Meditation Minute

My Dearest Brothers and Sisters in Christ:

 

"Ask and it will be given to you; seek and you will find; knock and the door will be opened to you."

 

Gospel Reading: Matthew 7:7-12

Jesus said to his disciples: "Ask and it will be given to you; 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. Which one of you would hand his son a stone when he asked for a loaf of bread, or a snake when he asked for a fish? If you then, who are wicked, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your heavenly Father give good things to those who ask him. "Do to others whatever you would have them do to you. This is the law and the prophets."

 

In today's Gospel reading, Jesus talks to the heart of prayer. Jesus tells us that the Father in heaven will give us what we need if we ask for it. He tells us, "For everyone who asks, receives; and the one who seeks, finds; and to the one who knocks, the door will be opened." More importantly, Jesus tells us that our Father in heaven will only give us what is good for us. "Which one of you would hand his son a stone when he asked for a loaf of bread?" When we pray to God, he listens. He also answers every prayer we send to him. However, he will only give us what we need to be nourished and fed. He does not send us things that will harm us. So when we ask for things from God and he does not appear to answer them in the way we want them answered, you should think about what you asked. Was it something that we truly needed or was it something that would lead us away from our salvation? Know that God has answered that prayer. Not only does God answer that prayer, he responds more abundantly then we deserve. Sometimes the most abundant answer he can give us is "No."

 

I guess the real question is, "Can you ever pray to much?" The simple answer is no. God is like an unending supply of mercy. If we need God's help, we can ask for it. Those who truly know the mercy and love of God pray often to God. The more we pray, the more we know and understand the power of prayer and the more we understand and know the abundant and glorious love of God that is poured out for us sinners on earth. No matter how evil man becomes, God is always there to pour out his love and grace for us. No matter how serious our needs, God is always willing to help pick us up and carry us through the troubled waters. We can either decide to swim through the turbulent waters of life alone or we can surrender our lives to God who calms the seas. How often do we refuse help or think we can tackle a problem on our own? We should learn to turn these things over to God. Many times, it is our pride that keeps us away from the glory of God. Surrender your pride to God today.

 

A Simple Prayer

 

Lord God in Heaven, you are my master.

Let me love you as I am, let me surrender myself to you.

Give me the strength to be a true disciple

Make my prayer life more bountiful and

Help me to conquer those things that keep me from you.

 

Yours in Christ

Michael Marcon

Meditation Minute

My Dearest Brothers and Sisters in Christ:

 

“This generation is an evil generation; it seeks a sign, but no sign will be given it, except the sign of Jonah.”

 

Gospel Reading: Luke 11:29-32

 

While still more people gathered in the crowd, Jesus said to them, “This generation is an evil generation; it seeks a sign, but no sign will be given it, except the sign of Jonah.  Just as Jonah became a sign to the Ninevites, so will the Son of Man be to this generation. At the judgment, the queen of the south will rise with the men of this generation and she will condemn them, because she came from the ends of the earth to hear the wisdom of Solomon, and there is something greater than Solomon here.  At the judgment the men of Nineveh will arise with this generation and condemn it, because at the preaching of Jonah they repented, and there is something greater than Jonah here.”

 

In today’s Gospel reading, the Jews are demanding a sign from Jesus. Jesus responds, “This generation is an evil generation; it seeks a sign, but no sign shall be given to it except the sign of Jonah.” So what was the sign of Jonah? Jonah was a profit who lead the Ninevites to do penance for their sins. His actions and preaching were seen as a sign that he was sent by God. The Ninevites were in trouble because of the sinful ways, but because of their repentant ways, God was merciful to them. This was the same message that Jesus brought to the Jews and is still true today. Jesus came to free us from the slavery of sins and to free us from the burdens of evil. His divine mercy was poured out for us for our own salvation. We are called to examine our conscience and to seek out mercy for those sins which darken our soul. We are called to actively seek forgiveness for our sins. God has mercy on us no matter what sin we commit. This generation is an evil generation; it should seek the sign that Jonah brought to the Ninevites. We should open up our souls and bear the things that keep us from entering the Kingdom of Heaven. When we open ourselves up to judgment by Christ, we remove the burdens that weigh us down.

