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.”

 

Approximately two hours ago, the end of the world happened.  I am now speaking to you from the other side of the Mayan apocalypse.  The excitement of the event has come and gone and soon will be forgotten.  However, there are world ending events that have happened where the ramifications of the event continue for millennium.  In actuality, the end of the Mayan calendar signifies a major change or event that will alter the future.  The birth of Christ would be an event that would occur at the end of a Mayan calendar cycle.  It was an event that shook up the world and caused a drastic change in society.  During this event, Jesus enters the world and makes God physically present to us.  This was evident in the greeting of Mary and Elizabeth.

 

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:

 

“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.

 

Today we hear the story of the annunciation again, the second time in only a couple of weeks. We are called to focus on the event and the significance of the event.  This is the story of Mary’s “yes”.  So what did she actually say yes to?  The Angel Gabriele tells Mary the she “will” conceive God, not do you want to conceive God.  Mary’s yes was to cooperate fully with the will of God.  One must also reflect on the significance of this event.  Mary’s womb is now filled with that which is bigger than the Universe.  She contains within her, God himself.  The blood of God is now flowing through her immaculate heart.  Her body is uniquely connected to that of the almighty.  Her Immaculate Heart is filled with the life of God.  Now she has become the body which nourishes God.  It is she who now is the life support system for Jesus.  It is her body that nourishes his body.  It is her heart that comforts and soothes Jesus while he is in the womb.  Mary is the Arc of Covenant made of the most precious material of the purest nature.  It is now she that radiates the energy from which salvation will flow into this world.  Today is a day we should sit back and truly ponder Mary, the window which allows us to see the face of God. 

 

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:

 

“So has the Lord done for me at a time when he has seen fit to take away my disgrace before others.”

 

Gospel Reading: Luke 1:5-25

In the days of Herod, King of Judea, there was a priest named Zechariah of the priestly division of Abijah; his wife was from the daughters of Aaron, and her name was Elizabeth.  Both were righteous in the eyes of God, observing all the commandments and ordinances of the Lord blamelessly.  But they had no child, because Elizabeth was barren and both were advanced in years.  Once when he was serving as priest in his division’s turn before God, according to the practice of the priestly service, he was chosen by lot to enter the sanctuary of the Lord to burn incense.  Then, when the whole assembly of the people was praying outside at the hour of the incense offering, the angel of the Lord appeared to him, standing at the right of the altar of incense.  Zechariah was troubled by what he saw, and fear came upon him.  But the angel said to him, “Do not be afraid,  Zechariah, because your prayer has been heard.  Your wife Elizabeth will bear you a son, and you shall name him John.  And you will have joy and gladness, and many will rejoice at his birth, for he will be great in the sight of the Lord. He will drink neither wine nor strong drink.  He will be filled with the Holy Spirit even from his mother’s womb, and he will turn many of the children of Israel to the Lord their God.  He will go before him in the spirit and power of Elijah to turn the hearts of fathers toward children and the disobedient to the understanding of the righteous, to prepare a people fit for the Lord.”  Then Zechariah said to the angel, “How shall I know this? For I am an old man, and my wife is advanced in years.”  And the angel said to him in reply, “I am Gabriel, who stand before God. I was sent to speak to you and to announce to you this good news.  But now you will be speechless and unable to talk until the day these things take place, because you did not believe my words, which will be fulfilled at their proper time.” Meanwhile the people were waiting for Zechariah and were amazed that he stayed so long in the sanctuary.  But when he came out, he was unable to speak to them, and they realized that he had seen a vision in the sanctuary.  He was gesturing to them but remained mute. Then, when his days of ministry were completed, he went home.  After this time his wife Elizabeth conceived, and she went into seclusion for five months, saying, “So has the Lord done for me at a time when he has seen fit to take away my disgrace before others.”

 

In today’s Gospel, we hear the annunciation of the birth of John the Baptist.  The Angel Gabriel appears before Zechariah to tell him that his wife, late in years, will finally bear a child.  In the time of Jesus, it was thought that God did not have favor on you if you did not have offspring.  Zechariah and Elizabeth were advanced in age beyond child bearing age, yet God graced them with a child.  Zechariah apparently wanted a child to carry on the family name. Gabriel says to Zechariah, “Do not be afraid because your prayer has been heard.” How did Zechariah respond to Gabriel?  He responded with doubt and disbelief.  Gabriel tells Zechariah that his son will be great, he will be filled with the Holy Spirit and he will make them very happy and yet Zechariah doubts the message of God. 

