Meditation Minute

My Dearest Brothers and Sisters in Christ:

 

Gospel Reading: Luke 14:1-6

On a Sabbath Jesus went to dine at the home of one of the leading Pharisees, and the people there were observing him carefully. In front of him there was a man suffering from dropsy. Jesus spoke to the scholars of the law and Pharisees in reply, asking, “Is it lawful to cure on the Sabbath or not?” But they kept silent; so he took the man and, after he had healed him, dismissed him. Then he said to them    “Who among you, if your son or ox falls into a cistern, would not immediately pull him out on the Sabbath day?” But they were unable to answer his question.

 

What does it mean to keep holy the Sabbath? The Pharisees were convinced that Jesus was breaking one of the ten commandments. He was continually healing people on the Sabbath. This was supposed to be a day of rest and worship, not a day of work. Then why was healing someone on the Sabbath such an abomination to the Pharisees? The Pharisees became fanatical about the Mosaic law. They found ways to expand the meaning and purpose of each of the ten commandments. They took the commandments to very extreme limits where it was almost impossible to comply with the laws. Jesus tries to convey the real meaning and purpose of the laws. The real meaning of the commandment to keep holy the Sabbath is to honor God. What better way to honor God then to cure someone from an ailment. The fanaticism of the Pharisees blinded them from the real wishes of God. Fanaticism can lead a person to deny the very principals of justice which God so clearly presents to us in the Bible. It causes us to compromise on justice and compassion. We should never become fanatical about anything because when we do, we become the judge which denies the mercy of God to his lambs.

 

A Simple Prayer

 

Lord, teach me to honor your commandments in a way which honors you.

 

Yours in Christ

Michael Marcon

 

Meditation Minute

My Dearest Brothers and Sisters in Christ:

 

“Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord.”

 

Gospel Reading: Luke 13:31-35

 

Some Pharisees came to Jesus and said, “Go away, leave this area because Herod wants to kill you.” He replied, “Go and tell that fox, ‘Behold, I cast out demons and I perform healings today and tomorrow, and on the third day I accomplish my purpose. Yet I must continue on my way today, tomorrow, and the following day, for it is impossible that a prophet should die outside of Jerusalem.’  “Jerusalem, Jerusalem, you who kill the prophets and stone those sent to you, how many times I yearned to gather your children together as a hen gathers her brood under her wings, but you were unwilling! Behold, your house will be abandoned. But I tell you, you will not see me until the time comes when you say, Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord.”

 

In today’s Gospel reading, Jesus agonizes over the reluctance of Jerusalem to recognize the prophets which God has sent. Over the centuries, God sent many prophets to save Jerusalem, yet the prophets who were sent were stoned or killed. The Pharisees are wanting Jesus to leave their area of Israel because he has exposed their hypocrisy and duplicity. Jesus tells the Pharisees that they will not treat him any different than the past prophets. “Behold, I cast out demons and I perform healings today and tomorrow, and on the third day I accomplish my purpose.” Jesus’ mission was to save us, yet humanity wanted to kill him. In today’s gospel, Jesus predicts his pending passion in Jerusalem. He tells the Pharisees that he, like all the previous prophets, will be killed in Jerusalem, but not before he is greeted with love and compassion – “Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord.”. How easily we were swayed by those who are belligerent.

Jesus compares himself to a mother hen. He wants to reach out and gather all the children of Israel and protect them from this hypocrisy. However, he knows that because of the hardness of their hearts, they are blind to the true will of God. On Sunday we love him, but what happens on Monday? We too can act like the Pharisees. How often do we want to turn off that little voice in our head which tells us not to do something? How often do we rationalize our sins? We allow deceit and deception to lead us away from the Kingdom of Heaven. Christ wants to reach out and protect us under his wings. He wants to gather us in his house to protect us from the evil which is prevalent in the world today and to save us from the demons and heal us from our pains. We must remember that Christ came to this world to save us, not to condemn us. It was us who condemned him. Do you stone him or do you accept him? Which path will you walk today and which path will you walk tomorrow? Open your heart to God and allow him to reach out and protect you. It is your choice to accept his love.

 

A Simple Prayer

 

Father God in Heaven, Open my heart to your will.

I am weak and you give me strength.

Bring me into your protection that I may find your glory.

Help me fight the hypocrisy of the world today so I can live with you for eternity.

 

Yours in Christ

Michael Marcon

 

Meditation Minute

My Dearest Brothers and Sisters in Christ

 

Gospel Reading: Luke 6:12-16

 

Jesus went up to the mountain to pray, and he spent the night in prayer to God. When day came, he called his disciples to himself, and from them he chose Twelve, whom he also named Apostles: Simon, whom he named Peter, and his brother Andrew, James, John, Philip, Bartholomew, Matthew, Thomas, James the son of Alphaeus, Simon who was called a Zealot, and Judas the son of James, and Judas Iscariot, who became a traitor.

