Meditation MInute

My Dearest Brothers and Sisters in Christ:

“I must proclaim the good news of the Kingdom of God, because for this purpose I have been sent.”

Gospel Reading: Luke 4:38-44

After Jesus left the synagogue, he entered the house of Simon. Simon’s mother-in-law was afflicted with a severe fever, and they interceded with him about her. He stood over her, rebuked the fever, and it left her. She got up immediately and waited on them. At sunset, all who had people sick with various diseases brought them to him. He laid his hands on each of them and cured them. And demons also came out from many, shouting, “You are the Son of God.” But he rebuked them and did not allow them to speak because they knew that he was the Christ. At daybreak, Jesus left and went to a deserted place. The crowds went looking for him, and when they came to him, they tried to prevent him from leaving them. But he said to them, “To the other towns also I must proclaim the good news of the Kingdom of God, because for this purpose I have been sent.” And he was preaching in the synagogues of Judea.

Have you ever felt exceptionally close to Jesus?  Maybe this happened after a retreat or sometime when He reached out and his healing mercy was felt within your heart.  You want to treasure this time and never let it go but unfortunately we must move on.  In today’s gospel, Jesus reaches out to heal Simon’s mother-in-law and after healing her, he reaches out to the whole community. Feeling the joy and the amazement of his miracles, the crowds don’t want Jesus to leave them. But He tells them that he must leave to proclaim the good news of the Kingdom of God to others.  We are called to imitate Christ in our life; therefore, we too are called to go forth and proclaim the good news. We are called to reach out to others and cure them of their ailments.  We are called to bring the joy and love that we feel when we have been touched by Jesus to others so that they may experience the same joy and happiness.

When we have that amazing encounter with Christ, we feel like we are on fire with love and we make wonderful promises to serve Christ Jesus.  Simon-Peter’s mother-in-law, once she was cured, she was able to immediately get up and served them. In this story we see the unwavering compassion of Jesus for those who are ailing or those who call out for His help. The gospel story says that Jesus rebuked the fever and she was cured instantly. She was so completely cured that she was able to get up and serve them. When we encounter Jesus Christ, we too are over-energized to go forth to serve.  And when we bring that healing joy to others, they too become over-energized.  His healing grace is abundant and overflowing.  Jesus’ power is not only healing, it is revitalizing. It not only frees us from the things that cripple us, it also gives us the strength to live and to serve. Jesus is the ultimate super drug, antibiotic, and vitamin all rolled into one. It is so powerful, that when we spread the Good News, it equally effects others. 

If you seek God’s help through prayer and reconciliation, He will cast out the demons that keep you from the Kingdom of God. Once these barriers are removed, you are then energized to do the work of the Lord. This is the same energy you feel at the end of a retreat or after receiving communion. Your body is so filled with the Holy Spirit that you feel revitalized to live in Christ. You literally desire to be with Christ. This is the same feeling that the people felt after Jesus laid his hands on them. This is also the feeling you will get after participating in reconciliation. The burden of your sins is removed from your shoulders and now this energy can be redirected at love and serving instead of fighting the sin.

A Simple Prayer

Lord Father, I am a sinner in bondage.

I have a fever which afflicts my body.

If you lay yours hands on me

I will be freed from sin to do your service.

Yours in Christ

Michael Marcon

Meditation Minute

My Dearest Brothers and Sisters in Christ:

“They were astonished at his teaching because he spoke with authority.”

Gospel Reading: Luke 4:31-37

Jesus went down to Capernaum, a town of Galilee. He taught them on the Sabbath, and they were astonished at his teaching because he spoke with authority. In the synagogue there was a man with the spirit of an unclean demon, and he cried out in a loud voice, “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, “Be quiet! Come out of him!” Then the demon threw the man down in front of them and came out of him without doing him any harm. They were all amazed and said to one another, “What is there about his word? For with authority and power he commands the unclean spirits, and they come out.” And news of him spread everywhere in the surrounding region.

In today’s Gospel, we are challenged to define who has control over our life.  Jesus is teaching his disciples in a synagogue when a man possessed by an unclean spirit confronted Jesus. His life was controlled by this unclean spirit, but in an encounter with Jesus Christ, the unclean spirit was banished from him.  We too may have unclean spirits in our lives.  We allow demons to control us.  These demons are our addictions and actions which separate us from God.  When we encounter Jesus in our life, He has the power to overcome these demons.  Through his authority He can destroy the demons and free you from their grip.  At times these demons are so intertwined in our lives, we do not recognize them.  To recognize these demons, we need to examine our lives.  We also need to recognize that only Jesus has the authority and power to free us from our demons.  It is through our own submission to the will of God, that we will be freed from demons which can consume our lives.

A Simple Prayer

Lord, you are the supreme ruler,

You are God of all.

Call my name and I will come to be your servant

For your word is my authority.

Yours in Christ

Michael Marcon

Meditation Minute

My Dearest Brothers and Sisters in Christ:

" When he heard him speak he was very much perplexed, yet he liked to listen to him."

