Meditation Minute

My Dearest Brothers and Sisters in Christ:

“Rise, take the child and his mother, flee to Egypt, and stay there until I tell you.”

Gospel Reading: Matthew 2:13-18

When the magi had departed, behold, the angel of the Lord appeared to Joseph in a dream and said, "Rise, take the child and his mother, flee to Egypt, and stay there until I tell you. Herod is going to search for the child to destroy him."  Joseph rose and took the child and his mother by night and departed for Egypt. He stayed there until the death of Herod, that what the Lord had said through the prophet might be fulfilled, Out of Egypt I called my son.  When Herod realized that he had been deceived by the magi, he became furious. He ordered the massacre of all the boys in Bethlehem and its vicinity two years old and under, in accordance with the time he had ascertained from the magi. Then was fulfilled what had been said through Jeremiah the prophet: A voice was heard in Ramah, sobbing and loud lamentation; Rachel weeping for her children, and she would not be consoled, since they were no more.

Today’s gospel reading is all about suffering.  Suffering is a difficult topic to understand and handle, especially when it concerns small children, the most innocent of all human life.  In today’s Gospel reading all the male children under the age of two were sacrificed. But why?  Why would God allow these small children to be sacrificed?  I do not know of any I can say that can explain why these children had to give up their lives, but we know that everything done through God is done for the good.  These young children gave their lives so that Christ the King could reign.  Their sacrifice was not in vain, but for the glory of God.  They are true martyrs giving their all for our salvation.  We know that those who suffer or sacrifice are considered blessed.  Jesus tells us

“Blessed are they who are persecuted for the sake of righteousness, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. Blessed are you when they insult you and persecute you and utter every kind of evil against you because of me. Rejoice and be glad, for your reward will be great in heaven.” (Matthew 5:10-12).

It is clear that these children who sacrificed their lives for the sake of the righteous are sitting in the glory of heaven.  They are considered blessed for they had to make the ultimate sacrifice.  So what does it mean to be blessed – it literally means to be happy or joyful.  In their suffering, they have found great joy for they are now in heaven.  Therefore, if we understand suffering and truly offer that suffering up to God, we too can find joy and happiness in our own ills and misfortunes.  Yes, suffering can lead to happiness.  Yes the pain can lead to fulfillment.  There is no resurrection without the cross.

A Simple Prayer

My Father in Heaven,

Give me the strength to carry my cross.

Give me the strength to burden my suffering

So that I can rejoice and be glad.

Yours in Christ

Michael Marcon

Meditation Minute

My Dearest Brothers and Sisters in Christ:

“He saw and believed.”

Gospel Reading: John 20:1a,2-8

On the first day of the week, Mary Magdalene ran and went to Simon Peter and to the other disciple whom Jesus loved, and told them, "They have taken the Lord from the tomb, and we do not know where they put him." So Peter and the other disciple went out and came to the tomb. They both ran, but the other disciple ran faster than Peter and arrived at the tomb first; he bent down and saw the burial cloths there, but did not go in. When Simon Peter arrived after him, he went into the tomb and saw the burial cloths there, and the cloth that had covered his head, not with the burial cloths but rolled up in a separate place. Then the other disciple also went in, the one who had arrived at the tomb first, and he saw and believed.

Two days ago we celebrated the birth of Christ and in today’s Gospel we celebrate his resurrection.  So what is the link between the two?  It has been said that the wood of the cross is the wood of the manger.  Both are significant events which define our salvation and redemption.  In today’s gospel, the message is about seeing and believing.  Those who came to see the birth of Christ, paid homage and believed.  John arrives at the tomb and when he goes in, he sees and believes.  So what did John see when he entered the tomb that made him believe?  Mary of Magdala tells us that “they have taken the Lord from the tomb” so we know the tomb is empty.  Peter and John raced to the tomb to verify the news.  John at first does not enter the tomb, but when he finally develops the courage he enters the tomb and “he saw and believed.”  He saw the burial wrapping lying on bed with the cloth that covered his face folded and laying next to the wrapping.  What is in the tomb that could have made him believe?  More importantly, it was what was not in the tomb that finally made John believe.  Jesus had defeated death in his resurrection.  Jesus’ resurrection is the single event that confirms Christ is our Lord and Savior.  It is the resurrection, the birth from death, that forms our faith in Christ.  Without the resurrection, Jesus is just another great profit.  With the resurrection, he confirms our salvation from our sins.  Through his resurrection we are given new life.  Two days ago we celebrated his birth and today we celebrate our birth from death.

