Meditation Minute

My Dearest Brothers and Sisters in Christ:

 

“You belong to what is below, I belong to what is above.”

 

Gospel Reading John 8:21-30

Jesus said to the Pharisees: "I am going away and you will look for me, but you will die in your sin. Where I am going you cannot come." So the Jews said, "He is not going to kill himself, is he, because he said, 'Where I am going you cannot come'?" He said to them, "You belong to what is below, I belong to what is above. You belong to this world, but I do not belong to this world. That is why I told you that you will die in your sins. For if you do not believe that I AM, you will die in your sins." So they said to him, "Who are you?" Jesus said to them, "What I told you from the beginning. I have much to say about you in condemnation. But the one who sent me is true, and what I heard from him I tell the world." They did not realize that he was speaking to them of the Father. So Jesus said to them, "When you lift up the Son of Man, then you will realize that I AM, and that I do nothing on my own, but I say only what the Father taught me. The one who sent me is with me.  He has not left me alone, because I always do what is pleasing to him." Because he spoke this way, many came to believe in him.

 

In today’s Gospel reading, Jesus is calling us to believe that he is our savior. To not believe in him is to die in our sin of disbelief. In the Gospel, we hear that many people came to know Jesus and came to believe in him. However, some of the so-called righteous leaders doubted Jesus was the Son of God. They doubted his divinity. We are called not only to be “good people,” we are also called to believe in Jesus Christ. Jesus tells the Pharisees; “Where I am going you cannot come.” So where is Jesus going that the Pharisees cannot come. He’s telling them that he is about to join his Father in Heaven so he can rise in the Glory of our salvation. It’s not that Jesus doesn’t want them to join him at his Father’s house. It’s just the opposite; he wants them to join him. But to join him, they must believe. It was through their sins and their refusal to accept Jesus, that they barred the door to heaven, not Jesus.

 

Jesus goes on to enlighten the Pharisees, “When you lift up the Son of Man, then you will realize that I AM, and that I do nothing on my own, but only what the Father taught me.” He gives them the keys to the Kingdom of Heaven. He tells them what they need to know to follow him. I AM is the Word made Flesh. The Word will lead us into the light. If we do not follow the Word, we sin against God. The very nature of Sin is that it takes us away from God and from everlasting joy. Sin separates us from the all knowing, all loving, and all merciful. This behavior is foreshadowed in Genesis. What happened when Adam sinned in the Garden of Eden? He hid himself from God. He removed himself from the merciful love of God. God didn’t hide from Adam. Adam hid from God.

 

To fail to recognize Jesus and where he came from is to remain in a state of spiritual darkness. But if we believe in Jesus and his teachings, then we walk in the joy and light of God's truth. We are provided many opportunities in life and many of these opportunities do not ever return. Each and every one of us is given the opportunity to know and to accept Jesus Christ, as Lord and Savior. We make the decisions to either accept or reject the invitation. Life on earth is limited and we will not be given an infinite number of opportunities to see the light. How we live life on earth has everlasting consequences on our eternal soul. We should take advantage of the grace of God which has been given to us. Who knows when this will be our last opportunity. During this lent, have you followed through on your commitments? Have you sinned against your fellow brothers and sisters, or have you lead them to know and believe in Christ. Are you willing to join Jesus on the Cross so that we can rise up in the Glory of God. Do not worry if you have not been faithful to your Lenten promise. This promise is between you and God. Do not be discouraged by your inactivity, but be encouraged by the loving and merciful God we pray to.

 

A Simple Prayer

 

Lord Jesus, open my ears and my eyes so I can see and hear your words.

Open my heart so that I can take up my cross and follow you to Calvary.

May I have the temperance and fortitude to live out the resurrection.

 

Yours in Christ

Michael Marcon

Meditation Minute

My Dearest Brothers and Sisters in Christ:

 

“Let the one among you who is without sin  be the first to throw a stone at her.”

 

Gospel Reading: John 8:1-11

 

Jesus went to the Mount of Olives. But early in the morning he arrived again in the temple area, and all the people started coming to him, and he sat down and taught them. Then the scribes and the Pharisees brought a woman who had been caught in adultery and made her stand in the middle. They said to him, "Teacher, this woman was caught in the very act of committing adultery. Now in the law, Moses commanded us to stone such women. So what do you say?" They said this to test him, so that they could have some charge to bring against him. Jesus bent down and began to write on the ground with his finger. But when they continued asking him, he straightened up and said to them, "Let the one among you who is without sin be the first to throw a stone at her." Again he bent down and wrote on the ground. And in response, they went away one by one, beginning with the elders. So he was left alone with the woman before him. Then Jesus straightened up and said to her, "Woman, where are they? Has no one condemned you?" She replied, "No one, sir." Then Jesus said, "Neither do I condemn you. Go, and from now on do not sin anymore."

 

How easy is it for us to find fault in others and to condemn them for their sins.  Today’s Gospel reading is about forgiveness and compassion.  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 the one among you who is without sin  be the first to throw a stone at her.” The Pharisees begin to reflect on their own conscience and realize that they too are not free from sin.  The Pharisees left one by one leaving only Jesus and the woman behind. Jesus asks her, “Has no one condemned you?” And she replies, “No one, sir.” And Jesus said, “Neither do I condemn you; go, and from now on do not sin anymore.” 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. When we find fault in others, we should use that opportunity to look inward, to determine what sins rest on our own souls.

