Meditation Minute

My Dearest Brothers and Sisters in Christ:

 

Amen, amen, I say to you, whoever believes has eternal life.

 

Gospel Reading: John 6:44-51

 

Jesus said to the crowds: "No one can come to me unless the Father who sent me draw him, and I will raise him on the last day. It is written in the prophets:  They shall all be taught by God.  Everyone who listens to my  Father and learns from him comes to me. Not that anyone has seen the Father except the one who is from God; he has seen the Father.  Amen, amen, I say to you, whoever believes has eternal life.  I am the bread of life.  Your ancestors ate the manna in the desert, but they died; this is the bread that comes down from heaven so that one may eat it and not die.  I am the living bread that came down from heaven; whoever eats this bread will live forever; and the bread that I will give is my Flesh for the life of the world."

 

In today’s Gospel reading, we hear the final part of the discourse on the Bread of Life. Jesus tells his disciples that the Israelites were given manna from heaven when they escaped Egypt, yet they still died. The bread that Jesus offers us from God and provides eternal life. Jesus claims to be this bread of life. This is a claim which only God can make. Jesus says, “I am the living bread that came down from heaven; whoever eats this bread will live forever.” There is no clearer statement about the power of Eucharist. If we partake in the Eucharist, our bodies are fortified with abundant life in Christ. The Eucharist is our source of spiritual energy. The Eucharist is truly God himself which sustains us not only now, but also in our eternal life. “Amen, Amen, I say to you, whoever believes has eternal life.” To deny the Eucharist is to denied the very supernatural power of God himself. To deny the Eucharist is to deny life eternal. When we accept the Eucharist, we not only accept the nourishment of the spirit, we accept the healing graces, the wisdom of God, and the courage to live in his image. To accept the Eucharist is to accept a personal and intimate relationship with Christ. When you receive the Eucharist, remember that you are truly receiving the “Bread of Life.” This is no symbolic representation, this is truly the Body of Christ. When you receive the Eucharist, say “Amen, Amen, I believe in the eternal life granted by the Bread of Life.”

 

A Simple Prayer

 

Lord, you are the living Bread of Life which nourishes my body.

You are the Eucharist which provides the healing powers to strengthen my soul.

You are the life which fires the eternal flame within my soul.

Give me the wisdom and courage to believe and defend the Eucharist.

 

Yours in Christ

Michael Marcon

 

Meditation Minute

My Dearest Brothers and Sisters in Christ:

 

I am the bread of life; whoever comes to me will never hunger, and whoever believes in me will never thirst.

 

Gospel Reading: John 6:35-40

 

Jesus said to the crowds, "I am the bread of life; whoever comes to me will never hunger, and whoever believes in me will never thirst. But I told you that although you have seen me, you do not believe. Everything that the Father gives me will come to me, and I will not reject anyone who comes to me, because I came down from heaven not to do my own will but the will of the one who sent me. And this is the will of the one who sent me, that I should not lose anything of what he gave me, but that I should raise it on the last day. For this is the will of my Father, that everyone who sees the Son and believes in him may have eternal life, and I shall raise him on the last day."

 

In today’s Gospel Reading, we continue the Bread of Life discourse from yesterday. Why did Jesus call himself the “Bread of Life?” The Jews understood that God promised them manna from heaven to sustain them on their journey to the promised land. Bread was the most basic staple of life. Bread is the food that feeds the world. We cannot live without food for very long. Bread sustains us. But what is life? Jesus clearly wants us to have something more than just mere physical existence. The life Jesus refers to is connected with God, the author of life. Real life is a relationship with the living God, a relationship of trust, love, obedience, peace, and joy. This is what Jesus makes possible for us – a loving relationship with God who created us for love with him. If we separate ourselves from Jesus, no one else can provide that kind of life and relationship. Are you satisfied with mere physical existence or do you hunger for the abundant life which Jesus offers?

 

Jesus makes three claims: i) he offers himself as spiritual food which produces the very life of God within us; ii) he promises unbroken friendship and freedom from the fear of being forsaken or cut off from God; and iii) he offers us the hope of sharing in his resurrection. Those who accept Jesus as the “Bread of Life” will be raised up to immortal life with Him when he comes again on the last day. It is time for us to experience the resurrection. It is time for us to come to the table of our Lord and be nourished by the Eucharist.  Everyone is invited to the table.

 

A Simple Prayer

 

Lord, you are the Bread of Life which nourishes our body and guides us to the heavenly gate.

You are the staple which gives us hope and a longing desire to find God and do his will.

Bless our lives with your love and mercy that we may share the Bread of Life with others.

 

Yours in Christ

Michael Marcon

 

Meditation Minute

My Dearest Brothers and Sisters in Christ:

 

"I am the bread of life; whoever comes to me will never hunger, and whoever believes in me will never thirst."

 

Gospel Reading: John 6:30-35

 

The crowd said to Jesus: "What sign can you do, that we may see and believe in you? What can you do? Our ancestors ate manna in the desert, as it is written:  He gave them bread from heaven to eat." So Jesus said to them, "Amen, amen, I say to you, it was not Moses who gave the bread from heaven; my Father gives you the true bread from heaven.  For the bread of God is that which comes down from heaven and gives life to the world." So they said to Jesus, "Sir, give us this bread always."  Jesus said to them, "I am the bread of life; whoever comes to me will never hunger, and whoever believes in me will never thirst."

