to a more solid foundation from which to grow. We need to find the wonder and awe that allows us to form a life-long bond with Christ.

A Simple Prayer

Lord, open my eyes to a new found relationship with God.

Let me experience the Gospels like a new found friend.

Help me inspire my curiosity so that I may grow in faith to be your servant.

Yours in Christ

Michael Marcon

"Do not be afraid; just have faith."

My Dearest Brothers and Sisters in Christ:

"Do not be afraid; just have faith."

Gospel Reading: Mark 5:21-43

When Jesus had crossed again in the boat to the other side, a large crowd gathered around him, and he stayed close to the sea. One of the synagogue officials, named Jairus, came forward. Seeing him he fell at his feet and pleaded earnestly with him, saying, "My daughter is at the point of death. Please, come lay your hands on her that she may get well and live." He went off with him and a large crowd followed him. There was a woman afflicted with hemorrhages for twelve years. She had suffered greatly at the hands of many doctors and had spent all that she had. Yet she was not helped but only grew worse. She had heard about Jesus and came up behind him in the crowd and touched his cloak. She said, "If I but touch his clothes, I shall be cured." Immediately her flow of blood dried up. She felt in her body that she was healed of her affliction. Jesus, aware at once that power had gone out from him, turned around in the crowd and asked, "Who has touched my clothes?" But his disciples said to him, "You see how the crowd is pressing upon you, and yet you ask, Who touched me?" And he looked around to see who had done it. The woman, realizing what had happened to her, approached in fear and trembling. She fell down before Jesus and told him the whole truth. He said to her, "Daughter, your faith has saved you. Go in peace and be cured of your affliction." While he was still speaking, people from the synagogue official's house arrived and said, "Your daughter has died; why trouble the teacher any longer?" Disregarding the message that was reported, Jesus said to the synagogue official, "Do not be afraid; just have faith." He did not allow anyone to accompany him inside except Peter, James, and John, the brother of James. When they arrived at the house of the synagogue official, he caught sight of a commotion, people weeping and wailing loudly. So he went in and said to them, "Why this commotion and weeping? The child is not dead but asleep." And they ridiculed him. Then he put them all out. He took along the child's father and mother and those who were with him and entered the room where the child was. He took the child by the hand and said to her, "Talitha koum" which means, "Little girl, I say to you, arise!" The girl, a child of twelve, arose immediately and walked around. At that they were utterly astounded. He gave strict orders that no one should know this and said that she should be given something to eat.

In today’s Gospel reading, we hear the story of two different miracles; Jairus’ daughter is brought back to life and the curing of the woman with a hemorrhage. The reading starts out with Jesus arriving at the shore and being greeted by the crowds. Jairus, the Jewish leader of the local synagogue, greets Jesus begging him to come help his daughter who is dying. He says that if only Jesus would touch her she would be healed. On his way to see the girl, a woman reaches out to touch Jesus. This woman had a “hemorrhages for twelve years. She had suffered greatly at the hands of many doctors and had spent all that she had. Yet she was not helped but only grew worse” She thought, “If I but touch his clothes, I shall be cured.” She reaches out and “immediately her flow of blood dried up and she felt in her body that she was healed of her affliction.” During this time, a person comes out from Jairus’ house informing them that his daughter has died, “why trouble the teacher any longer?” Jesus simply responds, “Do not be afraid; just have faith.” Again, the life of Jairus’ daughter was restored. Both Jairus and the woman express unbelievable faith and a desire for God to enter more fully into their lives. They reached out and touched Christ with unconditional faith and their prayers were answered. They were healed of their affliction.

This story exemplifies God’s omnipotence, for only a miracle can cure these two women. These people tried everything humanly possible to overcome these inflictions, but only through the power of Christ were they healed. We as Christians should also expect Christ to help us overcome the obstacles in our lives which prevent us from our sanctification. We are attacked from Satan from so many directions. Things are placed in front of us to tempt us. Satan cannot force us to turn from God. It is only by the nature of free will that we do so. He places desires of the flesh and mind to trick us into falling away from his grace. He creates disorder in our lives so we lose focus on the Kingdom of Heaven. In this reading we are given hope that God’s love will save us and bring us fully into eternal life. These afflictions which torment us should be offered up to God. Unlike the people at the time of Christ, we can encounter Christ daily in the Sacraments and in the Word. We can encounter Christ anytime we want. All we need to do is reach out. We can receive the Sacraments of Eucharist and Reconciliation every day. These are the sacraments of nourishment and healing. We can read the Word of God and be filled with wisdom and understanding. Christ tells us to “just have faith” as he tells us to “arise” and get up.

A Simple Prayer

Lord Jesus, you are the healer.

You cure my afflictions and free me from the bonds of Satan

You give me hope of life eternal.

Yours in Christ

Michael Marcon