 

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 from now on do not sin anymore.” Jesus could have condemned her for her actions, but instead, He forgives her. The grace of forgiveness is much greater than condemnation. 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:

 

“I know him, because I am from him, and he sent me.”

 

Gospel Reading John 7: 1-2, 10, 25-30

 

Jesus moved about within Galilee; he did not wish to travel in Judea, because the Jews were trying to kill him. But the Jewish feast of Tabernacles was near.  But when his brothers had gone up to the feast, he himself also went up, not openly but as it were in secret. Some of the inhabitants of Jerusalem said, "Is he not the one they are trying to kill? And look, he is speaking openly and they say nothing to him. Could the authorities have realized that he is the Christ? But we know where he is from. When the Christ comes, no one will know where he is from." So Jesus cried out in the temple area as he was teaching and said, "You know me and also know where I am from. Yet I did not come on my own, but the one who sent me, whom you do not know, is true. I know him, because I am from him, and he sent me." So they tried to arrest him, but no one laid a hand upon him, because his hour had not yet come.

 

What does it mean to know Christ?  In today’s Gospel reading, 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 look, he is speaking openly and they say nothing to him. Could the authorities have realized that he is the Christ?” Jesus tells the people, “You know me and also know where I am from. Yet I did not come on my own, but the one who sent me, whom you do not know, is true. I know him, because I am from him, and he sent me.” Jesus knew that He would upset the people of Jerusalem and that they would try to kill him.  Even under these conditions He was 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. To know Christ is to know that we must face 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 through our internal conscience 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 wanted to arrest him, but nobody could lay a hand on him.  It was not “his hour” and therefore his Father protected him from the crowds.  We too are saved by the sacrifice of Christ. He came to show us that when we chose him, we chose eternal life. Nobody can touch us if we chose God.  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.  And to know God, to love God and to desire God is to truly want eternal life.

 

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:

 

“The works that the Father gave me to accomplish, these works that I perform testify on my behalf that the Father has sent me.”

 

Gospel Reading: John 5: 31-47

 

Jesus said to the Jews:  "If I testify on my own behalf, my testimony is not true. But there is another who testifies on my behalf, and I know that the testimony he gives on my behalf is true. You sent emissaries to John, and he testified to the truth. I do not accept human testimony, but I say this so that you may be saved. He was a burning and shining lamp, and for a while you were content to rejoice in his light. But I have testimony greater than John's. The works that the Father gave me to accomplish, these works that I perform testify on my behalf that the Father has sent me. Moreover, the Father who sent me has testified on my behalf. But you have never heard his voice nor seen his form, and you do not have his word remaining in you, because you do not believe in the one whom he has sent. You search the Scriptures, because you think you have eternal life through them; even they testify on my behalf. But you do not want to come to me to have life.  "I do not accept human praise; moreover, I know that you do not have the love of God in you.  I came in the name of my Father, but you do not accept me; yet if another comes in his own name, you will accept him. How can you believe, when you accept praise from one another and do not seek the praise that comes from the only God? Do not think that I will accuse you before the Father: the one who will accuse you is Moses, in whom you have placed your hope. For if you had believed Moses, you would have believed me, because he wrote about me. But if you do not believe his writings, how will you believe my words?"

 

In today’s Gospel reading, 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 John’s.”  Jesus say can’t you see all that I have done, are these miracles not enough.  How blind can you be?  What anguish Christ must have felt to know that even after seeing these great miracles of healing the sick and raising the dead, the people still do not believe.  He even says that his Father in heaven has proclaimed his coming and yet they still do not believe.  Jesus tells them not only does John the Baptist bear witness but that the scriptures bear witness to his coming. It is simple, we must have both faith and hope in the glory of God.  We see his miracles every day, but do we recognize them as coming from God.  To see a miracle, all you have to do is look in the mirror.  You are one of God’s creations.  Through you comes the Word of God shining like a light.  We can be a witness to the Word like John was a witness or we can darken the  light,  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:

 

Gospel Reading: Luke 1:26-38

 

The angel Gabriel was sent from God to a town of Galilee called Nazareth, to a virgin betrothed to a man named Joseph, of the house of David, and the virgin's name was Mary. And coming to her, he said, "Hail, full of grace! The Lord is with you." But she was greatly troubled at what was said and pondered what sort of greeting this might be. Then the angel said to her, "Do not be afraid, Mary, for you have found favor with God. Behold, you will conceive in your womb and bear a son, and you shall name him Jesus. He will be great and will be called Son of the Most High, and the Lord God will give him the throne of David his father, and he will rule over the house of Jacob forever, and of his Kingdom there will be no end." But Mary said to the angel, "How can this be, since I have no relations with a man?" And the angel said to her in reply, "The Holy Spirit will come upon you, and the power of the Most High will overshadow you. Therefore the child to be born will be called holy, the Son of God. And behold, Elizabeth, your relative, has also conceived a son in her old age, and this is the sixth month for her who was called barren; for nothing will be impossible for God." Mary said, "Behold, I am the handmaid of the Lord. May it be done to me according to your word." Then the angel departed from her.