 

In today’s gospel reading, we see that Jesus has called forth from his disciples a group of twelve. Jesus spends all night in prayer with His Father in heaven before selecting the twelve men who would become the first leaders of the Catholic Church. It says that he named them his Apostles. The word apostle means somebody who tries to persuade others to share in an idea or cause. These twelve men became the chief spokesmen for Christ. You would think that he would call forth the rich and the wealthy, but instead he calls forth the ordinary, the poor, laborers and fisherman to be his Apostles. The job of the twelve was to go forth and invite the people of Israel to be Disciples of Christ. Eventually the twelve would go forth beyond Israel and bring Christ to the entire world. These twelve Apostles were given the gift of the Holy Spirit to help them form the church and grow it into the vessel which it has become today. These twelve men became the very foundation from which the church was built. However, the church is not complete. We too are called to be disciples of Christ. He calls us by name to help spread the Word of God to the world. We are all graced with the Holy Spirit to lay down our worldly belonging and sacrifice the comfort of our homes to go out bring others to his banquet. As we are filled with the Eucharist, we are called to bring others to Christ so that they too can be filled with the body and blood of Christ. It is easy to say “I can’t,” but God gives us the strength to say “I will” through the gifts of the Holy Spirit. If we seek Christ, we can be healed of the things that torment us. Seek Christ and touch him for the power will come forth to strengthen you and heal you.

 

A Simple Prayer

 

Most heavenly Father, I reach out to you for your healing power.

Inflame my heart so I can go out and spread the Word of God.

I am here Lord, take my life and do with it as you will.

 

Yours in Christ

Michael Marcon

 

Meditation Minute

My Dearest Brothers and Sisters in Christ:

 

“What is the Kingdom of God like?”

 

Gospel Reading: Luke 13:18-21

 

Jesus said, “What is the Kingdom of God like? To what can I compare it? It is like a mustard seed that a man took and planted in the garden. When it was fully grown, it became a large bush and the birds of the sky dwelt in its branches.” Again he said, “To what shall I compare the Kingdom of God? It is like yeast that a woman took and mixed in with three measures of wheat flour until the whole batch of dough was leavened.”

 

In today’s Gospel reading, Jesus introduces us to the kingdom of God. Jesus tell us that the kingdom of God “is like a grain of mustard seed which a man took and sowed in his garden; and it grew and became a tree, and the birds of the air made nests in its branches.” The mustard seed is one of tiniest seeds on earth and yet it grows into a magnificent tree that provides shelter and food for literally hundreds of birds. The kingdom of God is the same. It starts out as a small speck of love and kindness placed in the hearts and souls of mankind. It grows and flourishes into this massive tree which becomes the church. The church provides shelter and nourishment in the spirit of the Lord. Jesus compared the kingdom of God to leaven bread. He said that the kingdom was “like leaven which a woman took and hid in three measures of wheat flour until the whole batch of dough was leavened.” The leaven created a transformation within the bread. The bread begins to expand and spread out. If we allow the kingdom of God inside us, it too will transform us and cause us to grow in Christ. Once we have been touched by the Holy Spirit, the kingdom of God will grow within us and expand outward. Once the kingdom of God is growing within us, it overfills us and spreads to others throughout the world. Plant the seed within your soul so that you too may grow in the kingdom of God.

 

A Simple Prayer

 

Heavenly Father, the Holy Spirit is within me,

Let this spirit overwhelm my soul,

May it increase my love and desire for the kingdom of God.

 

Yours in Christ

Michael Marcon

 

Meditation Minute

My Dearest Brothers and Sisters in Christ:

 

“Woman, you are set free of your infirmity.”

 

Gospel Reading: Luke 13:10-17

 

Jesus was teaching in a synagogue on the sabbath. And a woman was there who for eighteen years had been crippled by a spirit; she was bent over, completely incapable of standing erect. When Jesus saw her, he  called to her and said, “Woman, you are set free of your infirmity.” He laid his hands on her, and she at once stood up straight and glorified God. But the leader of the synagogue, indignant that Jesus had cured on the sabbath, said to the crowd in reply, “There are six days when work should be done. Come on those days to be cured, not on the sabbath day.” The Lord said to him in reply, “Hypocrites! Does not each one of you on the Sabbath untie his ox or his ass from the manger and lead it out for watering? This daughter of Abraham, whom Satan has bound for eighteen years now, ought she not to have been set free on the sabbath day from this bondage?” When he said this, all his adversaries were humiliated; and the whole crowd rejoiced at all the splendid deeds done by him.

 

In today’s Gospel reading, Jesus heals an infirmed woman on the Sabbath, a day when the Jews were to rest and honor God. When Jesus saw this woman with an infirmity, he called her and said to her, “Woman, you are freed from your infirmity.” This infirmity had bound this woman for eighteen years and prevented her from experiencing life. It says that Jesus laid his hands on her and “she at once stood up straight and glorified God.” So what was her infirmity? Was it physical or spiritual? Because of her crippling illness, was she not able to see God? It says that Satan had hold on her body. The good news is that Jesus was able to conquer Satan and free her from the bonds which crippled her. She was now able to stand straight and see God in all his glory. We too may be infected by Satan. He may have us bound and bent over unable to stand straight. It is through trust and belief in God that Christ can reach out, touch us and save us. Christ can wash away the evil in our lives, but only if we let him.

 

Sometimes the evil is cleverly disguised. The Jewish leaders were infuriated at Jesus for healing someone on the Sabbath. The Sabbath was a day of rest. One was not suppose to do any work on the Sabbath. The Sabbath was reserved for prayer. The Jewish leaders were so caught up in the rituals that they too were blinded from the true meaning of the Sabbath. The Sabbath was a day to honor and respect God for all he had done. It is also a day for us to purify and cleanse our souls. On this day, God speaks to us through the scriptures. The scriptures provide many healing powers. God heals 24/7 – he’s God, he can do that. God does not sleep nor does he take a break. He will do anything to unite with us. What better time to lose the chains that bind us then during Mass. This is the perfect time to cry out to God for grace and mercy. You are getting ready to receive Eucharist. You are getting ready to receive Christ into your body. Christ is getting ready to touch you with his hands to free you from your infirmity.