 

Today’s Gospel reading has two messages focused on hearing the Word of God and responding to the Word of God.  When God calls us forth, how do we respond.  Through our baptism, we are filled with the Holy Spirit and called to grow in faith.  When our parents or guardians approach the baptismal fount, they are asked what they seek.  Their response is faith for their child.  When Gabriel appeared before Zechariah, Zechariah lacked the faith he needed to believe.  We too are called to grow in faith and serve God unconditionally.  If we ignore the message, we are ignoring the calling of God.  Advent is a time for us to renew our hope in the new covenant of Christ.  In the annunciation, Gabriel told Zechariah that his son would prepare the way of the Lord and that he would turn many people to God.  In our Baptism, we are commanded to grow in faith and become a loyal servant of God.  God is calling you to go out and bring people to the table of life.  He wants us to share in the One Body of Christ which brings us everlasting life.  This advent, renew you’re faith in God’s calling so you can speak the Word of God.  Do not be afraid – it is God calling.  It is time to answer the call.

 

A Simple Prayer

 

Lord Father, fill my heart with hope that I may renew my faith in God.

You have given me the gift of the Holy Spirit, may I rekindle the fire that is within me.

 

Yours in Christ

Michael Marcon

 

Meditation Minute

My Dearest Brothers and Sisters in Christ:

 

“God is with us.”

 

Gospel Reading Matthew 1:18-25

This is how the birth of Jesus Christ came about. When his mother Mary was betrothed to Joseph, but before they lived together, she was found with child through the Holy Spirit.  Joseph her husband, since he was a righteous man, yet unwilling to expose her to shame, decided to divorce her quietly.  Such was his intention when, behold, the angel of the Lord appeared to him in a dream and said,  “Joseph, son of David, do not be afraid to take Mary your wife into your home.  For it is through the Holy Spirit that this child has been conceived in her.  She will bear a son and you are to name him Jesus, because he will save his people from their sins.” All this took place to fulfill what the Lord had said through the prophet: Behold, the virgin shall be with child and bear a son, and they shall name him Emmanuel ,which means “God is with us.” When Joseph awoke, he did as the angel of the Lord had commanded him and took his wife into his home.  He had no relations with her until she bore a son, and he named him Jesus.

 

In today’s Gospel reading, we hear the commitment of Joseph to the Angel of God. Joseph answers the call to take care of Mary even though she is with child.  Therefore, today’s Gospel is also about knowing that God has called us to do special things. Joseph has just found out that Mary is pregnant with Jesus and being a just man and not wanting to shame Mary, he resolves to divorce her quietly. But an angel appeared to Joseph and tells him not to be afraid for it is through the Holy Spirit that this child has been conceived.  When he woke up he did as he was commanded by the angel. This story has two great messages. The first message is the willingness of Joseph to obey the will of God. His fiancé is pregnant and they are not married. How embarrassing that would be for his future wife to be pregnant and they are not married. Yet Joseph listened and obeyed the angel of God. The second message, which is more subtle in this Gospel reading, is the faith and trust of Mary. Mary also has to trust in God and have faith that he will take care of her and provide for her. In the time of Christ, Mary would likely have been stoned or cast out of the community. She would have been put to the street to live with the vagrants and undesirables.  This was a huge commitment by both. Mary, through the power of the Holy Spirit, was able to go to Joseph and trust that he would be there to take care of her.  Joseph was able to keep Mary even though he might be shamed and embarrassed.

