Meditation Minute

My Dearest Brothers and Sisters in Christ:

When you hold a banquet, invite the poor, the crippled, the lame, the blind.

Gospel Reading Luke 14:12-14

On a Sabbath Jesus went to dine at the home of one of the leading Pharisees. He said to the host who invited him, “When you hold a lunch or a dinner, do not invite your friends or your brothers or sisters or your relatives or your wealthy neighbors, in case they may invite you back and you have repayment. Rather, when you hold a banquet, invite the poor, the crippled, the lame, the blind; blessed indeed will you be because of their inability to repay you. For you will be repaid at the resurrection of the righteous.”

Today is “All Hallows Eve” or Halloween.  Over the past couple of decades, this holiday has lost its true meaning.  All Hallows Eve was a preparation for the next two days; All Saints Day and All Souls Day.  It was a day when we were suppose to flush our souls of the evil spirits from within.  We would dress up as scary individuals to scare away the evil. It was about ridding the world of evil spirits.  It was a time to celebrate our defeat over evil. 

Today’s Gospel reading also focuses on our celebrations.  When you have a party, who do you invite?  Do you invite the privileged, the popular, those that will increase your stature among your friends.  In today’s Gospel reading, we hear a story about the poor and those that are less fortunate. Jesus’ mission on earth was to show each of us the way to heaven. It’s simple, the way to heaven is through self-sacrifice. The Pharisees were more worried about inviting the wealthy and influential to have dinner with them to impress Jesus then they were to help the poor and less fortunate. They invited the rich and wealthy in hopes that they would be invited to their parties. When they invited someone to dinner, they expected an invitation in return. But Jesus told the Pharisees that they need to “invite the poor, the crippled, the lame, the blind; blessed indeed will you be because of their inability to repay you.” If you are truly generous, your gifts are given without any expectations in return. True gifts are a measure of self-sacrifice to the receiver. Therefore, true generosity comes from the heart and soul. As soon as we expect something in return, the gift is no longer from the heart but influenced by our own greed.

God loved us so much that he sent his only son to save us. Jesus was a servant to humanity. He gave everything he had to save mankind. He even gave his life for us. Jesus expected nothing in return for his generosity. He died on the cross for our sins. He died on the cross knowing that many of us would not respect or honor him. He died on the cross knowing that we would deny him. He died on the cross knowing that we are a fallen society. We cannot out give God because everything we have is a gift from God. And all God asks of us is to share these gifts unconditionally with our neighbors. Our reward for our generosity “will be repaid at the resurrection of the just.”

A Simple Prayer

Lord God in Heaven. You shower me with so many gifts and talents.

Free me to give freely to others and to share the gifts you have given me.

Purify my heart so I want not but give my love to others.

Yours in Christ

Michael Marcon

Meditation Minute

My Dearest Brothers and Sisters in Christ

Today is the Feast Day for Saints Simon and Jude, the Apostles.

“When day came, he called his disciples to himself, and from them he chose Twelve.”

Gospel Reading: Luke 6:12-16

Jesus went up to the mountain to pray, and he spent the night in prayer to God. When day came, he called his disciples to himself, and from them he chose Twelve, whom he also named Apostles: Simon, whom he named Peter, and his brother Andrew, James, John, Philip, Bartholomew, Matthew, Thomas, James the son of Alphaeus, Simon who was called a Zealot, and Judas the son of James, and Judas Iscariot, who became a traitor.

In today’s gospel reading, we see that Jesus has called forth from his disciples a group of twelve. Jesus spends all night in prayer with His Father in heaven before selecting the twelve men who would become the first leaders of the Catholic Christian Church. It says that he named them his Apostles. The word apostle means somebody who tries to persuade others to share in an idea or cause. These twelve men became the chief spokespersons for Christ. You would think that Christ would call forth the rich and the wealthy, but instead he calls forth the ordinary, the poor, laborers and fisherman to be his Apostles. The job of the twelve was to serve as his emissaries invested with Christ’s royal and priestly authority.  These twelve men are the father figures of the renewed kingdom of Israel.  They become the first leaders of the church.  Eventually the twelve go forth beyond Israel and bring Christ to the entire world. These twelve Apostles were given the gift of the Holy Spirit to help them form the church and grow it into the vessel which it has become today. These twelve men became the very foundation from which the church was built.

The original disciples and the twelve apostles do not make the complete church.  The church is evolutionary and grows from this original group. Now we are called to be disciples of Christ. He calls us by name to help spread the Word of God to the world. We are all graced with the Holy Spirit to lay down our worldly belonging and sacrifice the comfort of our homes and to go out to bring others to his banquet. As we are nourished with the manna from heaven, the Eucharist, we are called to bring others to Christ so that they too can be filled with the body and blood of Christ. It is easy to say “I can’t,” but God gives us the strength to say “I will” through the gifts of the Holy Spirit. Christ invites us to “come” to the table.  To come to the table, to come to his church, to be his disciple requires action on your part.  You must want to do his will.  Come to the table and join his disciples. 

A Simple Prayer

Most heavenly Father, I reach out to you for your healing power.