 

A Simple Prayer

 

Lord, have mercy on my soul.

Free me from the bondage which prevents my soul from seeing you.

Free my body from evil so that I may stand righteously to do your will

 

Yours in Christ

Michael Marcon

 

Meditation Minute

My Dearest Brothers and Sisters in Christ:

 

Gospel Reading: Luke 12:54-59

 

Jesus said to the crowds, “When you see a cloud rising in the west you say immediately that it is going to rain–and so it does; and when you notice that the wind is blowing from the south you say that it is going to be hot–and so it is. You hypocrites! You know how to interpret the appearance of the earth and the sky; why do you not know how to interpret the present time?  “Why do you not judge for yourselves what is right? If you are to go with your opponent before a magistrate, make an effort to settle the matter on the way; otherwise your opponent will turn you over to the judge, and the judge hand you over to the constable, and the constable throw you into prison. I say to you, you will not be released until you have paid the last penny.”

 

In today’s Gospel, Jesus questions the ability of his disciples to see the signs. He says to them, “You know how to interpret the appearance of the earth and the sky; why do you not know how to interpret the present time?” The profits had foretold the coming of Christ and now he was among them. Even with all the signs, his disciples did not recognize him as their Messiah and Savior. With all the signs from his teachings, his miracles and his compassion and love, his disciples still did not recognize him. It is as if they had closed their eyes to the light of Christ. Jesus calls them to repent and open their eyes. He calls them to witness and see who is with them. Christ came to show them the way.

 

How many times do we miss the signs? How many times are we sitting in church and our mind is elsewhere? How many times has someone reached out to help you and you slapped their hand? Jesus is among us yet we fail to see the light. Jesus said to his disciples, “Why do you not judge for yourselves what is right? If you are to go with your opponent before a magistrate, make an effort to settle the matter on the way; otherwise your opponent will turn you over to the judge, and the judge hand you over to the constable, and the constable throw you into prison.” Jesus is telling us that we must recognize and repent for our sins before our final judgment because it will be too late if we wait till then. He wants for us to ask for forgiveness now. Christ not only came to show us the way, he came to relieve us of our sins.

 

Christ is before us, open your eyes and see the light. His light exposes what is in our soul. We must do everything we can to allow God to enter into our life. It is only with God that we can conquer sin and evil. We are vulnerable to Satan’s tongue if we do not seek Christ in our daily lives. When we sin, we need to call upon God immediately. We need to ask him for peace and salvation. Jesus wanted his disciples to reach out to him, not so he could punish them, but so he could free them from the slavery of sin. God is loving and forgiving. It is his grace alone that will free you from the bondage of sin. Can you see the signs? Are you ready to surrender to Christ?

 

A Simple Prayer

 

Lord Jesus, you are the light of my life.

Illuminate my soul so I can see your signs.

I want to choose what is right and what is just.

Help me find the path to your heart.

 

Yours in Christ

Michael Marcon

 

 

Meditation Minute

My Dearest Brothers and Sisters in Christ:

 

“I have come to set the earth on fire, and how I wish it were already blazing!”

 

Gospel Reading: Luke 12:49-53

 

Jesus said to his disciples: “I have come to set the earth on fire, and how I wish it were already blazing! There is a baptism with which I must be baptized, and how great is my anguish until it is accomplished! Do you think that I have come to establish peace on the earth? No, I tell you, but rather division. From now on a household of five will be divided, three against two and two against three; a father will be divided against his son and a son against his father, a mother against her daughter and a daughter against her mother, a mother-in-law against her daughter-in-law and a daughter-in-law against her mother-in-law.”

 

What is this baptism that Christ talks about in today’s gospel reading? The baptism is his Pascal Mystery. The sacrifice which he makes for us on the cross. Through this sacrifice, he brings forth the church. But the reading also says that Jesus came to set the earth on fire and to cause division and turmoil within families. At first read, one might conclude that Jesus was a trouble maker and then you realize - that is exactly what he was. The fire that Christ brought to earth is the burning love of God, the Holy Spirit which sets our soul on fire. This fire of the Holy Spirit was brought to us through Christ’s baptism on the cross and is now given to us in our own baptism. We are all called to receive and live in the fire of God. Jesus says, “There is a baptism with which I must be baptized, and how great is my anguish until it is accomplished!” What is this baptism that Jesus refers to in this passage? It is his crucifixion and death for us. “God so loved the world that he gave his only son” (John 3:16). He calls this the ultimate gift and sacrifice, a baptism because he conquered sin and death to never die again. Through our Baptism, the fire of the Holy Spirit is placed within us to never die again and through our Confirmation, the Holy Spirit is revealed to the world. Our Baptism and Confirmation then become the same glorious acceptance of this new life and grace from God. Through our Baptism and eventually our Confirmation, we too shall become set on fire. We are called to spread our fire to others so that they may see the salvation of Christ. It is not enough to sit back and let the small flame kindle with us. We need to fan the fire until we are burning with Christ. Christ’s love should be overflowing in us and from us.

