Meditation Minute

My Dearest Brothers and Sisters in Christ:

Gospel Reading: Mark 5:1-20

Jesus and his disciples came to the other side of the sea, to the territory of the Gerasenes. When he got out of the boat, at once a man from the tombs who had an unclean spirit met him. The man had been dwelling among the tombs, and no one could restrain him any longer, even with a chain. In fact, he had frequently been bound with shackles and chains, but the chains had been pulled apart by him and the shackles smashed, and no one was strong enough to subdue him. Night and day among the tombs and on the hillsides he was always crying out and bruising himself with stones. Catching sight of Jesus from a distance, he ran up and prostrated himself before him, crying out in a loud voice, “What have you to do with me, Jesus, Son of the Most High God? I adjure you by God, do not torment me!” (He had been saying to him, “Unclean spirit, come out of the man!”) He asked him, “What is your name?” He replied, “Legion is my name. There are many of us.” And he pleaded earnestly with him not to drive them away from that territory. Now a large herd of swine was feeding there on the hillside. And they pleaded with him, “Send us into the swine. Let us enter them.” And he let them, and the unclean spirits came out and entered the swine. The herd of about two thousand rushed down a steep bank into the sea, where they were drowned. The swineherds ran away and reported the incident in the town and throughout the countryside. And people came out to see what had happened. As they approached Jesus, they caught sight of the man who had been possessed by Legion, sitting there clothed and in his right mind. And they were seized with fear. Those who witnessed the incident explained to them what had happened to the possessed man and to the swine. Then they began to beg him to leave their district. As he was getting into the boat, the man who had been possessed pleaded to remain with him. But Jesus would not permit him but told him instead, “Go home to your family and announce to them all that the Lord in his pity has done for you.” Then the man went off and began to proclaim in the Decapolis what Jesus had done for him; and all were amazed.

In today’s Gospel reading we encounter a man possessed by a demon. It is obvious that the demon is afraid of Christ and knows that Christ is God himself. The demon tortured the man relentlessly to the point where he beat himself with stones. The Gospel reading says that the man ran up and prostrated himself before Christ. This demon recognizes the superiority of Christ, “Son of the Most High God”. He feels tormented and defeated by Christ and begs him to leave him alone. But Christ casts out the devil freeing the man from the bounds which torture him. We too have evil spirits within us who torture us. We have things in our lives which chain us and prevent us from truly seeing Christ for who he is. This is a great time for us to identify the demons in our life and to offer them up to Christ as a sacrifice. It is a time for us to remove the demoniac road blocks and the chains that bind us to this earth. These things in our lives that prevent us from seeing Christ hinder our journey. These are things which should become the subject of our fasting. We should also fast from those things which prevent us from walking towards Christ. During your examination of conscience, spend some time deciding which demons have inflicted your soul.

A Simple Prayer

Lord, my heart longs for you.

Free me from the bonds of Satan

So I can fully enjoy my relationship with you.

Yours in Christ

Michael Marcon

Meditation Minute

My Dearest brothers and Sisters in Christ:

Gospel Reading: Mark 4:26-34

Jesus said to the crowds: “This is how it is with the Kingdom of God; it is as if a man were to scatter seed on the land and would sleep and rise night and day and the seed would sprout and grow, he knows not how. Of its own accord the land yields fruit, first the blade, then the ear, then the full grain in the ear. And when the grain is ripe, he wields the sickle at once, for the harvest has come.” He said, “To what shall we compare the Kingdom of God, or what parable can we use for it? It is like a mustard seed that, when it is sown in the ground, is the smallest of all the seeds on the earth. But once it is sown, it springs up and becomes the largest of plants and puts forth large branches, so that the birds of the sky can dwell in its shade.” With many such parables he spoke the word to them as they were able to understand it. Without parables he did not speak to them, but to his own disciples he explained everything in private.

In today’s Gospel reading, Jesus again uses the example of the seed. He tells us “Of its own accord the land yields fruit, first the blade, then the ear, then the full grain in the ear. And when the grain is ripe, he wields the sickle at once, for the harvest has come.” Eventually the seeds of life we sow mature and must be harvested. We will all face that time when we must face the final judgment. Once the ground is prepared, there is nothing that can be done but watch the seed grow. Jesus says, “the seed would sprout and grow, he knows not how.” God places a special grace within each soul. Our souls grow inside, yet we know not how. It is through the graces of God that the soul grows. Without the grace of God, the soul is empty. God silently helps transform our soul allowing us to make decisions which help turn us to God. While God places these graces within us, we must decide to be faithful, to be loving, to be compassionate, to surrender ourselves to the will of God. These decisions are placed within us through the power of the Holy Spirit. We should pray that when the fruit of our effort has finally ripened, we are worthy of the harvest. It is only by the grace of God that we can become one with Christ and one with the church. We should ask God to give us wisdom to make good decisions and the fortitude to avoid bad decisions.

The parable goes on to talk about the mustard seed. This is one of the smallest of seeds yet it grows into a mighty tree. A tree so big “that the birds of the sky can dwell in its shade.” The holy grace which was placed in our heart is like the mustard seed. It starts out small and then if we nourish it and feed it with “good”, it transforms into the large tree. The seed does not cause the transformation, but the power of the Holy Spirit given to us by God. Our heart transforms because we desire and long to be with God. Just like the seed cannot grow until it receives the nutrients from the earth, our soul cannot grow in the kingdom of God without the help of the Holy Spirit. God wants all of us to grow and become a mighty force within the kingdom of God. However, we must be willing, we must humble ourselves and we must receive the nutrients from the Word of God. We must be open to hear and see God. We also must be willing to be open and to see the need of others. We must be willing to spread our branches to provide shelter and food for those in need as the mustard tree did for the birds with its branches and its seed. You must ask yourself, “How open am I to the will of God?” How willing am I to share the graces which God has provided? When you examine your conscience, reflect on these thoughts.