A Simple Prayer

Lord, you are the life which defeats death.

You are the resurrection from death into life.

It is only through you that we are born into the Kingdom of Heaven.

Yours in Christ

Michael Marcon

Merry Christmas

Merry Christmas to All.  This is a season of new birth and renewal.  It is time to experience the joy of your faith.  It is in the presents that we bring to Christ that our faith is renewed.  What treasure can you offer this year to Christ.  It may surprise you what you have to bring others to the table of Christ so that they can experience the Eucharistic Feast.

Peace and Good Will to All

Michael Marcon

Meditation Minute

My Dearest Brothers and Sisters in Christ:

“My soul proclaims the greatness of the Lord; my spirit rejoices in God my savior, for he has looked upon his lowly servant.”

Gospel Reading: Luke 1:46 – 56

Mary said: “My soul proclaims the greatness of the Lord; my spirit rejoices in God my savior, for he has looked upon his lowly servant. From this day all generations will call me blessed: the Almighty has done great things for me, and holy is his Name. He has mercy on those who fear Him in every generation. He has shown the strength of His arm, and has scattered the proud in their conceit. He has cast down the mighty from their thrones and has lifted up the lowly. He has filled the hungry with good things, and the rich He has sent away empty. He has come to the help of his servant Israel for he remembered his promise of mercy, the promise he made to our fathers, to Abraham and his children forever.” Mary remained with Elizabeth about three months and then returned to her home.

In today’s Gospel reading, Mary rejoices because God has found special favor in her. She was called by God and she answered the call not knowing what would be expected of her. She had to blindly accept the call of God without any knowledge of what was in store for her or for her son. We too should hunger for God’s favor that he would call us into action to do his will. Those who hunger for God will be filled with the joy and peace of our Lord Jesus Christ. It will allow us to share in God’s unending love and mercy. What better way to share in God’s love, then to say “yes” to his call. As we prepare for Christ’s birth, we are also preparing for our own rebirth into new life. We are all members of the mystical body of Christ; therefore, we are awaiting our own birth into the eternal joy and love which God gave to this world. As we partake of the Eucharist, we answer “yes” to God as did Mary. When you go to church this coming Christmas day and approach the table of our Lord, say “AMEN” with the commitment that Mary expressed when she said yes to the Angel Gabriel. Let those around you know that you have committed your life to God. Let the people know that you say “YES” to everything that Christ has offered you. Remember, you are the greatest gift you can give to God. No matter what has happened to you on this earth; no matter how rich or poor you are, the greatest thing you can offer to the Christ child is your life. When you say AMEN, let him know it is with great pleasure and obedience that you offer your life to him at His alter because my soul proclaims the greatness of the Lord; my spirit rejoices in God my savior, for he has looked upon his lowly servant.

A Simple Pray

Lord Jesus, I am your Servant – Amen.

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 1:39-45

Mary set out in those days 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.”

What sort of reaction do you have when Jesus enters the room?  When you are in church and the blessed sacrament is consecrated, are you busy yakking with your neighbor or do you leap with joy for Christ the King is present. In today’s Gospel reading, We hear about Mary’s visitation with her cousin Elizabeth.  Mary was told that Elizabeth, her aged and barren cousin was with child. Mary was so excited about the news from the angel of God that she had to go and confirm the news. When Elizabeth hears the voice of Mary, “the infant leaped in her womb”. At this time, Jesus is probably only a week or so old in the womb of Mary and he is already changing the world. Can you imagine the joy and excitement that must have been shared in that house that day? What is most surprising is that Elizabeth recognized Mary as the mother of “her Lord” immediately. She had identified the newly conceived child as the Christ child.  She said to Mary, “Most blessed are you among women, and blessed is the fruit of your womb.” Immediately she recognized her Lord. At this moment, these two women must have been overwhelmed with the excitement of what they contained within their wombs. The life that they carried within them would forever change the world.