 

Jesus said, “Do you think that I have come to establish peace on the earth? No, I tell you, but rather division. From now on a household of five will be divided, three against two and two against three.” This seems to be contradictory to his mission. In actuality, Jesus did come to bring peace and joy to the world. But sometimes, he needed to shock his disciples so they would understand the message and the importance of their mission. Jesus hoped that his mission on earth would unite all men in peace and harmony in God the Father. But unfortunately man is filled with sin and hatred and he refuses to let the fire of God grow within them. This may even happen within your family. We are called to place our relationship with God above all others, even in front of our own family. If this causes division, we are to choose God over our family. We do this not to create hatred and division, but to hopefully lead them to Christ through our own actions and examples. Many families became divided over Christ, but through the true love and compassion of God, these families can become reunited in the Holy Spirit.

 

A Simple Prayer

 

Lord Jesus, you are the fire which lights my soul.

May your fire consume me with your love.

May your fire flow outside me to others.

May I put you before all others.

 

Yours in Christ

Michael Marcon

 

Meditation Minute

My Dearest Brothers and Sisters in Christ:

 

“If the master of the house had known the hour when the thief was coming, he would not have let his house be broken into.”

 

Gospel Reading: Luke 12:39-48

 

Jesus said to his disciples:  “Be sure of this: if the master of the house had known the hour when the thief was coming, he would not have let his house be broken into. You also must be prepared, for at an hour you do not expect, the Son of Man will come.” Then Peter said, “Lord, is this parable meant for us or for everyone?” And the Lord replied, “Who, then, is the faithful and prudent steward whom the master will put in charge of his servants to distribute the food allowance at the proper time? Blessed is that servant whom his master on arrival finds doing so. Truly, I say to you, he will put him in charge of all his property. But if that servant says to himself, ‘My master is delayed in coming,’ and begins to beat the menservants and the maidservants, to eat and drink and get drunk, then that servant’s master will come on an unexpected day and at an unknown hour and will punish the servant severely and assign him a place with the unfaithful. That servant who knew his master’s will but did not make preparations nor act in accord with his will shall be beaten severely; and the servant who was ignorant of his master’s will but acted in a way deserving of a severe beating shall be beaten only lightly.  Much will be required of the person entrusted with much, and still more will be demanded of the person entrusted with more.”

 

In today’s Gospel reading, Jesus again lectures us about being faithful and respecting the gifts which have been given to us. God has given us many gifts which we must treasure and take care of. Jesus says, “You also must be prepared, for at an hour you do not expect, the Son of Man will come.” If your time was today, would you be ready for your judgment. God has entrusted us with much responsibility. We need to take care of God’s children and the gifts which he has bestowed upon us. Jesus says, “Blessed is that servant whom his master on arrival finds doing so.” Jesus also warns us, “But if that servant says to himself, ‘My master is delayed in coming,’ and begins to beat the menservants and the maidservants, to eat and drink and get drunk, then that servant’s master will come on an unexpected day and at an unknown hour and will punish the servant severely and assign him a place with the unfaithful.” We must have faith in God that he will take care of us. This care and love must be reciprocated to others around us. We do these deeds as a demonstration of our faith and love for God. God expects us to use the gifts that he has given us to benefit others. The more he gives you, the more he expects from you. The deeper your faith, the bigger the commitment you must be willing to give. Jesus says, “Much will be required of the person entrusted with much, and still more will be demanded of the person entrusted with more.” If we only use our gifts to satisfy ourselves, we are denying God’s love and we will be punished accordingly.

 

A Simple Prayer

 

Lord, I am your servant,

I am the keeper of your gifts.

Give me the wisdom to make wise use of the gifts

So that they may benefit others

And bring them to your table.

 

Yours in Christ

Michael Marcon

 

 

Meditation Minute

My Dearest Brothers and Sisters in Christ:

 

“Take care to guard against all greed, for though one may be rich, one’s life does not consist of possessions.”

 

Gospel Reading: Luke 12:13-21

 

Someone in the crowd said to Jesus, “Teacher, tell my brother to share the inheritance with me.” He replied to him, “Friend, who appointed me as your judge and arbitrator?” Then he said to the crowd, “Take care to guard against all greed, for though one may be rich, one’s life does not consist of possessions.”  Then he told them a parable. “There was a rich man whose land produced a bountiful harvest. He asked himself, ‘What shall I do, for I do not have space to store my harvest?’ And he said, ‘This is what I shall do: I shall tear down my barns and build larger ones. There I shall store all my grain and other goods and I shall say to myself, “Now as for you, you have so many good things stored up for many years, rest, eat, drink, be merry!”’ But God said to him, ‘You fool, this night your life will be demanded of you; and the things you have prepared, to whom will they belong?’ Thus will it be for the one who stores up treasure for himself but is not rich in what matters to God.”

 

In today’s Gospel reading, Jesus tells us a parable about being greedy and coveting they neighbors goods. In this parable, a wealthy man had lots of land which produced an abundantly bountiful crop. There was so much produced that the rich man did not have enough space to store the harvest.  He decided to tear down his barns to build new ones big enough so he could store his crops for many years. And the rich man said, “Now as for you, you have so many good things stored up for many years, rest, eat, drink, be merry!” And how does God respond to him, “You fool, this night your life will be demanded of you; and the things you have prepared, to whom will they belong?” When God graces us with a bountiful harvest, who does the harvest belong too? We can covet the harvest and keep it for ourselves, or we can share the harvest with others. Jesus warns us that, “Thus will it be for the one who stores up treasure for himself but is not rich in what matters to God.” Our treasure is the thing we hold dearest to our heart. Is your treasure based on earthly riches or is it based on spiritual richness? Our life should not be measured in the abundance of our possessions, but in the abundance of our giving and love for God. In the end, the only treasure we will take with us is our soul. Jesus is not upset because the man was able to produce a large crop, but that the crop became the one desire of his heart. We must avoid letting earthly treasures consume our soul. These treasures we are given are to share with others.