 

We too are called to be obedient to the will of God no matter what he asks us to do, no matter how embarrassing, and no matter how uncertain the outcome. The Holy Spirit comes down upon us and gives us many gifts wrapped in strange packaging. We are called to use those gifts to spread the word of God, to make way for the Kingdom of God. We are also called to have great trust and faith in God. We need to trust that he knows what he is doing. In our daily lives, it is so easy to get caught up in the materialistic aspects of “All I want is…” when I should be saying yes to the angel of God when he calls. We should be willing to take the time to reflect on the gifts which God has given us and give him thanks and praise for these gifts are given to us freely without any expectations of return. We should reflect on our talents which were given to us by God. We should decide whether we are using our gifts how God intended us to us them. We must be willing to sacrifice the material gifts that we receive for the spiritual gifts which are wrapped up in the paper of the Holy Spirit. We should celebrate the family that we have and blessing that we were given. We should celebrate the gift of Christ in our lives. Once we accept these gifts from God, we can truly appreciate the other material gifts which we receive. 

 

This Advent season, who do you carry inside you.  It is not long before we will celebrate our greatest gift’s birth.  Take this time to renew your commitment to the gifts and graces which have been provided to you by our Father in heaven.  Let us not focus on our weaknesses or the things that might embarrass us, but focus on the glory of the new life which has been conceived by the Holy Spirit.  Say yes to our Father as we complete the final days of Advent.

 

A Simple Prayer

 

God, you give me more graces than I deserve.

Give me the strength to use those gifts to your satisfaction.

May I have the obedience of Joseph and the faith of Mary to use the gifts which you have given me.

Your son was the greatest gift of all for he came to forgive us our sins;

May I also forgive those who sinned against me.

 

Yours in Christ

Michael Marcon

 

Meditation Minute

My Dearest Brothers and Sisters in Christ:

 

Gospel Reading: Matthew 1:1-17

 

The book of the genealogy of Jesus Christ, the son of David, the son of Abraham.  Abraham became the father of Isaac, Isaac the father of Jacob, Jacob the father of Judah and his brothers.  Judah became the father of Perez and Zerah, whose mother was Tamar.  Perez became the father of Hezron, Hezron the father of Ram, Ram the father of Amminadab.  Amminadab became the father of Nahshon, Nahshon the father of Salmon, Salmon the father of Boaz, whose mother was Rahab.  Boaz became the father of Obed, whose mother was Ruth.  Obed became the father of Jesse, Jesse the father of David the king. David became the father of Solomon, whose mother had been the wife of Uriah.  Solomon became the father of Rehoboam, Rehoboam the father of Abijah, Abijah the father of Asaph.  Asaph became the father of Jehoshaphat, Jehoshaphat the father of Joram, Joram the father of Uzziah.  Uzziah became the father of Jotham, Jotham the father of Ahaz, Ahaz the father of Hezekiah.  Hezekiah became the father of Manasseh, Manasseh the father of Amos, Amos the father of Josiah. Josiah became the father of Jechoniah and his brothers at the time of the Babylonian exile. After the Babylonian exile, Jechoniah became the father of Shealtiel, Shealtiel the father of  Zerubbabel, Zerubbabel the father of Abiud.  Abiud became the father of Eliakim, Eliakim the father of Azor, Azor the father of Zadok.  Zadok became the father of Achim, Achim the father of Eliud, Eliud the father of Eleazar.  Eleazar became the father of Matthan, Matthan the father of Jacob, Jacob the father of Joseph, the husband of Mary.  Of her was born Jesus who is called the Christ. Thus the total number of generations from Abraham to David is fourteen generations; from David to the Babylonian exile, fourteen generations; from the Babylonian exile to the Christ, fourteen generations.

 

In today’s Gospel reading, we hear the genealogy of Christ. So why is our genealogy so important? Because it helps us to understand who we are and where we come from. We hear that Jesus is a direct descendant of Abraham, the Father of God’s chosen people and of the house of David, the King of Israel. This genealogy fulfills the Old Testament scriptures which promised that a descendant of the house of David would come to save us from our enemies. The linage presented in Matthew confirms that Christ is the promised Messiah, the Son of Man sent to save us.

Like Moses who freed the Israelites from the bondage of Pharaoh’s slavery, Jesus freed us from the bondage of the slavery of sin. We know from this Gospel reading that Christ is the hope which was sent to guide man to the new promised land; the Kingdom of God. Christ is the greatest present of all given to humanity. This small present wrapped in swaddling clothes fulfilled all the prophecies of the Old Testament. This small package, born of the Virgin Mary, came to adopt all of humanity. Christ was not a present just for the Jews but for all Nations. Through Christ, we are all adopted into the royal family, through Christ, we are delivered to the Kingdom of God.

