Meditatioin Minute

My Dearest Brothers and Sisters in Christ:

 

“May no one ever eat of your fruit again!”

 

Gospel Reading: Mark 11:11-26

 

Jesus entered Jerusalem and went into the temple area. He looked around at everything and, since it was already late, went out to Bethany with the Twelve. The next day as they were leaving Bethany he was hungry. Seeing from a distance a fig tree in leaf, he went over to see if he could find anything on it. When he reached it he found nothing but leaves; it was not the time for figs. And he said to it in reply, “May no one ever eat of your fruit again!” And his disciples heard it. They came to Jerusalem, and on entering the temple area he began to drive out those selling and buying there. He overturned the tables of the money changers and the seats of those who were selling doves. He did not permit anyone to carry anything through the temple area. Then he taught them saying, “Is it not written: My house shall be called a house of prayer for all peoples? But you have made it a den of thieves.” The chief priests and the scribes came to hear of it and were seeking a way to put him to death, yet they feared him because the whole crowd was astonished at his teaching. When evening came, they went out of the city. Early in the morning, as they were walking along, they saw the fig tree withered to its roots. Peter remembered and said to him, “Rabbi, look! The fig tree that you cursed has withered.” Jesus said to them in reply, “Have faith in God. Amen, I say to you, whoever says to this mountain, ‘Be lifted up and thrown into the sea,’ and does not doubt in his heart but believes that what he says will happen, it shall be done for him. Therefore I tell you, all that you ask for in prayer, believe that you will receive it and it shall be yours. When you stand to pray, forgive anyone against whom you have a grievance, so that your heavenly Father may in turn forgive you your transgressions.”

 

Today’s gospel reading appears to have several unrelated stories.  First, Jesus curses a fig tree because it is fruitless.  Second, Jesus is driving merchants from the temple because they are abusing the sacred area.  Lastly, the gospel reading talks about having faith and forgiving those with whom you have a grievance.  So what is the link within the message.  The underlying message has to do with us as a temple of God.  If we do not produce fruit for the Lord, then we will not enter into eternal life.  We will dry up and wither away.  We must not only be productive, but we must take care of our soul to make sure that it does not become corrupt with our sins.  We must cleanse our soul of the den of thieves which try to put out the fire within.  They rob us of our spirituality and leave us void.  Lastly, we must have undying faith in the power of God.  We must know that our faith in God is founded in our prayers with God.  When we talk to God and ask God for help, we must have faith that he will answer our prayers.  Lastly, how can we ask for forgiveness if we are unwilling to forgive those who have trespassed against us.  Our temple will not be pure and sacred if we hold grudges against our fellow brothers and sisters.  Today’s gospel reading is about forming a temple which is worthy of our Father in Heaven.  What fruit does your temple produce?  Does it even produce fruit at all? 

 

A Simple Prayer

 

Lord God, you are the fire within my soul.

Help me find the strength to drive out the thieves

And give me the love I need to produce fruit worthy of our Father in Heaven.

 

Yours in Christ

Michael Marcon

Meditation Minute

My Dearest Brothers and Sisters in Christ:

 

“Jesus, son of David, have pity on me.”

 

Gospel Reading: Mark 10:46-52

 

As Jesus was leaving Jericho with his disciples and a sizable crowd, Bartimaeus, a blind man, the son of Timaeus, sat by the roadside begging. On hearing that it was Jesus of Nazareth, he began to cry out and say, “Jesus, son of David, have pity on me.”  And many rebuked him, telling him to be silent. But he kept calling out all the more, “Son of David, have pity on me.” Jesus stopped and said, “Call him.” So they called the blind man, saying to him, “Take courage; get up, Jesus is calling you.” He threw aside his cloak, sprang up, and came to Jesus. Jesus said to him in reply, “What do you want me to do for you?” The blind man replied to him, “Master, I want to see.” Jesus told him, “Go your way; your faith has saved you.” Immediately he received his sight and followed him on the way.

 

In today’s gospel reading, Jesus is approached by a blind man.  What is most interesting is that the blind man does not ask for his sight, but asks for Jesus to “have pity”.  He asks Jesus to have compassion on his soul.  In the days of Christ, if a person had an affliction, it was thought to be a punishment from God.  Therefore, before the man could gain his sight, Jesus had to have compassion.  The crowds tried to keep the blind man away, yet he kept calling out.  He knew that his sight was only possible from the compassion of God himself.  Jesus asks him, “What do you want me to do for you?”  He replies, “Master, I want to see.”  So often in our own life we are blinded by the world or blinded by the problems that afflict our lives.  We cry out to God and the world rebukes us.  They try to prevent us from seeing God.  So often we give up on our quest to see the true light of the world which will set us free from our afflictions.  When you cry out to God, he responds with a simple question, “What do you want me to do for you?”  We must respond, “Master, I want to see.”  If we are tue in our requests, our faith will save us and free us from our affliction.

 

A Simple Prayer

 

Lord God, I am blind,

Give me sight so I can see your wonderful works.

 

Yours in Christ

Michael Marcon

 

Meditation Minute

My Dearest Brothers and Sisters in Christ:

 

“Are you able to drink the cup that I drink.”