 

Today is the Feast of the Annunciation. Today is the day that Mary finds out that she is the Mother of our Salvation. On this day, the Holy Spirit entered Mary and impregnates her with the seed that becomes the Savior for our sins. Heaven is brought down to earth and all mankind has received the most glorious gift, “the Word made Flesh.” The Angel Gabriel came to Mary and said, “The Holy Spirit will come upon you, and the power of the Most High will overshadow you. Therefore the child to be born will be called holy, the Son of God.” Today’s Gospel tells the story of the Annunciation of he Lord. This is when Mary finds out that the Lord has chosen her to be the Mother of the Christ Child.

 

When the Angel Gabriel approaches Mary with the news, Mary doesn’t immediately jump for joy. Her first response is “Why me” followed by a quick, “You gotta be kidding!” Mary is then comforted by the Angel. He tells her not to fear because “she has found favor with God.” Mary then responds, “May it be done to me according to your word.” Mary accepts what God has asked her to do. How many times have we been asked by God to do something? How many times have we been asked to stand up for our brothers and sisters and our response has been “Why me Lord, I am just a ordinary person” or probably more appropriately, “You want me to do what!” Mary was the purified vessel that carried the Lord Jesus Christ; it was she who brought the Word Flesh into this human world. It was she who allowed our humanity to become complete. We are all asked to bring Jesus into this World through our actions.

 

We are each given the Grace of God to carry out his mission on earth. The Holy Spirit enters our life at Baptism and the Holy Spirit grows in us as we nurture this Grace. The Holy Spirit lights our soul so that we can be a beacon of the Word. In the light, we can easily see our way; when we share the light with others, we provide guidance for others to see the way. If do not allow the light to shine, in darkness we all stumble. We cannot see the way. God’s grace is the light that guides the way. “The Just One has descended like dew from above; the earth has opened and the Savior has sprung up.” (Isaiah 45:8). During this time of year, it is easy to see the new beginnings, the preparation for Easter is here. Spring is here and new life is all around. The Holy Spirit will overshadow us and through us the resurrection can be realized. When we pray the “Hail Mary,” we proclaim that God has become Flesh through the maternity of Mary. We also ask Mary to intercede in our prayers, to be with us as God was with her when she made the decision to be the most Blessed Mother. We are asked to burden a cross, to carry that cross for our own salvation as well as the salvation of others. You are asked to bring the Lord Jesus Christ into this world. To bring Heaven to Earth.

 

A Simple Prayer

 

Lord, may I say yes to you do today!

In my words and my actions, may I bring you to others,

May I be blessed with the peace and strength of your mother Mary!

 

Yours in Christ

Michael Marcon

Meditation Minute

My Dearest Brothers and Sisters in Christ:

 

Gospel Reading: John 5:1-16

 

There was a feast of the Jews, and Jesus went up to Jerusalem. Now there is in Jerusalem at the Sheep Gate a pool called in Hebrew Bethesda, with five porticoes. In these lay a large number of ill, blind, lame, and  crippled. One man was there who had been ill for thirty-eight years. When Jesus saw him lying there and knew that he had been ill for a long time, he said to him, "Do you want to be well?" The sick man answered him, "Sir, I have no one to put me into the pool when the water is stirred up; while I am on my way, someone else gets down there before me." Jesus said to him, "Rise, take up your mat, and walk." Immediately the man became well, took up his mat, and walked.  Now that day was a sabbath. So the Jews said to the man who was cured, "It is the sabbath, and it is not lawful for you to carry your mat."  He answered them, "The man who made me well told me, 'Take up your mat and walk.'" They asked him, "Who is the man who told you, 'Take it up and walk'?" The man who was healed did not know who it was, for Jesus had slipped away, since there was a crowd there. After this Jesus found him in the temple area and said to him, "Look, you are well; do not sin anymore, so that nothing worse may happen to you." The man went and told the Jews that Jesus was the one who had made him well. Therefore, the Jews began to persecute Jesus because he did this on a sabbath.

 

In today’s Gospel, we hear the story of a man who is seeking the healing living waters.  All he needs is to get to the pool and he will be healed.  What he eventually realizes is Christ is the true healing water because we are ALL born of the living waters of Christ. Christ pours out his eternal love for all mankind. From Christ flows the river of life, poured out in word and in sacrament. The living waters heal the deepest of our wounds. “To the thirsty I will give a gift from the life-giving waters.” (Rev 21:6) If you are thirsty for the love of God, his water is plentiful. In Ezekiel’s vision (Ezekiel 47:1-9,12), he describes the vision of the river of life flowing from the temple. This river is our salvation. If we chose, we can join the river and let it carry us to God’s Kingdom of Heaven . The river is healing and renewing. Ezekiel saw much life along the river; “the banks were lined with many trees.” “Along both banks of the river, fruit trees of every kind shall grow; their leaves shall not fade, nor their fruit fail.” As the living waters flow out of the temple, they get deeper and deeper. As we travel along the river of life, our relationship with God should grow deeper and deeper as the river builds. At the head waters of all rivers, the river starts out small and can grow into a mighty waterway. The river of life is the grandest river on earth. As we enter the river, the water is calm and refreshing. But we must venture deeper to be immersed in the water of God. What good is it to have our feet in the water when our hands are not?