 

As we sit in anticipation of the next coming of Christ, we should ask ourselves, “Who am I?” Such a simple question can stir some very deep thoughts. Am I truly committed to Christ? Am I willing to do the will of Christ? Am I ready for Christ in my life? While we ask “Am I…,” we must recall that I AM is here among us. I AM the Word made flesh. I AM the light of the world. I AM the lamb of God who takes away the sins of the world.  As we continue our journey through advent, release those items which steer us away from the Christ child. We need to look to the heavens to find guidance. Find the Star which leads us to his doorstep.

 

A Simple Prayer

 

Lord, you are the Messiah from the house of David.

You are the savior of the world and the hope for all of humanity.

You are my Lord and Master, take my heart and my soul

Give me the strength to do your will.

 

Yours 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:

 

“Whoever has ears ought to hear.”

 

Gospel Reading Matthew 11:11-15

Jesus said to the crowds: “Amen, I say to you, among those born of women there has been none greater than John the Baptist; yet the least in the Kingdom of heaven is greater than he.  From the days of John the Baptist until now, the Kingdom of heaven suffers violence, and the violent are taking it by force.  All the prophets and the law prophesied up to the time of John.  And if you are willing to accept it, he is Elijah, the one who is to come.  Whoever has ears ought to hear.”

 

In today’s Gospel, Jesus tells us that there is none greater than John the Baptist; yet he is not as great as the least in the Kingdom of heaven.  So if John is the greatest, how can somebody be greater.  And who are the least in the Kingdom of heaven? This statement appears to be a contradiction.  How can the least be greater than the greatest?  Christ is telling us that John the Baptist is the last of the great profits who came to announce the coming of the Kingdom of Heaven.  John the Baptist pointed us to the Messiah so that ages to come would know that Christ is born.  John the Baptist declares the end of the old covenant and the beginning of the new.  A new covenant which is centered on the life of Christ and a communion with him in the Kingdom of heaven.   Those that were Baptized under John the Baptist received a symbolic Baptism while those who were Baptized by Christ were Baptized by the Holy Spirit into an eternal life in the Kingdom of heaven.  Our participation in the sacraments that Christ brought forth from Baptism to the Anointing of the Sick help to bring us into full communion with the one Bread of Life.  Therefore, those of us that experience Baptism, the Eucharist and Reconciliation are greater than those who could not because we are encountering the Kingdom of heaven here and now.  This is why Christ says, “Whoever has ears ought to hear.”  Whoever knows Christ through the sacraments should participate in the Sacraments.  Even though we are not greater than John the Baptist, we are greater in the Kingdom of heaven because of our rebirth into the one body of Christ and our participation in the Holy Sacraments. 

 

As we celebrate Advent, we should keep our focus on the announcement of John the Baptist that we are living in the new kingdom, the kingdom created through Christ.  We must realize that we are called by Christ as the Baptized to be missionaries of the Church and the Word of God.  We must go out and announce the birth of Christ and invite people to share in the Sacraments.  We can “hear” Christ anytime we want by celebrating the Sacraments.  We can rejoin ourselves with one body of Christ by celebrating the Eucharist, the source and summit of our faith.

 

A Simple Prayer

 

My Dearest Heavenly Christ, you are the Messiah who came to free me from eternal death.

You are the Sacrament which brought about the Kingdom of Heaven.

You are the new birth which gives me hope in an eternal life.

 

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, “Do not be afraid, Mary, for you have found favor with God.” We all have favor with the Lord. After God created man in his image and likeness, He looked back and reflected on his creation and said “it is very good”. The early Church Fathers 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. We too have been bestowed with gifts and treasures so we can be disciples of Christ.  We are given gifts from the Holy Spirit which allow us to be his messenger and his witness.

 

The early fathers tell us that the key to understanding the graces of Mary is her 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 and has no sin.  The only way a person can be full of grace is to have no sin in them.  This is how we are after we receive the Sacrament of Reconciliation – we are sinless. Mary gives us hope that man has the power to remain sinless and be rendered immaculate.  We have to become completely centered on Christ as Mary was on her son.  Mary, as the archetypical Christian, received this grace the day she was conceived and becomes the witness to us all today. 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. 