 

A Simple Prayer

 

Lord God, help me to recognize my sinful ways.

Help me to free myself from the bonds of Satan

It is through your mercy and goodness that I am set free.

 

Yours in Christ

Michael Marcon

 

Meditation Minute

My Dearest Brothers and Sisters in Christ:

 

“In praying, do not babble like the pagans.”

 

Gospel Reading: Matthew 6:7-15

Jesus said to his disciples: “In praying, do not babble like the pagans, who think that they will be heard because of their many words. Do not be like them. Your Father knows what you need before you ask him.  “This is how you are to pray: Our Father who art in heaven, hallowed be thy name, thy Kingdom come, thy will be done, on earth as it is in heaven. Give us this day our daily bread; and forgive us our trespasses, as we forgive those who trespass against us; and lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil. “If you forgive men their transgressions, your heavenly Father will forgive you. But if you do not forgive men, neither will your Father forgive your transgressions.”

 

In today’s Gospel reading, Jesus presents us with the most perfect of prayers, the Lord’s prayer. One of the three pillars of good Christian Life is a focus on prayer and prayerful life. It is interesting how this readings starts out, “praying, do not babble like the pagans, who think that they will be heard because of their many words.” He goes on to tell them, “Do not be like them. Your Father knows what you need before you ask him.” God in heaven already knows our needs. We are told not to show off with prayer, but to be simple with our requests. Do not ramble, the simpler the request, the better. Any time you think that you need something, it should always be preceded with “If it is your will, …” Of all the prayers we say, the Lord’s prayer is the most perfect prayer of all because it was given to us by Christ. It encompasses everything Christians should stand for. It is truly a prayer formed from the Words of God.

 

No matter how bad the transgressions we have committed, God is waiting for us with open arms. In the Lord’s prayer, we ask for so much with so few words. First, we call forth God, not as a deity but as a paternal person when we say “Our Father”. This means that we have a loving relationship with God. God is the Father who protects us. We then give homage to his deity, “Hallowed be thy name.” We recognize that he is almighty. We also recognize that the kingdom of God is here among us and that it is God’s will that is important, “Thy kingdom come. Thy will be done, On earth as it is in heaven.” We call forth the kingdom to be here with us. We should desire eternal life with God and that must begin today. You cannot wait until the last day. It is through our actions today and our fulfillment of the sacraments that leads us to heaven. We ask God in this prayer to give us all that we need to survive the day, “Give us our daily bread.” God provides all that we need to survive. But likewise, we should only ask for what we need to survive that day otherwise greed and gluttony begin to consume our lives. We thank God for providing our daily needs by being sorrowful for our sins. However, not only must we be sorrowful for our own sins, we must also forgive those who have sinned against us. Jesus says, “For if you forgive men their trespasses, your heavenly Father also will forgive you; but if you do not forgive men their trespasses, neither will your Father forgive your trespasses.” Lastly, we ask God to be the light of our life. We ask him to lead us out of the darkness of sin and to deliver us from evil. We should say the Lord’s Prayer as often as possible. Any time you need a little help getting through the day, say the Lord’s prayer.

 

A Simple and perfect Prayer

 

Our Father who art in heaven, Hallowed be thy name.

Thy kingdom come. Thy will be done, On earth as it is in heaven.

Give us this day our daily bread; And forgive us our debts,

As we also have forgiven our debtors;

And lead us not into temptation, But deliver us from evil.