 

A simple prayer

 

Lord, God, I thank you for the treasures you have given me.

May I not covet these treasures but share them with those in need.

May you become the treasure which is the subject of my life.

 

Yours in Christ

Michael Marcon

 

Meditation Minute

My Dearest Brothers and Sisters in Christ:

 

“There is nothing concealed that will not be revealed, nor secret that will not be known.”

 

Gospel Reading: Luke 12:1-7

 

At that time: So many people were crowding together  that they were trampling one another underfoot. Jesus began to speak, first to his disciples, “Beware of the leaven–that is, the hypocrisy–of the Pharisees.  “There is nothing concealed that will not be revealed, nor secret that will not be known. Therefore whatever you have said in the darkness will be heard in the light, and what you have whispered behind closed doors will be proclaimed on the housetops. I tell you, my friends, do not be afraid of those who kill the body but after that can do no more. I shall show you whom to fear. Be afraid of the one who after killing has the power to cast into Gehenna; yes, I tell you, be afraid of that one. Are not five sparrows sold for two small coins? Yet not one of them has escaped the notice of God. Even the hairs of your head have all been counted. Do not be afraid. You are worth more than many sparrows.”

 

In today’s Gospel reading, we learn that God is all knowing. There is nothing that we do or say that he does not know. “Therefore whatever you have said in the darkness will be heard in the light, and what you have whispered behind closed doors will be proclaimed on the housetops.” The Gospel reading starts with a warning about the Pharisees, “Beware of the leaven–that is, the hypocrisy–of the Pharisees.” Leaven was bread that had begun to rot. This bread would have a foul odor and be absolutely putrid. However, the Pharisees wanted everyone to believe that they were holy and righteous. God knows our actions and our words. No matter how we appear on the outside, God can see right into our soul. He knows if we are jealous; he knows if we condemn; he knows if we gossip and he knows if we hate. We cannot hide our sins or our inward feelings from God. We may whisper in the silence of our closets, but God is there with us. Jesus tells us, “do not be afraid of those who kill the body” but you should “be afraid of the one who after killing has the power to cast into Gehenna.” Fear is a healthy action which can help us avoid trouble and at the same time help us spur into action. Why should we fear God? Because God has the power to send our soul into eternal darkness. He has the power to separate us from the kingdom of Heaven. The worst thing that can happen to us is not a physical death but a spiritual one. Those who truly fear the Lord will everything they can to be united with him. God is the light which exposes evil. God is also the light which eliminates darkness. We should seek the light and find salvation in the Lord.

 

A Simple Prayer:

 

Lord Jesus, You know my heart and my soul.

You are my light and my salvation,

May this light free me from my sins and transgressions,

May your light lead me to the kingdom of Heaven.

 

Yours in Christ

Michael Marcon

 

 

Meditation Minute

My Dearest Brothers and Sisters in Christ:

 

Gospel Reading: Luke 11:47-54

 

The Lord said: “Woe to you who build the memorials of the prophets whom your fathers killed. Consequently, you bear witness and give consent to the deeds of your ancestors, for they killed them and you do the building. Therefore, the wisdom of God said, ‘I will send to them prophets and Apostles; some of them they will kill and persecute in order that this generation might be charged with the blood of all the prophets shed since the foundation of the world, from the blood of Abel to the blood of Zechariah who died between the altar and the temple building. Yes, I tell you, this generation will be charged with their blood! Woe to you, scholars of the law! You have taken away the key of knowledge. You yourselves did not enter and you stopped those trying to enter.” When Jesus left, the scribes and Pharisees began to act with hostility toward him and to interrogate him about many things, for they were plotting to catch him at something he might say.

 

Do you believe in the Word of God? God sent his prophets to deliver the word of God. Unfortunately, many of these prophets were martyred for their beliefs. Zechariah was a prophet who was stoned to death because he accused the Jews of being unfaithful to God’s laws. Abel was the first and Zechariah was the last of the prophets who were killed for their preaching and beliefs. Jesus is upset with the Pharisees for the very same thing. They do not recognize Christ as the Messiah, the savior of the people of Israel. Jesus says that they are no better than their ancestors who killed the prophets sent by his Father. Jesus’ coming was foretold and prophesied by the same ancestors who were tortured and killed by the Israelites. The Pharisees have not learned from their ancestors. They still deny the Word of God.

 

Today we can find ourselves in the same boat as the Pharisees. We ignore the teachings which God has sent through not only his prophets, but also his Son. We want to rationalize our own laws instead of the laws of Christ. God commanded us to love our neighbor, to help the poor and the meek and to reach out to those less fortunate. We are called to make sacrifices in our lives, yet we step over the very people Christ has asked us to help. We become legalistic in our interpretation of the Word of God and manipulate his teachings to justify our greed and our envy. We impose our own will and not the will of God. When we do this we take away the “key of knowledge” which Christ provided for us. Who suffers from our actions? Not only this generation, but the generations to come. We should seek the wisdom of God and open our hearts to His Word. We should seek the narrow door which leads us to the cross.

 

A Simple Prayer

 

Lord, open my mind to the wisdom of your prophets.

Open my soul to love and compassion of your son.

May I not become like the Pharisees and rationalize sin in my life.

 

Yours in Christ

Michael Marcon

 

Meditation Minute

My Dearest Brothers and Sisters in Christ:

 

“You pay no attention to judgment and to love for God.”