Inflame my heart so I can go out and spread the Word of God.

I am here at your table Lord, take my life and do with it as you will.

Yours in Christ

Michael Marcon

Meditation Minute

My Dearest Brothers and Sisters in Christ:

“Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord.”

Gospel Reading: Luke 13:31-35

Some Pharisees came to Jesus and said, “Go away, leave this area because Herod wants to kill you.” He replied, “Go and tell that fox, ‘Behold, I cast out demons and I perform healings today and tomorrow, and on the third day I accomplish my purpose. Yet I must continue on my way today, tomorrow, and the following day, for it is impossible that a prophet should die outside of Jerusalem.’”  “Jerusalem, Jerusalem, you who kill the prophets and stone those sent to you, how many times I yearned to gather your children together as a hen gathers her brood under her wings, but you were unwilling! Behold, your house will be abandoned. But I tell you, you will not see me until the time comes when you say, Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord.”

In today’s Gospel reading, Jesus agonizes over the reluctance of Jerusalem to recognize the prophets which God has sent. Over the centuries, God sent many prophets to save Jerusalem, yet the prophets who were sent were either stoned or killed. The Pharisees are wanting Jesus to leave their area of Israel because he has exposed their hypocrisy and duplicity. Jesus tells the Pharisees that they will not treat him any different than the past prophets. “Behold, I cast out demons and I perform healings today and tomorrow, and on the third day I accomplish my purpose.” Jesus’ mission was to save us, yet humanity wanted to kill him. In today’s gospel, Jesus predicts his pending passion in Jerusalem. He tells the Pharisees that he, like all the previous prophets, will be killed in Jerusalem, but not before he is greeted with love and compassion – “Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord.”. How easily we were swayed by those who are belligerent.

Jesus compares himself to a mother hen. He wants to reach out and gather all the children of Israel and protect them from this hypocrisy. However, he knows that because of the hardness of their hearts, they are blind to the true will of God. On Sunday we love him, but what happens on Monday? We too can act like the Pharisees. How often do we want to turn off that little voice in our head which tells us not to do something? How often do we rationalize our sins? We allow deceit and deception to lead us away from the Kingdom of Heaven. Christ wants to reach out and protect us under his wings. He wants to gather us in his house to protect us from the evil which is prevalent in the world today and to save us from the demons and heal us from our pains. We must remember that Christ came to this world to save us, not to condemn us. It was us who condemned him. Do you stone him or do you accept him? Which path will you walk today and which path will you walk tomorrow? Open your heart to God and allow him to reach out and protect you. It is your choice to accept his love.

A Simple Prayer

Father God in Heaven, Open my heart to your will.

I am weak and you give me strength.

Bring me into your protection that I may find your glory.

Help me fight the hypocrisy of the world today so I can live with you for eternity.

Yours in Christ

Michael Marcon

Meditation Minute

My Dearest Brothers and Sisters in Christ:

“Strive to enter through the narrow gate, for many, I tell you, will attempt to enter but will not be strong enough.”

Gospel Reading Luke 13:22-30

Jesus passed through towns and villages, teaching as he went and making his way to Jerusalem. Someone asked him, “Lord, will only a few people be saved?” He answered them,  “Strive to enter through the narrow gate, for many, I tell you, will attempt to enter but will not be strong enough. After the master of the house has arisen and locked the door, then will you stand outside knocking and saying, ‘Lord, open the door for us.’ He will say to you in reply, ‘I do not know where you are from.’ And you will say, ‘We ate and drank in your company and you taught in our streets.’ Then he will say to you, ‘I do not know where you are from. Depart from me, all you evildoers!’ And there will be wailing and grinding of teeth when you see Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob and all the prophets in the Kingdom of God and you yourselves cast out. And people will come from the east and the west and from the north and the south and will recline at table in the Kingdom of God. For behold, some are last who will be first, and some are first who will be last.”

In today’s Gospel, we hear the parable about the narrow gate. Jesus’ disciples ask him, “Lord, will only a few people be saved?” In his message, Jesus tells his disciples that just because you attend church does not guarantee entrance into the kingdom of Heaven. Everyone is called to participate in the formation of the Kingdom of God. God wants all men to enter the gate. He gives each of us special graces which make us unique. We are called to use these graces in a way to build the kingdom. Knowing God and listening to his message is not enough. Jesus said, “And you will say, ‘We ate and drank in your company and you taught in our streets.’ Then he will say to you, ‘I do not know where you are from. Depart from me, all you evildoers!’” God does not judge us on our ability to hear but our ability to do. Not everyone who hears the Gospel but those who do the will of the Father will make it into heaven. This is the good news. Some people claim that all I have to say is that “I believe”, “I’ve been saved”, or “I know Jesus” and they are given a ticket to get through the narrow gate. This will not be enough.  It is all about participation. The Jewish people were under the impression that their salvation was guaranteed. Do we not hear that same message today, “I’m a member of such-and-such church, and therefore, I am saved.” It doesn’t work like that. Today’s Gospel tells us that everyone can make it to heaven, even those who do know God by name, but who do his will. Saying you know God or you attend church does not get you a free pass.  It is putting the Gospels into action that gives us passage through the narrow gate. 