 

Yours in Christ

Michael Marcon

 

Meditation Minute

My Dearest Brothers and Sisters in Christ:

 

Gospel Reading: Matthew 16:13-19

When Jesus went into the region of Caesarea Philippi he asked his disciples, “Who do people say that the Son of Man is?” They replied, “Some say John the Baptist, others Elijah, still others Jeremiah or one of the prophets.” He said to them, “But who do you say that I am?” Simon Peter said in reply,  “You are the Christ, the Son of the living God.” Jesus said to him in reply, “Blessed are you, Simon son of Jonah. For flesh and blood has not revealed this to you, but my heavenly Father. And so I say to you, you are Peter, and upon this rock I will build my Church, and the gates of the netherworld shall not prevail against it. I will give you the keys to the Kingdom of heaven. Whatever you bind on earth shall be bound in heaven; and whatever you loose on earth shall be loosed in heaven.”

 

If you read all four of the gospels, it will become quite clear that Jesus’ disciples didn’t really know who he was until the very end of his ministry. This fact becomes very clear in today’s gospel. Jesus knows that the disciples lack the wisdom to recognize him, so he asks Peter, “Who do people say that the Son of Man is?" And they respond that " Some say John the Baptist, others Elijah, still others Jeremiah or one of the prophets." Jesus again asks his apostles, "But who do you say that I am?" Peter quickly responds, "You are the Christ, the Son of the living God." It is only Peter who recognizes that Jesus is the Messiah and the Son of God. Peter could not know this on his own. It had to be revealed to him. Jesus tells Peter that it was not man that revealed this to him but God our Father in Heaven. It was his undivided faith in Jesus that allowed him to understand and see Jesus as the Messiah. We are also called to have this same undivided faith. Jesus calls Peter a rock because his faith is rock solid. Is your faith rock solid? Would Jesus call you Peter (which means Rock) or would he refer to you as swamp muck. Take time today to ask yourself the difficult question – Who am I? A true and honest evaluation can help you refocus your life to be more like Peter. Even swamp muck can be formed into a rock under great pressure. Try to define what you need to do to strengthen your faith and to build the rock.

 

A Simple Prayer

 

Lord Jesus, solidify my faith.

Make me a rock to build you church upon.

Make my faith strong like Peter's.

Give me wisdom to bring others to you.

 

Yours in Christ

Michael Marcon

 

Meditation Minute

My Dearest Brothers and Sisters in Christ:

 

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

 

Gospel Reading: Matthew 9:14-15

The disciples of John approached Jesus and said, “Why do we and the Pharisees fast much, but your disciples do not fast?” Jesus answered them, “Can the wedding guests mourn as long as the bridegroom is with them? The days will come when the bridegroom is taken away from them, and then they will fast.”

 

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

 

A Simple Prayer

 

Come Lord Jesus, I hunger for your love.

I hunger for the love you poured out for us.

Help me conquer those things which keep me from you.

Help me fast from sins of my life.

 

Yours in Christ

Michael Marcon

 

Meditation Minute

My Dearest Brothers and Sisters in Christ:

 

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

 

Gospel Reading: Luke 9:22-25

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

 

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

 

A Simple Prayer

 

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

I give you my feet to go your way.

I give you my eyes to see as you do.

I give you my tongue to speak your words.

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

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

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

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

(Prayer from The Grail)

 

Yours in Christ

Michael Marcon

 

Meditation Minute

My Dearest Brothers and Sisters in Christ:

 

Gospel Reading: Matthew: 6:1-8, 16-18

 

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

 

Welcome to the Great Fast; the 40 days of Lent.  Today is the first day of a great journey towards the narrow gate which leads to heaven.  I think the Sermon on the Mount from the Gospel of Matthew is probably the first “How To” book ever written. Jesus spells out everything we need to do to be a good follower of Christ. The reading today focuses on the main pillars of lent. Today’s Gospel reading clearly tells us what we need to do during our Lenten journey. We need to pray, to fast and to give alms. Why is praying, fasting and almsgiving so important? Because these are the cardinal works of a pious life; these are the pillars of a good Christian life. But when your piety becomes more about what others think then about pleasing God, your piety becomes boosting and prideful. It becomes more about fulfilling your own desires then about fulfilling the needs of your neighbor. Lent is not about “me” but about “you.” Do you pray, fast or give alms so others will feel more highly about you or do you do it for the glory of God. Many of you are active in a number of church activities and ministries. Are we involved in those activities so we can check off a confirmation requirement or so that others feel good about us. Jesus warns us about self-seeking glory and that it will not buy us a place in heaven. He tells us that it is better to do these things and nobody know about them. The important thing is that God knows what is in our heart. He hears our prayers, he knows the things that we give up and he sees the aid we give to others. Nobody else needs to know. True piety is a loving devotion to our Lord and Savior. It is through the gifts that we have been given by God that we show God our appreciation. If we use these gifts to “impress others” then we are taunting these gifts in front of others for our own glory. We will be rewarded for our efforts, not by those who we impress, but by our God in heaven.