We too must recognize God within us. God dwells in our heart and soul. Once we realize He is with us, we too can be filled with the Holy Spirit. We can allow the Holy Spirit to change our lives forever. When Elizabeth recognized Christ within Mary, not only was she filled with the Holy Spirit, but so was her unborn son. John the Baptist would be special from birth. His mission started in the sixth month of his conception. The Holy Spirit is a wonderful grace which allows us to see Christ within us and to bring Christ to others for their salvation. Mary brought Christ to Elizabeth and Elizabeth was overwhelmed with God. This is exactly why we celebrate Jesus’ birthday. We celebrate the gift which God placed on this earth to save us from our sins. This wonderful gift is placed within us from our conception in the womb. So on Christmas morning, thank God for giving us his son, and for placing Christ within each and every one of us.

A Simple Prayer

God, I am in joyful anticipation of the coming of the Messiah.

May he enter my life and fill me with the Holy Spirit.

Yours in Christ

Michael Marcon

Meditation Minute

My Dearest Brothers and Sisters in Christ:

“You were content to rejoice in his light.”

Gospel Reading: John 5:33-36

Jesus said to the Jews: "You sent emissaries to John, and he testified to the truth. I do not accept testimony from a human being, but I say this so that you may be saved. John was a burning and shining lamp, and for a while you were content to rejoice in his light. But I have testimony greater than John's. The works that the Father gave me to accomplish, these works that I perform testify on my behalf that the Father has sent me."

According to Jewish tradition, a person requires at least two witnesses to uphold a claim in the courts.  In today’s gospel reading John the Baptist serves as one of many witnesses proclaiming that Jesus is the Christ who comes to open the gates of heaven.  While John’s proclamation was a major announcement of the coming of the new Messiah, it is Jesus’ miracles and works that He performs that provides the greatest testimony of all to his divine authority and mission.  John was “a burning and shining lamp” make straight the way Christ.  John’s mission was to lead his followers to Christ.  While many were led to Christ, some doubted.  Jesus tells his followers, just look around and see all the good that is done in the name of the Father in heaven.  That should be the greatest proclamation of all.  There is no greater light then that of a miracle.  Miracles happen every day around us; however, we are too busy to stop and see the light.  The small whispers of God’s great mercy plays out around us and we chose not to see his mighty works.  We should take time to stop and rejoice in the light.  We should take the time to stop and see God’s miracles.  In this time of Advent, a time of joyful anticipation, we should open our eyes to see the light of his salvation.

A Simple Prayer

Christ, you are the light and the way,

Open my eyes so I can see your great works.

May they stir in me the joy and happiness of a renewed faith.

Yours in Christ

Michael Marcon

Meditation Minute

My Dearest Brothers and Sisters in Christ:

“Behold, I am sending my messenger ahead of you, he will prepare your way before you.”

Gospel Reading: Luke 7:24-30

When the messengers of John the Baptist had left, Jesus began to speak to the crowds about John.  “What did you go out to the desert to see -- a reed swayed by the wind?  Then what did you go out to see? Someone dressed in fine garments? Those who dress luxuriously and live sumptuously are found in royal palaces. Then what did you go out to see? A prophet? Yes, I tell you, and more than a prophet. This is the one about whom Scripture says: Behold, I am sending my messenger ahead of you, he will prepare your way before you. I tell you, among those born of women, no one is greater than John; yet the least in the Kingdom of God is greater than he.” (All the people who listened, including the tax collectors, who were baptized with the baptism of John, acknowledged the righteousness of God; but the Pharisees and scholars of the law, who were not baptized by him, rejected the plan of God for themselves.)