 

Gospel Reading: Mark 10:32-45

 

And they were on the road, going up to Jerusalem, and Jesus was walking ahead of them; and they were amazed, and those who followed were afraid. And taking the twelve again, he began to tell them what was to happen to him, saying, "Behold, we are going up to Jerusalem; and the Son of man will be delivered to the chief priests and the scribes, and they will condemn him to death, and deliver him to the Gentiles; and they will mock him, and spit upon him, and scourge him, and kill him; and after three days he will rise." And James and John, the sons of Zebedee, came forward to him, and said to him, "Teacher, we want you to do for us whatever we ask of you." And he said to them, "What do you want me to do for you?" And they said to him, "Grant us to sit, one at your right hand and one at your left, in your glory." But Jesus said to them, "You do not know what you are asking. Are you able to drink the cup that I drink, or to be baptized with the baptism with which I am baptized?" And they said to him, "We are able." And Jesus said to them, "The cup that I drink you will drink; and with the baptism with which I am baptized, you will be baptized; but to sit at my right hand or at my left is not mine to grant, but it is for those for whom it has been prepared." And when the ten heard it, they began to be indignant at James and John. And Jesus called them to him and said to them, "You know that those who are supposed to rule over the Gentiles lord it over them, and their great men exercise authority over them. But it shall not be so among you; but whoever would be great among you must be your servant, and whoever would be first among you must be slave of all. For the Son of man also came not to be served but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many."

 

In today’s gospel reading, James and John are just a little bold in asking Jesus to sit at his side in the Kingdom of Heaven. Jesus challenges them when he says, "You do not know what you are asking. Are you able to drink the cup that I drink, or to be baptized with the baptism with which I am baptized?" Basically, Jesus is telling James and John that their request is a little bit self serving. Even worse, this request causes conflict among the other disciples. Who would be so bold as to ask this question?  The other disciples want to know why James and John should get to sit at the right hand of the Father because the two are no better than they are. The gospel reading says that the other disciples “began to be indignant at James and John.” Jesus, feeling the tension among his disciples said to them: “but whoever would be great among you must be your servant, and whoever would be first among you must be slave of all. For the Son of man also came not to be served but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many.” So what is Jesus calling us to do? We must be willing to drink of His cup and live His baptism. Jesus’ cup was one of sacrifice and servitude. Therefore, to reign in the Kingdom of Heaven, we must be willing to make great sacrifices. We must be willing to be servants to those who are least. We must be willing to wash the feet of the lowliest of mankind.

 

Jesus calls us to drink His cup. This means living a truly Christian life and making daily sacrifices. It is easy for us to glorify God when we’re in church and to do good deeds for our parents, our close friends or possibly even our siblings. But how easy is it for us to be a servant to the homeless, to the poor, to the elderly, to the cripple? Do we go out of our way to help the poor or the aging? When was the last time you worked in a soup kitchen? Jesus came to this earth not to be served, but to serve. He came to free us from the slavery of sin. He came to free us to the bonds of our material desires.  To truly be the Messiah, Christ had to be a servant to all. Are you willing to sacrifice your life to be a servant for the Lord? You need to ask the Lord to help you discern your calling; to help you understand what it means to be his servant. Ask Him to guide you in a clear direction to be his servant.

 

A Simple Prayer

 

Lord Jesus, You died on the Cross as a ransom for many.

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

to live in the fullness of your baptism.

From this nourishment, may I be a loyal servant to you.

Yours in Christ Michael Marcon

 

Meditation Minute

My Dearest Brothers and Sisters in Christ:

 

“But many that are first will be last, and the last first.”

 

Gospel Reading: Mark 10:28-31

 

Peter began to say to Jesus, “We have given up everything and followed you.” Jesus said, “Amen, I say to you, there is no one who has given up house or brothers or sisters or mother or father or children or lands for my sake and for the sake of the Gospel who will not receive a hundred times more now in this present age: houses and brothers and sisters and mothers and children and lands, with persecutions, and eternal life in the age to come. But many that are first will be last, and the last will be first.”

 

What is it that we treasure most in life?  What do you place first in your life?  Christ tells us that everyone who gives up their material possessions for God will be rewarded a hundred times.  But more importantly, we must shed everything that keeps us from entering the Kingdom of Heaven.  When we remove ourselves from the bondage of our material possessions, we remove ourselves from the baggage which they possess.  This transfers the power from the earthly goods to us.  We become in control of these items and not vice versa.  By giving up everything, we remove ourselves from our selfish behavior.  In return, we develop a charitable heart.  A heart which allows us to give more fully of ourselves.  By giving everything away, we get it all back plus more.  This does not suggest that we will become millionaires, but that we will no longer be controlled by our worldly possessions.  Jesus also lists persecution as one of our rewards.  When we become like Christ, we share in the true glory of God.  Christ was persecuted and suffered for our salvation.  We must also be willing to share in the same persecution.  When we share in the burden of the cross, we help Christ burden the pain he endured for all of humanity.  We also must suffer to fully achieve the glorify of God in Heaven.  No earthly good or possession can equate to the peace and joy in knowing God.  Christ is offering us a true vision of Heaven if we are willing to make the sacrifice. 

 

A Simple Prayer

 

Come Holy Spirit, fill my heart with the peace and joy of the Gospel.

May I be filled with the knowledge of God’s personal love.

Breakaway the bonds of my worldly possessions so I can live more closely to thee.

 

Yours in Christ

Michael Marcon

 

Meditation Minute

My Dearest Brothers and Sisters in Christ:

 

“Good teacher, what must I do to inherit eternal life?”