Gospel Reading: Mark 6:17-29

Herod was the one who had John arrested and bound in prison on account of Herodias, the wife of his brother Philip, whom he had married. John had said to Herod, "It is not lawful for you to have your brother's wife." Herodias harbored a grudge against him and wanted to kill him but was unable to do so. Herod feared John, knowing him to be a righteous and holy man, and kept him in custody. When he heard him speak he was very much perplexed, yet he liked to listen to him. She had an opportunity one day when Herod, on his birthday, gave a banquet for his courtiers, his military officers, and the leading men of Galilee. Herodias's own daughter came in and performed a dance that delighted Herod and his guests. The king said to the girl, "Ask of me whatever you wish and I will grant it to you." He even swore (many things) to her, "I will grant you whatever you ask of me, even to half of my kingdom." She went out and said to her mother, "What shall I ask for?" She replied, "The head of John the Baptist." The girl hurried back to the king's presence and made her request, "I want you to give me at once on a platter the head of John the Baptist." The king was deeply distressed, but because of his oaths and the guests he did not wish to break his word to her. So he promptly dispatched an executioner with orders to bring back his head. He went off and beheaded him in the prison. He brought in the head on a platter and gave it to the girl. The girl in turn gave it to her mother. When his disciples heard about it, they came and took his body and laid it in a tomb.

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

A Simple Prayer

Jesus Christ, fill me with the Holy Spirit so I can defend your Gospel.

Give me the strength to stand strong in the face of opposition.

Yours in Christ

Michael Marcon

Meditation Minute

My Dearest Brothers And Sisters in Christ:

“Come and see.”

Gospel Reading: John 1:45-51

Philip found Nathanael and told him, “We have found the one about whom Moses wrote in the law, and also the prophets, Jesus son of Joseph, from Nazareth.” But Nathanael said to him, “Can anything good come from Nazareth?” Philip said to him, “Come and see.” Jesus saw Nathanael coming toward him and said of him, “Here is a true child of Israel. There is no duplicity in him.” Nathanael said to him, “How do you know me?” Jesus answered and said to him, “Before Philip called you, I saw you under the fig tree.” Nathanael answered him, “Rabbi, you are the Son of God; you are the King of Israel.” Jesus answered and said to him, “Do you believe because I told you that I saw you under the fig tree? You will see greater things than this.” And he said to him, “Amen, amen, I say to you, you will see heaven opened and the angels of God ascending and descending on the Son of Man.”

In today's gospel reading, an Israelite is questioning whether Jesus is truly the Son of God. Nathanael stated, "Can anything good come from Nazareth?" Not only did he question Jesus' authenticity, he kind of smacked him a little for being from the other side of tracks. There are times in our life when we too can become skeptical about the Son of God. We might ask the question, "Was He real?" “Did Jesus really die on the cross?” “Did He rise from the dead?” If we question his existence, then how can we find the faith to believe? Instead of arguing with Nathanael, Philip invites him to "come and see" Jesus. To meet Jesus, Nathanael had to rise from his position to encounter Christ. A personal encounter with Jesus opened his heart. There is nothing I can say to make you believe and there is nothing I can do to make you have faith. You must "come and see." Jesus invites us every Sunday to His alter to "come and see" the miracle of the Eucharist; to ascend to have an encounter with Christ. We are invited to witness his great works in the miracles we see everyday around us. He also invites us to come and see the Gospels. Think of the retreats that you attended and how you felt after the retreat. You probably didn't want to go to the retreat, but afterwards your heart was opened. Nathanael encountered Jesus and through the encounter his heart was opened so he could experience the love of God. If we "come and see" Christ, He too will open our hearts. Once our hearts are open, the Kingdom of heaven will flow in. He will give us faith.

A Simple Prayer

God I come and see the goodness of the Lord.

Open my heart and fill it with the Holy Spirit so I do not doubt.

Give me the strength to bring people to you so they can come and see.

Yours in Christ

Michael Marcon

Meditation Minute

My Dearest Brothers and Sisters in Christ:

“Cleanse first the inside of the cup, so that the outside also may be clean.”

Gospel Reading: Matthew 23:23-26

Jesus said: “Woe to you, scribes and Pharisees, you hypocrites. You pay tithes of mint and dill and cumin, and have neglected the weightier things of the law: judgment and mercy and fidelity. But these you should have done, without neglecting the others. Blind guides, who strain out the gnat and swallow the camel!  “Woe to you, scribes and Pharisees, you hypocrites. You cleanse the outside of cup and dish, but inside they are full of plunder and self-indulgence. Blind Pharisee, cleanse first the inside of the cup, so that the outside also may be clean.”

