Meditation Minute

My Dearest Brothers and Sisters in Christ:

 

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

 

Gospel Reading: Matthew 26:14-25

 

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

 

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

 

A Simple Prayer

 

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

I know that he suffered for our sins.

I know that through my sins I betray him.

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

 

Yours in Christ

Michael Marcon

 

 

Meditation Minute

My Dearest Brothers and Sisters in Christ:

 

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

 

Gospel Reading: John 12:1-11

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

A Simple Prayer

 

Lord, may my love for you be extravagant.

May I the will to offer all that own.

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

 

Yours in Christ

Michael Marcon

 

 

Meditation Minute

My Dearest Brothers and Sisters in Christ:

 

“I am the Son of God.”

 

Gospel Reading: John 10:31-42

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

A Simple Prayer

 

“Praise be to you, Lord Jesus Christ!”

Praise be to you for your miracles,

Praise be to you for your agony,

Praise be to you for your suffering, and

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

 

Yours in Christ and in the Cross

Michael Marcon

Meditation Minute

My Dearest Brothers And Sisters in Christ:

 

Gospel Reading: Luke 1:26-38

 

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

 

Today is the Feast of the Annunciation of our Lord. This is the day that Mary finds out that she is the Mother of our Salvation. On this day, the Holy Spirit entered Mary and impregnates her with the seed that becomes the Savior for our sins. Heaven is brought down to earth and all mankind has received the most glorious gift, “the Word made Flesh.” The Angel Gabriel came to Mary and said, “The Holy Spirit will come upon you, and the power of the Most High will overshadow you. Therefore the child to be born will be called holy, the Son of God.  When the Angel Gabriel approaches Mary with the news, Mary doesn’t immediately jump for joy. Her first response is “Why me” followed by a quick, “You gotta be kidding!” Mary is then comforted by the Angel. He tells her not to fear because “she has found favor with God.” Mary then responds, “May it be done to me according to your word.” Mary accepts what God has asked her to do. How many times have we been asked by God to do something? How many times have we been asked to stand up for our brothers and sisters and our response has been “Why me Lord, I am just a ordinary person” or probably more appropriately, “You want me to do what!” Mary was the purified vessel that carried the Lord Jesus Christ; it was she who brought the Word Flesh into this human world. It was she who allowed our humanity to become complete. We are all asked to bring Jesus into this World through our actions.

 

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

 

A Simple Prayer

 

Lord, may I say yes to you do today!

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

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

 

Yours in Christ

Michael Marcon

 

Meditation Minute

My Dearest Brothers and Sisters in Christ:

 

“Amen, amen, I say to you, everyone who commits sin is a slave of sin.”

 

Gospel Reading: John 8:31-42

 

Jesus said to those Jews who believed in him, "If you remain in my word, you will truly be my disciples, and you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free." They answered him, "We are descendants of Abraham and have never been enslaved to anyone.  How can you say, 'You will become free'?" Jesus answered them, "Amen, amen, I say to you, everyone who commits sin is a slave of sin. A slave does not remain in a household forever, but a son always remains.  So if the Son frees you, then you will truly be free. I know that you are descendants of Abraham. But you are trying to kill me, because my word has no room among you.  I tell you what I have seen in the Father's presence; then do what you have heard from the Father."  They answered and said to him, "Our father is Abraham."  Jesus said to them, "If you were Abraham's children, you would be doing the works of Abraham.  But now you are trying to kill me, a man who has told you the truth that I heard from God; Abraham did not do this. You are doing the works of your father!" So they said to him, "We were not born of fornication.  We have one Father, God."  Jesus said to them, "If God were your Father, you would love me, for I came from God and am here; I did not come on my own, but he sent me."