 

Gospel Reading 10:17-27

 

As Jesus was setting out on a journey, a man ran up, knelt down before him, and asked him, “Good teacher, what must I do to inherit eternal life?” Jesus answered him, “Why do you call me good? No one is good but God alone. You know the commandments: You shall not kill; you shall not commit adultery; you shall not steal; you shall not bear false witness; you shall not defraud; honor your father and your mother.” He replied and said to him, “Teacher, all of these I have observed from my youth.”  Jesus, looking at him, loved him and said to him, “You are lacking in one thing. Go, sell what you have, and give to the poor and you will have treasure in heaven; then come, follow me.” At that statement, his face fell, and he went away sad, for he had many possessions. Jesus looked around and said to his disciples, “How hard it is for those who have wealth to enter the Kingdom of God!” The disciples were amazed at his words. So Jesus again said to them in reply, “Children, how hard it is to enter the Kingdom of God! It is easier for a camel to pass through the eye of a needle than for one who is rich to enter the Kingdom of God.” They were exceedingly astonished and said among themselves, “Then who can be saved?” Jesus looked at them and said, “For men it is impossible, but not for God. All things are possible for God.” 

 

What things do you treasure most of all?  Are there things in your life that you just must have?  Are there things that you desire more than anything else?  In today’s gospel reading, a rich man comes and asks Jesus what he needs to do to make it into heaven.  Jesus replies, “You shall not kill; you shall not commit adultery; you shall not steal; you shall not bear false witness; you shall not defraud; honor your father and your mother.”  The rich man tells Jesus that he has obeyed all of these commandments.  So Jesus tells him, " You are lacking in one thing. Go, sell what you have, and give to the poor and you will have treasure in heaven; then come, follow me."  The rich man leaves sad and depressed because he had much wealth.  He was depressed because he was addicted to his money and material belongs and that these earthly treasures would keep him from entering the Kingdom of Heaven.  He worshiped and put greater desire into the money and things he had acquired.  This man desired the peace and comfort of heaven, but was not willing to part with the earthly things that prevented him from making the journey to heaven.  His money and wealth was his road block.  There are not very many that Jesus said, “Come, follow me.”  This is the same commandment that he gave to his Apostles.  We are all called to give up those things which separate us from heaven so we can follow him without conditions.

 

What are your road blocks to Heaven?  These road blocks could include attachments, material goods, friendships, entertainment, music, TV, sports, or anything that keeps us from looking into the eyes of our Maker.  If you asked Jesus today what you needed to do to get into heaven, what would he tell you?  What earthly treasure would you need to part with?  Our treasures are very dear to our heart or else we would not treasure them.  But when those treasures become an obsession and prevent us from doing the will of God, then these treasures become a sin themselves.  Once we realize that Christ in Heaven is the true treasure, we will experience the true joy life has to offer to us.  Remember, we lose what we keep and we gain what we give away.  The graces that God gives us are meant to be shared with others.  If God blesses you with money, it is so you can share it with others.  If God blesses you with the gift of music, it is so you can entertain us with His Glory and if God blesses you with strength, it is so you can build a kingdom for others.  Remember, sharing your treasures with others shows deep committed love not only to your fellow man, but also to God Himself. 

 

A Simple Prayer

 

Lord, keeper of the treasures of Heaven, I desire to enter into your Kingdom.

Open my heart and my soul so that I may share my earthly treasures with others.

I have many treasures and talents which you have graced to me. 

Give me the strength to free myself of these treasures so I can enter the Kingdom of Heaven.

 

Yours in Christ

Michael Marcon

 

Meditation Minute

My Dearest Brothers and Sisters in Christ:

 

Gospel Reading: John 21:15-19

 

"Simon, son of John, do you love me more than these?" 

 

After Jesus had revealed himself to his disciples and eaten breakfast with them, he said to Simon Peter, “Simon, son of John, do you love me more than these?” Simon Peter answered him, “Yes, Lord, you know that I love you.” Jesus said to him, “Feed my lambs.” He then said to Simon Peter a second time, “Simon, son of John, do you love me?” Simon Peter answered him, “Yes, Lord, you know that I love you.” He said to him, “Tend my sheep.” He said to him the third time, “Simon, son of John, do you love me?” Peter was distressed that he had said to him a third time, “Do you love me?” and he said to him, “Lord, you know everything; you know that I love you.” Jesus said to him, “Feed my sheep. Amen, amen, I say to you, when you were younger, you used to dress yourself and go where you wanted; but when you grow old, you will stretch out your hands, and someone else will dress you and lead you where you do not want to go.” He said this signifying by what kind of death he would glorify God. And when he had said this, he said to him, “Follow me.”

 

In today’s Gospel reading, Jesus questions Peter about his commitment.  What is it that Christ wants of Peter?  He wants Peter to feed and tend his flocks.  Peter realizes that Jesus will not be with them much longer and Jesus is placing a major responsibility on his shoulders.  Jesus asks us the same question every day, “Do you love me?”  How do you respond to this question?  "Yes, Lord; you know that I love you."  It is easy to say we love God, but it is much more difficult to show that we love God.  If we truly love God, then we will feed and tend his flock.  God is love.  His love is unconditional.  So must our love for the members of God’s flock.  We must reach out our arms to all of humanity.  We cannot limit our love.   We must not exclude anybody.  God’s love has been poured out to us through the Holy Spirit.  The only thing that can kill this love is our own denial and indifference to Christ and the Word of God.  God’s love is given to us freely.  We only have to accept it.  But when we accept it, we must share it with others freely.  If we truly love God, he has only one thing to say to us, “Follow me.”

 

A Simple Prayer

 

Lord God, you are love.

You are the love that burns within me.

May your love conquer all the things

that keep me away from you.