What is it that we are willing to give to God?  In today’s gospel reading, Jesus is trying to refocus our vision of giving to include that which comes from the heart.  The Jews at the time of Jesus gave 10 percent of all their material belongings, but neglected to consider their spiritual treasures which rested within their hearts.  The treasures of judgment, mercy and fidelity are not physical items, but items which define our love for God and our compassion for others.  So why the reference to the spices? What is the importance of a few simple spices from their earthly treasures?  In the days of Christ, spices were used to cover up the spoiled tastes and smells of the food to make them palatable. Jesus tells his disciples while it is important to have the spices, we must make sure that our souls are not spoiled. We must look inward to our own heart before we look outward. We must make sure that we are worthy, body and soul, for the Lord. To cleanse our soul, we must first know how to tell if it is dirty. We do this by the process of examining our conscience. This is an exercise we should do daily. Every evening we should kneel down and reflect on the things that transpired that day; the good things and the bad things. We should look at the things that moved us closer to the Kingdom of Heaven and those things that diverted us. We should reflect on how we can make ourselves better people and reflect on the sins that kept us from God. By looking inward, we check to make sure that our soul is clean. If our soul is truly clean, then our outer image will also be clean. Jesus told the scribes and Pharisees, “Woe to you, scribes and Pharisees, you hypocrites. You cleanse the outside of cup and dish, but inside they are full of plunder and self-indulgence.” It does no good for us to look clean if internally we are dirty. Would you drink from a cup when the inside of the cup is unclean? Who cares what the outside looks like if the liquid is in contact with filth. Through the examination of conscience, we make ourselves aware of the things that make our soul unclean. However, to truly purify the soul, we must go to reconciliation. Reconciliation is the dishwasher for our souls. We go in dirty, and we come out clean – both inside and out.

A Simple Prayer

Most Heavenly Father,

Make me aware of my sins and trespasses,

Help me avoid these sins so my soul remains clean.

Fill my heart with your compassion and love

So I may find the Kingdom of Heaven.

Yours in Christ

Michael Marcon

Meditation Minute

My Dearest Brothers and Sisters in Christ:

“One who swears by heaven swears by the throne of God and by him who is seated on it.”

Gospel Reading: Matthew 23:13-22

Jesus said to the crowds and to his disciples: "Woe to you, scribes and Pharisees, you hypocrites. You lock the Kingdom of heaven before men. You do not enter yourselves, nor do you allow entrance to those trying to enter. "Woe to you, scribes and Pharisees, you hypocrites. You traverse sea and land to make one convert, and when that happens you make him a child of Gehenna twice as much as yourselves. "Woe to you, blind guides, who say, 'If one swears by the temple, it means nothing, but if one swears by the gold of the temple, one is obligated.' Blind fools, which is greater, the gold, or the temple that made the gold sacred? And you say, 'If one swears by the altar, it means nothing, but if one swears by the gift on the altar, one is obligated.' You blind ones, which is greater, the gift, or the altar that makes the gift sacred? One who swears by the altar swears by it and all that is upon it; one who swears by the temple swears by it and by him who dwells in it; one who swears by heaven swears by the throne of God and by him who is seated on it."

In today’s Gospel reading, Jesus gets a just little upset with the Pharisees because they are trying to outdo each other with their offerings. They put more worth in the offering itself instead of who it is being offered too.  What good is it to take your treasures to the altar when the purpose of your offering is to impress others.  As they brought people to God, they required them to give large offerings to demonstrate their worthiness. Jesus tells them that it is not the offerings of gold and silver that make us worthy but the offerings from our heart. What treasure do you bring to God’s altar?  The gold on the altar does not make the altar any more valuable. Jesus tells them, “You blind ones, which is greater, the gift, or the altar that makes the gift sacred?” We cannot make God any more valuable then he already is. There is nothing we can give him that will make God more Godly. God asks us to make a full commitment to Him and not to earthly things which are placed on the altar. The offerings that we bring and the oaths that we make must be to the altar of God and not to our treasures. We should not measure our heavenly value by our earthly treasures but by the commitment we give to God from our hearts. Jesus tells the Pharisees that “One who swears by the altar swears by it and all that is upon it; one who swears by the temple swears by it and by him who dwells in it; one who swears by heaven swears by the throne of God and by him who is seated on it.” Today’s gospel reading is a direct attack on the Pharisees because they treasure the wealth of the items that are placed on the altar and not the God that makes the treasures valuable. To enter the Kingdom of heaven, to make it through the narrow gate, we too must put our allegiance in the hands of God.  We must be willing to give our lives to God.  We must be willing to turn it all over to create heaven here on earth.

A Simple Prayer

Lord, you are my master and I am your servant.

My loyalty is to you and the things that are sacred,

For it is you that makes all things sacred.

Yours in Christ

Michael Marcon

Meditation Miniute

My Dearest Brothers and Sisters in Christ:

“Behold, I have prepared my banquet, my calves and fattened cattle are killed, and everything is ready; come to the feast.” 

Gospel Reading: Matthew 22:1-14

Jesus again in reply spoke to the chief priests and the elders of the people in parables saying, “The Kingdom of heaven may be likened to a king who gave a wedding feast for his son. He dispatched his servants to summon the invited guests to the feast, but they refused to come. A second time he sent other servants, saying, ‘Tell those invited: “Behold, I have prepared my banquet, my calves and fattened cattle are killed, and everything is ready; come to the feast.”’ Some ignored the invitation and went away, one to his farm, another to his business. The rest laid hold of his servants, mistreated them, and killed them. The king was enraged and sent his troops, destroyed those murderers, and burned their city. Then the king said to his servants, ‘The feast is ready, but those who were invited were not worthy to come. Go out, therefore, into the main roads and invite to the feast whomever you find.’ The servants went out into the streets and gathered all they found, bad and good alike, and the hall was filled with guests. But when the king came in to meet the guests he saw a man there not dressed in a wedding garment. He said to him, ‘My friend, how is it that you came in here without a wedding garment?’ But he was reduced to silence. Then the king said to his attendants, ‘Bind his hands and feet, and cast him into the darkness outside, where there will be wailing and grinding of teeth.’ Many are invited, but few are chosen.”