 

In today’s Gospel reading, the Israelites want a sign so that they may believe that He is the Son of God. They say to him, Our ancestors ate manna in the desert, as it is written:  He gave them bread from heaven to eat." Jesus then said to them, “Amen, amen, I say to you, it was not Moses who gave the bread from heaven; my Father gives you the true bread from heaven.  For the bread of God is that which comes down from heaven and gives life to the world.” Do you hunger for a sign from God? Do you hunger for the bread of life? The Jews believed that when the Messiah would come, he would return with the manna from heaven that was hidden in the desert by Jeremiah. But Jesus claims that He is the manna from heaven; the bread of life that they are waiting for. The “bread of life” is the revelation that God sent Jesus. This was Christ’s first revelation of the Eucharist which feeds and nourishes our heart and soul. He who comes to the bread of life, shall not hunger. He who partakes of the Eucharistic meal will find eternal life. This is why the Eucharist is so important. We do not take part in some symbolic representation of the Eucharist, but actually participate in the continuing celebration of the “bread of life.” We should always be longing for the blessed bread of life. It should be the focus of our desires. It should be forever in our hearts. What a most beautiful and gracious sign God has given us. The Eucharist is none other than the very life of God. Do you hunger for the bread of life?

 

A Simple Prayer

 

Lord God, You are the bread of life.

Your are the source of eternal salvation.

May I desire you every day of my life.

 

Yours in Christ

Michael Marcon

 

Meditation Minute

My Dearest Brothers and Sisters in Christ:

 

Amen, amen, I say to you, you are looking for me not because you saw signs but because you ate the loaves and were filled.

 

Gospel Reading: John 6:22-29

[After Jesus had fed the five thousand men, his disciples saw him walking on the sea.] The next day, the crowd that remained across the sea saw that there had been only one boat there, and that Jesus had not gone along with his disciples in the boat, but only his disciples had left. Other boats came from Tiberius near the place where they had eaten the bread when the Lord gave thanks. When the crowd saw that neither Jesus nor his disciples were there, they themselves got into boats and came to Capernaum looking for Jesus. And when they found him across the sea they said to him, "Rabbi, when did you get here?" Jesus answered them and said, "Amen, amen, I say to you, you are looking for me not because you saw signs but because you ate the loaves and were filled. Do not work for food that perishes but for the food that endures for eternal life, which the Son of Man will give you.  For on him the Father, God, has set his seal."  So they said to him, "What can we do to accomplish the works of God?" Jesus answered and said to them, "This is the work of God, that you believe in the one he sent."

 

I think today’s Gospel reading (John 6:22-29) has a special meaning as it reminds us of the importance of good dietary habits. Not necessarily of the earthly kind, but of the spiritual kind. The setting for today’s Gospel reading takes place just after Jesus fed the 5000 and he walked on water. Jesus mystically moves about the area transporting himself to deliver his message to the people. His disciples are pretty nervous at this time. They asked Jesus, “Rabbi, when did you get here?" and Jesus replied, " Amen, amen, I say to you, you are looking for me not because you saw signs but because you ate the loaves and were filled. Do not work for food that perishes but for the food that endures for eternal life, which the Son of Man will give you.  For on him the Father, God, has set his seal." This response begs the question, “What are you seeking in your life?” Do you desire the nourishment of the Lord or are you seeking material goods? These followers of Jesus, the 5000 He just fed, were hungry for spiritual growth. Because they were craving spiritual nourishment, Jesus transported them with him. So I ask again, what are your desires; do you want to be transported with Christ, or do you desire things that are not important? What is it that you seek?

 

To seek God, you must believe in God. You cannot just get up one day and decide to believe and that’s it. You cannot get up and say that Jesus Christ is my Lord and somehow you’re forever saved. It’s not that simple. We must work at our faith. We must exercise our faith to keep it strong. The stronger our beliefs, the more we will need to exercise. The more we exercise, the stronger our faith will grow. A well balanced healthy diet plan includes both sound nourishment and regular exercise. If you want to get stronger in your faith and closer to Heaven on Earth, you must exercise daily. You must expose yourself to daily prayer, meditation and examine your conscience.

 

During lent, we started an exercise program; we committed to deeper prayer, fasting and almsgiving. We need to take the habits we formed during lent and glorify them during the 50 day Easter Season. When you get up in the morning, start the day with the prayer that Jesus taught us – the Our Father. At lunch time, be a symbol of your faith by thanking God for the daily bread that he has provided at the table. In the evening, stop – close your eyes and silence your thoughts. Reflect upon the day. Pray for the light of God to open your eyes to allow you to see what God has done for you in your actions that day. Review your day. Identify both the good things and the bad things that happened. Thank God for the good things and ask God to give you strength to fight the bad things. Choose one of the things that happened to you that day. It could be a good or bad thing – but one that is strong in your mind. Pray about that item. Give special praise to God if it was a blessing; or petition God if it was not good Christian behavior. Then, imagine tomorrow. What will you do tomorrow to make the day better; to bring the light of God into the world. Remember – it is our obligation to spread the Word through our actions and our work.

 

A Simple Prayer.

 

Most Heavenly Father

You sent your only son so we could receive the imperishable bread of life,

May we be nourished in its strength to believe in you;

May we be nourished in you to do your works;

May the fruits of our labor be satisfying and direct us to heaven.

 

Yours in Christ

Michael Marcon

 

Meditation Minute

My Dearest Brothers and Sisters in Christ:

 

"Gather the fragments left over, so that nothing will be wasted."