 

Why is sin so alluring. It’s that mistress that captivates us into a life of slavery.  Sin burdens our life and prevents us from spiritual growth.  Sin also blinds us from knowing and bonding with God.  Jesus tells us, “If you remain in my word, you will truly be my disciples, and you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free.” In today’s Gospel reading, Jesus is questioned by those who believe in him. They ask Jesus, “We are descendants of Abraham and have never been enslaved to anyone.  How can you say, 'You will become free'?” The answer is simple, “Amen, amen, I say to you, everyone who commits sin is a slave of sin.” We make ourselves slaves to sin and to the material world. Our wants, our desires can become the master who keeps us from the freedom we experience through God’s love and mercy. When it becomes our will and not His, we fall prey to the lures that trap us into the bondage of sin. Jesus tells us that “slave does not remain in a household forever, but a son always remains.  So if the Son frees you, then you will truly be free.” To free ourselves from slavery, we must submit to God’s will. We are rewarded for our faithfulness with eternal life with our Father in heaven. Jesus defeated sin on the cross and defeated death through His resurrection. He gave his life so that we too could experience eternal life in heaven. He was willing to make the ultimate sacrifice for us. He was whipped and beaten for our sins. According to St. Bridget of Sweden, Christ took over 5,400 lashings for our sins.  In these actions, he releases us from the bonds of slavery. All we need to do is to submit to his will. Through the gift and power of the Holy Spirit, we can chose to renounce sin and walk with Christ. We can chose to be a disciple of Christ. A disciple is one who listens and follows the Word of God. We must humble ourselves and open our hearts to his love and mercy. Once we do this, we become truly free from the bonds of sin and the material world.

 

A Simple Prayer

 

Lord Jesus, make me a disciple of your love and mercy.

Free me from the bonds of sin and the material world

So I may share your love and grace with others.

 

Yours in Christ

Michael Marcon

 

Meditation Minute

My Dearest Brothers and Sisters in Christ:

 

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

 

Gospel Reading John 8:21-30

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

A Simple Prayer

 

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

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

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

 

Yours in Christ

Michael Marcon

 

Meditation Minute

My Dearest Brothers and Sisters in Christ:

 

“Whoever follows me will not walk in darkness, but will have the light of life.”

 

Gospel Reading: John 8:12-20

 

Jesus spoke to them again, saying, “I am the light of the world. Whoever follows me will not walk in darkness, but will have the light of life.”  So the Pharisees said to him, “You testify on your own behalf, so your testimony cannot be verified.” Jesus answered and said to them, “Even if I do testify on my own behalf, my testimony can be verified, because I know where I came from and where I am going. But you do not know where I come from or where I am going. You judge by appearances, but I do not judge anyone. And even if I should judge, my judgment is valid, because I am not alone, but it is I and the Father who sent me. Even in your law it is written that the testimony of two men can be verified. I testify on my behalf and so does the Father who sent me.” So they said to him, “Where is your father?” Jesus answered, “You know neither me nor my Father. If you knew me, you would know my Father also.” He spoke these words while teaching in the treasury in the temple area. But no one arrested him, because his hour had not yet come.

 

Do you ever feel that your life is shrouded in darkness?  During these periods of darkness and despair you feel disoriented and lost.  In today’s Gospel reading, Christ declares that He is the “light of the world”.  It is He who will light the way.  In darkness, we can become scared and panic.  The easiest way to conquer fear is to move into the light.  During Lent, we are called to move into the light.  The darkness is cold and empty yet the light is warm and comforting.  When our life is in disarray and we are lost in the darkness, we should look to Christ for our hope and comfort.  If Christ is the light, then why did the Pharisees question him?  They questioned Him, because they did not see the light.  They could not accept him as the one who came to comfort them and to save them.  He was not the mighty military warrior they were expecting, but a meek and humble man.  How could this simple man be their savior?  Christ accused them of judging by appearance.  It was because they were shrouded in the darkness of doubt that they could not see that Jesus was the Christ.  His Father foretold them of his coming, but they could not understand because they lived in darkness. During these final two weeks of Lent, we need to find the light which Christ shines upon us.  In this light we will find comfort and happiness.