 

A Simple Prayer

 

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

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

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

 

Yours in Christ

Michael Marcon

 

 

Meditation Minute

My Dearest Brothers and Sisters in Christ:

 

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

 

Gospel Reading: Mark 8:14-21

 

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

 

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

 

A Simple Prayer

 

Lord Jesus, you are the bread of life.

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

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

 

Yours in Christ

Michael Marcon

 

Meditation Minute

My Dearest Brothers and Sisters in Christ:

 

“Why does this generation seek a sign?”

 

Gospel Reading: Mark 8:11-13

 

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

 

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

 

We are two days away from the beginning of lent.  Lent is a special time of sacrifice.  It is a time for us to refocus our life on Christ.  During this time, ask God for illumination so that you can see the path that leads to His front door.  It is in the sacrifices that we make that come from the heart that point us to God’s love.  This Lenten season, find sacrifices in your life that will hope turn your eyes to God.

 

A Simple Prayer

 

Lord Jesus, may I always see your loving ways.

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

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

 

Yours in Christ

Michael Marcon

 

Meditation Minute

My Dearest Brothers and Sisters in Christ:

 

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

 

Gospel Reading: Mark 7:31-37

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

 

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

 

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

 

A Simple Prayer

 

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

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

 

Yours in Christ

Michael Marcon

 

Meditation Minute

My Dearest Brothers and Sisters in Christ:

 

“Lord, even the dogs under the table eat the children’s scraps.”

 

Gospel Reading: Mark 7:24-30

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

 

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

 

A Simple Prayer

 

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

You are my Savior and my Lord.

May I trust you always and pursue your love.

May I never stray or weaken in my faith.

 

Yours in Christ

Michael Marcon

 

Meditation Minute

My Dearest Brothers and Sisters in Christ:

 

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

 

Gospel Reading: Mark 7:14-23

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

 

Where does evil come from? Jesus is quite clear that nothing that his Father in Heaven created is evil, but that evil comes out of man. We know that everything God created was a good and when He look at the whole of creation, He said that it was very good.  Therefore, evil is created by man himself.  Jesus says that “Nothing that enters one from outside can defile that person; but the things that come out from within are what defile.” Evil grows from within our own souls, the same place where God gave us the ability to love. Evil starts small as thoughts within our heart and begins to fill our soul and take over the love which was created by God. Evil grows from our own internal desires and thoughts. Some people like to believe that sin just happens and that there are evil things in this world that cause us to sin. But sin doesn’t just happen, it forms from deep inside us and then is projected from us into the world. It is our intentions that become actions which become evil. It is us who have to nurture the evil. Only the human mind can conceive evil and only the human will can allow it to grow. We must learn to take control of these thoughts. God wants to free us from the burdens which sin places upon us. God has placed the Holy Spirit within us to help us overcome the evil. It is through God that we recognize sin and through His grace that we are forgiven and freed from the bondage of sin and evil. God’s love for us enables us to recognize sin and gives us the strength to choose what is good and to reject what is evil. We must trust in the power of the Holy Spirit to lead us and guide us and to help us wipe out the evil that forms within.  As we begin to chose good over evil, we replace evil with our soul with the love fostered by God.  Today, ask yourself the simple question, “What occupies my soul?”