 

Gospel Reading: John 6:1-15

 

Jesus went across the Sea of Galilee. A large crowd followed him, because they saw the signs he was performing on the sick. Jesus went up on the mountain, and there he sat down with his disciples.  The Jewish feast of Passover was near. When Jesus raised his eyes and saw that a large crowd was coming to him, he said to Philip, "Where can we buy enough food for them to eat?” He said this to test him, because he himself knew what he was going to do. Philip answered him, "Two hundred days' wages worth of food would not be enough for each of them to have a little." One of his disciples, Andrew, the brother of Simon Peter, said to him, "There is a boy here who has five barley loaves and two fish; but what good are these for so many?" Jesus said, "Have the people recline."  Now there was a great deal of grass in that place.  So the men reclined, about five thousand in number. Then Jesus took the loaves, gave thanks, and distributed them to those who were reclining, and also as much of the fish as they wanted. When they had had their fill, he said to his disciples, "Gather the fragments left over, so that nothing will be wasted." So they collected them, and filled twelve wicker baskets with fragments from the five barley loaves that had been more than they could eat. When the people saw the sign he had done, they said, "This is truly the Prophet, the one who is to come into the world."  Since Jesus knew that they were going to come and carry him off to make him king, he withdrew again to the mountain alone.

 

In today’s Gospel reading, we hear the story of the miracle of the loaves and fishes. Jesus has been teaching the crowds and he has developed quite a following. It was the feast of Passover and Jesus realizing that the crowd hungered, decided he needed to feed them. To test his disciples, Jesus said to Phillip, “Where can we buy enough food for them to eat?” Andrew indicated that there was a small boy with five loaves and two fish; “but what are these for so many.” Jesus takes the small insignificant amount of food, blesses the food and feeds the crowd. The abundance of his gift overflows into the crowd. After they had eaten their filled, Jesus had them gather up the fragments. They gathered twelve baskets of fragments from the five barley loaves. When we hunger and long for Christ, the same thing happens to us. The small longing to experience Christ grows into an overflowing of life. When we hunger for the Word of God, our lives are filled to excess with Christ. In this story, Jesus took the little bit they had and through the glory and power of the Holy Spirit, multiplied the bounty. They were filled until they could eat no more. Christ is the true bread of life. In Him, we find the true nourishment which satisfies our spiritual needs. The Passover was the time when the lamb of God came to protect the Israelites. Now the Lamb of God was again feeding the masses. He is the source of all we need. His generosity is unending. He has enough to feed everyone with an abundance left over. It is time to reach out to the Word of God and be nourished.  The Eucharist which we receive at Mass is a sign of his ever abundant love and generosity.  It is his outpouring that continues to nourish our souls.  This week, when you receive the Eucharist, remember God’s abundance which is continually poured out for us.  

 

A Simple Prayer

 

Lord Christ, you are the bread of life.

You are the source of spiritual food.

Let me hear the Word of God

to the point that I overflow with the Holy Spirit.

 

Yours in Christ

Michael Marcon

 

Meditation Minute

My Dearest Brothers and Sisters in Christ:

 

“The one who comes from above is above all.”

 

Gospel Reading: John 3:31-36

The one who comes from above is above all. The one who is of the earth is earthly and speaks of earthly things. But the one who comes from heaven is above all. He testifies to what he has seen and heard, but no one accepts his testimony. Whoever does accept his testimony certifies that God is trustworthy. For the one whom God sent speaks the words of God. He does not ration his gift of the Spirit. The Father loves the Son and has given everything over to him. Whoever believes in the Son has eternal life, but whoever disobeys the Son will not see life, but the wrath of God remains upon him.

 

In today’s Gospel reading, Jesus defines the path to eternal life. He tells us that we have been given the Holy Spirit so that we will know God. However, He tells us that it is our choice, we must accept the Holy Spirit. It is a gift freely given to us with no attachments. Christ said that He bore witness to the Holy Spirit yet man did not receive it. He tells us, “Whoever does accept his testimony certifies that God is trustworthy.” When we receive the grace of the Holy Spirit, He enables us to recognize God’s truth. But more importantly, “whoever disobeys the Son will not see life, but the wrath of God remains upon him.” Again, we are challenged to make a decision. We must choose between the light of the Holy Spirit or the eventual wrath of God. The light leads us to eternal life in heaven. But by avoiding the light, we will be judged harshly by God. We can accept eternal life or eternal death. We must consider the consequences of our decisions. We must consider whether the decision we make leads us to or away from eternal life. Through faith and reason, we can begin to unwrap the truth of God. But this same reason can allow us to deny Christ and justify our bad choices. We can eventually rationalize or actions to the point where we completely empty our soul of the grace which reveals God’s truth to us. It is like having a viral infection.

 

A Simple Prayer

 

Lord Christ, fill me with the Holy Spirit.

Allow the Holy Spirit to transform my life.

Allow the Holy Spirit to help me make good decisions.

Allow the Holy Spirit to lead me to life eternal.

 

Yours in Christ

Michael Marcon

 

Meditation Minute

My Dearest Brothers and Sisters in Christ:

 

“For God did not send his Son into the world to condemn the world, but that the world might be saved through him.”

 

Gospel Reading: John 3:16-21

 

God so loved the world that he gave his only-begotten Son, so that everyone who believes in him might not perish but might have eternal life. For God did not send his Son into the world to condemn the world, but that the world might be saved through him. Whoever believes in him will not be condemned, but whoever does not believe has already been condemned, because he has not believed in the name of the only-begotten Son of  God. And this is the verdict, that the light came into the world, but people preferred darkness to light, because their works were evil. For everyone who does wicked things hates the light and does not come toward the light, so that his works might not be exposed. But whoever lives the truth comes to the light, so that his works may be clearly seen as done in God.

