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.”

Jesus asks us the same question he asked Peter 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.  To truly love God means that we have to give up our ways and follow his ways.  We have to let him dress us and tell us where to go.  Sometimes, we will have to go to places we do not want to go.  If we truly love God, then we will feed and tend his flock.  We must remember that “God is love” and his love is unconditional.  We must exhibit the same type of 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; especially those we call our enemy and those we find most difficult to love.  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.  It happens when we do what we want and not what God wants.  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:

“What sort of man is this, whom even the winds and the sea obey?”

Gospel Reading Matthew 8:23-27

As Jesus got into a boat, his disciples followed him. Suddenly a violent storm came up on the sea, so that the boat was being swamped by waves; but he was asleep. They came and woke him, saying, “Lord, save us! We are perishing!” He said to them, “Why are you terrified, O you of little faith?” Then he got up, rebuked the winds and the sea, and there was great calm. The men were amazed and said, “What sort of man is this, whom even the winds and the sea obey?”

How do you react to conflict in your life?  How many times have you felt that your life was a total wreck or that life was just tossing you around like a violent storm?  In today’s Gospel reading, the Jesus’ disciples are being violently tossed around.  When they cry out for help, Jesus responds, “Why are you terrified, O you of little faith?”  Jesus says the same thing to us when we let the world overwhelm us.  It is easy to feel like life is batting you around like a terrible storm.  During this period we can fall into a position of despair.  Despair is the opposite of love and if God is love then Satan is despair.  Satan uses these periods of despair to attach our soul and to get us down.  It is through our faith that we can turn these stormy periods in our life around.  It is during this periods that we can find calm in the storm and comfort in the arms of Jesus Christ.  We need to put our storms into the hands of God an let him control the winds and the sea.  It is only through our faith in the power of our God that we will find calm in the storm.

A Simple Prayer

Lord God, you are the calm in my life.

You subdue the winds of turmoil and calm the seas of despair.

Take my life and help me rebuke the storms.

Yours in Christ

Michael Marcon

Meditation Minute

My Dearest Brothers and Sisters in Christ:

“Teacher, I will follow you wherever you go.”

Gospel Reading: Matthew 8:18-22

When Jesus saw a crowd around him, he gave orders to cross to the other shore. A scribe approached and said to him, “Teacher, I will follow you wherever you go.” Jesus answered him, “Foxes have dens and birds of the sky have nests, but the Son of Man has nowhere to rest his head.” Another of his disciples said to him, “Lord, let me go first and bury my father.” But Jesus answered him, “Follow me, and let the dead bury their dead.”

What does it mean to be a disciple of Christ?  In today’s gospel reading, Jesus tells his disciples, “Foxes have dens and birds of the sky have nests, but the Son of Man has nowhere to rest his head.”  Fox holes and bird nests are refuges where these animals can hide and find sanctuary from their enemies.  To be a disciple, we must give up the comfort of our refuge and seek the mission of God.  A true Christian is a person who is baptized with the Holy Spirit and is bound to do whatever Christ calls them to do.  We must be willing to give up our home, our family and even our friends if Christ calls us to do that.  When one of his disciples said he needed to go home and bury his father, Jesus replied, “Follow me, and let the dead bury their dead.”  The dead that Jesus refers to in this passage are those who have not seen or are not willing to see the light of true faith.  Following Christ is not easy.  He calls each of us personally to follow Christ.  Each of us will have our own unique mission different from everyone else. 

So why is it so difficult to follow Christ, to be his undivided disciple?  In our hearts and in our souls, we feel the calling and many of us have a deep rooted desire to follow him; however, fear and lack of self confidence in our Spiritual growth prevent us from becoming fully attached to God.  Thomas Merton said, “As long as there is any refuge where man can curl up by himself and hug some private good that nobody else is allowed to share, there remains in his heart a cranny in which the dirt of selfishness accumulates.”  If I desire something and hold that something and keep it to myself, then I cannot drink of the fruit of the Lord.  I separate myself from Christ.  I must be willing to release these things.  Jesus promises us if we release those things that are most dear to us, we will be rewarded 100 times in heaven.  Our life on earth is short; our new life in heaven is eternal. 

Tonight, as you reflect upon the day and recount your sins and the graces, think of the items which you cannot release.  Make a list of those things that you hoard and ask God to give you strength to release the clutch you have on these things so that you can free up your arms for his service.

A Simple Prayer

“Take, O Lord, and receive my entire liberty, my memory, my understanding, and my whole will. 

All that I am and all that I possess you have given me.

I surrender it all to you to be disposed of according to your will. 