A Simple Prayer

God, you have placed the seed of life within my soul.

Give me the nourishment and riches to make it grow into a mighty tree.

May my faith become attractive to guide others to you.

May my branches be worthy to provide shelter and food for others.

Yours in Christ

Michael Marcon

Meditation Minute

My Dearest Brothers and Sisters in Christ:

Is a lamp brought in to be placed under a bushel basket or under a bed, and not to be placed on a lamp stand?

Gospel Reading: Mark 4:21-25

Jesus said to his disciples, “Is a lamp brought in to be placed under a bushel basket or under a bed, and not to be placed on a lamp stand? For there is nothing hidden except to be made visible; nothing is secret except to come to light. Anyone who has ears to hear ought to hear.” He also told them, “Take care what you hear. The measure with which you measure will be measured out to you, and still more will be given to you. To the one who has, more will be given; from the one who has not, even what he has will be taken away.”

In today’s Gospel reading, Jesus tells us the story of the lamp. The lamp symbolizes the Word of God. He challenges us by asking us what do we do with the lamp. The lamp provides light so we can see through the darkness. The light enables us to avoid trouble and find our way to the true home of salvation. It illuminates the pathway. When we are given the lamp, do we shield it from others or do we set it out for all to see? Not only does the light provide us safety and security, it is there to provide safety for others. Jesus tells us, “For there is nothing hidden except to be made visible; nothing is secret except to come to light.” If we place a bucket over the light, it will still be visible around the rim. It is impossible to fully contain the light and not let it shine. Jesus is calling us to proclaim the word, not hide it. No matter how much we try to avoid it, it will get out. Eventually the light of Christ will fully illuminate all of the world. The question is “Will we like what the light reveals?”

The Gospel reading goes on to say that the Word of God is a treasure. This part of the reading is an extension of yesterday’s parable of the seed. He who sows the Word of God will be given more grace and will yield more fruit. But he who does not sow the seeds, will become more and more impoverished. Without the fruits of the seed, how will we feed ourselves? I think we are weakest when we push Christ out of our life. Our spiritual life suffers and so does our personal life. When we are filled with the power of the Holy Spirit, it radiates from us. If we pollute our bodies with material possessions and unrighteous acts and thoughts, we diminish the gift of grace given to us by God. Christ tells us, “from the one who has not, even what he has will be taken away.” If we chose evil, our lives become disruptive and destructive. Evil is like cancer to our soul. It disorders the body. Fortunately, there is a cure; prayer, fasting and almsgiving. While we think of these as the three pillars of Lent, they should be a part of our everyday life. Through prayer, fasting and almsgiving, our lives become more ordered. The more we practice these three things, the more grace that is poured into our lives and more ordered we become. We become enriched with the spirit of God. We become more like what God intended us to be. We become more like the image and likeness of God.

A Simple Prayer

Lord God, you are the light of the world.

You make all things visible through your love and compassion.

May I become a beacon of your light to lead others to your table.

Yours in Christ

Michael Marcon

Meditation Minute

My Dearest Brothers and Sisters in Christ:

“Whoever has ears to hear ought to hear.”

Gospel Reading: Mark 4:1-20

On another occasion, Jesus began to teach by the sea. A very large crowd gathered around him so that he got into a boat on the sea and sat down. And the whole crowd was beside the sea on land. And he taught them at length in parables, and in the course of his instruction he said to them, “Hear this! A sower went out to sow and as he sowed, some seed fell on the path, and the birds came and ate it up. Other seed fell on rocky ground where it had little soil. It sprang up at once because the soil was not deep. And when the sun rose, it was scorched and it withered for lack of roots. Some seed fell among thorns, and the thorns grew up and choked it and it produced no grain. And some seed fell on rich soil and produced fruit. It came up and grew and yielded thirty, sixty, and a hundredfold.” He added, “Whoever has ears to hear ought to hear.” And when he was alone, those present along with the Twelve questioned him about the parables. He answered them, “The mystery of the Kingdom of God has been granted to you. But to those outside everything comes in parables, so that they may look and see but not perceive, and hear and listen but not understand, in order that they may not be converted and be forgiven.” Jesus said to them, “Do you not understand this parable? Then how will you understand any of the parables? The sower sows the word. These are the ones on the path where the word is sown. As soon as they hear, Satan comes at once and takes away the word sown in them. And these are the ones sown on rocky ground who, when they hear the word, receive it at once with joy. But they have no roots; they last only for a time. Then when tribulation or persecution comes because of the word, they quickly fall away. Those sown among thorns are another sort. They are the people who hear the word, but worldly anxiety, the lure of riches, and the craving for other things intrude and choke the word, and it bears no fruit. But those sown on rich soil are the ones who hear the word and accept it and bear fruit thirty and sixty and a hundredfold.”

At times our faith is like the seeds that fall along the sides of the path. There are a lot of rocks with very little soil. Our seed sprouts but does not survive. How often do we get excited about something in our lives to only see it quickly wither away. Maybe we have fallen away from daily prayer or even strayed from mass. We go back to mass and while in mass, we feel the instant gratification of prayer and the Eucharist. In the moment we make all kind of promises to God, but before you even leave the church parking lot you’re arguing with your family and completely forget the commitments you just made. Jesus tells us that during these times we “immediately receive it with joy” but our faith has no roots so it quickly withers. We must learn to nurture and grow our faith. It must have a solid foundation. It must have good soil with plenty of nutrients.