 

Today’s Gospel talks about the healing waters. Jesus meets a man who has been ill for long time and is trying to get into a healing pool of water. Jesus asked him, “Do you want to be well?” The sick man answered that there was no one to help him into the water and when he tries to enter the pool, someone gets there before him. Jesus commands him to “Rise, take up your mat, and walk.” Immediately, the sick man was healed. Christ is the living, healing water who cured this man. If we cannot get into the water, we cannot be healed. We must want the water of life. The more we experience the water of life, the more committed to God we become. Remember the leaves of the trees that feed on the water of life never fade. We may stumble on our journey, but God is always there to heal us for our fruit will never wither. God is calling us to give into the power of the river, to let the river carry us into deeper water so we can enjoy a fuller relationship with him. I know at times, the river may seem turbulent and uneasy. But it is our lack of trust in the river, our fear of the water that causes the water to become turbulent. As we fight the river, we create unrest. Give into the river for it is life; give into the river for it is everlasting life; give into the river for it is our salvation. Don’t fight the river for the river will carry you to heaven. If you want to get well, you will need to “Rise, take your mat, and walk.” Walk to the water that flows from Christ, the water that gives life to every living creature.

 

A Simple Prayer

 

Jesus, thank you for saving me and setting me on this journey toward heaven.

During this season of Lent, help me give into the river, let the river push me into a deeper relationship with you.

 

Yours in Christ

Michael Marcon

 

Meditation Minute

My Dearest Brothers and Sisters in Christ:

 

"Unless you people see signs and wonders, you will not believe."

 

Gospel Reading: John 4:43-54

 

At that time Jesus left [Samaria] for Galilee. For Jesus himself testified that a prophet has no honor in his native place. When he came into Galilee, the Galileans welcomed him, since they had seen all he had done in  Jerusalem at the feast; for they themselves had gone to the feast.  Then he returned to Cana in Galilee, where he had made the water wine. Now there was a royal official whose son was ill in Capernaum. When he heard that Jesus had arrived in Galilee from Judea, he went to him and asked him to come down and heal his son, who was near death. Jesus said to him, "Unless you people see signs and wonders, you will not believe." The royal official said to him, "Sir, come down before my child dies." Jesus said to him, "You may go; your son will live." The man believed what Jesus said to him and left. While the man was on his way back, his slaves met him and told him that his boy would live. He asked them when he began to recover. They told him, "The fever left him yesterday, about one in the afternoon." The father realized that was just at that time Jesus had said to him, "Your son will live," and he and his whole household came to believe. Now this was the second sign Jesus did when he came to Galilee from Judea.

 

In today’s Gospel reading, 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, “You may go; your son will live.” The gospel reading tells us that “The man believed what Jesus said to him and left.” At that moment his son was healed. Jesus says, "Unless you people 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; 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

 

 

Meditation Minute

My Dearest Brothers and Sisters in Christ:

 

“Joseph, son of David, do not be afraid.”

 

Gospel Reading: Matthew 1:16, 18-21, 24a

 

Jacob was the father of Joseph, the husband of Mary. Of her was born Jesus who is called the Christ. Now this is how the birth of Jesus Christ came about. When his mother Mary was betrothed to Joseph, but before they lived together, she was found with child through the Holy Spirit. Joseph her husband, since he was a righteous man, yet unwilling to expose her to shame, decided to divorce her quietly. Such was his intention when, behold, the angel of the Lord appeared to him in a dream and said, "Joseph, son of David, do not be afraid to take Mary your wife into your home. For it is through the Holy Spirit that this child has been conceived in her. She will bear a son and you are to name him Jesus, because he will save his people from their sins." When Joseph awoke, he did as the angel of the Lord had commanded him and took his wife into his home.

 

Today is the feast of St. Joseph.  It is the day we remember the role that Joseph played in the life of Christ and salvation of mankind.  Joseph has just found out that Mary is pregnant with Jesus and being a just man and not wanting to shame Mary, he resolves to divorce her quietly. But an angel appeared to Joseph in a dream and said, “Joseph, son of David, do not be afraid to take Mary your wife into your home. For it is through the Holy Spirit that this child has been conceived in her. She will bear a son and you are to name him Jesus, because he will save his people from their sins.” When he woke up he did as he was commanded by the angel. This story has two great messages. The first message is the willingness of Joseph to obey the will of God. His fiancé is pregnant and they are not married. How embarrassing that would be for his future wife to be pregnant and they are not married. Yet Joseph listened and obeyed the angel of God. The second message, which is more subtle in this Gospel reading, is the faith and trust of Mary. Mary also has to trust in God and have faith that Joseph would take care of her and provide for her. In the time of Christ, Mary would likely have been stoned or cast out of the community. This was a huge commitment by both. Mary, through the power of the Holy Spirit, was able to go to Joseph and trust that he would be there to take care of her.

  

We too are called to be obedient to the will of God no matter what He asks us to do, no matter how embarrassing, and no matter how uncertain the outcome. The Holy Spirit comes down upon us and gives us many gifts wrapped in strange packaging. We are called to use those gifts to spread the word of God, to make way for the Kingdom of God. We are also called to have great trust and faith in God. We need to trust that he knows what he is doing. In our daily lives, it is so easy to get caught up in the materialistic aspects of “All I want is…” when I should be saying yes to the angel of God when he calls. We should be willing to take the time to reflect on the gifts which God has given us and give him thanks and praise for these gifts are given to us freely without any expectations of return. We should reflect on our talents which were given to us by God. We should decide whether we are using our gifts how God intended us to us them. We must be willing to sacrifice the material gifts that we receive for the spiritual gifts which are wrapped up in the paper of the Holy Spirit. We should celebrate the family that we have and blessing that we were given. We should celebrate the gift of Christ in our lives. Once we accept these gifts from God, we can truly appreciate the other material gifts which we receive.