A Simple Prayer

Lord, you have given me many graces,

Give me the knowledge and wisdom to use these graces to serve you.

Help me to be faithful in my pursuit of the kingdom of Heaven.

Yours in Christ

Michael Marcon

Meditation Minute

My Dearest Brothers and Sisters in Christ:

“What is the Kingdom of God like?”

Gospel Reading: Luke 13:18-21

Jesus said, “What is the Kingdom of God like? To what can I compare it? It is like a mustard seed that a man took and planted in the garden. When it was fully grown, it became a large bush and the birds of the sky dwelt in its branches.” Again he said, “To what shall I compare the Kingdom of God? It is like yeast that a woman took and mixed in with three measures of wheat flour until the whole batch of dough was leavened.”

In today’s Gospel reading, Jesus introduces us to the kingdom of God. Jesus tell us that the kingdom of God “is like a mustard seed that a man took and planted in the garden.” The mustard seed is one of tiniest seeds on earth and yet it grows into a magnificent tree that provides shelter and food for literally hundreds of birds. The kingdom of God is the same. It starts out as a small speck of love and kindness placed in the hearts and souls of mankind. If properly nourished, it grows and flourishes into this massive tree which becomes the Church. The Church provides shelter and nourishment through the spirit of the Lord. Jesus compared the kingdom of God to leaven bread. He said that the kingdom “is like yeast that a woman took and mixed in with three measures of wheat flour until the whole batch of dough was leavened.” The leaven created a transformation within the bread. The bread begins to expand and spread out. If we allow the kingdom of God inside us, it too will transform us and cause us to grow in Christ. Once we have been touched by the Holy Spirit, the kingdom of God will grow within us and expand outward through us to the rest of the world. The seeds of the kingdom of Heaven have been planted within your soul.  Nourish those seeds so that will grow and expand.  As the kingdom of Heaven grows, take comfort in its branches. 

A Simple Prayer

Heavenly Father, the Holy Spirit is within me,

Let this spirit overwhelm my soul,

May it increase my love and desire for the kingdom of God.

Yours in Christ

Michael Marcon

Meditation Minute

My Dearest Brothers and Sisters in Christ:

“Woman, you are set free of your infirmity.”

Gospel Reading: Luke 13:10-17

Jesus was teaching in a synagogue on the sabbath. And a woman was there who for eighteen years had been crippled by a spirit; she was bent over, completely incapable of standing erect. When Jesus saw her, he  called to her and said, “Woman, you are set free of your infirmity.” He laid his hands on her, and she at once stood up straight and glorified God. But the leader of the synagogue, indignant that Jesus had cured on the sabbath, said to the crowd in reply, “There are six days when work should be done. Come on those days to be cured, not on the sabbath day.” The Lord said to him in reply, “Hypocrites! Does not each one of you on the Sabbath untie his ox or his ass from the manger and lead it out for watering? This daughter of Abraham, whom Satan has bound for eighteen years now, ought she not to have been set free on the sabbath day from this bondage?” When he said this, all his adversaries were humiliated; and the whole crowd rejoiced at all the splendid deeds done by him.

In today’s Gospel reading, Jesus heals an infirmed woman on the Sabbath, a day when the Jews were to rest and honor God. When Jesus saw this woman with an infirmity, he called her and said to her, “Woman, you are freed from your infirmity.” This infirmity had bound this woman for eighteen years and prevented her from experiencing life. It says that Jesus laid his hands on her and “she at once stood up straight and glorified God.” So what was her infirmity? Was it physical or spiritual? Because of her crippling illness, was she not able to see God? It says that Satan had hold on her body. The good news is that Jesus was able to conquer Satan and free her from the bonds which crippled her. She was now able to stand straight and see God in all his glory. We too may be inflicted by Satan. He may have us bound and bent over unable to stand straight to see the full glory of God. It is through trust and belief in God that Christ can reach out, touch us and save us. Christ can wash away the evil in our lives, but only if we let him.

Sometimes the evil is cleverly disguised. The Jewish leaders were infuriated at Jesus for healing someone on the Sabbath. The Sabbath was a day of rest. One was not suppose to do any work on the Sabbath because the Sabbath was reserved for prayer. The Jewish leaders were so caught up in the rituals that they too were blinded from the true meaning of the Sabbath. The Sabbath was a day to honor and respect God for all he had done. It is also a day for us to purify and cleanse our souls. On this day, God speaks to us through the scriptures and the scriptures provide many healing powers. God heals 24/7 – he’s God, he can do that. God does not sleep nor does he take a break. He will do anything to unite with us with him. What better time to lose the chains that bind us to this world then during the Eucharistic Celebration of the Mass. This is the perfect time to cry out to God for grace and mercy and ask him into your heart. You are getting ready to receive the Eucharist which is receiving Christ into your body. Christ is getting ready to touch you with his hands to free you from your infirmity.  Be open and stand tall in your celebration.