 

A Simple Prayer

 

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

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

May I chose good and concur the evil intentions within my soul.

 

Yours in Christ

Michael Marcon

 

Meditation Minute

My Dearest Brothers and Sisters in Christ:

 

Gospel Reading: Mark 7:1-13

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

A Simple Prayer

 

Lord God, master of all.

Help me to identify the sins in my life.

Give me the wisdom to recognize wrong from right

And the power to change and cleanse my soul.

 

Yours in Christ

Michael Marcon

 

Meditation Minute

My Dearest Brothers and Sisters IN Christ:

 

Gospel Reading: Mark 6:53-56

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

 

In today’s Gospel reading, again we hear the desire of the people seeking out Christ to be healed from their ailments. When the people heard that Christ was near, they flocked to see him. They brought him their sick even if they had to carry them on a mat. They had a deep desire to be freed from their inflictions. It says, “Whatever villages or towns or countryside he entered, they laid the sick in the marketplaces and begged him that they might touch only the tassel on his cloak; and as many as touched it were healed.” All they had to do was touch his cloak and they were healed. We too should seek out Christ with the same passion of the early Jews. Every Sunday, Christ is truly present in the mass. He comes in his full glory to heal and nurture us. We should bring the sick and the unclean before his altar so that they too can touch his cloak. We must approach the Eucharist with the same passion as the Israelites approached Jesus. We must abandon our doubts and those things we put in front of us that prevent us from truly seeing Christ.

 

It says in the reading that the people “immediately recognized him.” Do you recognize Christ when he is present? We must be able to recognize Christ whenever he is present in our life. We begin to recognize Christ the more we become committed to him. The more we look for him, the easier he is to find. In the mass, we see Christ in two different ways; we see him in the Word and we see him in the Eucharist. This is when Christ should be most visible to you. Christ is also present in all the Sacraments. The sacraments allows us to reach out and touch his garments and to be healed and to be brought closer to God. But Christ is also present everyday in our lives. All we need to do is open our eyes and see his glory all around us. No matter what village or town you are in, Christ is there healing the sick and freeing us from the bondage of our sins. There is no where you can go that Christ is not present. You just need to open your eyes to see him.

 

A Simple Prayer

 

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

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

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

 

Yours in Christ

Michael Marcon

 

Meditation Minute

My Dearest Brothers and Sisters in Christ

 

Gospel Reading: Mark 6: 14-29

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

A Simple Prayer

 

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

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

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

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

 

Yours in Christ

Michael Marcon

 

 

Meditation Minute

My Dearest Brothers and Sisters in Christ:

 

He sent them out two by two and gave them authority over unclean spirits.

 

Gospel Reading: Mark 6:7-13

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

A Simple Prayer

 

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

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

 

Yours in Christ

Michael Marcon

 

Meditation Minute

My Dearest Brothers and Sisters in Christ:

 

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

 

Gospel Reading: Mark 6:1-6

 

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

 

In today’s Gospel reading, Jesus returns home with his disciples to preach the Word in Nazareth. The towns people are astonished and amazed at his wisdom. One would think that the towns people would celebrate his wisdom. But instead they were very critical of Jesus’ abilities. They could not believe what they were hearing. They were offended by his abilities. Are we not the same to people that are closest to us. The people who judge us most severely are generally our closest friends and family. They are the ones who have a hard time believing in our success. They cannot believe that a carpenter, a simple man, a common laborer can be so profound in his wisdom. He is no longer just the son of Mary, but now a Rabi professing the Word of God with amazing wisdom.

 

How can Jesus from Nazareth perform such mighty deeds? In the end, the people of Nazareth could not accept his preaching because of who he was. They could only see him as this little boy who played in the streets. He was not from any special family and his father was just a carpenter, a person with no formal training. They immediately rejected Jesus because they knew him. They could not open their minds to accept the wisdom of his teaching. Because these people prejudged Jesus, they had hardened their hearts to his message. They would never accept what he had to say because they had already determined that he was inferior. We can do the same thing with people that we know, with our friends and our family. We need to be open to the gifts God gives us and to others. We need to be willing to accept the good news from God without exception no matter from who it comes.