 

A Simple Prayer

 

God, you give me more graces than I deserve. Give me the strength to use those gifts to your satisfaction.

May I have the obedience of Joseph and the faith of Mary to use the gifts which you have given me.

Your son was the greatest gift of all for he came to forgive us our sins; may I also forgive those who sinned against me.

 

Yours in Christ

Michael Marcon

 

Meditation Minute

My Dearest Brothers and Sisters in Christ:

 

“I have come not to abolish but to fulfill.”

 

Gospel Reading: Matthew 5:17-19

Jesus said to his disciples: "Do not think that I have come to abolish the law or the prophets. I have come not to abolish but to fulfill. Amen, I say to you, until heaven and earth pass away, not the smallest letter or the smallest part of a letter will pass from the law, until all things have taken place. Therefore, whoever breaks one of the least of these commandments and teaches others to do so will be called least in the Kingdom of heaven. But whoever obeys and teaches these commandments will be called greatest in the Kingdom of heaven."

 

In today’s Gospel reading, Jesus puts to bed the idea that somehow he came to abolish the laws formulated by God in the Old Testament or that He somehow replaces the old laws. Instead he tells us, “I have come not to abolish but to fulfill.” So what does that actually mean? Jesus wants us to live our lives not only in compliance with the Mosaic law, but also with the spirit of the law. To fulfill the law means he is here to complete what is written. We know that God gave us his only Son to save us from our sins. He gave us his son out of the pure love He has for humanity. It is the love conveyed by God that fulfills the commandments. To obey the laws is to love God. This is why disobeying the laws injures our relationship with God. Jesus tells us that, “Whoever then relaxes one of the least of these commandments and teaches men so, shall be called least in the kingdom of heaven.” When we try to justify our sins and transgressions, we are teaching others that it is okay to sin. Not only do you damage your relationship with God, you also cause others to damage their relationship with God. He wants just the opposite. He wants us to bring the kingdom of God to others through our actions and our practices. “He who does them and teaches them shall be called great in the kingdom of heaven.”

 

A Simple Prayer

 

God, help me to obey your commandments.

Give me the strength and courage need to respect your law.

Give me the grace to lead others to your will.

 

Yours in Christ

Michael Marcon

 

Meditation Minute

My Dearest Brothers and Sisters in Christ:

 

“If my brother sins against me, how often must I forgive him?”

 

Gospel Reading: Matthew 18:21-35

Peter approached Jesus and asked him, "Lord, if my brother sins against me, how often must I forgive him? As many as seven times?" Jesus answered, "I say to you, not seven times but seventy-seven times. That is why the Kingdom of heaven may be likened to a king who decided to settle accounts with his servants. When he began the accounting, a debtor was brought before him who owed him a huge amount. Since he had no way of paying it back, his master ordered him to be sold, along with his wife, his children, and all his property, in payment of the debt. At that, the servant fell down, did him homage, and said, 'Be patient with me, and I will pay you back in full.' Moved with compassion the master of that servant let him go and forgave him the loan. When that servant had left, he found one of his fellow servants who owed him a much smaller amount. He seized him and started to choke him, demanding, 'Pay back what you owe.' Falling to his knees, his fellow servant begged him, 'Be patient with me, and I will pay you back.' But he refused. Instead, he had him put in prison until he paid back the debt. Now when his fellow servants saw what had happened, they were deeply disturbed, and went to their master and reported the whole affair. His master summoned him and said to him, 'You wicked  servant! I forgave you your entire debt because you begged me to. Should you not have had pity on your fellow servant, as I had pity on you?' Then in anger his master handed him over to the torturers until he should pay back the whole debt. So will my heavenly Father do to you, unless each of you forgives your brother from your heart."

 

In today’s Gospel reading, Jesus talks about the forgiveness of sins. Jesus tells the story about the king who was settling his debts with his servants. One of the servants owed him a huge amount of money but could not pay. The king ordered him and his family and all their belongings to be sold to pay the debt. The man said to the king, “Be patient with me, and I will pay you back.” The king took pity on the man and forgave him his debt. When the servant returned home, he came across a fellow servant who owed him a much smaller amount, only a fraction of the debt he had owed. He demanded immediate payment. When this man begged for mercy, he refused and put him in jail until his debt was paid. The king, hearing this, summoned the servant saying to him, “You wicked  servant! I forgave you your entire debt because you begged me to. Should you not have had pity on your fellow servant, as I had pity on you?” The king recanted his mercy and delivered the man to the jailers till his debt be paid.