 

In today’s Gospel reading, we hear one of the most popular bible verses of all – “For God so loved the world that he gave his only Son.” God sent Jesus to us not to condemn us, but to save us from our sins. He sent his Son, to suffer and die for us so that on the third day He would rise again to save us from the fires of Hell. He came to save us from the darkness. Jesus is the eternal light that came into the world to show us the way. Unfortunately, darkness still lurks in the world. Jesus tells us that “men loved darkness rather than light, because their deeds were evil.” This is still the case today. How many times do we hear about the evil that has inflicted society. Greed and envy run rampant in businesses at the expense of the common worker. We look at the economic condition of the world today and it is not the fault of God, but the fault of greed and lust of men.  Some would like us to think that what is happening is punishment from God, but in reality, it is purely the fault of man himself.  Poverty and hunger still have a strong grip on a large part of the world. “For everyone who does evil hates the light, and does not come to the light, lest his deeds should be exposed.” For us to find the light, we must reveal the sins which have kept us in the darkness. To find Christ, we must be willing to dispel the things which prevent us from finding the gate. This passage is all about right judgment. We must chose the things we love. We either love the darkness or we love the light. If we chose the light, we chose the glory of God. What we love is the clearest window into our soul. “But he who does what is true comes to the light, that it may be clearly seen that his deeds have been wrought in God.”

 

A Simple Prayer

 

Christ Jesus, you are gift which saves us from our sins.

You are the light which leads us to the gate.

Strengthen our will so we can find the light of God.

 

Yours in Christ

Michael Marcon

 

Meditation Minute

My Dearest Brothers and Sisters in Christ:

 

"It is the Lord."

 

Gospel Reading: John 21:1-14

Jesus revealed himself again to his disciples at the Sea of Tiberius. He revealed himself in this way. Together were Simon Peter, Thomas called Didymus, Nathanael from Cana in Galilee, Zebedee's sons, and two others of his disciples. Simon Peter said to them, "I am going fishing." They said to him, "We also will come with you." So they went out and got into the boat, but that night they caught nothing. When it was already dawn, Jesus was standing on the shore; but the disciples did not realize that it was Jesus. Jesus said to them, "Children, have you caught anything to eat?" They answered him, "No." So he said to them, "Cast the net over the right side of the boat and you will find something." So they cast it, and were not able to pull it in because of the number of fish. So the disciple whom Jesus loved said to Peter, "It is the Lord." When Simon Peter heard that it was the Lord, he tucked in his garment, for he was lightly clad, and jumped into the sea. The other disciples came in the boat, for they were not far from shore, only about a hundred yards, dragging the net with the fish. When they climbed out on shore, they saw a charcoal fire with fish on it and bread. Jesus said to them, "Bring some of the fish you just caught." So Simon Peter went over and dragged the net ashore full of one hundred fifty-three large fish. Even though there were so many, the net was not torn. Jesus said to them, "Come, have breakfast." And none of the disciples dared to ask him, "Who are you?" because they realized it was the Lord. Jesus came over and took the bread and gave it to them, and in like manner the fish. This was now the third time Jesus was revealed to his disciples after being raised from the dead.

 

It has now been almost a week since the resurrection of Christ. Has the reality of this event started to wear off. Hopefully, we are not starting to fall back to our old ways and are still living our Lenten promises. In today’s Gospel, we hear that Peter has returned to Galilee, discouraged and probably feeling a little lost and abandoned. So what does he do?  He goes back to his old career as a fisherman, something that makes him feel comfortable, and something that he knows. He returns to his old ways. Even though Christ has already appeared to them, it sounds like they do not understand or possibly do not realize the significance of the resurrection yet. Peter and John, along with several other disciples have gone fishing. After a night of unsuccessful fishing, Jesus appeared to them on the bank. Jesus calls out to them, Children, have you caught anything to eat?” But they do not immediately recognize him. It is interesting that Christ addresses them as Children.  When we think of children, we think of people that are still learning, people who have not yet fully matured.  It is obvious that his Apostles still have some growing. Jesus educates them and tells them where to fish.  Following his instruction, the nets become over flowing. Peter now realizes that it is Jesus.  He is so overwhelmed with the reality of his revelation that he jumps into the water and rushes over to see him.  He cannot even wait for the boat to get to shore.  This is the third time Jesus revealed himself to Peter. This is in contrast to the three denials of Peter the night before Jesus was crucified. Peter finally believes.  It takes three revelations to offset the three denials before Peter becomes fully aware of the Risen Christ.

 

How many times has Jesus revealed himself to you and you did not realize who he was? When you are in turmoil, have setbacks or disappointments, do you run to Jesus? How many times has Christ called out to us, "Children, have you caught anything to eat?"  and we have not listened.  Jesus is calling us to have faith. When he calls out, we might not immediately recognize him, but we should learn to recognize his signs. Peter did not immediately recognize Jesus, but he recognized the sign. Jesus joined them on the shore and had cooked breakfast for them. He broke bread and fed them. He again nourished his disciples. He gave them the strength to believe, to become true disciples. If you need to be nourished, reflect back on your Lenten commitment. Return to your Lenten journey. It will nourish the soul.  Seek the Eucharist as it is the true source of nourishment for everlasting life.

 

A Simple Prayer:

 

Lord Jesus, you are the true Resurrection and the source of eternal life.

Increase my faith in the power of your resurrection that I may never doubt your words

Teach me and feed me so I never stray from your presence.

 

Yours in Christ

Michael Marcon

 

Meditation Minute

My Dearest Brothers and Sisters in Christ:

 

“Peace be with you.”