 

A Simple Prayer

 

Lord, You are the light of the World.

May your light lead me out of darkness.

May your light warm my soul and give strength.

 

Yours in Christ

Michael Marcon

Meditation Minute

My Dearest Brothers and Sisters in Christ:

 

“Whoever is not with me is against me.” 

 

Gospel Reading: Luke 11:14-23

 

Jesus was driving out a demon that was mute, and when the demon had gone out, the mute man spoke and the crowds were amazed. Some of them 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.”

 

There are only two teams in the battle between good and evil and there are no bystanders.  Either you are with God or you are not.  There is no middle ground.  We are given a simple command to follow God; yet we tend to harden our heart to his will.  We want to test Christ.  “If today you hear his voice” then “come into his presence.”  When we were young children, we would put our fingers in our ears to avoid hearing what we perceived as unpleasant commands or orders from our parents.  We considered that message as “bad news.”  As young adults, we sometimes block the ears of our soul to keep from hearing God’s commands because we don’t want to hear what he has to say, we block out the Good News of his love for us.  We get confused by the messages around us.  Today’s Gospel goes deep to the root of the problem.  Here we see Jesus driving a mute demon from a man and after the demon has left his body, the man is able to speak.  The people who witnessed this miracle were amazed, yet at the same time they questioned Jesus’ ability to perform the miracle.  The people tested him asking for a sign from heaven, yet others thought it was by the power of Satin that this man was cured.  Why did the people question the miracle of Christ?  Why were the people divided?  Who created this mistrust?  Satin tries to confuse the scene by creating conflict and doubt.  He tries to divide the parties to cause them to question the pure goodness of what just happened.  Yet we close our hearts to his wonder and awe.  At times our spiritual life can be deafened by the mute demon.  He sends us things to separate us from good.  Unfortunately, we are tempted and fall prey to his ways.  We must be able to build a strong defense to protect ourselves from Satin.  We do this through prayer, through the sacrament of the Eucharist and through reconciliation.  These should become habitual habits in your life for they will become the armor that protects you.

 

We are at the midpoint in Lent.  Is God’s message coming through loud and clear or is it being confused by Satin.  Are you finding it difficult to stay on course.  Victory over evil comes through prayer.  In Lent, we try to separate ourselves from things we think are evil (e.g., X Box, television, candy).  “We do not detach ourselves from things in order to attach ourselves to God, but rather we become detached from ourselves in order to see and use all things in and for God.” (Thomas Merton).  God has not created anything evil.  Everything God created is good.  We make those things evil.  That is why during Lent, we separate ourselves from the evil acts we commit with the gifts that God has given us.  The obstacle in joining God’s team is in our “self”, not in the objects we have given up.  Thomas Merton goes on to say, “The only true joy on earth is to escape from the prison of our own false self, and enter by love into union with the Life who dwells and sings within the essence of every creature and in the core of our own souls.”

 

A Simple Prayer

 

Lord, I am with you.

Help me detach myself from my sinful ways.

Help me attach myself to God’s love and wisdom

So that I can be a disciple of God for others.

 

Yours in Christ

Michael Marcon

 

Meditation Minute

My Dearest Brothers and Sisters in Christ:

 

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

 

Gospel Reading: Matthew 5:17-19

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

 

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

 

A Simple Prayer

 

God, help me to obey your commandments.

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

Give me the grace to lead others to your will.