If John is the greatest of men born of women, then how can he be the least in the kingdom of heaven?  This is really a question which asks, “Do you know who I am?”  Christ tells us that John the Baptist is more than a profit; he is the Consoler who was to make ready the way of the Lord.  “Behold, I am sending my messenger ahead of you, he will prepare your way before you.” John the Baptist sets in motion the restoration of the human race “divine likeness” with God which we imaged in the beginning.  In the book of Genesis, we learn that man was created in the image and likeness of God.  John the Baptist called us to repent and to change our ways for the coming of the Messiah.  He called us to divert our lives from sin and to lead a life according to God’s own plan.  “All the people who listened, including the tax collectors, who were baptized with the baptism of John, acknowledged the righteousness of God.”  Jesus not only brings about a new era, he brings about a new Baptism.  Through our Baptism, Jesus conveys upon us the fire of the Holy Spirit so that we may know the truth of the Gospel.  In our Baptism, we too are now called to make ready the way of the Lord.  We are called to be is Consoler who shouts from the mountain tops that Christ the King is here.  During this period of anticipation, we should reflect upon our own life.  You need to decide if you have “rejected the plan of God for themselves”.  We are created in His image and His likeness; therefore, we must realize that we are holy creatures made perfect for the kingdom of heaven.  It is our diversion from and denial of this image that separates us from the kingdom.  Right yourself and make ready the way of the Lord.

A Simple Prayer

Lord, help me make ready my heart.

That I can see you in all your glory.

Make ready my soul,

That I will celebrate your new birth in me,

So I will realize that I am the image and likeness of God.

Yours in Christ

Michael Marcon

Meditation Minute

My Dearest Brothers and Sisters in Christ:

“Are you the one who is to come, or should we look for another?”

Gospel Reading: Luke 7:18b-23

At that time, John summoned two of his disciples and sent them to the Lord to ask, “Are you the one who is to come, or should we look for another?”  When the men came to the Lord, they said, “John the Baptist has sent us to you to ask, ‘Are you the one who is to come, or should we look for another?’” At that time Jesus cured many of their diseases, sufferings, and evil spirits; he also granted sight to many who were blind.  And Jesus said to them in reply, “Go and tell John what you have seen and heard: the blind regain their sight, the lame walk, lepers are cleansed, the deaf hear, the dead are raised, the poor have the good news proclaimed to them.  And blessed is the one who takes no offense at me.”

Today’s Gospel reading presents us with a rather interesting encounter with Christ.  John the Baptist sends two of his disciples to ask Jesus if He is the Messiah.  When asked, Jesus could have simply answered the question yes.  But instead He says, “Go and tell John what you have seen and heard: the blind regain their sight, the lame walk, lepers are cleansed, the deaf hear, the dead are raised, the poor have the good news proclaimed to them.”  How many times do we ask ourselves, “Is there really a God?” or “Did Christ really exist?”  This is the same question which John the Baptist asked.  So why does Jesus answer the question like he does?  It’s simple – seeing is believing.  Christ knows that being a witness to the signs is a much better testimony to His arrival than anything else.  They witnessed Him curing the sick and giving sight to the blind.  Do they not believe what they have seen with their own eyes?  Are they blind to His miracles or deaf  to His words.  He gave life to the dead.  He tells them to take this back to John as the answer to his question.  During Advent, you too are asked to testify to His majesty.  You must be a witness to Christ and testify that He is the Messiah.  You are called to be a witness to his miracles and his revelation.  You are called to be a witness to others.  You do this by being his hands and his feet and going out into the community and helping those that are less fortunate.  When you reach out your hands, you cure the blind and the deaf and bring life to those who are dead.  It is through your actions that others will see Christ and hear his word.  They will come to life in the gospel of love.

A Simple Prayer

Lord Jesus, Open my eyes and my ears so that I may know you.

By your words, we know that you are the Messiah who freed us from our sins.

Yours in Christ

Michael Marcon

Meditation Minute

My Dearest Brothers and Sisters in Christ:

“Amen, I say to you, tax collectors and prostitutes are entering the Kingdom of God before you.”

Gospel Reading: Matthew 21:28-32

Jesus said to the chief priests and the elders of the people: “What is your opinion?  A man had two sons.  He came to the first and said, ‘Son, go out and work in the vineyard today.’ The son said in reply, ‘I will not,’ but afterwards he changed his mind and went. The man came to the other son and gave the same order. He said in reply, ‘Yes, sir,’ but did not go. Which of the two did his father’s will?” They answered, “The first.” Jesus said to them, “Amen, I say to you, tax collectors and prostitutes are entering the Kingdom of God before you. When John came to you in the way of righteousness, you did not believe him; but tax collectors and prostitutes did. Yet even when you saw that, you did not later change your minds and believe him.”