 

Yours in Christ

Michael Marcon

 

 

Meditation Minute

My Dearest Brothers and Sisters in Christ:

 

“I pray not only for these, but also for those who will believe in me through their word, so that they may all be one.”

 

Gospel Reading: John 17:20-26

 

Lifting up his eyes to heaven, Jesus prayed saying: "I pray not only for these, but also for those who will believe in me through their word, so that they may all be one, as you, Father, are in me and I in you, that they also may be in us, that the world may believe that you sent me. And I have given them the glory you have given me, so that they may be one, as we are one, I in them and you in me, that they may be brought to perfection as one, that the world may know that you sent me, and that you loved them even as you loved me. Father, they are your gift to me. I wish that where I am they also may be with me, that they may see my glory that you gave me, because you loved me before the foundation of the world. Righteous Father, the world also does not know you, but I know you, and they know that you sent me. I made known to them your name and I will make it known, that the love with which you loved me may be in them and I in them."

 

“There is something very special about the beatitude of heaven: it makes us resemble God, because God Himself is love. The more we love Him as He loves us, the more we resemble Him; and the more we resemble Him, the more we come to know Him. And, to complete the circle, the more we know Him, the better we love Him, and this is the eternal life that we may know Thee, the only true God, Jesus Christ Whom Thou has sent” (Thomas Merton).  Today’s Gospel reading is the completion of Jesus’ prayer to His Father the night before his crucifixion. His prayer ends with a petition to our Father to unite all Christians in one body. This is rather interesting that Jesus was praying this prayer at the hour that Christianity was first born and we Christians today are more separated than ever. Jesus wanted all Christians to be one with the Word, not just his disciples. So why does Jesus want us to form one body? Well it is simple, so we can all experience the love and Grace of our Father in Heaven; so we can all be in union with God together – not separate. Christ tells his disciples that not only does he pray for them, but for all the people who hear the Word of God. Jesus continually prays that we are one holy universal church open for all. Jesus wants all Christians to unite at the Eucharistic table.

 

We are called to the altar to celebrate Christ, yet how many times do we turn away our brothers or sisters? How many times do we condemn others because they are different or because we feel we are better than they are? Christ says that his church is open to all who believe. As Christ is in the Father and the Father is in Christ, the church is also present in Christ and God. As a member of the church, that makes us a member of the Mystical Body of Christ. As a member, we must accept everyone who joins us at the table. We do not have the right to discriminate against any of God’s children. The unity of Jesus and his Father is a unity of not only love, but obedience. We too must express unconditional love and obedience to God. In doing so, we must express the same love and obedience to our fellow brothers and sisters. When we deny the Eucharistic table to a fellow brother or sister, we deny the love God has poured out for us. Love is an expression and gift given to us at birth. We know love from the very instant we are conceived. We know love because we know God. We must learn to hate. Hate is something that we learn by watching others. What do people learn when they watch you?

 

A Simple Prayer

 

Christ, you prayed for the union of all Christians,

Let my prayers and my life help lead all of your lambs to the universal Christian church.

My our love help us resemble God so we can come to know God.

 

Yours in Christ

Michael Marcon

 

 

Meditation Minute

My Dearest Brothers and Sisters in Christ:

 

“Jesus, Master! Have pity on us!”

 

Gospel Reading: Luke 17:11-19

 

As Jesus continued his journey to Jerusalem, he traveled through Samaria and Galilee. As he was entering a village, ten lepers met him. They stood at a distance from him and raised their voice, saying, “Jesus, Master! Have pity on us!” And when he saw them, he said, “Go show yourselves to the priests.” As they were going they were cleansed.  And one of them, realizing he had been healed, returned, glorifying God in a loud voice; and he fell at the feet of Jesus and thanked him.  He was a Samaritan. Jesus said in reply, “Ten were cleansed, were they not? Where are the other nine?  Has none but this foreigner returned to give thanks to God?”  Then he said to him, “Stand up and go; your faith has saved you.”

 

In today’s gospel, Jesus is teaching us about reverence and respect. How many times have we asked God for help? How many times were we in a real pickle and needed his help? How many times have we promised to do something if He would just help us out of this jam? And how many times have we got down on our knees and prostrated ourselves to thank the Lord for everything he has done for us? The gospel starts out with Jesus traveling between Samaria and Galilee when he came upon a group of lepers. There was one Samaritan and nine Jews. There was no love lost between these two groups. In fact, if it weren’t for the infliction of leprosy, these two groups would not even be together.

 

The ten lepers cried out to Jesus, “Jesus, Master! Have pity on us!” They did not ask to be cured but for Jesus to have mercy on them. To have mercy means to have pity on them. Jesus, feeling their pain and suffering, told them “Go and show yourselves to the priests.” The Mosaic Law called for Lepers to be separated from everyone else and not to leave their groups. Being obedient to Christ, they got up and went to the priests as instructed. As they were on their way to the priests, their leprosy was cured. Their faith in God was expressed in their obedience to Jesus. While all ten were probably extremely elated that they were cured, only one, the Samaritan, was grateful. “And one of them, realizing he had been healed, returned, glorifying God in a loud voice; and he fell at the feet of Jesus and thanked him.” This gratitude was a sign of the true love for the grace that was bestowed upon him. One would have expected this from the Jews but not the Samaritan. This is the ultimate sign of reverence to God to prostrate oneself in thanksgiving for his mercy and kindness. Jesus says, “Stand up and go; your faith has saved you.”