 

Yours in Christ

Michael Marcon

 

 

Meditation Minute

My Dearest Brothers and Sisters in Christ:

 

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

 

Gospel Reading: Matthew 18:21-35

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

 

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

 

A Simple Prayer

 

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

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

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

 

Yours in Christ

Michael Marcon

 

 

Meditation Minute

My Dearest brothers and Sisters in Christ:

 

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

 

Gospel Reading: Luke 4:24-30

 

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

 

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

 

A Simple Prayer

 

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

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

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

 

Yours in Christ

Michael F. Marcon

 

Meditation Minute

My Dearest Brothers and Sisters in Christ:

 

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

 

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

 

The word Gospel means the “Good News of the Lord”. In today’s Gospel reading, we definitely hear the Good News of the Lord. At first reading, one may conclude that the message is rather harsh. A landowner builds a vineyard and then leases this land to tenants to harvest. When the landowner sends his servants for the harvest, the tenants, belligerent with power, kill the servants. The landowner, sends a larger group of servants and the same fate awaits them. Finally, the landowner “sent his son to them, thinking, 'They will respect my son.' But when the tenants saw the son, they said to one another, 'This is the heir. Come, let us kill him and acquire his inheritance’.” God planted us a vineyard on this earth, he sent us great profits and priest to harvest the fruits of his vineyard and we stoned and killed the messengers of God. As a last step to convert us and to bring us into his fold, God sent his only-begotten son, and we threw him out and killed him. Jesus tells us, “If they will not listen to Moses, and the profits, neither will they be persuaded if someone should rise from the dead.” (Luke 16:31). Jesus goes on to say in today’s Gospel, “Therefore, I say to you, the Kingdom of God will be taken away from you and given to a people that will produce its fruit.”

 

As children of God, we have been provided the vineyard of the Lord. We are called to produce the fruits of the vineyard. Are we producing the fruits of the vineyard for our own gain or for our master in heaven. Are we “killing the messenger” or are we glorifying the Word. Today’s message is harsh, but the message is clear and good. We shall inherit the Kingdom of God , if we produce its fruit. Whenever and wherever the Holy Spirit enters our hearts, we should listen. No matter how painful the message, we should obey. We are tenants of this earth, what have you done to produce its fruits? During Lent, listen to the Word of the Lord. Ask the Lord for Wisdom in hearing his message. The apostle James tells us, “If any of you are lacking in Wisdom, ask God, who gives to all generously and ungrudgingly, and it will be given to you.” (James 1:5).

 

A Simple Prayer

 

Lord, I am in the midst of your vineyard

Give me wisdom to know how to harvest the fruit

So I too can bear fruit in your kingdom.

 

Yours in Christ

Michael Marcon

 

Meditation Minute

My Dearest Brothers and Sisters in Christ:

 

Gospel Reading: Luke 16:19-31

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

 

Where are you in your Lenten journey?  The past couple of messages have focused on turning our eyes upward to the Lord.  Finding the path that leads us to heaven and abandoning those earthly things that prevent us from walking with Christ.  Today’s Gospel message goes much deeper, it asks us to sacrifice our gifts for the others.  Today’s Gospel is the parable about the rich man and Lazarus.  In this parable the rich man “dressed in purple garments and fine linens and dined sumptuously each day” and poor Lazarus was a poor many lying at the door covered in sores and would have “gladly have eaten his fill of the scraps that fell from the rich man’s table.”  It appears from the beginning of this gospel that the rich man has been blessed with much wealth while Lazarus has been punished with poverty.  But in the end, Lazarus is received into the arms of Abraham and the rich man rots in the fires of hell.  Treasures of every kind, material or not, are gifts from God.  These gifts are given to us so that we may share them with others.  If we hoard these gifts, then we deny the gifts that have been given to us.  Wickedness is not always obvious; the neglect of simple kindness kills our soul as does open violence and hatred.  And if we brag about our treasures and put them on display for others, we have magnified the evil of our sin.  “As you have given, so shall you receive.” 

 

The social teachings of the church tell us that God’s covenant with Israel (that’s us by the way), is dependent upon how his people treat the poor and less fortunate.  The United States Bishops pastoral letter, Economic Justice for All, tells us, “as followers of Jesus, we are challenged to make a fundamental ‘option for the poor’ – to speak for the voiceless, to defend the defenseless, to assess lifestyles, policies, and social institutions in terms of their impact on the poor.”  In others words, we are called to be a social society where we not only care about ourselves, but about the wellbeing of all humanity.  “If someone who has worldly means sees his brother in need and refuses him compassion, how can the love of God remain in him?” (1 John 3:17)  The poor are those who stand in need of our love, our time, our talents and our concern. 