Today’s Gospel reading is all about complacency.  It is about our spiritual slothfulness.  You say that you are a good Christian, but do your actions mimic your words.  How do you respond to Christ’s question?  Which son do you image. Are you reluctant to answer his call or have you said yes only to ignore his commandments?  It is easy to say yes, but it is much more difficult to act on your yes.  When we go to church and sit in the pews, it is easy to say “I will follow you.”  But once we get up and leave, do our actions continue our words we recited in church.  We are currently in a season of waiting.  We are waiting for the second coming of Christ.  In our time of waiting, we should kneel and pray asking God to come alive within us.  We should reflect on our yes and make sure that we are not slothful.  We need to reflect on our faith and our charity.  Do we feel for the poor, yet hoard your own goods?  Do you see the homeless, yet turn your back on them when we walk by them?  We are called to live the Gospels daily, in our actions and our words.  Our actions will speak much loader than our words.

A Simple Prayer

God, awaken in me.

Come alive in me so that I can go forth and live the Gospels.

Yours in Christ

Michael Marcon 

Meditation Minute

My Dearest Brothers and Sisters in Christ:

“Hail, O favored one, the Lord is with you!”

Gospel Reading: Luke 1:26-38

The angel Gabriel was sent from God to a town of Galilee called Nazareth, to a virgin betrothed to a man named Joseph, of the house of David, and the virgin’s name was Mary. And coming to her, he said, “Hail, full of grace! The Lord is with you.” But she was greatly troubled at what was said and pondered what sort of greeting this might be. Then the angel said to her, “Do not be afraid, Mary, for you have found favor with God. Behold, you will conceive in your womb and bear a son, and you shall name him Jesus. He will be great and will be called Son of the Most High, and the Lord God will give him the throne of David his father, and he will rule over the house of Jacob forever, and of his Kingdom there will be no end.” But Mary said to the angel, “How can this be, since I have no relations with a man?” And the angel said to her in reply, “The Holy Spirit will come upon you, and the power of the Most High will overshadow you. Therefore the child to be born will be called holy, the Son of God. And behold, Elizabeth, your relative, has also conceived a son in her old age, and this is the sixth month for her who was called barren; for nothing will be impossible for God.” Mary said, “Behold, I am the handmaid of the Lord. May it be done to me according to your word.” Then the angel departed from her.

In today’s Gospel reading, we hear the story of the Annunciation; a story of conversion and a call to discipleship. The Angel Gabriel appears before Mary and tells her, “Hail, full of grace. … Do not be afraid, Mary, for you have found favor with God.” The early Fathers of the Church from the first and second century taught that Mary received a number of distinctive blessings or graces from God in order to make her the fitting mother and the archetypical follower of Christ. These blessings included her role as the New Eve in correspondence to Christ’s role as the New Adam, her Immaculate Conception, her spiritual motherhood of all Christians, and her Assumption into heaven. These gifts were given to her by God’s grace and not because she did anything to earn them.  The early fathers tell us that the key to understanding all these graces is Mary’s role as the New Eve. Because she is the New Eve, she, like the New Adam, was born immaculate or sinless, just as the First Adam and Eve were created immaculate. Because she is the New Eve, she becomes the mother of all the people of the new covenant with God.  When the Angel Gabriel greets Mary as “full of grace,” we know that she is born immaculate. Our hope is that we will all one day be rendered immaculate (sinless), but Mary, as the archetypical  Christian, received this grace early. God granted her freedom from sin (“full of grace”) to make her a fitting mother for his Son.  If one is “full of grace,” one does not contain sin. 

Through her grace from God, Mary says yes to God’s call. Mary’s loyalty to God is exemplified in her response to the Angel. She does not know what lies ahead, but just that God is calling her. She does not know what the future holds nor what her son will go through in his life. We too are being called by God to be his servants. Do we take joy in answering yes? Every single one of us is called into the service of God. Every single one of us has special graces which God has given us.  How do we respond to God when He calls upon us? Do we react with the same wonder and awe that Mary did or do we respond with doubt?  We are called to respond with the joy and amazement which would show that we are a “handmaid of the Lord”. We must not worry about the future but just be receptive to the calling. God will take care of the future, we must worry about the now. We must have faith that God will take care of us and lead us to his house. “Do not be afraid.” He is there to hold us and protect us. He is there to guide us. Do not be afraid, because God has found favor in you. God has blessed you with many graces.