 

Gospel Reading: Luke 11:42-46

 

The Lord said: “Woe to you Pharisees! You pay tithes of mint and of rue and of every garden herb, but you pay no attention to judgment and to love for God. These you should have done, without overlooking the others. Woe to you Pharisees! You love the seat of honor in synagogues and greetings in marketplaces.   Woe to you! You are like unseen graves over which people unknowingly walk.”  Then one of the scholars of the law said to him in reply, “Teacher, by saying this you are insulting us too.” And he said, “Woe also to you scholars of the law! You impose on people burdens hard to carry, but you yourselves do not lift one finger to touch them.”

 

Do you ever get the feeling that the Pharisees just didn’t get it? Jesus is deeply saddened by the actions and attitude of the Pharisees. So why does Christ chastise the Pharisees so much? They appeared to followed the Mosaic Law, they tithed as God asked them to do; even the most insignificant of kitchen herbs. So why was Jesus upset with their actions? The Pharisees only concerned themselves with their outward appearance. They only cared about what others thought about them. Their heart and soul were hidden from their fellow man, so their true intentions could not be seen. According to the law, anyone who touched a grave became unclean for seven days. Over time the grave markers would disappear and become unnoticeable. Therefore, a person could walk over the grave without even knowing. Jesus uses this example to unmask the hypocrisy of their ways. The Pharisees were so exact about even the most insignificant of things such as tithing rue, an insignificant kitchen herb that they missed what was really important. The Pharisees are so worried about tithing every little thing that they overlook the major items like God’s justice and love. He is saddened because they are more concerned about where they are sitting in church then about sitting with God. We are called by God to be just and to love, but the Pharisees hearts were filled with malice and hatred. The Pharisees were so focused on their outward image that they were neglecting their inner soul. Jesus was saddened because they completely missed the things that mattered most; the poor, the hungry and those in most need of their love. The rules became more of a reason not to associate with someone then as a reason to embrace all of God’s people. Today’s message tells us that the most important thing is love and justice. We must love everyone no matter what they have done and aide everyone who needs help no matter what their situation. God is love and God is supreme justice. We are made in God’s image; therefore, we should reflect this love and supreme justice for all.

 

A Simple Prayer

 

Lord, give me Wisdom to know your love and justice so that my love will be a beacon which guides others to your table and that my justice will be guided by your prudence.

 

Yours in Christ

Michael Marcon

 

Meditation Minute

My Dearest Brothers and Sisters in Christ:

 

“Although you cleanse the outside of the cup and the dish, inside you are filled with plunder and evil.”

 

Gospel Reading: Luke 11:37-41

 

After Jesus had spoken, a Pharisee invited him to dine at his home. He entered and reclined at table to eat. The Pharisee was amazed to see that he did not observe the prescribed washing before the meal. The Lord said to him, “Oh you Pharisees! Although you cleanse the outside of the cup and the dish, inside you are filled with plunder and evil. You fools! Did not the maker of the outside also make the inside? But as to what is within, give alms, and behold, everything will be clean for you.”

 

In today’s Gospel reading, Jesus clearly is not happy with the general attitude of the Pharisees. He chastises them for their hypocrisy which is cloaked in their legalistic ways. The Pharisees know the Mosaic law backward and forward, but they do not understand the spirit of the law. What good is it to appear clean when your insides are dirty. What part of the cup is most important to be clean?  What is more important, clean hands or a clean heart and mind. It is easy to put on a fake façade and make people think you are righteous. But to truly be righteous, it must come from the heart. You must be willing to freely give from within. “But as to what is within, give alms, and behold, everything will be clean for you.” We have to be generous with those things we tend to hoard, those things we tend to hold back and keep from others. To give your treasures is to give the love which Christ poured out for you on the cross. You must be willing to make the inward sacrifice for others. You must show a deep concern for both their spiritual and material welfare. The phrase “to give alms” means to give mercy and compassion. Therefore, you are asked to give mercy and compassion as Christ gave to you. How much better the world would be if we sacrificed everything for our fellow man. Unfortunately we allow greed and envy plague our heart.

 

A Simple Prayer

 

Lord, you are so kind and merciful.

You poured out your love and grace to save me from my sins.

Help me cleanse my inside so that I can free myself from greed and envy.

Give me a clean mind and clean heart.

 

Yours in Christ

Michael Marcon

 

Meditation Minute

My Dearest Brothers and Sisters in Christ:

 

Gospel Reading: Luke 11:15-26

 

When Jesus had driven out a demon, some of the crowd said: “By the power of Beelzebul, the prince of demons, he drives out demons.” Others, to test him, asked him for a sign from heaven. But he knew their thoughts and said to them, “Every kingdom divided against itself will be laid waste and house will fall against house. And if Satan is divided against himself, how will his kingdom stand? For you say that it is by Beelzebul that I drive out demons. If I, then, drive out demons by Beelzebul, by whom do your own people drive them out? Therefore they will be your judges. But if it is by the finger of God that I drive out demons, then the Kingdom of God has come upon you. When a strong man fully armed guards his palace, his possessions are safe. But when one stronger than he attacks and overcomes him, he takes away the armor on which he relied and distributes the spoils. Whoever is not with me is against me, and whoever does not gather with me scatters.  “When an unclean spirit goes out of someone, it roams through arid regions searching for rest but, finding none, it says, ‘I shall return to my home from which I came.’ But upon returning, it finds it swept clean and put in order. Then it goes and brings back seven other spirits more wicked than itself who move in and dwell there, and the last condition of that man is worse than the first.”