 

We must always remember to be grateful for the gifts which have been given to us. If we do not thank God for his mercy, we become ungrateful. Ungratefulness becomes a sign of expectation meaning that we expect God to do what we ask. We expect him to obey our commands and do our bidding. Ungratefulness leads us to be uncharitable with our own gifts and treasures. We become selfish and become unable to express true mercy and kindness for our fellow man. This is in direct opposition to the will of God. Do you show gratitude and mercy towards your neighbor or do you become complacent and expect things?

 

A Simple Prayer

 

Lord, I want to thank you for all you have given me.

I want to thank you for your mercy which you give me unconditionally

I want to thank you for your compassion and kindness

I am afflicted and you make me clean

 

Yours in Christ

Michael Marcon

 

 

Meditation Minute

My Dearest Brothers and Sisters in Christ:

 

Gospel Reading:  John 17:1-11A

Jesus raised his eyes to heaven and said, "Father, the hour has come. Give glory to your son, so that your son may glorify you, just as you gave him authority over all people, so that your son may give eternal life to all you gave him. Now this is eternal life, that they should know you, the only true God, and the one whom you sent, Jesus Christ.  I glorified you on earth by accomplishing the work that you gave me to do. Now glorify me, Father, with you, with the glory that I had with you before the world began. "I revealed your name to those whom you gave me out of the world. They belonged to you, and you gave them to me, and they have kept your word. Now they know that everything you gave me is from you, because the words you gave to me I have given to them, and they accepted them and truly understood that I came from you, and they have believed that you sent me. I pray for them. I do not pray for the world but for the ones you have given me, because they are yours, and everything of mine is yours and everything of yours is mine, and I have been glorified in them. And now I will no longer be in the world, but they are in the world, while I am coming to you."

 

In today’s Gospel reading, Jesus lift’s his eyes to heaven and proclaims, " Father, the hour has come. Give glory to your son, so that your son may glorify you.” What is this glory that Jesus is referring? It is the sacrifice He made for us on the Cross. On the Cross, God shows us how much he loves us. He loves us so much that he is willing to give his only Son to save us from our sins. Jesus honored his Father by sacrificing his life for us. He gives us salvation and eternal life through this most wonderful act of love. Jesus was not held captive to the cross. He was able to defeat the cross through the glory of his resurrection. In the cross, Jesus saves us from our sins and he gives us eternal life, a life everlasting, a life without end. But today’s Gospel is more than Jesus glorifying the Father.  Jesus takes time to pray to his Father that we will all become one with him. He prays for our glory in Heaven. Jesus is about to be crucified on the cross and he prays for us. He prays for those that have committed their lives to the salvation that was given to us on the cross. He prays for those that believe in the Truth and the Way; that they will be united as one with the heavenly Father. This is the testament to our eternal salvation with our Lord in Heaven. When we make that commitment, we actually begin to experience our eternal life with God here on earth. That’s right, we begin to unite ourselves with God while we still live our earthly life. 

 

A Simple Prayer

 

Most Holy One, You are the Truth, in you there is eternal life.

I love you with all my heart; you are my salvation.

I give myself to you, make me one with you.

Use me to fulfill your needs for I am your servant.

May my deeds glorify you so that I may have eternal life in Heaven.

 

Yours in Christ

Michael Marcon

 

 

 

Meditation Minute

My Dearest Brothers and Sisters in Christ:

 

“Now we realize that you know everything and that you do not need to have anyone question you.” 

 

Gospel Reading: John 16:29-33

 

The disciples said to Jesus, “Now you are talking plainly, and not in any figure of speech. Now we realize that you know everything and that you do not need to have anyone question you. Because of this we believe that you came from God.” Jesus answered them, “Do you believe now? Behold, the hour is coming and has arrived when each of you will be scattered to his own home and you will leave me alone. But I am not alone, because the Father is with me. I have told you this so that you might have peace in me. In the world you will have trouble, but take courage, I have conquered the world.”

 

In today’s Gospel, the eyes of the Apostles are finally wide open.  Their beliefs have know matured to understand the mission of Christ on earth.  When Jesus would teach to the crowds in parables, he followed that with more detailed teachings for the Apostles so that they would be able to continue his mission on earth.  It was through these explanations that the Apostles eventually realize that Jesus is the complete truth; that He is the Son of God sent to save us.  Jesus replies to their revelation, “Do you now believe?”  Believing in God means that one must also believe in the mission and miracles that Jesus performed on earth.  It is also believing that Jesus is the “Word made flesh,” and that he is the “way and the light.”  Jesus tells them that their time is coming when they will be scattered about the earth to spread the Gospel.  He tells them that they will be alone and that the tribulation of the world will attack them.  But in their belief in Jesus they will find peace because He has overcome the world.  We too are given the same mission as the Apostles.  We are scatter out into the world to share the good news of the Gospel.  When the tribulations of the world try to attach us, we need to have confidence in our belief because it is through Christ that we find true peace and salvation.  It is through our faith in Christ that we find the joy of the Kingdom of heaven.  To build faith, we must first exercise our beliefs.  Our beliefs are exercised through the Gospels and through our mission in the world.  We are called to go forth and bring the Gospel to others.

 

A Simple Prayer

 

Lord Jesus, bring me to the altar of your healing powers.

When I meet adversities and trials, give me the strength to defend my faith.

Give me the same peace and joy you shared with your Apostles.

 

Yours in Christ

Michael Marcon

 

 

 

Meditation Minute

My Dearest Brothers and Sisters in Christ:

 

“This is my commandment: love one another as I love you.”