A Simple Prayer

Lord God in Heaven, you call me by name to be your disciple.

Help me find strength to say yes to your will.

Your Servant in Christ

Michael Marcon

Meditation Minute

My Dearest Brothers and Sisters in Christ:

“To what shall I compare this generation?”

Gospel Reading: Matthew 11:16-19

Jesus said to the crowds: “To what shall I compare this generation?  It is like children who sit in marketplaces and call to one another, ‘We played the flute for you, but you did not dance, we sang a dirge but you did not mourn.’  For John came neither eating nor drinking, and they said, ‘He is possessed by a demon.’ The Son of Man came eating and drinking and they said, ‘Look, he is a glutton and a drunkard, a friend of tax collectors and sinners.’  But wisdom is vindicated by her works.”

When you listen to music, does it not stir your heart?  Do you not feel the beat or tap your foot?  In today’s gospel reading, we hear that the young children play out their music, yet this did not stir their hearts.  The people have become so indifferent to the message the music no longer stirs their hearts. The people found excuses not to hear the calling of John the Baptist calling him a disciple of Satan and refused to follow Christ because He mingled with sinners.  This message is as true today as it was at the time Jesus.  Today’s generation has also fallen asleep.  Do we not find society trying to remove religion and Jesus from everything.  IT is becoming more and more difficult to celebrate your Christianity.  People no longer find the joy and happiness in the encounter with Christ.  Mass and Church events are secondary to other “obligations” in our life.  We obligate ourselves to worldly items forgetting about the celebration of God.  During Advent, we are called in a time of anticipation.  A time when we should be shaken and breakout into joyful dance knowing that Christ is on his way.  A time to come alive in dance and to sing out in joy “O Come, Let Us Adore Him”.  We are called to acknowledge Christ our savior for He is coming to greet us.  When the church plays its flute, we should dance in the streets and when the church plays a dirge, we should morn with sadness.  During this time of Advent, rekindle the spirit of God in your life.  At Mass, shout out with joy for the Lord – O Come, O Come Emmanuel – O Come Let Us Adore Him.

A Simple Prayer

Christ the King – Shake me until I awaken.

May I dance to your words and proclaim you are here.

O Come, Let Us Adore Him.

Yours in Christ

Michael Marcon

Meditation Minute

My Dearest Brothers and Sisters in Christ:

“Come to me, all you who labor and are burdened, and I will give you rest.”

Gospel Reading: Matthew 11:28-30

Jesus said to the crowds: “Come to me, all you who labor and are burdened, and I will give you rest.  Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am meek and humble of heart; and you will find rest for yourselves.  For my yoke is easy, and my burden light.”

During this time of joyful anticipation for the coming of the Lord, we are called to rid ourselves of those things that prevent us from enjoying our encounter with Christ.  Today’s Gospel message is such a comforting message when we consider the message from earlier this week. Jesus tells us to take up the yoke of the Lord “For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light.” He wants us to know that when we truly encounter Christ in our lives, we are freed from so many burdens which weight us down.  To help ease the load on the oxen, each ox had its own tailor made yoke. Jesus tells us that He will help us with our load if we will take up his yoke, the yoke He has specially made for you. He has a tailor made yoke designed to free us from the heavy burdens of life and the crushing weight of sin. It is important to realize that the yokes are made for two; this makes room for both you and Christ. Christ is there to pull the load with us if we will just turn over our lives to him.  When we try to handle our struggles on our own, it is difficult and tiring on our soul.  But if we give into the Lord, the burden of sin is lifted and we are set free.  Any other load is crushing and weighs us down. It is through Christ that we find true happiness and joy.

We are all called to prepare for the coming of Christ. We open the doors to our soul to let Christ in. He is coming to lighten our load and to remove the burdens of sin which we place upon ourselves. Through Christ, our sins are not only forgiven, but removed from our cart. Through reconciliation, we ask God to lift the sins from our back. It is through the love of Christ that he relieves us from our burden. We too have the option to lighten the load of others. We are called to forgive those who trespass against us. When we ask for forgiveness we are also called to give forgiveness. This forgiveness removes the burden which others have placed upon themselves. What a great place this world would be if we all forgave each other for all the sins that they committed. Take up the yoke of Christ and he will give you rest.