A Simple Prayer

Lord, have mercy on my soul.

Free me from the bondage which prevents my soul from seeing you.

Free my body from evil so that I may stand righteously to do your will

Yours in Christ

Michael Marcon

Meditation Minute

My Dearest Brothers and Sisters in Christ:

Gospel Reading: Luke 12:54-59

Jesus said to the crowds, “When you see a cloud rising in the west you say immediately that it is going to rain–and so it does; and when you notice that the wind is blowing from the south you say that it is going to be hot–and so it is. You hypocrites! You know how to interpret the appearance of the earth and the sky; why do you not know how to interpret the present time?  “Why do you not judge for yourselves what is right? If you are to go with your opponent before a magistrate, make an effort to settle the matter on the way; otherwise your opponent will turn you over to the judge, and the judge hand you over to the constable, and the constable throw you into prison. I say to you, you will not be released until you have paid the last penny.”

In today’s Gospel, Jesus questions the ability of his disciples to see the signs. He says to them, “You know how to interpret the appearance of the earth and the sky; why do you not know how to interpret the present time?” The profits had foretold the coming of Christ and now he was among them. Even with all the signs, his disciples did not recognize him as their Messiah and Savior. With all the signs from his teachings, his miracles and his compassion and love, his disciples still did not recognize him. It is as if they had closed their eyes to the light of Christ. Jesus calls them to repent and open their eyes. He calls them to witness and see who is with them. Christ came to show them the way. How many times do we miss the signs? How many times are we sitting in church and our mind is elsewhere? How many times has someone reached out to help you and you slapped their hand? Jesus is among us yet we fail to see the light. Jesus said to his disciples, “Why do you not judge for yourselves what is right? If you are to go with your opponent before a magistrate, make an effort to settle the matter on the way; otherwise your opponent will turn you over to the judge, and the judge hand you over to the constable, and the constable throw you into prison.” Jesus is telling us that we must recognize and repent for our sins before our final judgment because it will be too late if we wait till then. He wants for us to ask for forgiveness now. Christ not only came to show us the way, he came to relieve us of our sins.

Christ is before us, open your eyes and see the light. His light exposes what is in our soul. We must do everything we can to allow God to enter into our life. It is only with God that we can conquer sin and evil. We are vulnerable to Satan’s tongue if we do not seek Christ in our daily lives. When we sin, we need to call upon God immediately. We need to ask him for peace and salvation. Jesus wanted his disciples to reach out to him, not so he could punish them, but so he could free them from the slavery of sin. God is loving and forgiving. It is his grace alone that will free you from the bondage of sin. Can you see the signs? Are you ready to surrender to Christ?

A Simple Prayer

Lord Jesus, you are the light of my life.

Illuminate my soul so I can see your signs.

I want to choose what is right and what is just.

Help me find the path to your heart.

Yours in Christ

Michael Marcon

Meditation Minute

My Dearest Brothers and Sisters in Christ:

“I have come to set the earth on fire, and how I wish it were already blazing!”

Gospel Reading: Luke 12:49-53

Jesus said to his disciples: “I have come to set the earth on fire, and how I wish it were already blazing! There is a baptism with which I must be baptized, and how great is my anguish until it is accomplished! Do you think that I have come to establish peace on the earth? No, I tell you, but rather division. From now on a household of five will be divided, three against two and two against three; a father will be divided against his son and a son against his father, a mother against her daughter and a daughter against her mother, a mother-in-law against her daughter-in-law and a daughter-in-law against her mother-in-law.”

What is this baptism that Christ talks about in today’s gospel reading? The baptism is his Pascal Mystery; the sacrifice which he makes for us on the cross. Through this sacrifice, he brings forth his resurrection and ultimately the one holy catholic and apostolic church. But the reading also says that Jesus came to set the earth on fire and to cause division and turmoil within families. At first read, one might conclude that Jesus was a trouble maker and then you realize - that is exactly what he was. The fire that Christ brought to earth is the burning love of God, the Holy Spirit which sets our soul on fire. This fire of the Holy Spirit was brought to us through Christ’s baptism on the cross and is now given to us in our own baptism. We are all called to receive and live in the fire of God. Jesus says, “There is a baptism with which I must be baptized, and how great is my anguish until it is accomplished!” The baptism is his crucifixion and death for us on the cross. He calls this the ultimate gift and sacrifice, a baptism because he conquered sin and death to never die again. Through our Baptism, the fire of the Holy Spirit is placed within us to never die again and through our Confirmation, the Holy Spirit is revealed to the world. Our Baptism and Confirmation then become the same glorious acceptance of this new life and grace from God. Through our Baptism and eventually our Confirmation, we too shall set the world on fire. We are called to spread our fire to others so that they may see the salvation of Christ. It is not enough to sit back and let the small flame kindle with us. We need to fan the fire until we are burning with Christ. Christ’s love should be overflowing in us and from us.

A Simple Prayer

Lord Jesus, you are the fire which lights my soul.

May your fire consume me with your love.

May your fire flow outside me to others.