Jesus tells us that the seeds sown in the soil will grow, but that they still need to be cared for. If we let weeds grow in our lives, they can choke out our faith. So often we have strong beginnings and a good foundation, but we let the evils of society prevail. Evil lurks in so many places including the people we associate with, the television we watch and the places we go. If we are not careful, Jesus tells us that “the cares of the world, and the delight in riches, and the desire for other things, enter in and choke the word.” We become numb to the Word of God because we are surrounded by materialistic things. We must be careful and guard our lives to ensure that we do not fall prey to the sins of our post modern society.

Christ gives us great hope and promise. “But those sown upon the good soil are the ones who hear the word and accept it and bear fruit.” Our faith must bear fruit. We are called as Christians to preach the gospel daily and as St Francis say, use words only if necessary. It is through a strong foundation, good nourishment and tending of the seeds that they produce many fruits. As we are a couple of weeks away from the beginning of lent, it is crucial to reflect upon your life. You need to decide where you have sown your seeds. Take some time to reflect upon your conscience. You should begin a deep examination of your soul to determine if your seeds are sown on the sidewalk or sown in the fertile fields. If your seeds are in the field, then are you allowing materialistic things such as money and pride between you and God? We should begin lent with a clean soul. Reconciliation helps to center our life and our journey through lent. Now is a great time to seek the Sacrament of Reconciliation. At the end of every day, you should reflect back on this Gospel reading and decide what type of day you had; where were your seeds sown? It is amazing the transformation this practice will have on your life.

A Simple Prayer

Lord Jesus, I have sown my seeds. Help me find the fertile soil.

Let me have the faith and wisdom to see your divine truth.

Open my ears to your call and my eyes to the Word so I can journey with you.

Yours in Christ

Michael Marcon

Meditation Minute

My Dearest Brothers and Sisters in Christ:

“Go into the whole world and proclaim the Gospel to every creature.”

Gospel Reading: Mark 16:15-18

Jesus appeared to the Eleven and said to them: “Go into the whole world and proclaim the Gospel to every creature. Whoever believes and is baptized will be saved; whoever does not believe will be condemned. These signs will accompany those who believe: in my name they will drive out demons, they will speak new languages. They will pick up serpents with their hands, and if they drink any deadly thing, it will not harm them. They will lay hands on the sick, and they will recover.”

These are the last words spoken by Jesus to his apostles before he ascends into heaven. These words signify the end and the beginning. They signify the end of Jesus’ earthly mission and the start of his newly born heavenly mission. Also in this message, Jesus defines the mission of his disciples; to go out into the world and preach the gospel. We too are called by Jesus to carry out his mission, to be his disciples and help save the world. It is our mission to provide salvation for everyone, not just those who we like, not just our friends, but everyone. In this one simple message, the full power of the gospel is revealed to the apostles. The gospel is the true power of God to save us from our trespasses, to heal our souls, to protect us from the temptations of Satan and to deliver us from evil. The gospel message has the power to restore our lives and to leave us fulfilled in the glory of the Risen Christ. Do you believe? Do you have faith? If so, then you are called to preach the Good News of the Lord; to spread the grace of God to World. The Easter Season is a glorious and joyful time. Our Lenten commitment should not be wasted but be raised up to God in an outward expression of our Love to him. Let the World know that you are a Christian. Let them know that you are Catholic.

A Simple Prayer

Lord, help me to discern the gifts that you have given me.

Give me the strength and wisdom to use these gifts;

May your grace be the light which shines through me to bring others to your table;

For I am your messenger.

Yours in Christ

Michael Marcon

Meditation Minute

My Dearest Brothers and Sisters in Christ:

“If a kingdom is divided against itself, that kingdom cannot stand.”

Gospel Reading: Mark 3:22-30 The scribes who had come from Jerusalem said of Jesus, “He is possessed by Beelzebul,” and “By the prince of demons he drives out demons.” Summoning them, he began to speak to them in parables, “How can Satan drive out Satan? If a kingdom is divided against itself, that kingdom cannot stand. And if a house is divided against itself, that house will not be able to stand. And if Satan has risen up against himself and is divided, he cannot stand; that is the end of him. But no one can enter a strong man’s house to plunder his property unless he first ties up the strong man. Then he can plunder his house. Amen, I say to you, all sins and all blasphemies that people utter will be forgiven them. But whoever blasphemes against the Holy Spirit will never have forgiveness, but is guilty of an everlasting sin.” For they had said, “He has an unclean spirit.”

In today’s Gospel reading, Jesus is accused of being associated with the Satan, the prince of demons. It is apparent from their accusations, that the scribes and the Pharisees do not understand the miracles that Jesus has performed. They have developed so much hatred for Christ that they refuse to see his miracles. Jesus challenges the Pharisees to think differently. He says to the Pharisees, “How can Satan drive out Satan?” Would it not take someone stronger than Satan to accomplish this. The Pharisees are called to recognize the strength and power of Jesus. Jesus uses his power to free man from the enslavement of Satan. How can this be a deed of Satan, but a deed of God himself? We must recognize that Satan is stronger than us and without God’s help, our house will be plundered. Satan looks to enter our house and occupy it. But if we surrender ourselves to God, He will defeat the power of Satan and build a stronghold around us.

At times we also have a hard time recognizing God in our life. We must be willing to open our eyes to see God’s action in our life. Jesus has performed several miracles and the Pharisees cannot accept that Christ is the Messiah. They do not want to admit that Christ can perform miracles because doing so would mean that they accept that he is our Lord and Master. This is what Christ calls the “blasphemes against the Holy Spirit.” The Pharisees have become so disconnected with God, that they no longer recognize him. The same can happen to us. How can we ask Christ to help us if we reject him. This is like going to a Doctor for help and rejecting everything the doctor tells you to do to get better. You begin to believe that the doctor is poisoning you instead of saving you. When we reject Gods teachings and rationalize our own sinfulness, we commit blasphemy against the Holy Spirit. We must avoid denying Christ in our life; we must avoid rejecting his teachings; but most importantly, we must open our hearts to commandments of God. This is the medicine that cures us and saves us. It is the medicine that frees us from the bondage of Satan. It is the medicine that brings us to eternal life.