 

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 and the present. 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:

 

“It is not the will of your heavenly Father that one of these little ones be lost.”

 

Gospel Reading: Matthew 18:12-14

 

Jesus said to his disciples: “What is your opinion?  If a man has a hundred sheep and one of them goes astray, will he not leave the ninety-nine in the hills and go in search of the stray? And if he finds it, amen, I say to you, he rejoices more over it than over the ninety-nine that did not stray.  In just the same way, it is not the will of your heavenly Father that one of these little ones be lost.”

 

In today’s Gospel reading, we hear the story about the shepherd.  Jesus asks the question, “If a man has a hundred sheep and one of them goes astray, will he not leave the ninety-nine in the hills and go in search of the stray?”  Some of you are probably asking, “Why would the shepherd leave the 99 for the one; that just doesn’t make sense.”  However, to our Heavenly Father, we are all worth saving, even the most fallen individual.  Today’s message is one of good news and hope.  No matter how lost we become, God is always there to help us find our way back to his fold.  God wants us all in the Kingdom of heaven and does not want us separated from him.  Today’s message is truly good because Jesus tells us that everyone can be part of the flock.  Like a shepherd, God is saddened and worried when one of his sheep is lost.  A sheep is a very social animal and needs the protection of the shepherd.  If it gets separated from the flock, it panics and becomes disoriented.  It will not eat and becomes susceptible to wolves and other wild animals that prey upon them.  Our Father in Heaven knows that he needs to be continually present to us so we can avoid bad things.  And when he finds his lost sheep, “he rejoices over it more than over the ninety-nine that never went astray.”  If we fall, God does not get mad at us, but instead he worries about us and continually looks for us trying to get us back to the flock.  He knows that when we are separated from him that we are alone and disoriented so he reaches out to us with arms wide open.  God does not want us separated from him.  He wants us with him in his loving arms.  God seeks us continuously and forever wants us in his flock  What does he do when we return?  He rejoices and celebrates like the father did when the prodigal son returned home.

 

A Simple Prayer

 

Lord, you are my shepherd.

Guide me when I am lost and gone astray

Guide me when I cannot find my way back

I desire to be with you at all times.

 

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 place their friend 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 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

 

Meditation Minute

My Dearest Brothers and Sisters in Christ:

 

They all ate and were satisfied.

 

Gospel Reading: Matthew 15:29-37

 

At that time: Jesus walked by the Sea of Galilee, went up on the mountain, and sat down there.  Great crowds came to him, having with them the lame, the blind, the deformed, the mute, and many others. They placed them at his feet, and he cured them.  The crowds were amazed when they saw the mute speaking, the deformed made whole, the lame walking, and the blind able to see, and they glorified the God of Israel. Jesus summoned his disciples and said, “My heart is moved with pity for the crowd, for they have been with me now for three days and have nothing to eat.  I do not want to send them away hungry, for fear they may collapse on the way.”  The disciples said to him, “Where could we ever get enough bread in this deserted place to satisfy such a crowd?”  Jesus said to them, “How many loaves do you have?”  “Seven,” they replied, “and a few fish.”  He ordered the crowd to sit down on the ground.  Then he took the seven loaves and the fish, gave thanks, broke the loaves, and gave them to the disciples, who in turn gave them to the crowds. They all ate and were satisfied. They picked up the fragments left over–seven baskets full.

 

In today’s Gospel reading, we see Jesus’ true compassion to those who gather to hear the word. Not only does he make the deaf hear and the lame walk, He nourishes their bodies both physically and spiritually. “They all ate and were satisfied.”  He renews their lives so they can experience Heaven on Earth. The crowds gather to hear Christ and they bring the lame, the blind and the deformed. They were placed at His feet and He cured them. We too are called to come before the feet of our Lord, broken and ill. We are called to offer up our suffering to the Messiah so that He can cure us. Through His words the lame will walk, the blind will see, and the mute will talk. If we journey to Christ with a contrite heart, He will fix our broken hearts and souls. Once we are cured, we are called to come to the table to rejoice in His feast. Not only can Jesus mend us, He can provide us with abundant life. He cures us and He feeds us.