May I put you before all others.

Yours in Christ

Michael Marcon

Meditation Minute

My Dearest Brothers and Sisters in Christ:

“If the master of the house had known the hour when the thief was coming, he would not have let his house be broken into.”

Gospel Reading: Luke 12:39-48

Jesus said to his disciples:  “Be sure of this: if the master of the house had known the hour when the thief was coming, he would not have let his house be broken into. You also must be prepared, for at an hour you do not expect, the Son of Man will come.” Then Peter said, “Lord, is this parable meant for us or for everyone?” And the Lord replied, “Who, then, is the faithful and prudent steward whom the master will put in charge of his servants to distribute the food allowance at the proper time? Blessed is that servant whom his master on arrival finds doing so. Truly, I say to you, he will put him in charge of all his property. But if that servant says to himself, ‘My master is delayed in coming,’ and begins to beat the menservants and the maidservants, to eat and drink and get drunk, then that servant’s master will come on an unexpected day and at an unknown hour and will punish the servant severely and assign him a place with the unfaithful. That servant who knew his master’s will but did not make preparations nor act in accord with his will shall be beaten severely; and the servant who was ignorant of his master’s will but acted in a way deserving of a severe beating shall be beaten only lightly.  Much will be required of the person entrusted with much, and still more will be demanded of the person entrusted with more.”

In today’s Gospel reading, Jesus again lectures us about being faithful and respecting the gifts which have been given to us. Jesus says, “You also must be prepared, for at an hour you do not expect, the Son of Man will come.” If your time was today, would you be ready for your judgment before God. God has entrusted us with much responsibility. We need to take care of God’s children and the gifts which he has bestowed upon us. Jesus says, “Blessed is that servant whom his master on arrival finds doing so.” Jesus also warns us, “But if that servant says to himself, ‘My master is delayed in coming,’ and begins to beat the menservants and the maidservants, to eat and drink and get drunk, then that servant’s master will come on an unexpected day and at an unknown hour and will punish the servant severely and assign him a place with the unfaithful.” We must have faith in God that he will take care of us. This care and love must be reciprocated to others around us. We do these deeds as a demonstration of our faith and love for God. God expects us to use the gifts that he has given us to benefit others. The more he gives you, the more he expects from you. The deeper your faith, the bigger the commitment you must be willing to give. Jesus says, “Much will be required of the person entrusted with much, and still more will be demanded of the person entrusted with more.” If we only use our gifts to satisfy ourselves, we are denying God’s love and we will be punished accordingly.

A Simple Prayer

Lord, I am your servant,

I am the keeper of your gifts.

Give me the wisdom to make wise use of the gifts

So that they may benefit others

And bring them to your table.

Yours in Christ

Michael Marcon

Meditation Minute

My Dearest Brothers and Sisters in Christ:

“The harvest is plentiful, but the laborers are few.” 

Gospel Reading: Luke 10:1-9

The Lord Jesus appointed seventy-two disciples whom he sent ahead of him in pairs to every town and place he intended to visit. He said to them, “The harvest is abundant but the laborers are few; so ask the master of the harvest to send out laborers for his harvest. Go on your way; behold, I am sending you like lambs among wolves. Carry no money bag, no sack, no sandals; and greet no one along the way. Into whatever house you enter, first say, ‘Peace to this household.’ If a peaceful person lives there, your peace will rest on him; but if not, it will return to you. Stay in the same house and eat and drink what is offered to you, for the laborer deserves payment. Do not move about from one house to another. Whatever town you enter and they welcome you, eat what is set before you, cure the sick in it and say to them, ‘The Kingdom of God is at hand for you.’”

In today’s Gospel reading, we hear the call of the mission of the seventy-two disciples to go into mission.  Jesus commissions seventy-two disciples and sends them out to “heal the sick” and to proclaim that “The Kingdom of God is at hand.”  So what does it take to be a disciple of God?  Jesus told them, “Carry no money bag, no sack, no sandals; and greet no one along the way.”  The seventy-two had to detach themselves from their earthly treasures and commit themselves fully to their mission. They had to learn to rely solely on God and his abundant gifts.  The earthly treasures would just get in the way of their mission and make it difficult for them to deliver the eternal gifts of God. Jesus wanted them to rely on God and his graces and not become dependent upon the things of this world.  Jesus also tells his disciples that the mission will not be easy, “I am sending you like lambs among wolves.”  The disciples were sent out into a world who opposed them and was willing to kill them. But rest assured that these lambs were protected from the wolves by the shepherd.  Because of their commitment to God, he provided everything the disciples needed to complete their mission.  He provided their daily bread and the shelter they needed to protect their souls.  Most importantly, he provided them with the protection of the Holy Spirit.  As Apostles of God, we are also called into service.  The harvest is still plentiful and the laborers are still few.  We have been chosen to serve God and to be his disciples.  However, when delivering the message of God, not all will be receptive.  Jesus says, “If a peaceful person lives there, your peace will rest on him; but if not, it will return to you.”  Do not be disappointed if your message is not received by all.  Some will reject you and when they reject you, they are rejecting God.  Know in your heart that God’s message was delivered.  You will be rewarded for your efforts by God himself “for the laborer deserves payment.”