In today’s gospel reading, Jesus tells us yet another parable about the Kingdom of heaven.  This time the parable is about a pending wedding feast.  The wedding feast is a celebration of the union between the bride and bridegroom.  In this particular story, a King’s son is to be married and the King sent out invitations well in advance of the celebration.  However, the invited guests, his supposed loyal subjects ignored the invitation or brutalized the messengers.  In this parable, the King represents God and the King’s son is Jesus, the heir to throne.  In the Gospels, Jesus is commonly referred to as the bridegroom and we the church his bride.  We are called to celebrate this union around a great feast.  God has sent out many invitations, but the invitations are ignored.  As it states in the scripture, “Some ignored the invitation and went away, one to his farm, another to his business. The rest laid hold of his servants, mistreated them, and killed them.”  Instead of listening to the word of God, we too often make light of our obligations to the master.  We do not take seriously the call to obey the commandments and decide to follow our own rules.  These become the distractions in our lives which prevent us from finding the Kingdom of heaven.  Jesus is waiting for us, are we willing to come to the table. 

The parable indicates that the wedding feast was attended by both “bad and good alike.”  God is inviting everyone, even sinners to the wedding feast.  All are welcome and no one is turned away; however, you need to be properly dressed for the festival.  If we come unprepared and improperly dressed, we will be turned away.  Even though God extends his grace, we must be willing to take on the responsibility of his grace.  God’s grace only comes into our souls when we are truly receptive and prepared to receive his grace.  God invites each of us to the table that we may celebrate in joy of Lord - be prepared and properly dressed.

A Simple Prayer

Father in heaven, your grace is enough,

You have prepared the banquet table for a feast

Help open my heart to your feast.

Yours in Christ

Michael Marcon 

Meditation Minute

My Dearest Brothers and Sisters in Christ:

“You too go into my vineyard, and I will give you what is just.”

Gospel Reading: Matthew: 20:1-16

Jesus told his disciples this parable: “The Kingdom of heaven is like a landowner who went out at dawn to hire laborers for his vineyard. After agreeing with them for the usual daily wage, he sent them into his vineyard. Going out about nine o’clock, he saw others standing idle in the marketplace, and he said to them, ‘You too go into my vineyard, and I will give you what is just.’ So they went off.  And he went out again around noon, and around three o’clock, and did likewise. Going out about five o’clock, he found others standing around, and said to them, ‘Why do you stand here idle all day?’ They answered, ‘Because no one has hired us.’ He said to them, ‘You too go into my vineyard.’ When it was evening the owner of the vineyard said to his foreman, ‘Summon the laborers and give them their pay, beginning with the last and ending with the first.’ When those who had started about five o’clock came, each received the usual daily wage. So when the first came, they thought that they would receive more, but each of them also got the usual wage. And on receiving it they grumbled against the landowner, saying, ‘These last ones worked only one hour, and you have made them equal to us, who bore the day’s burden and the heat.’ He said to one of them in reply, ‘My friend, I am not cheating you. Did you not agree with me for the usual daily wage? Take what is yours and go. What if I wish to give this last one the same as you? Or am I not free to do as I wish with my own money? Are you envious because I am generous?’ Thus, the last will be first, and the first will be last.”

Today’s gospel reading presents the power of God’s grace.  Who deserves the rewards of heaven more - the person who worked all their life for God or the person who found God just minutes before their death. Jesus answers this question in the parable about the laborers in the vineyard. First thing in the morning, the owner goes out and gathers a group of laborers and agrees to pay them a day’s salary. These people represent the people who all their life have been committed to leading a life of Christ.  Each hour throughout the day, the master hires more laborers. These represent the people who find Jesus Christ and make Christ the center of their life.  At the very end of the day, he still hires more laborers.  These people represent those of us who find Christ at the very end of life, may be even after we find out we have a short time left to live.  For their portion of the work, each of the laborers receives the same pay. The laborers that worked only one hour were paid the same amount as the laborers that had worked 12 hours. Jesus is telling us that God’s grace is not measured in quantity but in the fact that we have allowed God’s grace to fill our soul.  There is no set amount of grace one must earn to enter heaven, one only needs to freely accept God’s grace with humility.

As Jesus tells us, some of us may not think that is fair.  The laborers that worked 12 hours complained to the master, “These last ones worked only one hour, and you have made them equal to us, who bore the day’s burden and the heat.” But the master replied, “My friend, I am not cheating you. Did you not agree with me for the usual daily wage?” The Kingdom of heaven is our soul.  God does not care when we find him, but only that we find him and let him into our soul. All our labor is equal if it is given to God in heaven. Our God is most generous and most forgiving. Why should we expect anything else from Him? If He is truly compassionate, then the last will receive what He has given the first. We should feel relieved that all the lambs we bring to God will be allowed into the Kingdom of heaven. This is also why we must be forgiving and not dwell on the past. We should only look to the future when we all celebrate at the table of our Lord.