A Simple Prayer

Lord, my yoke is heavy and my load is burdensome.

Help me free myself from the burdens which hold me back

And give me strength to help free the burden placed on others.

Yours in Christ

Michael Marcon

Meditation Minute

My Dearest Brothers and Sisters in Christ:

“Which is easier, to say, ‘Your sins are forgiven,’ or to say, ‘Rise and walk’?”

Gospel Reading: Luke 5:17-26

One day as Jesus was teaching, Pharisees and teachers of the law who had come from every village of Galilee and Judea and Jerusalem, were sitting there, and the power of the Lord was with him for healing.  And some men brought on a stretcher a man who was paralyzed; they were trying to bring him in and set him in his presence.  But not finding a way to bring him in because of the crowd, they went up on the roof and lowered him on the stretcher through the tiles into the middle in front of Jesus.  When Jesus saw their faith, he said, “As for you, your sins are forgiven.”  Then the scribes and Pharisees began to ask themselves, “Who is this who speaks blasphemies?  Who but God alone can forgive sins?”  Jesus knew their thoughts and said to them in reply, “What are you thinking in your hearts?  Which is easier, to say, ‘Your sins are forgiven,’ or to say, ‘Rise and walk’? But that you may know that the Son of Man has authority on earth to forgive sins”–  he said to the one who was paralyzed, “I say to you, rise, pick up your stretcher, and go home.”  He stood up immediately before them, picked up what he had been lying on, and went home, glorifying God.  Then astonishment seized them all and they glorified God, and, struck with awe, they said, “We have seen incredible things today.”

In today’s Gospel reading, Jesus is teaching a crowd of people including Pharisees and teachers of the law. The Pharisees and scribes were the most knowledgeable of all the Jews. They knew what was and what was not allowed by Jewish law and tradition.  Putting yourself in the shoes of God was the most sever of all violations of the Mosaic Law.  They began to question Jesus, saying, “Who is this who speaks blasphemies?  Who but God alone can forgive sins?” They question him and accuse him because they do not understand who Jesus is.  In reply he says, “Which is easier, to say, ‘Your sins are forgiven,’ or to say, ‘Rise and walk’?” At that moment, Jesus cured the paralyzed man to demonstrate his messiahship. This story has so many teachings. First, Jesus is moved by the faith of the group of men that brought him the paralyzed man. These men had to overcome a number of  burdens to bring their friend to God. They had to load the paralyzed man on a bed and carry him to Jesus. Once they got there, the entrance to house was blocked so they crawled up on the roof with the paralyzed man, cut a hole in the roof and lowered the man down to Jesus. These acts demonstrate the true determination of these men to overcome all obstacles just to get in front of God. Nothing was going to prevent them from their mission to next to Christ. So what did Christ do to reward these men? He did not heal the man, which was the mission of their journey, but instead, he healed them of their sins.  I think the better question we must ask ourselves, “What is more important, your sins to be forgiven, or  to rise up and walk?” Jesus knows what inflictions truly cripple us. It was important to forgive these men so their hearts would be pure so that they could be set free from the things that paralyze their hearts.

The Pharisees were not happy at what they witnessed because only God can forgive someone for their sins. They accused Jesus of blasphemy. What little faith these Pharisees had. Even listening to Jesus, they did not recognize who he was. To reveal himself to the Pharisees and scribes he replied to them, “Which is easier, to say, ‘Your sins are forgiven,’ or to say, ‘Rise and walk’?” He then turned to the paralyzed man and freed him from the burden of the stretcher. After performing the miracle “astonishment seized them all and they glorified God, and, struck with awe, they said, ‘We have seen incredible things today.’”  How often do we see miracles in our life?  Do we have the same response?  When God moves us or wows us, do we reply with the same enthusiasm?  Jesus came to free us from our sins. He came to reveal himself to man by performing miracles, allowing the blind to see and the paralyzed to walk. Sins separate us from God. They make us unable to see and walk with God in his glory. What ailment was a greater concern to the paralyzed man, his sins or his physical paralysis? Obviously his sins would prevent him from walking in the kingdom of God. Therefore, Jesus cured the paralyzed man by forgiving his sins. What sins are blinding you and keeping you from walking with Christ? What are you willing to do to free yourself from those sins?