A Simple Prayer

Father in Heaven, you are the healer.

Only you can free me from Satan and his bondage.

Open my eyes to see the miracles you perform in my life.

Yours in Christ

Michael Marcon

Meditation Minute

My Dearest Brothers and Sisters in Christ:

Today is the Memorial of Saint Agnes, virgin and martyr.

Gospel Reading: Mark 3:13-19

Jesus went up the mountain and summoned those whom he wanted and they came to him. He appointed Twelve, whom he also named Apostles, that they might be with him and he might send them forth to preach and to have authority to drive out demons: He appointed the Twelve: Simon, whom he named Peter; James, son of Zebedee, and John the brother of James, whom he named Boanerges, that is, sons of thunder; Andrew, Philip, Bartholomew, Matthew, Thomas, James the son of Alphaeus; Thaddeus, Simon the Cananean, and Judas Iscariot who betrayed him.

In today’s Gospel, we hear the calling of the twelve Apostles. It says that Jesus summoned the Apostles so that “they might be with him and he might send them forth to preach and have authority to drive out demons.” Jesus called each of them by name and they obeyed his calling. They obeyed the calling to come forth to be ridiculed, abused and for most of them, martyrdom. Some of them even had a special calling above the others such as Simon whom He named Peter. Peter was given the assignment to be the rock from which our faith was built. He called Peter to be strong and steadfast in his convictions. James and John were named the sons of thunder because of their strength and commitment to Jesus. But who were the twelve? Were they rulers, rich people, people of society, or the magistrate? No, they were twelve common ordinary men who were not rich and had no significant position in society. They were ordinary people with no special traits or gifts that He would set them over everyone else. We too are called by Jesus. He calls us by name not because we have extraordinary gifts, but because we are ordinary people who can do extraordinary things with God’s help. He calls us to come forth to preach and to drive out demons. He calls us to spread the light of God within the darkness of the world. He calls us to leave our ordinary lives and to become fishers of men. He calls us to be shepherds so that we might lead others to God. He calls us to be doctors so that we might heal the souls of the fallen. When Jesus calls, we must listen. We must be willing to abandon our worldly treasures for the treasures which await us in the Kingdom of God. We must ask the simple question, “Who does God want me to be?” The answer is in your prayers and your reflections on the Gospel messages. God will take your ordinary gifts and talents and transform them into his greatness for the Kingdom of God.

A Simple Prayer

Lord, open my ears so I can hear your calling.

Give me the strength and the courage to come when you call for I am your servant.

Yours in Christ

Michael Marcon

Meditation Minute

My Dearest Brothers and Sisters in Christ:

Gospel Reading: Mark 3:7-12

Jesus withdrew toward the sea with his disciples. A large number of people followed from Galilee and from Judea. Hearing what he was doing, a large number of people came to him also from Jerusalem, from Idumea, from beyond the Jordan, and from the neighborhood of Tyre and Sidon. He told his disciples to have a boat ready for him because of the crowd, so that they would not crush him. He had cured many and, as a result, those who had diseases were pressing upon him to touch him. And whenever unclean spirits saw him they would fall down before him and shout, “You are the Son of God.” He warned them sternly not to make him known.

In today’s Gospel reading, the people of Israel are overwhelming Jesus. People from all over the country are coming to Jesus to be healed. The Gospel reading says “He told his disciples to have a boat ready for him because of the crowd, so that they would not crush him.” Why would all these people seek Jesus? It’s simple. They knew that they would gain freedom from their afflictions if they just reached out to him. Yesterday’s Gospel reading was also about reaching out. We hear that Christ cured the man with the crippled hand when he reached out. Because of their faith, these followers reach out to Christ to true healing; not just physical healing, but also spiritual healing. It was purely because of their faith and love for Christ that they were healed. We too are called to reach out to Christ. He will chase away our demons and free us from our afflictions. The demons are no match for Christ. It says in the gospel that the demons “fall down before him and shout, ‘You are the Son of God’.” As we continue to move toward the Lenten Season, we need to focus our faith on Christ. We need to reach out for his saving grace. This is done through deepening our prayer life and giving of our talents and treasures. We should reach out with expectant faith to his healing powers. No matter what affliction you have, Christ welcomes you into his open arms like a small child reaching out for his parent. In your prayer, reach out your arms. Extend them upward to heaven. Call out to Christ and let him know that you are there.

A Simple Prayer

Lord God, I reach out to touch your robe.

I reach out with expectant faith for your healing love and grace.

Set me free from my afflictions which block the path to you.

Yours in Christ

Michael Marcon

Meditation Minute

My Dearest Brothers and Sisters in Christ:

Gospel Reading: Mark 3:1-6

Jesus entered the synagogue. There was a man there who had a withered hand. They watched Jesus closely to see if he would cure him on the Sabbath so that they might accuse him. He said to the man with the withered hand, “Come up here before us.” Then he said to the Pharisees, “Is it lawful to do good on the Sabbath rather than to do evil, to save life rather than to destroy it?” But they remained silent. Looking around at them with anger and grieved at their hardness of heart, Jesus said to the man, “Stretch out your hand.” He stretched it out and his hand was restored. The Pharisees went out and immediately took counsel with the Herodians against him to put him to death.