 

In the time of Christ, it was the custom of Jews to forgive a person three times. But if they had committed a fourth transgression, then God would retract his mercy. Therefore, Peter thought he was being rather clever when he suggested that he forgive his brothers who sinned against them seven times. Jesus said to him, “I say to you, not seven times but seventy-seven times.” What is Jesus really saying in his response Peter? You must always forgive your brother, no matter how many times he sins against you. We are all sinners and owe a great deal of mercy to God for all the forgiveness he has poured out for us. But this mercy becomes limited if we can’t forgive others who sin against us. The servant owed 10,000 talents. In today’s money, this would be millions of dollars. This was a debt that would exceed the coffers of the king. It was literally a debt that was impossible to repay and the king still forgave the man. There is no way we can repay God for all our transgressions, yet Christ died on the cross to save us from everyone of our sins. How can we be forgiven if we cannot release the hatred against our brother? God is not asking us to die for our sins, just release them from our hearts. During lent, when you examine your conscience, spend time thinking about those who have sinned against you and focus your prayers on forgiving them. Focus on releasing the debt that they owe you. This is a great time to renew bonds between friends whose relationship has been strained. Forgiveness helps build bonds of communion.  When we do not forgive, we destroy these links which bind us as humans.  To destroy these links is to destroy our relationship with God.

 

A Simple Prayer

 

God, give me strength to release the sins of my brothers and sisters.

May I have the strength to not only forgive them but forget the sins which they have committed against me.

Wash away the hatred and the sorrow that forms in heart So that I may experience the joy of your love.

 

Yours in Christ

Michael Marcon

 

Meditation Minute

My Dearest brothers and Sisters in Christ:

 

“Amen, I say to you, no prophet is accepted in his own native place.”

 

Gospel Reading: Luke 4:24-30

Jesus said to the people in the synagogue at Nazareth: "Amen, I say to you, no prophet is accepted in his own native place. Indeed, I tell you, there were many widows in Israel in the days of Elijah when the sky was closed for three and a half years and a severe famine spread over the entire land. It was to none of these that Elijah was sent, but only to a widow in Zarephath in the land of Sidon. Again, there were many lepers in Israel during the time of Elisha the prophet; yet not one of them was cleansed, but only Naaman the Syrian." When the people in the synagogue heard this, they were all filled with fury. They rose up, drove him out of the town, and led him to the brow of the hill on which their town had been built,  to hurl him down headlong. But he passed through the midst of them and went away.

 

In today’s Gospel reading, Jesus is preaching to his own home town. As the hometown boy, they expected a lot from him. They expected that he would heal all them and perform miracles just because he grew up in Nazareth. But Jesus tells them that there are many people who need to be healed, but only those with faith are healed. He tells them, “There were many lepers in Israel in the time of the prophet Elisha; and none of them were cleansed, but only Naaman the Syrian.” Naaman was healed not because he did what God told him, but because he had deep faith that if he did what God told him he would be cured. The people of Nazareth felt that they were entitled to Christ’s miracles and demanded that they be healed. However, this would not change the hardness in their hearts. Jesus knew that they lacked the faith that would make the healing possible. Healing comes through conversion. One must truly submit to God to open ones heart to the power of faith. Jesus performed no miracles in Nazareth because of their lack of faith. His attitude towards their selfishness pride upsets them so much that they want to kill him. Instead of falling on their knees and asking for his love, their true feeling of hatred and resentment come forth. But Jesus demonstrates his power over them by paralyzing the crowd so that the crowd cannot harm him.

 

A Simple Prayer

 

Christ Jesus, give me the power to open my heart and my soul.

My I be an example of your love and compassion to my family and friends.

May I lead them to your table to take part in the bounty of your salvation.

 

Yours in Christ

Michael F. Marcon

 

Meditation Minute

My Dearest Brothers and Sisters in Christ:

 

“The stone that the builders rejected has become the cornerstone”

 

Gospel Reading: Matthew 21:33-43, 45-46

 

Jesus said to the chief priests and the elders of the people: "Hear another parable. There was a landowner who planted a vineyard, put a hedge around it, dug a wine press in it, and built a tower. Then he leased it to tenants and went on a journey. When vintage time drew near, he sent his servants to the tenants to obtain his produce. But the tenants seized the servants and one they beat, another they killed, and a third they stoned. Again he sent other servants, more numerous than the first ones, but they treated them in the same way. Finally, he sent his son to them, thinking, 'They will respect my son.' But when the tenants saw the son, they said to one another, 'This is the heir. Come, let us kill him and acquire his inheritance.' They seized him, threw him out of the vineyard, and killed him. What will the owner of the vineyard do to those tenants when he comes?" They answered him, He will put those wretched men to a wretched death and lease his vineyard to other tenants who will give him the produce at the proper times." Jesus said to them, Did you never read in the Scriptures: The stone that the builders rejected has become the cornerstone; by the Lord has this been done, and it is wonderful in our eyes? Therefore, I say to you, the Kingdom of God will be taken away from you and given to a people that will produce its fruit." When the chief priests and the Pharisees heard his parables, they knew that he was speaking about them. And although they were attempting to arrest him, they feared the crowds, for they regarded him as a prophet.