 

Gospel Reading: John 15:9-17

 

Jesus said to his disciples: "As the Father loves me, so I also love you. Remain in my love. If you keep my commandments, you will remain in my love, just as I have kept my Father's commandments and remain in his love.  "I have told you this so that my joy might be in you and your joy might be complete. This is my commandment: love one another as I love you. No one has greater love than this, to lay down one's life for one's friends. You are my friends if you do what I command you. I no longer call you slaves, because a slave does not know what his master is doing. I have called you friends, because I have told you everything I have heard from my Father.  It was not you who chose me, but I who chose you and appointed you to go and bear fruit that will remain, so that whatever you ask the Father in my name he may give you. This I command you: love one another."

 

In today’s Gospel reading, Jesus explains that his love for his people is a reflection of the love expressed in the Holy Trinity. He tells us that only in the true Christian love expressed by us can we find the true source of joy. To experience the fullness of Christian love and joy, we must be willing to make sacrifices for others. Jesus tells us, “No one has greater love than this, to lay down one's life for one's friends.” Our love for God is expressed in our love for others. If we are not willing to open our hearts to the needs of others then how can we know the love of God. God’s love for us is unbounded. We can never love God as much as He loves us, but we must try. We can only begin to experience the fullness of his love when we make sacrifices for others; when we have to chose someone else’s needs over our own desires. The greatest sacrifice of all is to give one’s own life for another. God showed us this love when He allowed his only son to die for us on the cross. The way of the cross became the ultimate example of true Christian love. We must incorporate the way of the cross into our own lives. We must not only be willing to burden the weight of the cross, we must also be willing to accept the ridicule that goes along with the cross. To accept the cross is to accept the will of God. “If you keep my commandments, you will remain in my love, just as I have kept my Father's commandments and remain in his love.” It is not easy to keep the commandments and sometimes we are laughed at or made fun of for choosing to follow Christ.

 

A Simple Prayer

 

Lord God, teach me to love as you have loved us.

Give me the strength to sacrifice my desires for your will.

May I experience the true joy expressed in love given for others.

 

Yours in Christ

Michael Marcon

 

 

Meditation Minute

My Dearest Brothers and Sisters in Christ:

 

“Amen, amen, I say to you, you will weep and mourn, while the world rejoices; you will grieve, but your grief will become joy.”

 

Gospel Reading: John 16:16-20

Jesus said to his disciples: “A little while and you will no longer see me, and again a little while later and you will see me.” So some of his disciples said to one another, “What does this mean that he is saying to us, 'A little while and you will not see me, and again a little while and you will see me,’ and 'Because I am going to the Father’?” So they said, “What is this 'little while’ of which he speaks? We do not know what he means.” Jesus knew that they wanted to ask him, so he said to them, “Are you discussing with one another what I said, 'A little while and you will not see me, and again a little while and you will see me’? Amen, amen, I say to you, you will weep and mourn, while the world rejoices; you will grieve, but your grief will become joy.”

 

In today’s Gospel reading, Jesus is trying to teach the Apostles about his pending fate.  It is obvious from their response that they do not understand.  Jesus tells them that he will go away for “a little while” and during that the world would rejoice but that the Apostles would grieve.  The apostles are very confused by this message.  Jesus appears to be contradicting himself in this message.  He says that the Apostles will “grieve, but your grief will become joy.”  These also appear to be conflicting emotions.  How can one grieve and experience joy at the same time.  Jesus understands that their present grief will become their future joy once they realize the significance of his sacrifice.  In our own times, it is important to understand that we too will experience sorrow in anticipation of our future hope of the Kingdom of Heaven.  Christ needs to return to the Father, but he will return in the end.  During this period, some will experience sorrow for the sake of the kingdom, but others will revel in the material joy of the here and now.  They will forgo their future joy with our Father in heaven so they can experience the temporal joy of the world. Our suffering can be equated to a mother in labor.  During labor, she experience the sever pains of child birth, but immediately afterwards, she experience the elation and joy of the new life which she brought forth.  In our own suffering, we too bring forth new life.  A new life which includes unending joy and happiness.

 

A Simple Prayer

 

Father in Heaven,

Give me the strength I need to withstand the suffering of this world

So I can experience the joy of the kingdom of heaven in the future.

 

Yours in Christ

Michael Marcon

 

Meditation Minute

My Dearest Brothers and Sisters in Christ:

 

“But when he comes, the Spirit of truth, he will guide you to all truth.”

 

Gospel Reading: John 16:12-15

Jesus said to his disciples: "I have much more to tell you, but you cannot bear it now. But when he comes, the Spirit of truth, he will guide you to all truth. He will not speak on his own, but he will speak what he hears, and will declare to you the things that are coming. He will glorify me, because he will take from what is mine and declare it to you. Everything that the Father has is mine; for this reason I told you that he will take from what is mine and declare it to you."

 

Have you ever heard it said that the truth hurts. In today’s Gospel reading, we are told that the Holy Spirit will guide us “to all truth.” Truth is not something that is created, we cannot make-up the truth. The truth is something that is; the truth is a gift from God. He is the creator of everything and everything he creates is good. Only we humans can turn the Truth of God into something that is bad. We are the ones who create this perception. God is the source of all Truth and we are lead to the Truth through the Holy Spirit. So how can the Truth hurt? The truth frees us from our earthly bonds, from doubts that affect our decision making process and fears that keep us from entering into a closer communion with God. So how can the Truth hurt? The closer we come to God, the closer we come to the real Truth; the realization that He is our Lord God and Savior. Through the Holy Spirit we will experience the salvation of the sacrifice that Jesus made for us on the cross, the glory of his resurrection and the anticipation of his return. We should not fear the truth. The Holy Spirit is our divine connection and guide to the knowledge and wisdom of God – the Truth. We should surrender ourselves to the Holy Spirit and he will show us the Truth. While the sacrifice we make to join with God may appear to be painful, the real and Spiritual Truth from God does not hurt and will bring unending joy.