 

In today’s Gospel reading, Jesus is casting out the demons which plague the people of Israel. Some Jews thought that Jesus was linked to Satan since he was able to tell the demons what to do. They questioned where he got his authority and power. But why do these Jews continue to resent Jesus and deny his miracles? They simply cannot believe that a man could do such a feat. They fail to see the power of God and fail to recognize Jesus as the Son of God. Jesus tells them: “Every kingdom divided against itself will be laid waste and house will fall against house. And if Satan is divided against himself, how will his kingdom stand?” If Satan is wiping out his own, wouldn’t his legions eventually fail? The doubters would rather attribute the power to Satan then admit the Jesus is the Son of God. Jesus tells them just the opposite, “But if it is by the finger of God that I drive out demons, then the Kingdom of God has come upon you.” Jesus is telling them that his ability to dispel demons is proof that the Kingdom of God has arrived. Jesus has come to defeat Satan and his armies by the “finger of God.”

 

Why does Jesus talk about a House divided? If the house is divided it is weakened by arguing and fighting between its own. This message is still true today. Christians are divided into many different religions. We are so focused on the differences between their beliefs instead of focusing on the similarities. Pope John Paul the Great told us to forget about the differences and focus on the commonalities between the religions. We do not see our fellow Christians as believers in Christ, but as disbelievers. Just think if we all joined forces together how big an impact that would have on the world. The divided house among Christians is the work of Satan. The more Satan can cause us to argue, the more divided we become. The more divided we become, the weaker we become.

 

But Jesus gives us hope. In the second half of Gospel Jesus says, “When a strong man fully armed guards his palace, his possessions are safe. But when one stronger than he attacks and overcomes him, he takes away the armor on which he relied and distributes the spoils.” The Strong Man is Satan who works hard to occupy our hearts and our homes. Jesus is stronger than Satan and can overcome him. If we let God into our hearts, God will conquer Satan and cast out his spoils. But just because Satan has been cast out, he does not give up. “When an unclean spirit goes out of someone, it roams through arid regions searching for rest but, finding none, it says, ‘I shall return to my home from which I came.’” Satan will return, over and over again continually trying to conquer our souls. Jesus warns us that “But upon returning, it finds it swept clean and put in order. Then it goes and brings back seven other spirits more wicked than itself who move in and dwell there, and the last condition of that man is worse than the first.” We must continually guard against the power of Satan. We must continually clean our house and be ever vigilant against his tricks and evil ways.

 

A Simple Prayer

 

Lord Jesus, cast out the demons which plague my life.

Dispel from me those spirits which keep me from the Kingdom of God.

Purify my house so that it stands united.

 

Yours in Christ

Michael Marcon

 

 

Meditation Minute

My Dearest Brothers and Sisters in Christ:

 

“Ask and you will receive; seek and you will find; knock and the door will be opened to you.”

 

Gospel Reading: Luke 11:5-13

 

Jesus said to his disciples: “Suppose one of you has a friend to whom he goes at midnight and says, ‘Friend, lend me three loaves of bread, for a friend of mine has arrived at my house from a journey and I have nothing to offer him,’ and he says in reply from within, ‘Do not bother me; the door has already been locked and my children and I are already in bed. I cannot get up to give you anything.’ I tell you, if he does not get up to give him the loaves because of their friendship, he will get up to give him whatever he needs because of his persistence.  “And I tell you, ask and you will receive; seek and you will find; knock and the door will be opened to you. For everyone who asks, receives; and the one who seeks, finds; and to the one who knocks, the door will be opened. What father among you would hand his son a snake when he asks for a fish? Or hand him a scorpion when he asks for an egg? If you then, who are wicked, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will the Father in heaven give the Holy Spirit to those who ask him?”

 

In today’s gospel reading, Jesus tells the story of a late night traveler seeking hospitality from his host. No matter what time the traveler arrives, it was the obligation of the town to receive and entertain this traveler. The host needs bread to nourish the traveler and must go and get bread from one of his neighbors. Jesus says that the neighbor will not provide the bread because you are friends, but because of the importance of the visitor you will be persistent. This story is about prayer and asking for God’s unending supply of grace which is poured out for us. Jesus tells his disciples that they must be persistent in their prayer – “For everyone who asks receives, and he who seeks finds, and to him who knocks it will be opened.” If you ask God in prayer, He will provide everything you need; if you seek out God, you will find Him there with you; and if you knock on his door, He will open it and receive you in. If we ask and do not receive what we want, then maybe the prayer was not sincere or it was for something we do not need. Remember the saying – be careful what you ask for.

 

God answers every prayer – the answer just might be no. Jesus tells them, “What father among you, if his son asks for a fish, will instead of a fish give him a serpent; or if he asks for an egg, will give him a scorpion?” Jesus is telling his disciples that God will only provide what is good and what is needed. God understands what our heart is longing. We may not see it the same way, but God knows what is best. Jesus uses the image of the father-child relationship to demonstrate God’s heavenly relationship with us on earth. A good father will provide what his children need and will not provide anything that will harm the child. God provides us with what is needed to nourish us both physically and spiritually. He provides what is needed to feed the body. Jesus concludes this story telling us how overflowing God’s grace actually is, “If you then, who are wicked, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will the Father in heaven give the Holy Spirit to those who ask him?” This last statement tells us that God’s grace is abundant, overflowing and unending. God provides more then what we need or we expect. God gives us his gifts freely and without conditions. We do not even have to deserve them and he will provide. We must pray with confidence for our God is kind and merciful.