Again in today’s Gospel Jesus is challenged about good works being performed on the Sabbath. A man with a crippled hand enters the synagogue. The Jewish leaders sit there waiting to see if Jesus will “cure him”. Sensing the hardness of their hearts, Jesus calls the crippled man over and asks the Jewish leaders, “Is it lawful to do good on the Sabbath rather than to do evil, to save life rather than to destroy it?” Jesus elects to do good and cures the man’s hand. This enrages the Jewish leaders and they go out and begin to plot against him. What is the real purpose of the Sabbath but to honor God for all he has done for us. If we see someone cripple or hurt, what better display of gratitude toward God then to reach out and help the individual. The scribes and the Pharisees were so determined to get Jesus that they could not see the good that he was doing. They were blinded by their hatred and their anger. Jesus points out that the purpose of the Sabbath is to do good and not to do harm. That we are called to save the lives of our fellow brothers and sisters when they are indeed in need. Christians celebrate the Lord’s Day, now Sunday, to honor God for all he has done for us. We celebrate the new life that was given to us through the cross and Christ’s resurrection. Through the resurrection, we are given new life. God saved our life through the death of his only son. It is this form of love that God wants us to remember and reflect on during the Sabbath. If we truly love and honor God, then his love will overflow from us out to our neighbors “to do good” and “to save life.”

This weekend is the March for life, a peaceful stance against the Roe vs. Wade decision. This is a great opportunity for use to do good and stand up for life. Remember we are called to save life, not destroy it. You can do this by letting people know your stance about this issue. These small innocent lives are reaching out their hands for help and it is up to us to stand up for their lives.

A Simple Prayer

Lord, Jesus Christ, I celebrate the resurrection of new life.

Give me the strength to reach out and give this love to others.

Yours in Christ

Michael Marcon

Meditation Minute

My Dearest Brothers and Sisters in Christ:

Gospel Reading: Mark 2:23-28

As Jesus was passing through a field of grain on the Sabbath, his disciples began to make a path while picking the heads of grain. At this the Pharisees said to him, “Look, why are they doing what is unlawful on the Sabbath?” He said to them, “Have you never read what David did when he was in need and he and his companions were hungry? How he went into the house of God when Abiathar was high priest and ate the bread of offering that only the priests could lawfully eat, and shared it with his companions?” Then he said to them, “The Sabbath was made for man, not man for the Sabbath. That is why the Son of Man is lord even of the Sabbath.”

In today’s Gospel, Jesus is questioned about the Sabbath. God gave Moses the commandment to keep holy the Sabbath. This day was set aside for remembrance of our Lord. According to the Mosaic Law, this was supposed to be a day for us to celebrate God’s gifts and graces he gave us. It is a day where we should praise God for all he has done for us. On this particular Sabbath, Jesus’ disciples were picking grain to eat and were challenged by the Pharisees. They said to Jesus, “Why are they doing what is unlawful on the Sabbath?” Jesus uses the scriptures from the Old Testament to justify their actions. Jesus tells us it is more important for us to take care of our human needs then to practice ritual customs. The Sabbath was designed to renew us and refresh us, not punish us. If we work seven days a week, when will we take time to reflect on the gifts God has given us. When will we take time to thank Him for all He has given us? Withholding our basic humanly needs was not the purpose of the Sabbath. As Jesus told the Pharisees, “The Sabbath was made for man, not man for the Sabbath.”

During Sabbath, we are called to fast and to pray in remembrance of what God created for us. On the seventh day God rested and admired all he had created. We too are called to reflect and give praise to all that God created. We are called to feast on the bread of life which God has given us. We are called to a time of fasting not of our basic human needs, but of the things that keep us from joining Him in the Kingdom of Heaven. We are called to reflect in prayer on what God has created and the goodness of His creation. It is a time for us to fast from the hustle and bustle of our daily lives so we can reflect on God and not on us. We are called to refrain from the worldly treasures so we can acknowledge the spiritual treasures. It is not a time to deny ourselves of our basic human needs, but to overwhelm ourselves with the love that God has poured out for us. We should feast in the glory of God.

A Simple Prayer

Lord, may I keep holy your day.

May I give the mercy and grace which you unconditionally give to me.

May I nourish my spiritual needs so I may grow in you.

Yours in Christ

Michael Marcon

Meditation Minute

My Dearest Brothers and Sisters in Christ:

Today is the Memorial of St. Anthony, abbot. Called the Patriarch of Monks, St. Anthony (251-356) retired to the desert when he was eighteen years old. He was the first abbot to form a stable rule for his family of monks dedicated to the Divine Service. His talents at spiritual direction were famous, and many people traveled to the desert to seek his advice.

“Can the wedding guests fast while the bridegroom is with them?”

Gospel Reading: Mark 2:18-22

The disciples of John and of the Pharisees were accustomed to fast. People came to Jesus and objected, “Why do the disciples of John and the disciples of the Pharisees fast, but your disciples do not fast?” Jesus answered them, “Can the wedding guests fast while the bridegroom is with them? As long as they have the bridegroom with them they cannot fast. But the days will come when the bridegroom is taken away from them, and then they will fast on that day. No one sews a piece of unshrunken cloth on an old cloak. If he does, its fullness pulls away, the new from the old, and the tear gets worse. Likewise, no one pours new wine into old wineskins. Otherwise, the wine will burst the skins, and both the wine and the skins are ruined. Rather, new wine is poured into fresh wineskins.”