A Simple Prayer

Lord, I am your servant and your laborer,

May I be worthy to sit at your table.

Give me the strength to bring others to your table.

Yours in Christ Michael Marcon

Meditation Minute

My Dearest Brothers and Sisters in Christ:

“It is easier for a camel to pass through the eye of a needle than for one who is rich to enter the Kingdom of God.”

Gospel Reading: Matthew 19:23-30

Jesus said to his disciples: “Amen, I say to you, it will be hard for one who is rich to enter the Kingdom of heaven. Again I say to you, it is easier for a camel to pass through the eye of a needle than for one who is rich to enter the Kingdom of God.” When the disciples heard this, they were greatly astonished and said, “Who then can be saved?” Jesus looked at them and said, “For men this is impossible, but for God all things are possible.” Then Peter said to him in reply, “We have given up everything and followed you. What will there be for us?” Jesus said to them, “Amen, I say to you that you who have followed me, in the new age, when the Son of Man is seated on his throne of glory, will yourselves sit on twelve thrones, judging the twelve tribes of Israel. And everyone who has given up houses or brothers or sisters or father or mother or children or lands for the sake of my name will receive a hundred times more, and will inherit eternal life. But many who are first will be last, and the last will be first.” 

After reading today’s gospel, one would think that being a “rich man” would be a sin.  Jesus tells his disciples: “it will be hard for one who is rich to enter the Kingdom of heaven.”  The reference to being a “rich man” again refers to our alliances and the Kingdom of heaven refers to our soul.   So what do we store in our hearts, the love of money or the love for God.  If we fill our hearts with earthly treasures, we push out God.  We destroy his kingdom within us.  Jesus is telling us that if we invest in worldly treasures, we cannot share in the Kingdom of God because there is no room for God in our heart.  We must be willing to invest our time and our talents in the church – the one true Kingdom.  Jesus is not opposed to the wealthy; in fact he had friends who are wealthy.  But he tells us that “it is easier for a camel to go through the eye of a needle.”  The eye of the needle was the small door that allowed late night travelers to enter into the city without having to leave the large gates open.  A man would only have to bow down to enter through this door, but a camel would have to get on his knees and crawl through the door.  This was a very difficult task for a camel, but not impossible.  Jesus reassures disciples that “With men this is impossible, but with God all things are possible.”  Putting our faith in God will allow the Kingdom of heaven to grow in our hearts.  We will not be riding high on the camel, but on our knees crawling in forgiveness and penance. 

God calls us to put him first.  We must put him before everything else.  Not just before money and wealth, but before life itself.  We must accept what God calls us to do.  It may mean giving up significant things including wealth.  Jesus told the disciples, “And every one who has left houses or brothers or sisters or father or mother or children or lands, for my name's sake, will receive a hundredfold, and inherit eternal life.”  We will be rewarded for the sacrifices we make in the name of Jesus.  Jesus is telling us that no sacrifice will go un rewarded.  Whatever we place on the altar of God will become a new treasure for us in heaven.

A Simple Prayer

Most heavenly Father God,

My time and my talents are yours,

Use them as you will.

You have given me so much,

May I always love you first,

And do your will.

Yours in Christ

Michael Marcon

Meditation Minute

My Dearest Brothers and Sisters in Christ:

“Most blessed are you among women, and blessed is the fruit of your womb.”

Gospel Reading: Luke 1:39-56

During those days Mary set out and traveled to the hill country in haste to a town of Judah, where she entered the house of Zechariah and greeted Elizabeth. When Elizabeth heard Mary's greeting, the infant leaped in her womb, and Elizabeth, filled with the holy Spirit, cried out in a loud voice and said, "Most blessed are you among women, and blessed is the fruit of your womb. And how does this happen to me, that the mother of my Lord should come to me? For at the moment the sound of your greeting reached my ears, the infant in my womb leaped for joy. Blessed are you who believed that what was spoken to you by the Lord would be fulfilled." And Mary said: "My soul proclaims the greatness of the Lord; my spirit rejoices in God my savior. For he has looked upon his handmaid's lowliness; behold, from now on will all ages call me blessed. The Mighty One has done great things for me, and holy is his name. His mercy is from age to age to those who fear him. He has shown might with his arm, dispersed the arrogant of mind and heart. He has thrown down the rulers from their thrones but lifted up the lowly. The hungry he has filled with good things; the rich he has sent away empty. He has helped Israel his servant, remembering his mercy, according to his promise to our fathers, to Abraham and to his descendants forever." Mary remained with her about three months and then returned to her home.

Today’s gospel is the joyful story of the Mary’s visit to see Elizabeth. Both Mary and Elizabeth, through the miracles of God in Heaven, are with child. Mary’s womb contained that which filled the universe, Jesus Christ our Lord and Savior. She was filled with the Holy Spirit and the fully human God of Heaven and Earth. An expecting mother is normally glowing with the elation that she has new life within her womb, but Mary had the Christ child. Can you just image the joy and happiness that radiated from Mary in her state of motherhood? We are told that when Mary entered Elizabeth’s house, the baby in Elizabeth’s womb (John the Baptist) leapt with joy as he was filled with the Holy Spirit. The Holy Spirit, radiating from Mary, embraced both Elizabeth and her unborn child. The Lord Jesus Christ had entered all three lives. Mary proclaimed, “My soul magnifies the Lord, and my spirit rejoices in God my Savior.”