A Simple Prayer

Lord God in Heaven, I am you lamb.

Give me the strength and the will to answer your call.

Transform my life so that I may be a witness of your love and truth.

Yours in Christ

Michael Marcon

Meditation Minute

My Dearest Brothers and Sisters in Christ:

“Take care to guard against all greed, for though one may be rich, one’s life does not consist of possessions.”

Gospel Reading: Luke 12:13-21

Someone in the crowd said to Jesus, “Teacher, tell my brother to share the inheritance with me.” He replied to him, “Friend, who appointed me as your judge and arbitrator?” Then he said to the crowd, “Take care to guard against all greed, for though one may be rich, one’s life does not consist of possessions.”  Then he told them a parable. “There was a rich man whose land produced a bountiful harvest. He asked himself, ‘What shall I do, for I do not have space to store my harvest?’ And he said, ‘This is what I shall do: I shall tear down my barns and build larger ones. There I shall store all my grain and other goods and I shall say to myself, “Now as for you, you have so many good things stored up for many years, rest, eat, drink, be merry!”’ But God said to him, ‘You fool, this night your life will be demanded of you; and the things you have prepared, to whom will they belong?’ Thus will it be for the one who stores up treasure for himself but is not rich in what matters to God.”

In today’s Gospel reading, Jesus tells us a parable about being greedy and coveting they neighbors goods. In this parable, a wealthy man had lots of land which produced an abundantly bountiful crop. There was so much produced that the rich man did not have enough space to store the harvest.  He decided to tear down his barns to build new ones big enough so he could store his crops for many years. And the rich man said, “Now as for you, you have so many good things stored up for many years, rest, eat, drink, be merry!” And how does God respond to him, “You fool, this night your life will be demanded of you; and the things you have prepared, to whom will they belong?” When God graces us with a bountiful harvest, who does the harvest belong too? We can covet the harvest and keep it for ourselves, or we can share the harvest with others. Jesus warns us that, “Thus will it be for the one who stores up treasure for himself but is not rich in what matters to God.” Our treasure is the thing we hold dearest to our heart. Is your treasure based on earthly riches or is it based on spiritual richness? Our life should not be measured in the abundance of our possessions, but in the abundance of our giving and love for God. In the end, the only treasure we will take with us is our soul. Jesus is not upset because the man was able to produce a large crop, but that the crop became the one desire of his heart. We must avoid letting earthly treasures consume our soul. These treasures we are given are to share with others.

A simple prayer

Lord, God, I thank you for the treasures you have given me.

May I not covet these treasures but share them with those in need.

May you become the treasure which is the subject of my life.

Yours in Christ

Michael Marcon

Meditation Minute

My Dearest Brothers and Sisters in Christ:

“There is nothing concealed that will not be revealed, nor secret that will not be known.”

Gospel Reading: Luke 12:1-7

At that time: So many people were crowding together  that they were trampling one another underfoot. Jesus began to speak, first to his disciples, “Beware of the leaven–that is, the hypocrisy–of the Pharisees.  “There is nothing concealed that will not be revealed, nor secret that will not be known. Therefore whatever you have said in the darkness will be heard in the light, and what you have whispered behind closed doors will be proclaimed on the housetops. I tell you, my friends, do not be afraid of those who kill the body but after that can do no more. I shall show you whom to fear. Be afraid of the one who after killing has the power to cast into Gehenna; yes, I tell you, be afraid of that one. Are not five sparrows sold for two small coins? Yet not one of them has escaped the notice of God. Even the hairs of your head have all been counted. Do not be afraid. You are worth more than many sparrows.”

In today’s Gospel reading, we learn that God is all knowing. There is nothing that we do or say that he does not know. “Therefore whatever you have said in the darkness will be heard in the light, and what you have whispered behind closed doors will be proclaimed on the housetops.” The Gospel reading starts with a warning about the Pharisees, “Beware of the leaven–that is, the hypocrisy–of the Pharisees.” Leaven was bread that had begun to rot. This bread would have a foul odor and be absolutely putrid. However, the Pharisees wanted everyone to believe that they were holy and righteous. God knows our actions and our words. No matter how we appear on the outside, God can see right through our soul. He knows if we are jealous; he knows if we condemn; he knows if we gossip and he knows if we hate. We cannot hide our sins or our inward feelings from God. We may whisper in the silence of our closets, but God is there with us. Jesus tells us, “do not be afraid of those who kill the body” but you should “be afraid of the one who after killing has the power to cast into Gehenna.” Fear is a healthy action which can help us avoid trouble and at the same time help us spur into action. Why should we fear God? Because God has the power to send our soul into eternal darkness. He has the power to separate us from the kingdom of Heaven. The worst thing that can happen to us is not a physical death but a spiritual one. Those who truly fear the Lord will everything they can to be united with him. God is the light which exposes evil. God is also the light which eliminates darkness. We should seek the light and find salvation in the Lord.