 

Gospel Reading: Luke 24:35-48

The disciples of Jesus recounted what had taken place along the way, and how they had come to recognize him in the breaking of bread.  While they were still speaking about this, he stood in their midst and said to  them, "Peace be with you." But they were startled and terrified and thought that they were seeing a ghost. Then he said to them, "Why are you troubled? And why do questions arise in your hearts? Look at my hands and my feet, that it is I myself. Touch me and see, because a ghost does not have flesh and bones as you can see I have." And as he said this, he showed them his hands and his feet. While they were still incredulous for joy and were amazed, he asked them, "Have you anything here to eat?" They gave him a piece of baked fish;  he took it and ate it in front of them. He said to them, "These are my words that I spoke to you while I was  still with you, that everything written about me in the law of Moses and in the prophets and psalms must be fulfilled." Then he opened their minds to understand the Scriptures. And he said to them, "Thus it is written that the Christ would suffer and rise from the dead on the third day and that repentance, for the forgiveness of sins, would be preached in his name to all the nations, beginning from Jerusalem. You are witnesses of these things."

 

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

 

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

 

A Simple Prayer

 

Lord, Jesus open my mind to your word.

Give me the strength to spread the word to others.

Let me be the witness to your resurrection.

 

Yours in Christ

Michael Marcon

 

Meditation Minute

My Dearest Brothers and Sisters in Christ:

 

“And it happened that, while he was with them at table, he took bread, said the blessing, broke it, and gave it to them.”

 

Gospel Reading: Luke 24:13-35

That very day, the first day of the week, two of Jesus' disciples were going to a village seven miles from Jerusalem called Emmaus, and they were conversing about all the things that had occurred. And it happened that while they were conversing and debating, Jesus himself drew near and walked with them, but their eyes were prevented from recognizing him. He asked them,  "What are you discussing as you walk along?" They stopped, looking downcast. One of them, named Cleopas, said to him in reply, "Are you the only visitor to Jerusalem who does not know of the things that have taken place there in these days?" And he replied to them, "What sort of things?" They said to him,  "The things that happened to Jesus the Nazarene, who was a prophet mighty in deed and word before God and all the people, how our chief priests and rulers both handed him over to a sentence of death and crucified him. But we were hoping that he would be the one to redeem Israel; and besides all this, it is now the third day since this took place. Some women from our group, however, have astounded us: they were at the tomb early in the morning  and did not find his Body; they came back and reported that they had indeed seen a vision of angels who announced that he was alive. Then some of those with us went to the tomb and found things just as the women had described, but him they did not see." And he said to them, "Oh, how foolish you are! How slow of heart to believe all that the prophets spoke! Was it not necessary that the Christ should suffer these things and enter into his glory?" Then beginning with Moses and all the prophets, he interpreted to them what referred to him in all the Scriptures. As they approached the village to which they were going, he gave the impression that he was going on farther. But they urged him, "Stay with us, for it is nearly evening and the day is almost over." So he went in to stay with them. And it happened that, while he was with them at table, he took bread, said the blessing, broke it, and gave it to them. With that their eyes were opened and they recognized him, but he vanished from their sight. Then they said to each other, "Were not our hearts burning within us while he spoke to us on the way and opened the Scriptures to us?" So they set out at once and returned to Jerusalem where they found gathered together the Eleven and those with them who were saying, "The Lord has truly been raised and has appeared to Simon!" Then the two recounted what had taken place on the way and how he was made known to them in the breaking of the bread.

 

In today’s Gospel reading, we hear the story about the two disciples on the road to Emmaus. Two of Jesus’ disciples are reflecting upon the events which had just transpired when the risen Christ joins them. Then two men do not recognize Jesus. It is obvious that the two men are saddened by all that has happened. The men have lost hope and began to feel that life has no meaning. The men reflect on the life of Jesus, his crucifixion and his death. Jesus sees the sorrow in their hearts and reaches out to them to nourish them. When they reach Emmaus, the two men ask Jesus to join them for supper. At supper, he takes the bread of life, blesses it and gives it to them. Once they received the bread, “their eyes were opened and they recognized him.” At that moment, they recognized Christ in the Eucharist.  They now know that Christ will be there anytime the Eucharist is celebrated.  They no longer need the physical Christ, because they realize that Christ is present in broken bread we take during Communion. 

 

How many times have we let despair crush our hope? How many times have we lost sight of Christ in our lives? Today’s Gospel reading talks about the journey. No matter where we are, Christ is with us. We might not recognize his presence, but he is there. We all must journey to Emmaus. It is through the journey that we find the bread of life. The two disciples reflect, “Were not our hearts burning within us while he spoke to us on the way and opened the Scriptures to us?” Christ burns within all of us when we encounter him. When we lose hope and are over come with despair, the flame dims. But when we read the scriptures and when we participate in the Eucharist, the fire of Christ burns strong within us. It is the journey which leads to the encounter. Christ has provided the Eucharist so we are never without him.  The two disciples originally saw defeat in the cross, but once they experienced Christ, the realized that he truly was the risen Lord and savior. We too must see the path which leads through the cross to life everlasting. We must be able to see the risen Christ. We must recognize Christ in our lives.

 

A Simple Prayer

 

Father God, my heart burns for your love.

May I open the scriptures to all who I encounter.

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

 

Yours in Christ

Michael Marcon

 

Meditation Minute

My Dearest Brothers and Sisters in Christ:

 

“I have seen the Lord.”