 

Today’s Gospel reading is a foreshadowing of the power and abundance of the Eucharistic Meal we celebrate on Sundays. The disciples only have a few loaves of bread and a couple of fish and yet they can feed thousands. Jesus is abundant and never ending. The Eucharist never runs out. We offer up the simple gifts of bread and wine and the Holy Spirit converts them into the body and blood of Christ. We can encounter Christ daily through the Eucharistic meal. This simple act demonstrates the abundant love that Christ has for us. No matter when we go to the Eucharistic table we can receive the bread of life. However, as this Gospel reading suggests, we must be healed of our afflictions so we can see and hear the Word of God. Take time this Advent season to receive the sacrament of Reconciliation. It is a time to heal the soul and open your eyes to the true power and glory of our Father in Heaven. It is time to experience his mercy and compassion and then it is time to have communion with Christ.

 

A Simple Prayer

 

Lord, I am lame and broken.

Through your mercy and compassion, make me whole again.

Allow me to hear the Word of God and spread it throughout.

Nourish me so that I can always be your dedicated servant.

 

Yours in Christ

Michael Marcon

 

Meditation Minute

My Dearest Brothers and Sisters in Christ:

 

"Lord, I am not worthy to have you enter under my roof; only say the word and my servant will be healed.”

 

Gospel Reading: Matthew 8:5-11

 

When Jesus entered Capernaum, a centurion approached him and appealed to him, saying, "Lord, my servant is lying at home paralyzed, suffering dreadfully." He said to him, "I will come and cure him." The centurion said in reply, "Lord, I am not worthy to have you enter under my roof; only say the word and my servant will be healed. For I too am a man subject to authority, with soldiers subject to me. And I say to one, "Go," and he goes; and to another, "Come here," and he comes; and to my slave, "Do this," and he does it." When Jesus heard this, he was amazed and said to those following him, "Amen, I say to you, in no one in Israel have I found such faith. I say to you, many will come from the east and the west, and will recline with Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob at the banquet in the Kingdom of heaven."

 

In today’s Gospel reading, we hear a story of unexpected faith. The centurion tells Jesus, “Lord, my servant is lying at home paralyzed, suffering dreadfully.” At the time of Jesus, Jews were not allowed to go into the homes of Roman soldiers, yet the Roman soldier invites Jesus into his home.  More importantly, the Centurion acknowledges his unworthiness.  The Centurion is a leader and commander of soldiers.  By his title, he must be a strong and commanding person, yet he humbles himself to Christ.  While his soldiers usually bow to him, the Centurion must bow down to Jesus to acknowledge his supremacy. In his humility, he acknowledges Jesus authority over him when he says, “Only say the word, and my servant will be healed.” This is a power the Centurion does not have.  He has many powers of the servant, but he does not have the ability to heal him.  Through this statement, the centurion not only established a belief that Christ has healing powers, but also establishes a acknowledgement of his Jewish faith. Jesus responds to the centurion, “Amen, I say to you, in no one in Israel have I found such faith.” The Roman centurion represented power. He was in control of a large number of men. The centurion described himself as “a man subject to authority, with soldiers subject to me.” However, the centurion was powerless to help his servant. With all his earthly strength and power, he had no control over life and death or sickness and health. He had to admit his weakness to Christ. In admitting his weakness, he admitted the strength of his faith. When things are going good and we feel in control and in charge, it is not easy for us to recognize who really is in control. It is not until we recognize our mortality or our human limitations that we reach out for Christ. In this advent season, we should recognize that we are weak and need Christ all the time. We should prepare the way for the Lord into our life. Allow Christ to be reborn in your soul and your heart. You should use this advent season as a time of renewal, a time top awaken the spirit that is within.  It is a time to be deeply shaken for your faith.

 

A Simple Prayer

 

Lord, I am a servant lying paralyzed;

Only say the word and I shall be healed.

 

Yours in Christ

Michael Marcon

 

Meditation Minute

My Dearest Brothers and Sisters in Christ:

 

Today is the Feast of St Andrew the Apostle, the First Called and brother of St. Peter.  Tradition has it that St. Andrew was the very first Apostle to answer Jesus’ call.  Reflect today on his desire to serve Christ above all others.