In today’s Gospel reading, Jesus is being challenged by the disciples of John the Baptist regarding fasting. They ask Jesus, “Why do John's disciples and the disciples of the Pharisees fast, but your disciples do not fast?” Fasting, along with prayer and almsgiving, were the three major duties of a Jew in the time of Jesus. Jesus simply replied that there is a time to fast and a time to feast. The purpose of fasting, prayer and almsgiving was a way to prepare for the coming of the messiah. Jesus is telling the disciples that the Bridegroom, their savior was among them. It was time to celebrate with joy and happiness. Jesus compares himself to the new wine. He tells his disciples, “No one puts new wine into old wineskins; if he does, the wine will burst the skins, and the wine is lost, and so are the skins; but new wine is for fresh skins.” Jesus tells the disciples that he is the new spirit and should not be confused with the old. The old ways are still valuable, but something new is among them and they need to adopt new ways. This new spirit does not necessarily fit into the old ways and new wine cannot be placed into old wine skins. To walk with Christ is a feast in itself. He brings about a whole new joy that can consume our lives. We do not want to lose the old ways, but bring to them the new joy of Christ.

A Simple Prayer

Lord, I walk with joy in the feast of salvation.

Help me to renew my life through prayer, fasting and almsgiving.

May I celebrate this Lenten season with the joy in knowing that I can serve you.

Yours in Christ

Michael Marcon

Meditation Minute

My Dearest Brothers and Sisters in Christ:

“Child, your sins are forgiven.”

Gospel Reading: Mark 2:1-12

When Jesus returned to Capernaum after some days, it became known that he was at home. Many gathered together so that there was no longer room for them, not even around the door, and he preached the word to them. They came bringing to him a paralytic carried by four men. Unable to get near Jesus because of the crowd, they opened up the roof above him. After they had broken through, they let down the mat on which the paralytic was lying. When Jesus saw their faith, he said to him, “Child, your sins are forgiven.” Now some of the scribes were sitting there asking themselves, “Why does this man speak that way? He is blaspheming. Who but God alone can forgive sins?” Jesus immediately knew in his mind what they were thinking to themselves, so he said, “Why are you thinking such things in your hearts? Which is easier, to say to the paralytic, ‘Your sins are forgiven,’ or to say, ‘Rise, pick up your mat and walk’? But that you may know that the Son of Man has authority to forgive sins on earth” –he said to the paralytic, “I say to you, rise, pick up your mat, and go home.” He rose, picked up his mat at once, and went away in the sight of everyone. They were all astounded and glorified God, saying, “We have never seen anything like this.”

What obstacles are preventing you from getting to Christ? What do you need to overcome to stand in the presence of God? In today’s Gospel reading, Jesus is visited by the paralytic man. The reading tells us that Jesus was busy preaching to a large crowd and there was no more room, “not even around the door.” Four men carrying the paralytic man “opened up the roof above him” and “let down the mat on which the paralytic was lying.” Because of their deep faith and commitment to encounter Christ, Jesus said to the man, “Child, your sins are forgiven.” Jesus healed the man of his greatest affliction; he forgave the man of his sins. The scribes were not happy with Jesus because only God could forgive sins and therefore Jesus was claiming to be God. Jesus sensing what was in their hearts said to the crowd, “Why are you thinking such things in your hearts? Which is easier, to say to the paralytic, ‘Your sins are forgiven,’ or to say, ‘Rise, pick up your mat and walk’?” To prove he was the Son of Man, he commanded the paralytic man to walk again. The crowd responded, “We never seen anything like this!” These people witnessed the true healing power of forgiveness. So what was the greater affliction, the man’s sins or being paralyzed? It was obviously his sins. By the faith of the paralyzed man and the four men who brought him, Christ freed this man from his sins. This is the same freedom we can experience after reconciliation. As we remove the sins that afflict our body, our soul becomes free to walk again. The burden of our sins can paralyze us and hold us back. It is difficult and humbling to have a deep and sincere confession. Sometimes we have to tear the roof off our house to expose the sins which keep us from Christ. It is our desire for forgiveness that yields freedom from the sins.

A Simple Prayer

Lord Jesus Christ, you are so kind and merciful.

Your forgiveness heals my soul and my body.

May your love consume and control my life, my body and my soul.

Yours in Christ

Michael Marcon

Meditation Minute

My Dearest Brothers and Sisters in Christ:

“If you wish, you can make me clean.”

Gospel Reading: Mark 1:40-45

A leper came to him and kneeling down begged him and said, “If you wish, you can make me clean.” Moved with pity, he stretched out his hand, touched the leper, and said to him, “I do will it. Be made clean.” The leprosy left him immediately, and he was made clean. Then, warning him sternly, he dismissed him at once. Then he said to him, “See that you tell no one anything, but go, show yourself to the priest and offer for your cleansing what Moses prescribed; that will be proof for them.” The man went away and began to publicize the whole matter. He spread the report abroad so that it was impossible for Jesus to enter a town openly. He remained outside in deserted places, and people kept coming to him from everywhere.

In today’s Gospel reading, we again hear the story about a leper seeking God’s help. He cries out to Christ seeking his mercy and help. Moved with pity, Jesus reaches out his hand and says, “I will; be clean.” What is it that we bring before the Lord and ask for his mercy? No matter what it is, Christ will reach out his hand and heal us. Lepers were considered untouchables; people cast out from society and left to wither and die in seclusion. Jesus embraces the Leper and cures him despite his being cast out by society. No matter how unclean you become, Jesus will not leave you. No matter how grotesque your sins, Jesus will say to you, “I will it; be clean.” It Jesus’ will that we all be clean and purified. In this Gospel reading, Jesus also sets the example for us. We too are called to reach out to the untouchables. We are called to forgive everyone, even those who have committed the most contemptible of sins. We are called to reach out our hands and forgive. It is through our mercy and love that we demonstrate our true commitment to Christ. Christ tells us that our judgment will be based on how we treat others. No matter how deep the wound, we must reach out. As lent approaches, we need to think of those whom we have shunned and those that we have cast out and reach out to them. At the same time we give our mercy and love, Christ is abundantly filling us with his.

A Simple Prayer

Lord Jesus, If you will, make me clean.

Help me prepare my heart so that I may reach out to others.