 

Gospel Reading: John 20:11-18

 

Mary Magdalene stayed outside the tomb weeping. And as she wept, she bent over into the tomb and saw two angels in white sitting there, one at the head and one at the feet where the Body of Jesus had been. And they said to her, "Woman, why are you weeping?" She said to them, "They have taken my Lord, and I don't know where they laid him." When she had said this, she turned around and saw Jesus there, but did not know it was Jesus. Jesus said to her, "Woman, why are you weeping? Whom are you looking for?" She thought it was the gardener and said to him, "Sir, if you carried him away, tell me where you laid him, and I will take him." Jesus said to her, "Mary!" She turned and said to him in Hebrew, "Rabbouni,"  which means Teacher. Jesus said to her, "Stop holding on to me, for I have not yet ascended to the Father. But go to my brothers and tell them, 'I am going to my Father and your Father, to my God and your God.'" Mary went and announced to the disciples, "I have seen the Lord," and then reported what he had told her.

 

In today’s Gospel reading, Mary Magdalene is seeking out Jesus at his tomb. It says that she was weeping outside the tomb and when she looked inside the tomb she saw two angles sitting where the body of Jesus had lain. The angles wanted to know why she was weeping. She said to them, “They have taken my Lord, and I don't know where they laid him.” Through her desire, Jesus appeared before her, but she did not recognize him.  How many times are we seeking Jesus but do not see him standing there with us?  Christ never abandons us, we abandon him.  We are called to constantly seek out Christ. Mary Magdalene was looking for Jesus and He was right there with her. Finally, when Jesus calls her name, she recognizes him. Being filled with the joy of the encounter with Christ, she goes and tells the disciples, “I have seen the Lord.”

 

It is not enough for us to know about the Lord, but we must encounter Christ in our lives. You must experience Him when He calls your name. You must be willing to go to others and say, “I have seen the Lord.” An encounter with Christ is the very foundation of the Christian faith. To be truly Christian is to have experienced Christ first hand. It is through your faith that you can see the power of the resurrection and eternal life. It is through the eyes of your faith that you encounter the Kingdom of God here on earth. Celebrate your encounter with Christ and shout out, “Alleluia, Alleluia, I have seen the Lord!”  A true encounter with Christ is life altering.  It is through the grace of God that you encounter Christ in your life.  We have the choice to accept that grace or to deny it.  Your eyes will be opened and you will be given the light if you accept his grace.

 

A Simple Prayer

 

Lord Jesus, Father in heaven.

You are the risen Christ.

It is through you that my sins are forgiven.

It is through you that I find eternal life.

Give me the eyes of faith to see you.

 

Yours in Christ

Michael Marcon

 

Meditation Minute

My Dearest Brothers and Sisters in Christ:

 

Gospel Reading: Matthew 28:8-15

Mary Magdalene and the other Mary went away quickly from the tomb, fearful yet overjoyed, and ran to announce the news to his disciples. And behold, Jesus met them on their way and greeted them. They approached, embraced his feet, and did him homage. Then Jesus said to them, "Do not be afraid. Go tell my brothers to go to Galilee, and there they will see me."  While they were going, some of the guard went into the city and told the chief priests all that had happened. The chief priests assembled with the elders and took counsel; then they gave a large sum of money to the soldiers, telling them, "You are to say, 'His disciples came by night and stole him while we were asleep.' And if this gets to the ears of the governor, we will satisfy him and keep you out of trouble." The soldiers took the money and did as they were instructed. And this story has circulated among the Jews to the present day.

 

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

 

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

 

A Simple Prayer

 

Oh most Holy Risen Christ.

I behold you feet.

Pass your blessing upon me

That I may share the glory of your resurrection.

 

Yours in Christ

Michael Marcon

 

 

Meditation Minute

My Dearest Brothers and Sisters in Christ:

 

“Amen, I say to you, one of you will betray me.”

 

Gospel Reading: Matthew 26:14-25

 

One of the Twelve, who was called Judas Iscariot, went to the chief priests and said, "What are you willing to give me if I hand him over to you?" They paid him thirty pieces of silver, and from that time on he looked for an opportunity to hand him over. On the first day of the Feast of Unleavened Bread, the disciples approached Jesus and said, "Where do you want us to prepare for you to eat the Passover?" He said, "Go into the city to a certain man and tell him, 'The teacher says, My appointed time draws near; in your house I shall celebrate the Passover with my disciples.'" The disciples then did as Jesus had ordered, and prepared the Passover. When it was evening, he reclined at table with the Twelve. And while they were eating, he said,  "Amen, I say to you, one of you will betray me." Deeply distressed at this, they began to say to him one after another, "Surely it is not I, Lord?" He said in reply, "He who has dipped his hand into the dish with me is the one who will betray me. The Son of Man indeed goes, as it is written of him, but woe to that man by whom the Son of Man is betrayed. It would be better for that man if he had never been born." Then Judas, his betrayer, said in reply, "Surely it is not I, Rabbi?" He answered, "You have said so."

 

“Amen, I say to you, one of you will betray me.” Again in today’s Gospel reading, we hear the story of the betrayal of Christ by Judas. The Gospel says that the apostles were very sorrowful, and began to say to him one after another, “Is it I, Lord?” It is interesting that Judas reply is slightly different. Judas replies, “Is it I, Rabbi?” Judas was given 30 pieces of silver, the price of a slave, yet he refers to Jesus as Master. Judas represents all of us who sell out the Word of God for earthly treasures. How many times have we become slaves to earthly desires only to be mastered by them. We want and desire the latest in fashions, the most expensive cars, the most glamorous clothes, the latest in electronic gadgets and at the same time turn our backs on Christ. Jesus tells the apostles, “Woe to that man by whom the Son of man is betrayed! It would have been better for that man if he had not been born.” It is okay to have nice stuff, but only to the degree that it does not become the master of your life. We must not sell out to the earthly treasures which are created through lust and greed. Instead, we should find glory and happiness in our service to the Lord. Everything we have is a gift from God.  If we treat those gifts as solely belonging to us, we deny the gifts that God has given us.  It is prudent for us to realize where our true treasures lie.  Not on this earth but in the heaven we await and long.  In our prayers, we should foster a desire for heaven and recognize who brings us to the gate.  We get into heaven through a very narrow gate.  By fasting, we recognize that the earthly things are not what’s important and those things that we give up do not master us.  When we give our treasures to others, not only do we break our dependent bond on these items, we open the door to heaven for others through our generosity.  It is still not too late to make an impact before Lent is over.  What earthly treasures have become your master?  It is time to give up these for the kingdom of heaven.