We too are filled with this same Holy Spirit through our baptism. Is it obvious that you have the Holy Spirit within you? Can your fellow brothers and sisters identify you as carrying Christ? To have the Holy Spirit dwelling in us is one of the greatest graces God bestows upon us. We should be excited and sing out that we have God present within our souls. It is our job, through our actions, our words and thoughts to radiate outward the Holy Spirit. We are commanded to share the gifts which God has bestowed upon us and the Gift of the Holy Spirit is one that was given to us freely and we must share it freely.

A Simple Prayer

Lord Jesus Christ, Savior of the World, Thank you for filling my heart with the Holy Spirit.

Thank you for allowing me to be a vessel of your love and joy.

Give me the strength to share this love and joy with others so that they too may know you as I know you.

Yours in Christ
Michael Marcon

Meditation Minute

My Dearest Brothers and Sisters in Christ:

“If my brother sins against me, how often must I forgive him? As many as seven times?”

Gospel Reading: Matthew 18:21-19:1

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

Today’s gospel reading gives us a lesson regarding forgiveness.  So how many times must I forgive someone who trespasses against me? The Jews believed that a person should forgive a person three times for any sin committed against them.  In his typical boldness, Peter suggests  seven times in order to impress Jesus. But Jesus responds, “I say to you, not seven times but seventy-seven times.” Basically, Jesus is telling Peter that there is no limit to the amount of forgiveness we should have for others. There is no specific number of times we should forgive somebody. The servant begs the master for forgiveness and out of his kindness, the master forgives the debt while at the same time the servant could not forgive one of his own. How can we expect forgiveness if we cannot give forgiveness to those who trespass against us. When we turn to God to ask him to remove the greatest burdens of our sins, we must also ask for the strength to forgive those who trespassed against us. How can we ask to have these burdens removed if we cannot forgive our fellow man for the sins he has committed against us. The parable tells us that we must always forgive others, no matter what and we must do it whole heartedly. If necessary we must force ourselves to forgive those that offend us from the very moment the sin occurs. The offense that they commit against you is nothing compared to what God has sacrificed to forgive us. If we do not forgive, then that trespass becomes resentment and hatred. Hatred builds inside our soul and eats away at our ability to love. Resentment forms hatred which destroys our capacity to love. To forgive our fellow brother or sister is to love them as Christ loved us. Christ was willing to be crucified for our sins. What are you willing to do for the sins of others?

A Simple Prayer

Lord, you are so kind and merciful.

Give me the grace to be kind and merciful.

Free me from the resentment and jealousy.

Fill my heart with the compassion to forgive my fellow man.

Yours in Christ

Michael Marcon

Meditation Minute

My Dearest Brothers and Sisters in Christ:

“The Father will honor whoever serves me.”

Gospel Reading: John 12:24-26

Jesus said to his disciples: “Amen, amen, I say to you, unless a grain of wheat falls to the ground and dies, it remains just a grain of wheat; but if it dies, it produces much fruit. Whoever loves his life loses it, and whoever hates his life in this world will preserve it for eternal life. Whoever serves me must follow me, and where I am, there also will my servant be. The Father will honor whoever serves me.”

What does it mean to serve God?  Today’s gospel reading is the parable about the seed. Jesus compares our spiritual life to a grain of wheat.  For a plant to prosper, it must die. In the process of dying, it produces seeds for new life. If these seeds fall to earth, they will produce many new plants. This message was a foretelling of the pending fate of Jesus. He would have to die on the cross and be buried in the earth before he could rise from the dead and become the new saving life. Jesus is the ultimate seed of new life. He knew that our salvation over sin was through his death on the cross. Jesus defeated sin by dying on the cross. We too are called to “die” to ourselves so we can “rise” in the new life of the Holy Spirit. In this paradox, death leads to life. So what does this really mean? It means that we must kill those things in our life which oppose the will of God. We must experience self denial and sacrifice before we can enjoy the resurrection in the Kingdom of heaven. We must be willing to take our sins to the cross. If we die to our sins and those things that cause us to sin, we will become fruitful in God. Jesus blesses those who sacrifice. We must die through mortification before we can yield a most blessed harvest.

A Simple Prayer

Most Heavenly Father, I offer up my sins and my sinful ways.

Let me die to those ways which kill my soul.

Give me new life in your ways.

Yours in Christ

Michael Marcon

Meditation Minute

My Dearest Brothers and Sisters in Christ:

“From whom do the kings of the earth take tolls or census tax?”

Gospel Reading: Matthew 17:22-27

As they were gathering in Galilee, Jesus said to them, "The Son of Man is to be handed over to men, and they will kill him, and he will be raised on the third day." And they were overwhelmed with grief. When they came to Capernaum, the collectors of the temple tax approached Peter and said, "Doesn't your teacher pay the temple tax?" "Yes," he said. When he came into the house, before he had time to speak, Jesus asked him, "What is your opinion, Simon? From whom do the kings of the earth take tolls or census tax? From their subjects or from foreigners?" When he said, "From foreigners," Jesus said to him, "Then the subjects are exempt. But that we may not offend them, go to the sea, drop in a hook, and take the first fish that comes up. Open its mouth and you will find a coin worth twice the temple tax. Give that to them for me and for you."