Give me only your love and your grace —

with these I will be rich enough and will desire nothing more.”

Prayer of St. Ignatius Loyola

Yours in Christ

Michael Marcon

Meditation Minute

My Dearest Brothers and Sisters in Christ:

“Do not be afraid, Zechariah, because your prayer has been heard.”

Gospel Reading: Luke 1:5-17

In the days of Herod, King of Judea, there was a priest named Zechariah of the priestly division of Abijah; his wife was from the daughters of Aaron, and her name was Elizabeth. Both were righteous in the eyes of God, observing all the commandments and ordinances of the Lord blamelessly. But they had no child, because Elizabeth was barren and both were advanced in years. Once when he was serving as priest in his division’s turn before God, according to the practice of the priestly service, he was chosen by lot to enter the sanctuary of the Lord to burn incense. Then, when the whole assembly of the people was praying outside at the hour of the incense offering, the angel of the Lord appeared to him, standing at the right of the altar of incense. Zechariah was troubled by what he saw, and fear came upon him. But the angel said to him, “Do not be afraid, Zechariah, because your prayer has been heard. Your wife Elizabeth will bear you a son, and you shall name him John. And you will have joy and gladness, and many will rejoice at his birth, for he will be great in the sight of the Lord. John will drink neither wine nor strong drink. He will be filled with the Holy Spirit even from his mother’s womb, and he will turn many of the children of Israel to the Lord their God. He will go before him in the spirit and power of Elijah to turn their hearts toward their children and the disobedient to the understanding of the  righteous, to prepare a people fit for the Lord.”

Today is the Solemnity of the Nativity of John the Baptist.  During this feast, we celebrate the birth of John the Baptist.  John has a very special role in our salvation history.  He was the chosen profit who made ready the way of the Lord.  For a Jew not to have off spring was considered a punishment from God.  Zechariah, a high priest continued to pray for a child to carry on the family.  He never lost hope that he and his wife could have a child, even in the advanced years, he continued to pray.  God eventually answers their prayers.  He is told not to be afraid because his prayer has been answered.  The angel goes further to say that “you will have joy and gladness.”  So why would they have joy and gladness.  Their son would be persecuted and eventually executed for his devote service to God.  The joy and gladness comes from the fact that they feel complete.  The joy and gladness comes from the fact that they will be in service to the Lord.  We too are called to be in service to the Lord.  When we pray to be his humble servant, we are really praying for joy and gladness knowing that we are fulfilling the will of God.  Our ultimate joy comes when we fulfill what God wants to do.  When he answers our prayer, we know that this is what God wants us to do.  We also learn from this reading that God answers our prayers on his time and not ours.  God knows what is best for and for our salvation.  He may not immediately answer our prayer and sometimes his answer is not now.  We must learn patience and humility.  We must learn to pray always.  In a truly devote pray life, we learn that God works his miracles precisely when they are needed and not before. 

A Simple Prayer

Lord, you are my master, help me to learn to pray.

Give me the patience to wait for your answer.

Yours in Christ

Michael Marcon

Meditation Minute

My Dearest Brothers and Sisters in Christ:

“Not everyone who says to me, 'Lord, Lord,' will enter the Kingdom of heaven, but only the one who does the will of my Father in heaven.”

Gospel Reading: Matthew 7:21-29

Jesus said to his disciples: "Not everyone who says to me, 'Lord, Lord,' will enter the Kingdom of heaven, but only the one who does the will of my Father in heaven. Many will say to me on that day, 'Lord, Lord, did we not prophesy in your name? Did we not drive out demons in your name? Did we not do mighty deeds in your name?' Then I will declare to them solemnly, 'I never knew you. Depart from me, you evildoers.' "Everyone who listens to these words of mine and acts on them will be like a wise man who built his house on rock. The rain fell, the floods came, and the winds blew and buffeted the house. But it did not collapse; it had been set solidly on rock. And everyone who listens to these words of mine but does not act on them will be like a fool who built his house on sand. The rain fell, the floods came, and the winds blew and buffeted the house. And it collapsed and was completely ruined." When Jesus finished these words, the crowds were astonished at his teaching, for he taught them as one having authority, and not as their scribes.