 

A Simple Prayer

 

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

I know that he suffered for our sins.

I know that through my sins I betray him.

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

 

Yours in Christ

Michael Marcon

 

Meditation Minute

My Dearest Brothers and Sisters in Christ:

 

“Amen, amen, I say to you, one of you will betray me.”

 

Gospel Reading: John 13:21-33, 36-38

Reclining at table with his disciples, Jesus was deeply troubled and testified, "Amen, amen, I say to you, one of you will betray me." The disciples looked at one another, at a loss as to whom he meant. One of his disciples, the one whom Jesus loved,  was reclining at Jesus' side. So Simon Peter nodded to him to find out whom he meant. He leaned back against Jesus' chest and said to him, "Master, who is it?" Jesus answered, "It is the one to whom I hand the morsel after I have dipped it." So he dipped the morsel and took it and handed it to Judas, son of Simon the Iscariot. After Judas took the morsel, Satan entered him. So Jesus said to him, "What you are going to do, do quickly." Now none of those reclining at table realized why he said this to him. Some thought that since Judas kept the money bag, Jesus had told him, "Buy what we need for the feast," or to give something to the poor. So Judas took the morsel and left at once. And it was night.  When he had left, Jesus said, "Now is the Son of Man glorified, and God is glorified in him. If God is glorified in him,  God will also glorify him in himself, and he will glorify him at once. My children, I will be with you only a little while longer. You will look for me, and as I told the Jews, 'Where I go you cannot come,' so now I say it to you." Simon Peter said to him, "Master, where are you going?" Jesus answered him, "Where I am going, you cannot follow me now, though you will follow later." Peter said to him, "Master, why can I not follow you now?  I will lay down my life for you." Jesus answered, "Will you lay down your life for me? Amen, amen, I say to you, the cock will not crow before you deny me three times."

 

The week of Holy Week is an intense focus on the sacrifices that were made by our Lord Jesus Christ to save us from our own sins. In today’s Gospel, we hear the story how two of Jesus’ disciples betray and deny him at the time that God’s glory is fulfilled. We are at the pinnacle of Jesus’ mission; we are hours before “the Son of Man is glorified, and God is glorified in Him” and two of his disciples sin against him. Judas betrays Jesus by turning him over to Roman guard and Peter denies him while he is being judged by the Sanhedrin. As Jesus is preparing to make the ultimate sacrifice, these two disciples commit sins of denial of the heart. But what is the difference between the two. Judas deliberately betrayed Jesus for money. His act was premeditated and deliberate. He knew what he was about to do. Peter, on the other hand, committed his denial out of weakness and fear. Peter loved Jesus and would not have purposefully denied Jesus. Peter was always quick to make promises and to boast of his loyalty to Jesus. But at times, his mouth over spoke his will. Here, Peter’s loyalty to Jesus is unfailing, unfortunately his will was not quite as strong. After, Peter realizes what he has done, he is very saddened by his actions.

 

Jesus, at the last supper, foretold both events. He acknowledges Judas at the Table by giving a morsel to him. The Gospel says that when Judas took the morsel, Satan entered him. Satan took control of Judas. Satan took the unselfish love of Jesus Christ and turned it into hatred and jealousy. Satan tries to enter our body when Jesus offers us grace. Satan’s acts are directly contrary to love of Jesus. During these last few days lent, Satan is hard at work trying to divert us from the path that leads to the cross and our salvation. He tries to offer us things that we keep us from God’s glory. He purposefully offers things to attack our weakness. Only Jesus Christ can give us the grace and strength we need to battle Satan when he attacks us. If we give into God’s grace, we will walk in the light. If we deny Jesus’ love, we will stumble in the darkness. We can either build Heaven on Earth or fall to the State of Hell.

 

We are called to follow Jesus to cross. On the way, we may deny Jesus in moments of weakness. But if we allow the Holy Spirit to enter into our hearts, the Holy Spirit will dispel Satan. The Light of the Holy Spirit will reveal the mystery of Jesus and be the light of all nations. We are all invited to form a covenant with God. The covenant unites God with us and bonds us with his love. If we submit to this love, he will provide for our salvation. Stay steadfast on your way to the cross. Stand up for your faith.

 

A Simple Prayer

 

Lord, I surrender myself to your unending love.

Lead me away from Satan and his evil ways.

Give me the strength to stand firm and not deny you

 

Yours in Christ

Michael Marcon

Meditation Minute

My Dearest Brothers and Sisters in Christ:

 

"Leave her alone. Let her keep this for the day of my burial.”

 

Gospel Reading: John 12:1-11

 

Six days before Passover Jesus came to Bethany, where Lazarus was, whom Jesus had raised from the dead. They gave a dinner for him there, and Martha served, while Lazarus was one of those reclining at table with him.  Mary took a liter of costly perfumed oil made from genuine aromatic nard and anointed the feet of Jesus and dried them with her hair; the house was filled with the fragrance of the oil.  Then Judas the Iscariot, one of his disciples, and the one who would betray him, said, "Why was this oil not sold for three hundred days' wages and given to the poor?" He said this not because he cared about the poor but because he was a thief and held the money bag and used to steal the contributions. So Jesus said, "Leave her alone. Let her keep this for the day of my burial. You always have the poor with you, but you do not always have me." The large crowd of the Jews found out that he was there and came, not only because of him, but also to see Lazarus, whom he had raised from the dead. And the chief priests plotted to kill Lazarus too, because many of the Jews were turning away and believing in Jesus because of him.