 

Saint Peter Chrysologus tells us in his Compassion for Lazarus, “But, you object, O rich man: ‘Even if I did refuse to give wine, what I ask for is water, which the Creator himself of all beings and nature gave as something common to all human beings.’  I think, O rich man, that you refused even water to the poor man.  You exposed him to the many dogs as you keep him from entering your door and coming to your well.”  While I reflect upon this passage, I think about the times I have seen a homeless person and turned the other way, or passed a begger on the side of the street and locked my door to keep him out.  Are you building barriers that prevent access to the basic necessities of life for those that are less fortunate.  This Lent, make an extra effort to spend your money and free time for the poor, for those who could truly benefit from the gifts that God has given you.  Your gifts are treasures for you to spend on earth, your entrance into heaven is not based on how much you have amassed, but how much you have given away.  It is better to die having spent all your gifts and live in heaven then to live on earth in the glory of gifts and die to the eternal life.

 

A Simple Prayer

 

O God, you loved us so much that you gave us your only son to sacrifice his life for us.

Strengthen our will so that we can live like Christ and be a sacrifice for others.

 

Yours in Christ

Michael Marcon

 

 

Meditation Minute

My Dearest Brothers and Sisters in Christ:

 

Gospel Reading: Matthew 20:17-28

 

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

 

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

 

A Simple Prayer

Lord God, you are my master and my ruler.

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

I want to carry the cross which leads others to heaven

 

Yours in Christ

Michael Marcon

 

 

Meditation Minute

My Dearest Brothers and Sisters in Christ:

 

Gospel Reading: Matthew 23:1-12

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

 

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

 

A Simple Prayer

 

Lord Jesus, you were the servant of all mankind.

Teach me to be humble and contrite.

Teach me to love my neighbor as myself.

 

Yours in Christ

Michael Marcon

 

Meditation Minute

My Dearest Brothers and Sisters in Christ:

 

“Be merciful, just as your Father is merciful.”

 

Gospel Reading: 6:36-38

 

Jesus said to his disciples: “Be merciful, just as your Father is merciful. “Stop judging and you will not be judged. Stop condemning and you will not be condemned. Forgive and you will be forgiven. Give and gifts will be given to you; a good measure, packed together, shaken down, and overflowing, will be poured into your lap. For the measure with which you measure will in return be measured out to you.”

 

In today’s Gospel reading, we are told how to be merciful “just as your Father is merciful.” We are told that we should not judge or condemn others, but that we should forgive those who trespassed against us and give of ourselves if we expect to receive. If we follow this simple rule, Jesus says, “Give and gifts will be given to you; a good measure, packed together, shaken down, and overflowing, will be poured into your lap.” Everything we give will be given back to us. All the glory we give to others is also given to God and God returns the glory to us. The model that Jesus presents to us is the exact model of God himself. God is the most merciful and loving and we are commanded to be as merciful and loving to others. During lent, we are called to abandon those things which keep us from becoming like Christ. This means abandoning our judgmental ways and to avoid condemning others. Instead, we are called to give of ourselves even to those people we would judge. This is the ultimate definition of mercy. We are called to be understanding to those who are in error. The love which God expects from us saves us from error. We are called to reject the error but we are never called to condemn the person who may commit the error. If we condemn the person, he loses his dignity as a person. God alone is our judge and that day is coming. While we are on earth, we are only commanded to give, forgive and love our fellow man.  We are called to be an example for others and to help guide them to the kingdom of heaven.  How can we do that if we are too busy condemning others to hell?

 

A Simple Prayer

 

Lord God, you are so kind and merciful.

Help me to set aside my judgment and condemnation.

Help me to forgive my fellow man.

Help me to see past his sins as I too am a sinner.

Yours in Christ

Michael Marcon