A Simple Prayer:

Lord Jesus, You know my heart and my soul.

You are my light and my salvation,

May this light free me from my sins and transgressions,

May your light lead me to the kingdom of Heaven.

Yours in Christ

Michael Marcon

Meditation Minute

My Dearest Brothers and Sisters in Christ:

“Woe to you, scholars of the law! You have taken away the key of knowledge.”

Gospel Reading: Luke 11:47-54

The Lord said: “Woe to you who build the memorials of the prophets whom your fathers killed. Consequently, you bear witness and give consent to the deeds of your ancestors, for they killed them and you do the building. Therefore, the wisdom of God said, ‘I will send to them prophets and Apostles; some of them they will kill and persecute in order that this generation might be charged with the blood of all the prophets shed since the foundation of the world, from the blood of Abel to the blood of Zechariah who died between the altar and the temple building. Yes, I tell you, this generation will be charged with their blood! Woe to you, scholars of the law! You have taken away the key of knowledge. You yourselves did not enter and you stopped those trying to enter.” When Jesus left, the scribes and Pharisees began to act with hostility toward him and to interrogate him about many things, for they were plotting to catch him at something he might say.

Do you believe in the Word of God? As St John tells us in his Gospel, “In the beginning^* was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God.”  The Word of God was with us from the beginning of time to help guide us and lead us to him.  God spoke to the prophets and used them as his mouth piece.   The prophets were sent to deliver the word of God to his people. Unfortunately, many of these prophets were martyred for their beliefs. Zechariah was a prophet who was stoned to death because he accused the Jews of being unfaithful to God’s laws. Abel was the first and Zechariah was the last of the prophets who were killed for their preaching and beliefs. Jesus confronts the Pharisees for the very same thing. They do not recognize Christ as the Messiah, the savior of the people of Israel. Jesus tells the Pharisees that they are no better than their ancestors who killed the prophets sent by his Father. Jesus’ coming was foretold and prophesied by the same ancestors who were tortured and killed by the Israelites. The Pharisees have not learned from their ancestors and continue to act in a similar manner. They still deny the Word of God.

Today we can find ourselves in the same boat as the Pharisees. We ignore the teachings God has sent through not only his prophets, but also his Son. We want to rationalize our own laws instead of the laws of Christ. God commanded us to love our neighbor, to help the poor and the meek and to reach out to those less fortunate. We are called to make sacrifices in our lives, yet we step over the very people Christ asked us to help. We become legalistic in our interpretation of the Word of God and manipulate his teachings to justify our  own greed and envy. We impose our own will and not the will of God. When we do this we take away the “keys of knowledge” which Christ provided for us. Who suffers from our actions? Not only this generation, but the generations to come. We should seek out the wisdom of God and open our hearts to His Word. We should seek the narrow door which leads us to the cross.  Anytime you say that I don’t believe or I don’t agree with the church, you are saying I don’t believe in the Word of God.  We must be willing to submit to his word and surrender our hearts to his will and not ours.

A Simple Prayer

Lord, open my mind to the wisdom of your prophets.

Open my soul to love and compassion of your son.

May I not become like the Pharisees and rationalize sin in my life.

Yours in Christ

Michael Marcon

Meditation Minute

My Dearest Brothers and Sisters in Christ:

“You pay no attention to judgment and to love for God.”

Gospel Reading: Luke 11:42-46

The Lord said: “Woe to you Pharisees! You pay tithes of mint and of rue and of every garden herb, but you pay no attention to judgment and to love for God. These you should have done, without overlooking the others. Woe to you Pharisees! You love the seat of honor in synagogues and greetings in marketplaces.   Woe to you! You are like unseen graves over which people unknowingly walk.”  Then one of the scholars of the law said to him in reply, “Teacher, by saying this you are insulting us too.” And he said, “Woe also to you scholars of the law! You impose on people burdens hard to carry, but you yourselves do not lift one finger to touch them.”

Do you ever get the feeling that the Pharisees just didn’t get it or that Jesus just didn’t get along with them? In reality, it is just the opposite.  He engaged the Pharisees to change their hearts and their ways.  He realized that while they thought their ways were correct, in actuality, their actions were actually empty and lacked inward sincerity.  Jesus is deeply saddened by the actions and attitude of the Pharisees because it is only an outward following of a set of rules without a sincere heart. The Pharisees appeared to followed the Mosaic Law, they tithed as God asked them to do; even the most insignificant of kitchen herbs. So why was Jesus upset with their actions? The Pharisees only concerned themselves with their outward appearance. They only cared about what others thought about them. Their heart and soul were hidden from their fellow man, so their true intentions could not be seen. According to the law, anyone who touched a grave became unclean for seven days. Over time the grave markers would disappear and become unnoticeable. Therefore, a person could walk over the grave without even knowing. Jesus uses this example to unmask the hypocrisy of their ways. The Pharisees are so worried about tithing every little thing that they overlook the major items like God’s justice and love. He is saddened because they are more concerned about where they are sitting in church then about sitting with God. We are called by God to be just and to love, but the Pharisees hearts were filled with malice and hatred. The Pharisees were so focused on their outward image that they were neglecting their inner soul. Jesus was saddened because they completely missed the things that mattered most; the poor, the hungry and those in most need of their love. The rules became more of a reason not to associate with someone then as a reason to embrace all of God’s people. Today’s message tells us that the most important thing is love and justice. We must love everyone no matter what they have done and aide everyone who needs help no matter what their situation. God is love and God is supreme justice. We are made in God’s image; therefore, we should reflect this love and supreme justice for all.