 

In today’s Gospel reading, it is six days before Passover and Jesus is having supper with Lazarus, Mary and Martha. Mary took some very expensive ointment and anointed the feet of Jesus and wiped his feet with her hair. The gospel reading says, “the house was filled with the fragrance of the oil.” Mary takes the most precious thing that she owns and uses it to honor Jesus. She puts herself at the feet of her Lord to show how much she truly loves him. She does not hold back the extravagance of her love for him. The sweetness of this gift is not only presented to Jesus, but the fragrance that spreads through the room is shared by all. We too are called to give the most precious things that we own to God. We are now in the last week of lent and Jesus has entered Jerusalem. The crowds are excited to see Jesus because of the miracles that he has performed. Jesus is also entering your house.  How did you welcome him.  During Lent, have you let Jesus in to your heart? Have you opened the doors to your soul and given him extravagant gifts of love and joy? Like the fragrance of the oil, does your love for God also fill the room with the sweet smelling fragrance of unconditional love?

 

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

 

A Simple Prayer

 

Lord, may my love for you be extravagant.

May I the will to offer all that own.

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

 

Yours in Christ

Michael Marcon

 

Meditation Minute

My Dearest Brothers and Sisters in Christ:

 

“I am the Son of God.”

 

Gospel Reading: John 10:31-42

 

The Jews picked up rocks to stone Jesus. Jesus answered them, "I have shown you many good works from my Father. For which of these are you trying to stone me?" The Jews answered him, "We are not stoning you for a good work but for blasphemy. You, a man, are making yourself God." Jesus answered them, "Is it not written in your law, 'I said, You are gods"'?  If it calls them gods to whom the word of God came, and Scripture cannot be set aside, can you say that the one whom the Father has consecrated and sent into the world blasphemes because I said, 'I am the Son of God'?  If I do not perform my Father's works, do not believe me; but if I perform them, even if you do not believe me, believe the works, so that you may realize and understand that the Father is in me and I am in the Father." Then they tried again to arrest him; but he escaped from their power.  He went back across the Jordan to the place where John first baptized, and there he remained.  Many came to him and said, "John performed no sign, but everything John said about this man was true." And many there began to believe in him.

 

For years we have heard the Passion of Jesus. Every Easter we hear the story of Jesus during the last 24 hours before His crucifixion. But have we become desensitized to the real suffering that Christ faced on that day. Over the next week, we should keep the Passion at the forefront of our thoughts. The Passion should consumed your thoughts. “He suffered under Pontius Pilot, was crucified and was buried” – but why? In today’s Gospel, the Jews want to stone him and Jesus says to them, “I have shown you many good works from my Father. For which of these are you trying to stone me?” Why do they want to stone someone who is doing good? In the images of the Passion, we see Jesus in total agony, his sorrow is heavy with the cross he is about to carry. When he is scourged, we see the flesh ripped from his body because of our sins. Jesus is taking a lashing for every one of our sins; for my greed, my gluttony, my lust. As you reflect on each of your sins, Jesus is struck again and again. As the whip of your sins tear through his body, his human flesh is ripped away exposing the spiritual nature of his inside. As Jesus is tortured for our sins, you see the pain and agony in his face. But when the scourging is done he rises up and opens his arms to hold you knowing that he has freed your from death.

 

The light of the Holy Spirit comes shining through the gashes in his body. Because of my weakness, he takes the cross; he takes my cross and carries it to Calvary . There, I drive nails in his hands and feet. Again, the agony of my sinfulness is heavy on his face. I raise him in the air like a flag on pole and there in his total nakedness, his total abandonment he looks down at me and says, you are forgiven for I love you. “He himself bore our sins in his body upon the cross, so that, free from sin, we might live for righteousness. By his wounds you have been healed.” (1 Peter 2:24) Jesus wraps himself around me and his blood covers me. His blood protects me. Jesus came to this world to bring us the Father. He did miracles so we would know that He is the Son of God. He healed the sick and brought people back from the dead. Yet the Jews could not see that this “man” was the true son of God. At this time, they did not know the Passion; they have not witnessed the ultimate glory of God. In response to his great works, they accuse him of blasphemy. They wanted to punish him by stoning him. Jesus turned to God for his protection.

 

It is difficult for us to see and accept all the glory God pours out for us. We doubt what we see with our own two eyes. It is difficult for us to see the miracles that God performs every day. We refuse to see the Holy Spirit as it descends into our souls. Yet we cannot deny the sacrifice that Jesus made for us on that cross. Know that he is looking down on us and forgiving us of our sins. The agony and torture he faced that Friday, the blood and sweat that poured from his body was done for our sins. Are you going to stone him or are you going to ask for his undying mercy at the cross? This coming week is Holy Week. Spend extra time examining your conscience. Go through your sins. Open your mind and accept that Jesus is the Son of God. Believe in his Word for the Word became flesh to save us from our sins. If we can see Christ in his sufferings, we will then realize the depth of his love for us.

 

A Simple Prayer

 

“Praise be to you, Lord Jesus Christ!”

Praise be to you for your miracles,

Praise be to you for your agony,

Praise be to you for your suffering, and

Most of all – Praise be to you for your cross.

 

Yours in Christ and in the Cross

Michael Marcon