 

The word Gospel means the Good News of the Lord. In today’s Gospel reading, we definitely hear the Good News of the Lord. At first reading, one may conclude that the message is rather harsh. A landowner builds a vineyard and then leases this land to tenants to harvest. When the landowner sends his servants for the harvest, the tenants, belligerent with power, kill the servants. The landowner, sends a larger group of servants and the same fate awaits them. Finally, the landowner “sent his son to them, thinking, 'They will respect my son.' But when the tenants saw the son, they said to one another, 'This is the heir. Come, let us kill him and acquire his inheritance’.” God planted us a vineyard on this earth, he sent us great profits and priest to harvest the fruits of his vineyard and we stoned and killed the messengers of God. As a last step to convert us and to bring us into his fold, God sent his only-begotten son, and we threw him out and killed him. Jesus tells us, “If they will not listen to Moses, and the profits, neither will they be persuaded if someone should rise from the dead.” (Luke 16:31). Jesus goes on to say in today’s Gospel, “Therefore, I say to you, the Kingdom of God will be taken away from you and given to a people that will produce its fruit.” As children of God, we have been provided the vineyard of the Lord. We are called to produce the fruits of the vineyard. Are we producing the fruits of the vineyard for our own gain or for our master in heaven. Are we “killing the messenger” or are we glorifying the Word. Today’s message is harsh, but the message is clear and good. We shall inherit the Kingdom of God , if we produce its fruit. Whenever and wherever the Holy Spirit enters our hearts, we should listen. No matter how painful the message, we should obey. We are tenants of this earth, what have you done to produce its fruits? During Lent, listen to the Word of the Lord. Ask the Lord for Wisdom in hearing his message. The apostle James tells us, “If any of you is lacking in Wisdom, ask God, who gives to all generously and ungrudgingly, and it will be given to you.” (James 1:5).

 

A Simple Prayer

 

Lord, I am in the midst of your vineyard

Give me wisdom to know how to harvest the fruit

So I too can bear fruit in your kingdom.

 

Yours in Christ

Michael Marcon

 

Meditation Minute

My Dearest Brothers and Sisters in Christ:

 

“If they will not listen to Moses and the prophets, neither will they be persuaded if someone should rise from the dead.”

 

Gospel Reading: Luke 16:9-31

 

Jesus said to the Pharisees: "There was a rich man who dressed in purple garments and fine linen and dined sumptuously each day. And lying at his door was a poor man named Lazarus, covered with sores, who would gladly have eaten his fill of the scraps that fell from the rich man's table. Dogs even used to come and lick his sores. When the poor man died, he was carried away by angels to the bosom of Abraham. The rich man also died and was buried, and from the netherworld, where he was in torment, he raised his eyes and saw Abraham far off and Lazarus at his side. And he cried out, 'Father Abraham, have pity on me. Send Lazarus to dip the tip of his finger in water and cool my tongue, for I am suffering torment in these flames.' Abraham replied, 'My child, remember that you received what was good during your lifetime while Lazarus likewise received what was bad; but now he is comforted here, whereas you are tormented. Moreover, between us and you a great chasm is established to prevent anyone from crossing who might wish to go from our side to yours or from your side to ours.' He said, 'Then I beg you, father, send him to my father's house, for I have five brothers, so that he may warn them, lest they too come to this place of torment.' But Abraham replied, 'They have Moses and the prophets. Let them listen to them.' He said, 'Oh no, father Abraham, but if someone from the dead goes to them, they will repent.' Then Abraham said, 'If they will not listen to Moses and the prophets, neither will they be persuaded if someone should rise from the dead.'"

 

In today’s Gospel reading we hear the never-ending sad story of society.  We hear about the Rich Man (he who lives a life of gluttony and greed) and the poor (he who depends on the offerings of others).  At times in our lives, we can probably relate to either group, the haves and have-nots.  However, I would dare to say that none of us have experience the life of Lazarus.    During Lent, we are called into a deeper reflection on those who have not.  We are called to give, not of the crumbs that fall on the floor, but the treasures of our table.  You might be thinking that I have nothing to give or what I can give is so small it will not make a difference.  Lazarus was not only poor, he was sick and in need of help.  He was so ailing that even the dogs would lick his sores.  When you go out into the world, do you see Lazarus or can you ignore him.  He is sitting on the street corner with a sign that says homeless;  he is in the shelters with no place to call home; he is sleeping on the sidewalks and under the overpasses because he has been shunned by the world. 

 

Jesus says that “when the poor man died, he was carried away by angels to the bosom of Abraham.”  Abraham is considered the Father of the Jewish faith.  To rest in his arms is to be comforted and protected from the world.  In heaven, the poor man is provided everything he needs, not because there was nothing for him on earth but because we were unwilling to help him.  What is even sadder about this story is the fate of the rich man.  He was surrounding by material wealth.  The latest and greatest things, the bountiful harvest of his greed and gluttony.  The lust for the material world consumed the rich man.  His purple garments eventually became his burial cloth; the death that consumed him for eternity.  He was too busy and too greedy to realize the world around him.  Now he begs, “Send Lazarus to dip the tip of his finger in water and cool my tongue, for I am suffering torment in these flames.”  When you meet your final judgment, who are you going to be with; the poor man in the bosom of Abraham or begging with the Rich Man.  We are called to give from our table, from our talents and our treasures.  The poor man needs all three.  During Lent, it is time to realize what is most cherished on this earth so that when we arrive at the gate to kingdom of heaven, we are let in.

 

A Simple Prayer

 

Father in Heaven, you have blessed me with many treasures and talents;

Help me use the treasures and talents for the benefit of others;

Give me guidance and direction so I can find compassion in heart;

 

Yours in Christ

Michael Marcon

 

 

Meditation Minute

My Dearest Brothers and Sisters in Christ:

 

“The Son of Man did not come to be served but to serve and to give his life as a ransom for many.”