 

A Simple Prayer

 

Most Heavenly Father, I come to you with an open heart.

Pour your grace out upon me. My wants are many but my needs are few.

All I ask is that you provide me with your grace so that I might live as your disciple.

 

Yours in Christ

Michael Marcon

 

Meditation Minute

My Dearest Brothers and Sisters in Christ:

 

“Lord, teach us to pray just as John taught his disciples.”

 

Gospel Reading: Luke 11:1-4

 

Jesus was praying in a certain place, and when he had finished, one of his disciples said to him, “Lord, teach us to pray just as John taught his disciples.” He said to them, “When you pray, say:  Father, hallowed be your name, your Kingdom come. Give us each day our daily bread and forgive us our sins for we ourselves forgive everyone in debt to us, and do not subject us to the final test.”

 

Have you ever heard someone speak and marveled at how eloquently the words came from their mouth. They seemed to have everything just right. That’s how Jesus’ disciples must have felt when they watched him pray to his Father. The disciples want to learn how to pray like him. This may seem like a very strange request, especially since Jews were very devoted to prayer. But Jesus must have been awesome to watch pray. His praying must have been inspirational to those who saw him. I’m sure they were expecting some long drawn out teaching, but Jesus responds with a simple response. Jesus responds to his disciples with the Lord’s Prayer; a simple yet confident prayer. It begins with a recognition of who God is - “Father, hallowed be thy name.” In the introduction, we recognize that God is Lord of All and that he his sacred. Then we recognize the fact that God’s kingdom is here on earth – “your kingdom come.” This is more than a statement, it is a request to bring forth the Kingdom that we may experience it for ourselves. In this statement, we recognize that we are building the Kingdom of God through the will of God.

 

To do God’s labor, we ask him to nourish us with what we need to survive the day – “Give us each day our daily bread.” When Moses lead the Jews from Egypt, God told them only to take what they needed for the day. To ask for any more is greedy and wasteful. We are told that the Lord will provide us with everything we need, we just need to trust him. Then we ask, “forgive us our sins, for we ourselves forgive everyone who is in debt to us.” It is important to ask the Lord for forgiveness every time we do something wrong. Every time we gossip, we hurt someone, we steal or we cheat, we must ask forgiveness from God. However, how can we ask for forgiveness if we fail to forgive those who have hurt us or sinned against us? When you start your evening reflection, you should start with a reflection of those who have sinned against you. This will allow you to remove the hatred or the resentment you might form against them. Once you forgive others, your heart will be freed then to accept the grace of forgiveness from God. In the last line he tells us to pray - “lead us not into temptation.” We are not asking God not to lead us into temptation because God would not do that. We are asking God to give us the strength to avoid sin and temptation. We are asking God for the strength to avoid the peer pressure and sinful desires of the world. It is us that must find the strength to avoid sin. The Lord’s Prayer is simple, yet confident. Pray with confidence in the word’s our Father gave us. Listen to the words and understand what you are asking. God’s unending grace will free us from the traps and snares which cause us to sin.

 

A Simple Prayer

 

Father, hallowed be your name, your Kingdom come.

Give us each day our daily bread and forgive us our sins for we ourselves forgive everyone in debt to us, and

do not subject us to the final test.

 

Yours in Christ

Michael Marcon

 

Meditation Minute

My Dearest Brothers and Sisters in Christ:

 

You are anxious and worried about many things.

 

Gospel Reading: Luke 10:38-42

 

Jesus entered a village where a woman whose name was Martha welcomed him. She had a sister named Mary who sat beside the Lord at his feet listening to him speak.  Martha, burdened with much serving, came to  him and said, “Lord, do you not care that my sister has left me by myself to do the serving?  Tell her to help me.”  The Lord said to her in reply, “Martha, Martha, you are anxious and worried about many things. There is need of only one thing. Mary has chosen the better part and it will not be taken from her.”

 

Do you make time for God in your busy life? Do you take time to stop and hear the Word of God? When you are in church, is your time spent praying about the Gospel or is spent worrying about all the things you have to do? In today’s Gospel reading, we hear the story about Martha and Mary, two very close friends and disciples of Jesus. While Jesus was visiting their house, Martha was busy cleaning house and preparing dinner while Mary sat attentively at his feet listening to his teachings. Martha, caught up in her own neediness, complained to Jesus that Mary wasn’t helping. This gospel is describing two different servants of the Lord. Martha was busy preparing Jesus’ supper and is worried about the house, yet Mary was busy taking in the Word of God and worried about her spiritual house. Both jobs are important, but we must not let our lives get so anxious and busy that we forget to take in the Lord. While the meal that Martha was preparing is important, it is not as important as the food that Mary was receiving. How many times are our lives filled with activities which keep us from church, from prayer, from sitting at the feet of Christ? When we participate in these activities we need to free ourselves from our busy schedules and open our soul to Christ. We must be willing to nourish ourselves in the Word of God. Slow down, take time to stop and smell the roses; take time for God. No matter how busy your life is, do not forget to pray and experience a deeper relationship with God. Take time every evening to reflect on the day and to thank God for all the wonderful things he has provided. Take time to experience the Gospel.

 

A Simple Prayer

 

Lord, set me free from my busy life so I can enjoy the wonder and awe of your life.

Free me from the chains which bind me to my earthly worries.

I want to experience your undivided love.

 

Yours in Christ

Michael Marcon