 

A Simple Prayer

 

Lord God, show me the light of the Holy Spirit.

Allow that light to guide me to You that I may experience the Truth and the Way.

Free me of the obstacles that I create which prevent me from coming to you.

 

Yours in Christ

Michael Marcon

 

 

Meditation Minute

My Dearest Brothers and Sisters in Christ:

 

“When the Advocate comes he will convict the world in regard to sin and righteousness and condemnation.”

 

Gospel Reading: 16:5-11

 

Jesus said to his disciples: "Now I am going to the one who sent me, and not one of you asks me, 'Where are you going?' But because I told you this, grief has filled your hearts. But I tell you the truth, it is better for you that I go. For if I do not go, the Advocate will not come to you. But if I go, I will send him to you. And when he comes he will convict the world in regard to sin and righteousness and condemnation: sin, because they do not believe in me;  righteousness, because I am going to the Father and you will no longer see me; condemnation, because the ruler of this world has been condemned."

 

Today’s Gospel reading is an extension of yesterday’s reading. Jesus has just told the Apostles of his pending crucifixion and that he will be leaving them. The Apostles are filled with sorrow at the thought that Jesus would leave them for he has only been with them for a very short time. Jesus tells them that unless he goes away, the Holy Spirit will not come to them. The Holy Spirit is to teach the world about “sin and righteousness and condemnation.” The Holy Spirit is coming to reveal and awaken the Apostles and fill them with the joy of the Lord. The Holy Spirit will give the Apostles new strengths and powers to combat evil and sin. Jesus has just unfolded the plan of our salvation letting us know that there is hope for salvation. It is also through the Holy Spirit that we are guided to the narrow gate of the kingdom of heaven. Jesus says that the Holy Spirit will “convict the world” meaning that the Holy Spirit is sent for everyone, not just the Apostles. We are filled with the Holy Spirit during our Baptism and we ask God to strengthen the power of the Holy Spirit in us during our Confirmation. The Holy Spirit is what sanctifies our body and makes us true children of Christ. We are all called to kindle the flame of the Holy Spirit and make sure that it shines bright within us.

 

A Simple Prayer

 

Come Holy Spirit, fill my heart with the joy of the Lord.

Come Holy Spirit, help me conquer sin and death.

Lead me along the path of righteousness so I may enter the gate to the kingdom of Heaven.

 

Yours in Christ

Michael Marcon

 

 

Meditation Minute

My Dearest Brothers and Sisters in Christ:

 

“As the Father has loved me, so have I loved you; abide in my love.” 

 

Gospel Reading: John 15:9-11

 

Jesus said to his disciples: “As the Father loves me, so I also love you. Remain in my love. If you keep my commandments, you will remain in my love, just as I have kept my Father’s commandments and remain in his love. “I have told you this so that my joy might be in you and your joy might be complete.”

 

In today’s Gospel reading, why does Jesus ask us to abide in his love.  What have we done to deserve the love that Jesus has given us? Jesus promises us everlasting life with His Father if we follow his commandments.  Jesus tells us quite simply; if we obey his commandments, then we are honoring Jesus; and if we honor Jesus, then we honor his Father.  Jesus is talking about the same love that He and his Father share.  Is there any more joyful and merciful love than the love God expressed in giving us his son.  This is a joy only someone who has committed their life to Christ can understand.  Our love for him is a response to the love he poured out for us.  Jesus says, “I have told you this so that my joy might be in you and your joy might be complete.”  This joy abounds in those who truly love Christ.  This joy is a joy so deep that honest open unconditional love bubbles to the top.  This person radiates joyful and merciful love.  Everything they do, they do for the joy of the Lord.  What will it take for you to commit your life to this unconditional love and joy?

 

A Simple Prayer

 

Lord Jesus, may I radiate the joy and love you showed to the world.
Inflame my heart with love for you and your ways.

Give me the strength to be charitable and compassionate.

 

Yours in Christ

Michael Marcon

 

Meditation Minute

My Dearest Brothers and Sisters in Christ:

 

“I am the true vine, and my Father is the vine grower.”

 

Gospel Reading: John 15:1-8

 

Jesus said to his disciples: "I am the true vine, and my Father is the vine grower. He takes away every branch in me that does not bear fruit, and everyone that does he prunes so that it bears more fruit. You are already pruned because of the word that I spoke to you.  Remain in me, as I remain in you. Just as a branch cannot bear fruit on its own unless it remains on the vine, so neither can you unless you remain in me. I am the vine, you are the branches. Whoever remains in me and I in him will bear much fruit, because without me you can do nothing. Anyone who does not remain in me will be thrown out like a branch and wither; people will gather them and throw them into a fire and they will be burned. If you remain in me and my words remain in you, ask for whatever you want and it will be done for you. By this is my Father glorified, that you bear much fruit and become my disciples."