 

Gospel Reading: Matthew 20:17-28

As Jesus was going up to Jerusalem, he took the Twelve disciples aside by themselves, and said to them on the way, "Behold, we are going up to Jerusalem, and the Son of Man will be handed over to the chief priests and the scribes, and they will condemn him to death, and hand him over to the Gentiles to be mocked and scourged and crucified, and he will be raised on the third day."  Then the mother of the sons of Zebedee approached Jesus with her sons and did him homage, wishing to ask him for something. He said to her, "What do you wish?" She answered him, "Command that these two sons of mine sit, one at your right and the other at your left, in your kingdom." Jesus said in reply, "You do not know what you are asking. Can you drink the chalice that I am going to drink?" They said to him, "We can." He replied, "My chalice you will indeed drink, but to sit at my right and at my left, this is not mine to give but is for those for whom it has been prepared by my Father." When the ten heard this, they became indignant at the two brothers. But Jesus summoned them and said, "You know that the rulers of the Gentiles lord it over them, and the great ones make their authority over them felt. But it shall not be so among you. Rather, whoever wishes to be great among you shall be your servant; whoever wishes to be first among you shall be your slave. Just so, the Son of Man did not come to be served but to serve and to give his life as a ransom for many."

 

In today’s Gospel reading, Jesus again prophesies his death and resurrection. Hearing the news, the mother of James and John came to him and said, “Command that these two sons of mine sit, one at your right and the other at your left, in your kingdom.” In response, Jesus asks them, “Can you drink the chalice that I am going to drink?” While the reply, “We can,” Jesus tells them, “My chalice you will indeed drink, but to sit at my right and at my left, this is not mine to give but is for those for whom it has been prepared by my Father.” The passage says that when the ten heard what had happened, they became angry and annoyed at James and John. Why should they get to sit at the right hand of Jesus and not us? Why are they so special? To sit at the right hand would be to claim that you are superior to the others. Jesus says, “whoever wishes to be great among you shall be your servant; whoever wishes to be first among you shall be your slave.” To sit at the right hand of the father, we must be willing to sacrifice everything we have. We must be willing to surrender our total life to God. That means that we must be willing to become a slave to others. Jesus did not come to earth to “Lord over us” but to free us from the bonds of sin. To do so, we must drink the cup of Christ. This cup involves true sacrifice. Jesus shed his blood for us. We also must be willing to make that sacrifice for others. During Lent, who is more important – you or the your fellow man? What do you desire more – your own worldly goods or to cloth and feed those who have nothing? To sit at the right hand of the Father is not an easy request. You must be willing to lead the sacrificial life we are called to live.

 

A Simple Prayer

 

Lord God, you are my master and my ruler.

Give me the strength and wisdom to drink from your cup.

I want to carry the cross which leads others to heaven

 

Yours in Christ

Michael Marcon

 

 

Meditation Minute

My Dearest Brothers and Sisters in Christ:

 

“The greatest among you must be your servant.”

 

Gospel Reading: Matthew 23:1-12

Jesus spoke to the crowds and to his disciples, saying, "The scribes and the Pharisees have taken their seat on the chair of Moses. Therefore, do and observe all things whatsoever they tell you, but do not follow their example. For they preach but they do not practice. They tie up heavy burdens hard to carry and lay them on people's shoulders, but they will not lift a finger to move them. All their works are performed to be seen. They widen their phylacteries and lengthen their tassels. They love places of honor at banquets, seats of honor in synagogues, greetings in marketplaces, and the salutation 'Rabbi.' As for you, do not be called 'Rabbi.' You have but one teacher, and you are all brothers. Call no one on earth your father; you have but one Father in heaven. Do not be called 'Master'; you have but one master, the Christ. The greatest among you must be your servant. Whoever exalts himself will be humbled; but whoever humbles himself will be exalted."

 

In today’s Gospel reading, Jesus criticizes the scribes and the Pharisees for their self glorifying righteousness and false piety. He tells his disciples to “do and observe all things whatsoever they tell you, but do not follow their example. For they preach but they do not practice.” Jesus tells us, “All their works are performed to be seen. They widen their phylacteries and lengthen their tassels. They love places of honor at banquets, seats of honor in synagogues, greetings in marketplaces, and the salutation ‘Rabbi’.” But who doesn’t want to be recognized when they do something good? We need to be willing to do things for others because we want to do it, not so others will praise us. God sees us truly as we are. We are completely exposed to the eyes of God. He sees us as the sinners we truly are. The scribes and the Pharisees wanted to set an example; but in doing so they eventually set themselves on the pedestal above all others. They wanted people to focus their attention on them and their own actions and not on the will of God. When we do things to show off our religious zeal, then we too are placing our self above God. Jesus calls us to be humble and to be contrite. We should do good deeds not to impress others, but to honor God for all He has given us. When we humble ourselves, we remove the barriers of pride. We also remove the fear of inferiority. This frees our heart to open and giving to others. Jesus said, “Whoever exalts himself will be humbled; but whoever humbles himself will be exalted.” If we truly want to be exalted, we must first become humble.

 

A Simple Prayer

 

Lord Jesus, you were the servant of all mankind.
Teach me to be humble and contrite.

Teach me to love my neighbor as myself.

 

Yours in Christ

Michael Marcon