What a scary thought.  Just because I recognize Jesus as my Lord and Savior does not mean I will make it into heaven.  In today’s Gospel, Jesus is quite clear that just recognizing Him as the Messiah or even proclaiming that He is the Messiah is nothing more than a fleeting cry.  Jesus talks about our final judgment and that it will take more than just fainting cry to God to get into heaven. "Not everyone who says to me, `Lord, Lord,' shall enter the kingdom of heaven.” God knows when we are sincere. He knows our inner heart and our inner desires. Jesus tells us that it is simply not enough to cry out, but that we must do the will of our Father in Heaven. Our faith must have a solid foundation. It must be like the house built upon the rock. That way when Satan rains down upon us and the floods come, our faith will remain solid. The type of foundation we construct will determine how well we can survive the hard times. Satan throws many things our way trying to divert us from our journey, yet we have to be strong and face the storm.

Are you building your faith and preparing the way for the Truth and the Light? Is your faith rock solid or are you treading on shifting sands? We cannot wait until our judgment day to call out to our Lord for Salvation. A house built on the foundation of the rock of our faith will not be destroyed. We will have the strength to defend ourselves against evil. However, a faith built upon a weak foundation will topple in the storm. How many times have we had to face hardships trials or situations which tried the fabric of our faith? As young adults, your peers try to pressure you into situations which you know are wrong, but with a strong faith you can weather the storm. We are constantly bombarded with advertising, TV Shows and media which challenges the moral fiber of our Faith. TV programs and mass media which show adultery and sin with no consequence and glorify these actions tear away at the very foundation of your faith. We are judged by our actions, by our words and by our choices. We must learn to make good choices if we are to make it through the thin gate to heaven. These choices are learned actions which must be exercised daily through the teachings of Christ. Listen to His Words because “he who does the will of my Father who is in heaven” will make it through the gate.

A Simple Prayer

Lord Christ, builder of my faith.

Help me build a solid foundation on your rock.

I am weak and you are strong, with your help my foundation can also be strong.

Give me the wisdom and strength to form myself to your will.

Yours in Christ

Michael Marcon

Meditation Minute

My Dearest Brothers and Sisters in Christ:

“Beware of false prophets, who come to you in sheep's clothing but inwardly are ravenous wolves.”

Gospel Reading: Matthew 7:15-20

"Beware of false prophets, who come to you in sheep's clothing but inwardly are ravenous wolves.  You will know them by their fruits. Are grapes gathered from thorns, or figs from thistles?  So, every sound tree bears good fruit, but the bad tree bears evil fruit.  A sound tree cannot bear evil fruit, nor can a bad tree bear good fruit.  Every tree that does not bear good fruit is cut down and thrown into the fire.  Thus you will know them by their fruits.

In today’s Gospel, Jesus provides a strong warning regarding our spiritual direction, "Beware of false prophets, who come to you in sheep's clothing but inwardly are ravenous wolves.” St. John Chrysostom says that a false profit is someone who appears to be virtuous but in fact is not, and thereby misleads other into evil. A person who truly preaches the Word of God sows faith, hope, and love where a false profit sows division, separation, hatred, resentment, pride, and sensuality (Galatians 5:16-25). Therefore, one who tries to separate us from the teaching of the Church and the true Word of God is considered a false profit. Jesus also goes on to indicate that anyone who purposefully deceives us to lead us away from His teachings is destined to eternal damnation. St. Peter warns that “in times past there were false profits and among you today there are also false teachers” (2 Peter 2:1). Isaiah warned against the dangers of falsehood: “Woe to those who call evil good and good evil, who put darkness for light and light for darkness” (Isaiah 5:20).

So how do we recognize the false profits? Jesus says: “You will know them by their fruits.” The fruits of the vine are those fruits which are produced through truly righteous behavior and love for God and man. God provided us with the Holy Spirit. If we welcome the Holy Spirit into our lives and live a truly virtuous life, we can avoid the false profits. False prophets try to lead us away from the church by telling you things like Mass on Sunday isn’t important or that the Eucharist really isn’t the body and blood of Christ. Once somebody starts trying to lead you away from your faith, they are a false profit. We must cultivate a strong faith to combat this evil. This faith is formed through daily prayer and by allowing the Holy Spirit to enter our souls and set our souls on fire with his love. When we receive the sacrament of confirmation, we are telling God we want to be filled with his Holy Spirit; that we want to be set on fire with His love. These fruits are nurtured through weekly Mass, through the gift of the Eucharist and through the gift of reconciliation. And most of all, these fruits are nurtured by being true to God and his graces that He pours out on us.

A Simple Prayer

Lord, may the fruit of my vine be faith, hope and love.

May I learn to be virtuous and morally sound.

Please fill my soul with the Holy Spirit so that I will produce good fruit.

Help me to reject the false profits and those that try to lead me away from the church.