In today’s Gospel reading, Jesus predicts his own death and resurrection.  He tells his disciples that he must suffer great pain and be put to death, but that he will be raised on the third day.  The Gospel reading says that his disciples were “overwhelmed with grief.”  In today’s message, Jesus is telling the disciples that the world will have many demands on them and many of the demands are painful and will cause great suffering.  At the same time, Jesus is confronted about paying the temple tax; again, an earthly demand.  Jesus tells his disciples that they must pay so as not to set a bad example.  He tells Peter to go to the sea and to catch a fish and in its mouth will be a coin worth twice the temple tax.  He is to give all of it to the tax collector.  Jesus is giving his disciples two lessons; first that they must go beyond the earthly demands and set an example by overpaying the taxes and secondly, that God will provide for all their needs.  He is telling his disciples that they are not free from the demands of the world and that if they put their faith in God, he will provide for both their spiritual and earthly needs.  God demonstrates his abundance and love in many ways.  Not only does he provide the money necessary to pay the tax, but he provides enough money to pay twice the tax.  Our sins are like the temple tax, Jesus was sent by his Father to pay for those sins.  His actions more than covered every trespass we commit against God.  It is in the death and resurrection of Christ that all our spiritual taxes  have been paid and that our souls are set free from eternal damnation. Christ gives us the ultimate example in today’s Gospel.  He tells us that God gives us the abundant grace of forgiveness.  That through our own suffering, we too are called to pay the spiritual taxes of our fellow brothers and sisters.  Are you willing to suffer for your brothers and sisters?

A Simple Prayer

Lord God, you sent your son to die for my sins.

I am truly sorry for every trespass I commit.

And I forgive all those who have trespassed against me.

Give me the faith to trust in you and your salvation.

Yours in Christ

Michael Marcon

Meditation Minute

My Dearest Brothers and Sisters in Christ:

“Whoever wishes to come after me must deny himself, take up his cross, and follow me.”

Gospel Reading: Matthew 16:24-28

Jesus said to his disciples, “Whoever wishes to come after me must deny himself, take up his cross, and follow me. For whoever wishes to save his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life for my sake will find it. What profit would there be for one to gain the whole world and forfeit his life? Or what can one give in exchange for his life? For the Son of Man will come with his angels in his Father’s glory, and then he will repay each  according to his conduct. Amen, I say to you, there are some standing here who will not taste death until they see the Son of Man coming in his Kingdom.”

In today’s Gospel reading, Jesus asks us a very simple questions – “What profit would there be for one to gain the whole world and forfeit his life?”  When Jesus talks about life, He is referring to our earthly life but to our eternal life.  The life we will spend either enjoined with our Father in Heaven or in the solitude of Hell.  To be a true disciple of Christ, you must be able to deny oneself. To deny oneself is to disown oneself as the center of one's existence. A condition for true discipleship is the readiness to follow Jesus even to the point of giving up one's own life for Christ. We must be willing to completely sacrifice everything that we own if we are to make it to heaven. Jesus tells us that whatever offering we make on earth will be repaid at the final judgment. It would be ashamed to get to the toll booth to heaven and not have enough money to enter through the gate.

We must realize that everything we own, everything that we have is a gift from God. Nothing that we have, our gifts, our talents or our riches is due to us but due to the grace of God. To be truly appreciative of those gifts, we must be willing to give up every single possession that we have for his mercy. Some may argue that they cannot afford to give up their money, or their other treasures because they mean too much to them. Christ says if you’re not willing to give up your earthly treasures, then you will forfeit your eternal life with God. We will be repaid according to our conduct. Do you make offers to the church? Do you give of your time and your talent? Or do you hoard these things for yourself. The treasures we build on earth could become the road block that keep us from experiencing the glory of God our Father in heaven. If we build the wall too high, we will never be able to get over to the other side.

A Simple Prayer

Lord Jesus, you gave the ultimate sacrifice, you suffered and dies for our sins.

Give me the strength to take up my cross and follow you.

Give me the strength to release my earthly treasures for the kingdom of God.

Yours in Christ

Michael Marcon

Meditation Minute

My Dearest Brothers and Sisters in Christ:

“But who do you say that I am?”

Gospel Reading: Matthew 16:13-23

Now when Jesus came into the district of Caesarea Philippi, he asked his disciples, "Who do men say that the Son of man is?" And they said, "Some say John the Baptist, others say Elijah, and others Jeremiah or one of the prophets." He said to them, “But who do you say that I am?” Simon Peter replied, "You are the Christ, the Son of the living God." And Jesus answered him, "Blessed are you, Simon! For flesh and blood has not revealed this to you, but my Father who is in heaven. And I tell you, you are Peter, and on this rock I will build my church, and the powers of death shall not prevail against it. I will give you the keys of the kingdom of heaven, and whatever you bind on earth shall be bound in heaven, and whatever you loose on earth shall be loosed in heaven." Then he strictly charged the disciples to tell no one that he was the Christ. From that time Jesus began to show his disciples that he must go to Jerusalem and suffer many things from the elders and chief priests and scribes, and be killed, and on the third day be raised. And Peter took him and began to rebuke him, saying, "God forbid, Lord! This shall never happen to you." But he turned and said to Peter, "Get behind me, Satan! You are a hindrance to me; for you are not on the side of God, but of men."