Fill me with your love and mercy so I may give it freely.

Yours in Christ

Michael Marcon

Meditation Minute

My Dearest Brothers and Sisters in Christ:

Gospel Reading: Mark 1:29-39

On leaving the synagogue Jesus entered the house of Simon and Andrew with James and John. Simon’s mother-in-law lay sick with a fever. They immediately told him about her. He approached, grasped her hand, and helped her up. Then the fever left her and she waited on them. When it was evening, after sunset, they brought to him all who were ill or possessed by demons. The whole town was gathered at the door. He cured many who were sick with various diseases, and he drove out many demons, not permitting them to speak because they knew him. Rising very early before dawn, he left and went off to a deserted place, where he prayed. Simon and those who were with him pursued him and on finding him said, “Everyone is looking for you.” He told them, “Let us go on to the nearby villages that I may preach there also. For this purpose have I come.” So he went into their synagogues, preaching and driving out demons throughout the whole of Galilee.

In today’s Gospel reading, Jesus is presented as the solution to what ails us. He is in the house of Peter and his mother-in-law is sick. Jesus reaches out to heal her from her sickness. After being freed from her affliction the Gospel tells us that she was able to serve God. Her infliction kept her from taking care of and honoring Christ. Once relieved from her illness, she can serve him.

After seeing this great work, they bring to Jesus all who are sick or possessed with demons. Again, Jesus reaches out and cures them of the things in their lives that afflict them. How many times are we afflicted with things that trouble our lives or demons that possess us? Jesus tells us to bring our troubles to him and he will free us from our afflictions and those things that prevent us from serving him. We must be willing to freely give up what keeps us from walking with Christ. We must be willing to humble ourselves before him. Not only does Christ restore us, be he gives us the strength we need to serve others.

After performing the miracles, Jesus goes off to a private place to pray. Peter follows him saying, “Everyone is searching for you.” And Jesus replies, “Let us go on to the nearby villages that I may preach there also. For this purpose have I come.” If you are searching for God, he is there. Reach out in prayer with your problems and your afflictions for this is why he came. With Christ in your life, you can now go out to other villages to serve God.

A Simple Prayer

Lord, I am burdened with many troubles

I offer these problems up to you

That you may restore me and free me from my demons

So that I may serve you, my Lord and Master.

Yours in Christ

Michael Marcon

Meditation Minute

My Dearest Brothers and Sisters in Christ:

“He taught them as one having authority.”

Gospel Reading: Mark 1:21-28

Jesus came to Capernaum with his followers, and on the sabbath he entered the synagogue and taught. The people were astonished at his teaching, for he taught them as one having authority and not as the scribes. In their synagogue was a man with an unclean spirit; he cried out, “What have you to do with us, Jesus of Nazareth? Have you come to destroy us? I know who you are–the Holy One of God!” Jesus rebuked him and said, “Quiet! Come out of him!” The unclean spirit convulsed him and with a loud cry came out of him. All were amazed and asked one another, “What is this? A new teaching with authority. He commands even the unclean spirits and they obey him.” His fame spread everywhere throughout the whole region of Galilee.

Have you ever heard someone who speaks with commanding authority? When they talk, you have no choice but to listen to them. When Christ spoke to his followers, the people were gripped by his message. He spoke with unbelievable authority because he was the authority. He knew the Word of God because He was the Word made flesh. Not only can he grip us with his Word, but his words can heal us. In today’s Gospel reading, we see how the word of God transformed a man. The power of the Word of God has the ability to cure us from anything that ails us including the demons that haunt our lives. Not only do we hear the testimony that Christ’s follower are mesmerized by his Word, but we hear a proclamation that Christ is the Messiah; “the Holy One of God.” However, this proclamation doesn’t come from one of Christ’s disciples but from an unclean spirit that has infected a man. Even Satan can recognize Christ and is under the control of the Word of God. Are you willing to submit to the Word of God? Are you willing to submit all that ails you? The Word of God is able to change your life. Through the love of God, he can cause the blind to see, the deaf to hear and the lame to walk. We are called to see Christ in our life, to open our ears to hear his Word so we can follow him where he leads us. It is time to experience the love and joy which Christ wants us to experience. It is time for us to submit to his authority.

A Simple Prayer

Lord Christ, you are the Messiah who came to save us from evil.

Open my eyes so I can see Christ in my life.

Open my ears so the Word of God can transform my life.

Give me the strength to walk with Christ every day of my life.

Yours in Christ

Michael Marcon

Meditation Minute

My Dearest Brothers and Sisters in Christ:

“Come after me, and I will make you fishers of men.”

Gospel Reading: Mark 1:14-20

After John had been arrested, Jesus came to Galilee proclaiming the Gospel of God: “This is the time of fulfillment. The Kingdom of God is at hand. Repent, and believe in the Gospel.” As he passed by the Sea of Galilee, he saw Simon and his brother Andrew casting their nets into the sea; they were fishermen. Jesus said to them, “Come after me, and I will make you fishers of men.” Then they left their nets and followed him. He walked along a little farther and saw James, the son of Zebedee, and his brother John. They too were in a boat mending their nets. Then he called them. So they left their father Zebedee in the boat along with the hired men and followed him.

In today’s Gospel reading, Jesus calls forth the apostles to repent and follow him. He proclaims that the kingdom of God is at hand and calls us to believe in the Gospel. This is the beginning of his three year mission. He calls his disciples by name and says, “Come after me, and I will make you fishers of men.” The gospel reading says that they immediately left their nets and followed him. They didn’t hesitate in their decision. They heard the call of God and joined him on his mission to bring others into the kingdom of God. These men gave up everything to follow Jesus. Eventually, most of them would give up their lives. So why would they leave the comfort of their lives as fishermen to become followers of Christ. They did it because of the promise of eternal peace and salvation. They heard the good news about the kingdom of God and that promise was greater than the consequences they were about to face. We too are called by name to be fishers of men. We are called to be the light of the Gospel so others can see the Word of God. We are called to bring people into the kingdom of God. We are called to holiness. Do you hear God’s calling?