 

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

 

A Simple Prayer

 

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

Let me experience the Gospels like a new found friend.

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

 

Yours in Christ

Michael Marcon

 

 

Meditation Minute

My Dearest Brothers and Sisters in Christ:

 

“Mary and Joseph took Jesus up to Jerusalem to present him to the Lord.”

 

Gospel Reading: Luke 2:22-32

When the days were completed for their purification according to the law of Moses, Mary and Joseph took Jesus up to Jerusalem to present him to the Lord, just as it is written in the law of the Lord, Every male that opens the womb shall be consecrated to the Lord, and to offer the sacrifice of a pair of turtledoves or two young pigeons, in accordance with the dictate in the law of the Lord.  Now there was a man in Jerusalem whose name was Simeon. This man was righteous and devout, awaiting the consolation of Israel, and the Holy Spirit was upon him. It had been revealed to him by the Holy Spirit that he should not see death before he had seen the Christ of the Lord. He came in the Spirit into the temple; and when the parents brought in the child Jesus to perform the custom of the law in regard to him, he took him into his arms and blessed God, saying: “Now, Master, you may let your servant go  in peace, according to your word, for my eyes have seen your salvation, which you prepared in the sight of all the peoples: a light for revelation to the Gentiles, and glory for your people Israel.”

In the old church tradition, the Christmas Season would end today with the Feast of the Presentation of the Lord. This is the day that Christ of the Lord is presented formally to the world in the temple.  This is the day that humanity thanked God for the gift that He had given.  Mary and Joseph take Jesus to Jerusalem for his purification. In this ceremony, every male child is “consecrated to the Lord.” Not only is the child offered up, but a sacrifice was made at the same time. But because Mary and Joseph were poor, they could not make the customary sacrifice of a lamb or goat, but sacrifice a pair of birds. Theirs is but a humble sacrifice for someone so great. The Jews recognized that all God’s creations were a gift including the children. The children were taken to the temple to offer them up into his service. This was a commitment to raise their children according to Mosaic Law.

 

The Gospel reading goes on to discuss an elderly man named Simeon. Simeon was the Rabi that performed the purification ceremony. He was a man filled with the Holy Spirit and knew that Christ the Lord would visit his temple before he died. Once he holds Jesus in his hand, he replies, “Now, Master, you may let your servant go in peace, according to your word, for my eyes have seen your salvation, which you prepared in the sight of all the peoples: a light for revelation to the Gentiles, and glory for your people Israel.” Simon not only acknowledges Jesus as the Messiah for the people of Israel, but also for the entire world. Jesus brought the true light into the world so that all could find Glory in God. Simeon was not the only witness in the temple. The Gospel reading mentions a second witness, Anna, that was a prophetess that never left the temple. Anna was completely devoted to God and worshiped night and day with fasting and prayer. Because of her devotion to God and her purity of heart, she also recognized Jesus as the Messiah.

 

The Lord found favor in these two witnesses, not because of their worldly riches, but because of the spiritual commitment to God. They devoted their lives to the coming of Christ. They waited patiently until his arrival and when Jesus was presented to them in the temple, they recognized him as the Messiah. They became a witness and a proclamation of the coming of the Lord. How devoted are you to God? Are you willing to fast and pray every day for his glory? Are you willing to proclaim the presence of God in your life? Or are you consumed with the world around you? What offering are you willing to make for God? Mary and Joseph made a simple offering to God to honor God and to thank him for their son. Our offerings do not need to be grand, but they need to be from the heart. When we fast, we should fast from things that separate us from God and when we pray, we should pray with a contrite heart.

 

A Simple Prayer

 

Lord, help me recognize you in my life.

Help me to see the one true light and to follow its path.

Give me the strength to proclaim your presence.

 

Yours in Christ

Michael Marcon