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

A Simple Prayer

Lord Jesus, solidify my faith. 

Make me a rock to build you church upon.

Make my faith strong like Peter's.

Give me wisdom to bring others to you.

Yours in Christ

Michael Marcon

Meditation Minute

My Dearest Brothers and Sisters in Christ:

“Have pity on me, Lord, Son of David!”

Gospel Reading: Matthew 15:21-28

At that time Jesus withdrew to the region of Tyre and Sidon. And behold, a Canaanite woman of that district came and called out, “Have pity on me, Lord, Son of David! My daughter is tormented by a demon.” But he did not say a word in answer to her. His disciples came and asked him, “Send her away, for she keeps calling out after us.” He said in reply, “I was sent only to the lost sheep of the house of Israel.” But the woman came and did him homage, saying, “Lord, help me.” He said in reply, “It is not right to take the food of the children and throw it to the dogs.” She said, “Please, Lord, for even the dogs eat the scraps that fall from the table of their masters.” Then Jesus said to her in reply, “O woman, great is your faith! Let it be done for you as you wish.” And her daughter was healed from that hour.

How often do you cry out to God asking him to have pity on you? Do you ever feel that God ignores you when you truly need his help? You cry out “Have mercy on me O Lord” and he does not reply. In today’s Gospel reading, a gentile woman cries out to Jesus to save her daughter from a demonic spirit. At first Jesus appears to ignore her cries for help. However, he is putting her faith to the test. He tells her that he is only there to save the Jews.  The woman stands strong in her faith and replies to him again that even the gentiles deserve his Grace. Jesus replies, “O woman, great is your faith! Let it be done for you as you wish” and her daughter was healed. When we cry out, “My God, My God,” he is listening to us. The question is, are we truly faithful in our request. The woman was a Gentile woman and not part of the “house of Israel.” Therefore, she was not one of God’s chosen people.  The gentiles were often referred to as dogs, a term of dishonor and disgrace.  A group the Jews did not think were deserving of God’s love.  In today’s Gospel reading, Jesus reaches out to this woman.  He challenges her to have faith in herself.  How often to do we think we are not deserving of God’s grace and love.  No one is denied help from the Lord; however, he calls for us to be faithful in our desire for his love. Jesus ends up praising this woman for her faith and her prayers are answered. We too must exhibit unconditional faith in God. We must seek the Lord with a deep and sincere faith. No matter how dishonored or disgraced we feel, God always loves us.  There is not conditions put on us to be deserving of his love. 

A Simple Prayer

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

You are my Savior and my Lord.

May I trust you always and pursue your love.

May I never stray or weaken in my faith.

Yours in Christ

Michael Marcon

Meditation Minute

My Dearest Brothers and Sisters in Christ

“If a  blind man leads a blind man, both will fall into a pit.”

Gospel Reading: Matthew 15:1-2, 10-14

Some Pharisees and scribes came to Jesus from Jerusalem and said, “Why do your disciples break the tradition of the elders? They do not wash their hands when they eat a meal.” He summoned the crowd and said to them, “Hear and understand. It is not what enters one’s mouth that defiles the man; but what comes out of the mouth is what defiles one.” Then his disciples approached and said to him, “Do you know that the Pharisees took offense when they heard what you said?” He said in reply, “Every plant that my heavenly Father has not planted will be uprooted. Let them alone; they are blind guides of the blind. If a  blind man leads a blind man, both will fall into a pit.”

Today’s gospel reading is actually the same as yesterday’s reading.  Therefore, I am using the alternate Gospel reading for today.  The gospel message is quite clear. It’s not what’s on the outside that is important but what’s on the inside. So what does that mean.  We must have a clean heart and a clean mind if we are to find the kingdom of heaven. This Gospel goes to the intent of what we do.  The Jews were more worried about what went into their mouths and not what came out. Jesus tells us that the true defilement is in our words and the sentiment in our hearts. Hatred and evil are born within us, deep inside our minds and our hearts. It starts in our thoughts and our desires and can slowly build until it consumes our thoughts and our actions. Our soul, the same source of love and compassion, is the source of our hatred. If we do not purify the thoughts of our soul, what good is it to have clean hands. Jesus compares our thoughts and desires to the seeds of plants. The thoughts and desires are like plants in our soul. We must uproot the weeds so the good plants can grow and prosper. If we do not tend the garden, the weeds will overtake the goodness that was naturally placed in our souls at our birth. We must be ever vigilant. It is through the grace of God that we can remove the weeds and purify our hearts.

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

A Simple Prayer

Lord God, master of all.

Help me to identify the sins in my life.

Give me the wisdom to recognize wrong from right

And the power to change and cleanse my soul.

Yours in Christ

Michael Marcon