A Simple Prayer

Lord God, the kingdom of heaven is at hand.

You have called me by name to be your servant.

Give me the strength to be your light and to lead others to you.

Yours in Christ

Michael Marcon

Meditation Minute

My Dearest Brothers and Sisters In Christ:

“Lord, if you wish, you can make me clean.”

Gospel Reading: Luke 5:12-16 It happened that there was a man full of leprosy in one of the towns where Jesus was; and when he saw Jesus, he fell prostrate, pleaded with him, and said, “Lord, if you wish, you can make me clean.” Jesus stretched out his hand, touched him, and said, “I do will it. Be made clean.” And the leprosy left him immediately. Then he ordered him not to tell anyone, but “Go, show yourself to the priest and offer for your cleansing what Moses prescribed; that will be proof for them.” The report about him spread all the more, and great crowds assembled to listen to him and to be cured of their ailments, but he would withdraw to deserted places to pray.

In today’s Gospel reading, Jesus heals a man with Leprosy. In the time of Jesus, leprosy was a disease of uncleanliness. People inflicted with this illness slowly rotted away as the disease consumed their body. One was not suppose to touch or associate with people who had this disease. The Jews considered these people already dead and cast them out of society. In the story, the leper fell on his face in front of Jesus begging for mercy and said, “Lord, if you wish, you can make me clean.” Jesus stretched out his hand and touched the man saying, “I do will it. Be made clean.” The uncleanliness of the leper was washed away and he was healed. We too are afflicted with things that make our souls unclean. All we have to do is humble ourselves before God and ask for his forgiveness. If we truly desire it, Jesus will reach out and touch us and purify us. As we transition from the Christmas season, we should strive to continue to purify our souls. We should humble ourselves before God and ask, “Lord, if you wish, you can make me clean.” Jesus demonstrated the purest form of love and compassion for the Leper by reaching out to him and touching him. Lent is all about love, forgiveness and sacrifice, about reaching out to God and reaching out to others. We too can experience this love by abandoning ourselves to God. As we learn to receive the love and compassion of God, we must also learn to give love and compassion to others.

There is a second part to today’s Gospel which is much more subtle. The readings says that when the people heard, great crowds settled around him. The hustle and bustle of the people must have made it difficult for Jesus to talk to his Father. He would withdraw to deserted places to pray. We too can get caught up in the hustle and bustle of world and it can become very difficult for us to pray. We must set aside time to be alone in a deserted place so we can empty ourselves to God. We must be willing to withdraw and find time alone. During this time, you can open your heart to God and abandon your ailments. You can give up all your afflictions to God. Take this time of solitude to purify your heart and your mind. Recharge yourself to be able to face the hustle and bustle of the world.

A Simple Prayer

Lord, if you will, make me clean.

Purify my heart and soul so I can receive you more fully.

Help me to abandon the things that make me unclean.

Yours in Christ

Michael Marcon

Meditation Minute

My Dearest Brothers and Sisters in Christ:

Today is the Epiphany. This is the last day of the Christmas Season. Today is the day the Magi come to visit the Messiah.

“The Spirit of the Lord is upon me, because he has anointed me to bring glad tidings to the poor.”

Gospel Reading: Luke 4:14-22

Jesus returned to Galilee in the power of the Spirit, and news of him spread throughout the whole region. He taught in their synagogues and was praised by all. He came to Nazareth, where he had grown up, and went according to his custom into the synagogue on the sabbath day. He stood up to read and was handed a scroll of the prophet Isaiah. He unrolled the scroll and found the passage where it was written: The Spirit of the Lord is upon me, because he has anointed me to bring glad tidings to the poor. He has sent me to proclaim liberty to captives and recovery of sight to the blind, to let the oppressed go free, and to proclaim a year acceptable to the Lord. Rolling up the scroll, he handed it back to the attendant and sat down, and the eyes of all in the synagogue looked intently at him. He said to them, “Today this Scripture passage is fulfilled in your hearing.” And all spoke highly of him and were amazed at the gracious words that came from his mouth.

In today’s Gospel, Jesus proclaims that he is the Lord who was promised to us in the Book of Isaiah. The reading says that he was anointed “to bring glad tidings to the poor.” So who are the poor? Are we not all poor? At times, do we not lack faith and hope in God. At times, do we not fall from the site of God? We are the ones who are held captive by this material world. We are the poor that he came to bring the glad tidings. We are the people that he brings faith and hope so that we can believe in life ever after. He goes on to say, “He has sent me to proclaim liberty to captives and recovery of sight to the blind, to let the oppressed go free, and to proclaim a year acceptable to the Lord.” Jesus tells them that he has come to perform miracles to free those who are least among his people. He has come to free us from the burdens in life which hold us back. He has come to give us sight so that we might see the Lord. He tells us, “Today this Scripture passage is fulfilled in your hearing.” The reading concludes that “all spoke highly of him.” The people in the temple opened their eyes and their ears to the Word of God and believed. Jesus brought them the hope and promise that was made to the Jews through Isaiah. This is the same Word that is presented to us on Sundays during mass. Do you open your heart to see and hear the Word? There are many things in our lives which cloud our vision or muffle our hearing. But when we truly her the Word of God, our hearts dance with the joy and love that set us free.

A Simple Prayer

Lord God Heavenly Father, bless my eyes and ears that I may see and hear the Word of God.

Purify my heart that it may become a beacon for your message.

Yours in Christ

Michael Marcon