Yours in Christ

Michael Marcon

Meditation Minute

My Dearest Brothers and Sisters in Christ:

“Do to others whatever you would have them do to you”

Gospel Reading: Matthew 7:6, 12-14

Jesus said to his disciples: "Do not give what is holy to dogs, or throw your pearls before swine, lest they trample them underfoot, and turn and tear you to pieces. "Do to others whatever you would have them do to you. This is the Law and the Prophets. "Enter through the narrow gate; for the gate is wide and the road broad that leads to destruction, and those who enter through it are many. How narrow the gate and constricted the road that leads to life. And those who find it are few."

In today’s gospel reading, we are called to, “Enter through the narrow gate”  This is the gate that enters to the kingdom of heaven.  The Gospel reading says, the road is constricted meaning that there is very little deviation from what is true and right.  We know it is not easy and, if fact, it is easier to do what is wrong and fall into the gate of destruction “for the gate is wide and the road broad that leads to destruction.”  Unfortunately “those who enter through it are many.” In our life, we must make choices between good and evil. We are constantly faced with a barrage of choices and mixed messages from our friends, from the media, and sometimes from those who we think are in charge. Evil is lurking everywhere and is trying to entice us into its snare. We need to be strong and rely on our faith to carry us through these situations and to provide the knowledge to make the proper choices in life.  I know you have seen the message, “What Would Jesus Do?”  But today’s message is quite clear, “What would Jesus want us to do?”  He tells us not to throw away what is important and to cherish those that are dear to us. 

Modern medicine has made several advances which have made life “more convenient.” There are now pills to help with high cholesterol, obesity, blood pressure, and many other aliments which we suffer because of our choices in life.  While these pills help to correct the problem, there are generally better non-pill alternatives like exercise and healthy diets which also work and lack the side effects of the pills. We chose the pills because they are easier. Likewise, medicine has given us pills that prevent birth and pills that will abort a child. These pills are also out of “convenience” because we are selfish and want to avoid the blessing that God gives us through life. We take these pills because we don’t want to be burdened with a child. The wide gate is very easy to go through and it requires no effort at all. But the narrow gate must be carefully traversed to make it through. The narrow gate is so small that we must enter on our knees.  We must humble ourselves to our master.

Life is not simple and we all struggle with the choices that are thrown in front us. There is not a person on earth that does not have to agonize with these types of decisions on a daily basis. Sometimes those decisions are not popular and you may lose some of your friends. But you have to ask yourself, is that person really a friend if they are going to lead me down the wrong path. The bible tells us that we should not “walk with the wicked” but to rejoice in the “law of the Lord.” We are called to live by the commandments that God has given us. We have to decide between the way of life and the way of death. It is much easier to make good decisions around good people then it is when you are being pressured to make bad choices while among your peers. Choosing this way of life is not easy, but it has the greatest reward – to be united with our Father in Heaven. Every night before you go to bed, you should examine your soul to decide which choices you made that day. In the morning, when you awaken in the new life of a new day, you should ask God to give you a clear map to guide you through the narrow gate. Remember, a map is not always easy to read, you must constantly be aware of the forks in the road.

A Simple Prayer

Most Heavenly Father of all that is great,

Open my Heart to your ways.

Allow me to see the light that will lead me through the narrow gate to heaven.

Give me strength to avoid the easy paths that lead evil.

Yours in Christ

Michael Marcon

Meditation Minute

My Dearest Brothers and Sisters in Christ:

“Stop judging, that you may not be judged.”

Gospel Reading: Matthew 7:1-5

Jesus said to his disciples: "Stop judging, that you may not be judged. For as you judge, so will you be judged, and the measure with which you measure will be  measured out to you. Why do you notice the splinter in your brother's eye, but do not perceive the wooden beam in your own eye? How can you say to your brother, 'Let me remove that splinter from your eye,' while the wooden beam is in your eye? You hypocrite, remove the wooden beam from your eye first; then you will see clearly to remove the splinter from your brother's eye."

It is so easy to judge somebody else and ignore our own faults. Jesus tells us in today’s Gospel reading that we need to ignore the speck in our brothers eye, because you are walking around with a log in yours. We become blind to our own faults but see clearly the faults of others. Sometimes we are so good at judging others that we probably think this is a gift. We might not see any harm in judging others, but when we hear that someone has judged us, we get angry and hurt. Jesus tells us turnabout is fair play. How you judge others you too will be judged. Judgmentalism is so rampant in our society because we see ourselves as nearly perfect and everyone else with flaws. We want to change people and make them like us. Our own judgments become the gossip that kills the soul of others. However, we must learn to let go of the faults of others so that we can begin to see our own faults.