A Simple Prayer

Lord, give me Wisdom to know your love and justice so that my love will be a beacon which guides others to your table and that my justice will be guided by your prudence.

Yours in Christ

Michael Marcon

Meditation Minute

My Dearest Brothers and Sisters in Christ:

“Although you cleanse the outside of the cup and the dish, inside you are filled with plunder and evil.”

Gospel Reading: Luke 11:37-41

After Jesus had spoken, a Pharisee invited him to dine at his home. He entered and reclined at table to eat. The Pharisee was amazed to see that he did not observe the prescribed washing before the meal. The Lord said to him, “Oh you Pharisees! Although you cleanse the outside of the cup and the dish, inside you are filled with plunder and evil. You fools! Did not the maker of the outside also make the inside? But as to what is within, give alms, and behold, everything will be clean for you.”

What is most important, what is inside our heart or what show to others.  The Pharisee questions Jesus because he has not followed the ritual cleaning process.  His response questions their hypocrisy which is cloaked in their legalistic ways. The Pharisees know the Mosaic law backward and forward, but they do not understand the spirit of the law. What good is it to appear clean when your thoughts and your intentions are dirty. What part of the cup is most important to be clean – the inside or the outside?  Similarly, what is more important, clean hands or a clean heart and mind. It is easy to put on a fake façade and make people think you are righteous. But to truly be righteous, it must come from the heart. You must be willing to freely give from within. “But as to what is within, give alms, and behold, everything will be clean for you.” If our thoughts and our desires our clean, then our outward actions will be based on truly righteous beginnings. We have to be generous with those things we tend to hoard, those things we tend to hold back and keep from others. To give from your inner treasures is to give the love which Christ poured out for us on the cross. You must be willing to make the inward sacrifice for others through both a deep concern for their spiritual and material welfare. Jesus use the phrase “to give alms” which means to give mercy and compassion. Therefore, you are asked to give mercy and compassion as Christ gave to you. This must start from within.  How much better the world would be if we sacrificed everything for our fellow man. Unfortunately we allow greed and envy plague our heart.  We allow hatred become the foundation of our actions.  To defeat hatred, we must allow our hearts to be filled with the love of Christ himself.

A Simple Prayer

Lord, you are so kind and merciful.

You poured out your love and grace to save me from my sins.

Help me cleanse my inside so that I can free myself from greed and envy.

Give me a clean mind and clean heart.

Yours in Christ

Michael Marcon

                               

Meditation Minute

My Dearest Brothers and Sisters in Christ:

“This generation is an evil generation; it seeks a sign, but no sign will be given it, except the sign of Jonah.”

Gospel Reading: Luke 11:29-32

While still more people gathered in the crowd, Jesus said to them, “This generation is an evil generation; it seeks a sign, but no sign will be given it, except the sign of Jonah.  Just as Jonah became a sign to the Ninevites, so will the Son of Man be to this generation. At the judgment, the queen of the south will rise with the men of this generation and she will condemn them, because she came from the ends of the earth to hear the wisdom of Solomon, and there is something greater than Solomon here.  At the judgment the men of Nineveh will arise with this generation and condemn it, because at the preaching of Jonah they repented, and there is something greater than Jonah here.”

So what was the sign of Jonah? Jonah was a profit who lead the Ninevites to do penance for their sins. His actions and preaching to the Ninevites were seen as a sign that he was sent by God. The Ninevites were in trouble because of the sinful ways, but because of their repentant ways, God was merciful to them. This was the same message that Jesus brought to the Jews to free them from the bondages that tie them to this world and separate from heaven.  This same message is still true today. Jesus came to free us from the slavery of sins and to free us from the burdens of evil. His divine mercy was poured out for us for our own salvation. Christ is present in our lives today.  He is preaching a message of repentance and grace. He is preaching a message of salvation through him.  So how do we respond to that message?  Do you want signs or do you seek him out.  Do you reject him for the alternative message that the world preaches.  We are called to examine our conscience and to seek out mercy for those sins which darken our soul. We are called to actively seek forgiveness for our sins. God has mercy on us no matter what sin we commit; we just need to be repentant. “This generation is an evil generation; it should seek the sign that Jonah brought to the Ninevites.” We should open up our souls and shed the things that keep us from entering the Kingdom of Heaven. When we open ourselves up to the judgment of Christ, we remove the burdens that weigh us down.

A Simple Prayer

Lord God, help me to recognize my sinful ways.

Help me to free myself from the bonds of Satan

It is through your mercy and goodness that I am set free.

Yours in Christ

Michael Marcon