A Simple Prayer:

Lord God, you are the ultimate doctor.

You open my eyes and my ears so I can hear your words.

Allow me to see you and hear you.

Thanks

Yours in Christ

Michael Marcon

Meditation Minute

My  Dearest Brothers and Sisters in Christ:

“Son of David, have pity on us!”

Gospel Reading:  Matthew 9:27-31

As Jesus passed by, two blind men followed him, crying out, “Son of David, have pity on us!”  When he entered the house, the blind men approached him and Jesus said to them, “Do you believe that I can do this?”  “Yes, Lord,” they said to him.  Then he touched their eyes and said, “Let it be done for you according to your faith.”  And their eyes were opened.  Jesus warned them sternly, “See that no one knows about this.” But they went out and spread word of him through all that land.

In today’s Gospel reading, Christ cures two blind men because of their faith. The blind men cried out to Jesus, “Son of David, have pity on us!” Jesus asks the two men a very simple question, “Do you believe that I can do this?” And the two men replied, “Yes, Lord.” Do you ever feel blind in your faith? There are times in our lives when we all experience dry spells where it is hard to see Christ in our lives. His message is there but for some reason we do not hear him or see him. The message in today’s Gospel reading gives us hope. All we need to do is cry out to the Lord, “Have mercy on me O Lord.” Our God is all powerful and all merciful. When the blind men cried out, “Son of David, have pity on us!” they are not only asking for God’s compassion, but they are asking him to remove their suffering. God’s mercy is unending and all we need to do is have faith in his ability to cure us. Jesus tests them, “Do you believe that I can do this?” Because of their faith, they were set free from their affliction. God wants all of us to be freed from our afflictions. Faith in God is the answer. We must trust in his ability to cure us; to open our eyes and our ears so we can see and hear him. Christ wants us all to be members of the kingdom of heaven. When we are Baptized, our parents ask for one thing, faith. Through our baptism we are given faith. It is our job to make this juvenile faith grow. We do this through a surrendering to God. Through our growing of our faith, we will see the kingdom unfold before us.

A Simple Prayer

Lord, Have mercy on my soul.

Free me from my blindness in faith.

Open my eyes so I can see the kingdom of God.

Yours in Christ

Michael Marcon

Meditation Minute

My Dearest Brothers and Sisters in Christ:

“Not everyone who says to me, ‘Lord, Lord,’ will enter the Kingdom of heaven.”

Gospel Reading: Matthew 7:21, 24-27

Jesus said to his disciples: “Not everyone who says to me, ‘Lord, Lord,’ will enter the Kingdom of heaven, but only the one who does the will of my Father in heaven.  “Everyone who listens to these words of mine and acts on them will be like a wise man who built his house on rock.  The rain fell, the floods came, and the winds blew and buffeted the house.  But it did not collapse; it had been set solidly on rock.  And everyone who listens to these words of mine but does not act on them will be like a fool who built his house on sand.  The rain fell, the floods came, and the winds blew and buffeted the house.  And it collapsed and was completely ruined.”

Jesus talks about our final judgment and that it will take more than just a fainting cry to God to get into heaven. "Not everyone who says to me, `Lord, Lord,' shall enter the kingdom of heaven.” God knows when we are sincere. He knows our inner heart and our inner desires. Jesus tells us that it is simply not enough to cry out, but that we must do the will of our Father in Heaven. Our faith must have a solid foundation. It must be like the house built upon the rock. That way when Satan rains down upon us and the floods come, our faith will remain solid. The type of foundation we construct will determine how well we can survive the hard times. Satan throws many things our way trying to divert us from our journey, yet we have to be strong and face the storm.

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

How much time do you give to God? Is it just one hour a week or do you dedicate the whole week to Christ. God expects more from us then just going to Mass on Sundays. He also expects more than the one hour of religious education. Using the 10 percent rule, we should at least spend 16 hours a week in service to our Lord. This time is used to build the foundation by which our faith sits. During this advent season, dedicate the time for our Lord.

A Simple Prayer

Lord Christ, builder of my faith.

Help me build a solid foundation on your rock.

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

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

Yours in Christ

Michael Marcon