God can see everything in us, even the things that we do not realize we do wrong. Every sin we commit is known to God. By looking inward, we start to recognize these sins so that they can be forgiven. But to see inward, we must learn to see the good in others. We must learn to have mercy and see beyond the faults of our brothers and sisters. It is so easy for us to misjudge someone. We are biased in our judgment and usually do not have all the facts. God knows all and can see all. He is the true judge and He has unlimited mercy and forgiveness. How often do you judge and condemn your brother or sister? How often do you engage in gossip about your neighbor? Whatever judgment you pass on your fellow man, you will face the same condemnation. If we forgive and forget, Christ will forgive us.  Try to work beyond the gossip and learn to praise your brothers and sisters.  To participate in gossip is to participate in scandal.  Scandal is destructive to society and not constructive.  We must learn to build relationships and not tear them down with idle talk.

A Simple Prayer

Lord Jesus, I pass judgment on my friends.

I see their weakness and ignore my own.

Give me the strength to see beyond my judgment

So I can see my own weakness and faults.

Give me the humility to be merciful others and

The wisdom to recognize their beauty.

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:

“Jesus, Master! Have pity on us!”

Gospel Reading: Luke 17:11b-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? This is another one of those gospel readings that has multiple underlying story lines which makes this reading much deeper then it appears on the surface. First there was no love lost between these two groups; the Jews and the Samaritans. In fact, if it weren’t for the infliction of leprosy, these two groups would not even be together. One would expect the Jew to thank God but not the Samaritan. The second aspect of this story is that 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, “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. So why does Jesus use the Samaritan? Because we so often judge people without truly knowing what is on their heart. So often we classify people and instantly condemn them because of the way they look or the people they associate with. However, only God can know what is on their hearts. We are called to love everyone equally, no matter what their affiliation. Also, we are called to praise God for all that he has done for use. When he gifts us with his grace, we need to fall on our knees in thanksgiving. 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 but 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 doing the will of the Father to the point He sacrificed his life for us. For those who are willing to make the same sacrifice, 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 the time to pray to his Father that we will all become one with him as He is with the Father. 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 fully understand the mission of Jesus 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’ time on earth has come to an end and it will now be the Apostles time to spread the good news. He lets them know that their mission will not be easy and that they will be alone. The tribulation of the world will attack them and try to prevent them from accomplishing their mission. But in their belief in the Risen Lord Jesus Christ, they will find peace because He has overcome the world. We too are given the same mission as the Apostles – to go out and spread the good news. We are scatter into the world to be sheep amongst wolves. When the tribulations of the world try to attach us, we need to have confidence in our beliefs 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. Faith is not automatic. Our beliefs are exercised through the Gospels and through our mission in the world. We are all called to go forth and bring the light of God 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:

“Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit.”

Gospel Reading: Matthew 28:16-20

The eleven disciples went to Galilee, to the mountain to which Jesus had ordered them. When they saw him, they worshiped, but they doubted. Then Jesus approached and said to them, “All power in heaven and on earth has been given to me. Go, therefore, and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you. And behold, I am with you always, until the end of the age.”

Today is the Feast of the Ascension of our Lord. The Gospel reading is a very short passage from the very end of Matthew talking about Christ farewell. The eleven disciples have ascended with Jesus to the top of mountain. The gospel reading that “they saw him, they worshiped him; but they doubted.” After everything that has happened, some of the disciples still had doubt when they arrive with him at the mountain top. But seeing the risen Christ, the disciples adore Him and acknowledge Him as God and the fear must instantly go away. They are overcome by the situation and the glory and power which emanates from Christ. On this day, Jesus’ physical time on earth comes to an end, but his spiritual mission is just beginning. Jesus tells them, “All power in heaven and on earth has been given to me.” This means that Jesus has all the powers of God and he promises to send forth the Holy Spirit to be with them and guide them. Jesus commands the Apostles to go out to all nations and bring them into the fold “teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you.” This mission was passed onto the Apostles who have passed it onto their successors and eventually that same mission is passed onto us. The church has a never ending commitment to share the Word of God. Jesus sent the Holy Spirit down to aid the Apostles. That same Holy Spirit is alive in us and with us today. We should all feel the call to go forth and spread the good news of his salvation and saving grace. What can you do today to spread the word of God? This best message you can give someone is through your actions and the way you live your life. If you live by the word of God, your message will come across load and clear. When someone meets you, can they tell that you are a follower of Christ.

A Simple Prayer

Lord, you have given me the gift of the Holy Spirit.

It has come down upon me in my baptism.

May I live to cherish and spread the absolute joy of this gift.

May I be an example for others seeking your grace.

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