 

In today’s Gospel, Jesus says that the only way we can bear fruit is to be part of the vine. We must be linked to God to share in his wisdom. He tells us that if we are not producing fruit, we will be removed from the vine and cast into the fire for a branch cannot survive without the vine. The house of God is the vineyard of the Lord. Many people rejected Christ and by rejecting Christ, they separated themselves from the vine. If we are not connected to the vine, we will dry up and die. But Jesus also warns us that if we are connected to the vine and produce no fruit, we are not fulfilling our obligations. It is not enough to just be a member of the church, one must also produce good works. Some people argue that faith and belief in Christ is enough. Christ clearly tells us here that faith is not enough. It is not enough to just be members of the church. If we receive the nourishment from God, we should use that nourishment to feed others. The graces that we have been given should be turned into nourishment for others. The last point that Jesus makes in this passage is that if we are not producing enough fruit, then our vine needs to be pruned to better our yield. We need to get rid of those things in our life which deplete us and prevent us from reaching our maximum output. God will take care of the vine, we just need to produce the fruit.

 

A Simple Prayer

 

Lord God, you are the vine and I am the branch.

Prune my branches so I may yield much fruit.

May my fruit be bountiful to those who starve.

 

Yours in Christ

Michael F. Marcon

 

 

Meditation Minute

My Dearest Brothers and Sisters in Christ:

 

“Peace I leave with you; my peace I give to you.” 

 

Gospel Reading John 14:27-31a

 

Jesus said to his disciples: “Peace I leave with you; my peace I give to you. Not as the world gives do I give it to you. Do not let your hearts be troubled or afraid. You heard me tell you, ‘I am going away and I will come back to you.’ If you loved me, you would rejoice that I am going to the Father; for the Father is greater than I. And now I have told you this before it happens, so that when it happens you may believe. I will no longer speak much with you, for the ruler of the world is coming. He has no power over me, but the world must know that I love the Father and that I do just as the Father has commanded me.”

 

In today’s Gospel reading, Christ is saying farewell to his disciples.  He tells them, “Do not let your hearts be troubled or afraid.”  Christ is about to be crucified and the apostles will be on their own.  Up to this point, they always had Jesus with them.  The apostles were about to lose their security blanket. Jesus was like that parent with the little child tightly wrapped around his leg for security.  They clutched on tightly to Jesus as he was their protection from the evils in the world.  But it was time for Him to leave.  He knew that the apostles would be scared once he left.  This was brand new territory for the apostles.  They always had Jesus to support them.  It’s easy to stand proud and tall when you got the big guy is in front of you.  But now it was going to be up to them.  Jesus says, “Peace I leave with you; my peace I give to you.”  Maybe it should really say be calm, because I have made the turbulent waters calm.  He gives the gift of peace to calm their souls because the sea they are going to sail upon is very rough.  He can provide the same calming grace if we just accept the peace which he offers us.  This is the peace and joy we experience when we stand tall for our Christian beliefs.  How do you feel when you defend your faith.  Do you cower back or do you stand tall knowing the peace and joy of Christ is with you?    

 

A Simple Prayer

 

Lord Jesus, may the your peace fill my soul.

May the joy of knowing you revive my life.

Give me the strength to stand tall in my faith.

 

Yours in Christ

Michael Marcon

 

Meditation Minute

My Dearest Brothers and Sisters in Christ:

 

"I am the way, and the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father, except through me.”  (John 14:6)

 

Gospel Reading: John 14:6-14

 

Jesus said to Thomas, “I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me. If you know me, then you will also know my Father. From now on you do know him and have seen him.” Philip said to him,  “Master, show us the Father, and that will be enough for us.” Jesus said to him, “Have I been with you for so long a time and you still do not know me, Philip? Whoever has seen me has seen the Father. How can you say, ‘Show us the Father’? Do you not believe that I am in the Father and the Father is in me? The words that I speak to you I do not speak on my own. The Father who dwells in me is doing his works.  Believe me that I am in the Father and the Father is in me, or else, believe because of the works themselves. Amen, amen, I say to you, whoever believes in me will do the works that I do, and will do greater ones than these, because I am going to the Father. And whatever you ask in my name, I will do, so that the Father may be glorified in the Son. If you ask anything of me in my name, I will do it.”

 

I am sure that at some time in our lives we have all asked the question, “Where in the world is Heaven?” Or possibly, “How do I find heaven?”  The Apostles want to see the Father because the Father is heaven.  But Jesus tells them, “Believe me that I am in the Father and the Father is in me.”  Heaven is standing right before them and yet they do not see it.  Ancient tradition has heaven in the skies and hell down below.  These concepts of heaven and hell were taken from ancient mythology.  In reality, heaven and hell are both here on earth and are all around us.  Jesus tells us that he is the way, the truth and the light that he will lead us to heaven on earth.  John’s gospel tells us that the earth is darkness and that Jesus comes to bring us the saving light.  Heaven is here right now.  We find heaven when we find Jesus.  Jesus is the compass that will direct us to where we want to go.  “A highway will be there, called the holy way; No one unclean may pass over it, nor fools go astray on it.” (Isaiah 35:8)  When we direct our lives toward Jesus, we find heaven, we find the light.  We are building the kingdom of heaven on earth right now, today.  Why wait until tomorrow to experience the joy that the Lord Jesus Christ can bring to you today.  Our judgment day occurs every day.  As we examine our souls, we judge ourselves; we make sure that we are worthy to walk along the Holy Way.  Which highway are you on?  Jesus has lit the way; he wants to draw you into his arms.  Today’s Gospel gives us the good news that we do not have to wait to find heaven, that we will find heaven in him and through him.  Rejoice, today for the Lord Jesus Christ is among us.  His salvation is today.

 

A Simple Prayer

 

Most Glorious Risen Christ,

Fill my life with your saving grace.

Help me find the way and identify the truth.

You are my way, my truth and my light.

 

Yours in Christ

Michael Marcon