 

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

 

Gospel Reading Matthew 4:18-22

As Jesus was walking by the Sea of Galilee, he saw two brothers, Simon who is called Peter, and his brother Andrew, casting a net into the sea; they were fishermen. He said to them, “Come after me, and I will make you fishers of men.” At once they left their nets and followed him. He walked along from there and saw two other brothers, James, the son of Zebedee, and his brother John. They were in a boat, with their father Zebedee, mending their nets. He called them, and immediately they left their boat and their father and followed him.

 

If you silence your mind and listen intently to today’s Gospel, you can hear God’s calling.  He’s calling you by name to follow him. He’s calling YOU to be “fishers of men.” Christ called two fishermen, Peter and Andrew, to follow him and “At once they left their nets and followed him.” He called James and John who were fishing with their father and “immediately they left their boat and their father and followed him” There was no delay in their response to his call.  The responded immediately trusting that Jesus would take care of them.  What is your response to his call? Did you say yes or are you waiting for a better time when it doesn’t interfere with your life. Jesus chose those who were willing to follow him and help him spread the Word of God to his people. These men were not special people, they were ordinary common fishermen.  Probably not well kept and they had meager clothes.  They did not dress like the priests and Rabbis.  They probably smelled a little as well.  They would probably have been the least likely of people who you would stop and listen to their message.  They were not well educated individuals accustom to giving theological talks. They were not Rabbis who knew the scriptures inside and out. They were common people just like you and I. They were people who decided to commit their life to spreading the Word of God. God takes ordinary people and helps them do extraordinary things. Jesus is the light of the world. We are called to share that light through our actions, our practices and in everything we do. We are to lead others into Christ’s nets so they too can become men of God. We are to express the joy and happiness of Christ so that others desire nothing else but to be his children. Ask yourself these simple questions. Do my actions lead people to or from Christ? Am I willing to answer the call to be a leader for Christ?

 

A Simple Prayer

 

God, I hear you calling, but I am weak.

Fill me with the strength to be a beacon for Christ.

Help me to be a witness to the Good News of the Gospel.

 

Yours in Christ

Michael Marcon

 

Meditation Minute

My Dearest Brothers and Sisters in Christ:

 

“Stand erect and raise your heads because your redemption is at hand.” 

 

Gospel Reading: Luke 20:21-28

 

Jesus said to his disciples: "When you see Jerusalem surrounded by armies, know that its desolation is at hand. Then those in Judea must flee to the mountains. Let those within the city escape from it, and let those in the countryside not enter the city, for these days are the time of punishment when all the Scriptures are fulfilled. Woe to pregnant women and nursing mothers in those days, for a terrible calamity will come upon the earth and a wrathful judgment upon this people. They will fall by the edge of the sword and be taken as captives to all the Gentiles; and Jerusalem will be trampled underfoot by the Gentiles until the times of the Gentiles are fulfilled. "There will be signs in the sun, the moon, and the stars, and on earth nations will be in dismay, perplexed by the roaring of the sea and the waves. People will die of fright in anticipation of what is coming upon the world, for the powers of the heavens will be shaken. And then they will see the Son of Man coming in a cloud with power and great glory. But when these signs begin to happen, stand erect and raise your heads because your redemption is at hand."

 

Today’s Gospel reading is the third part of the apocalyptic message we have been hearing for the past couple of days.  In the message, Jesus foretells the destruction of Jerusalem and warns the Jews that “when you see Jerusalem surrounded by armies, know that its desolation is at hand.”  In this story, Jerusalem is punished because she has broken her covenant with God.  So what message does that have for us today?  Catholic tradition states that Israel represents the church.  The church that survives the devastation of 70 AD is referred to in the Bible as the New Jerusalem.  Therefore, out of the destruction of Israel, a new church rises from the ashes.  This New Church is baptized in the glory of Christ.  Jesus tells us, “They will fall by the edge of the sword and be taken as captives to all the Gentiles; and Jerusalem will be trampled underfoot by the Gentiles until the times of the Gentiles are fulfilled.”  The chosen people are no longer the Jewish Nation but includes all of humanity – “the times of the Gentiles are fulfilled.”  At this time, the Gentiles, who did not belong to the Jewish faith are now made part of the church.  Every living human being is made part of the new church.  This is the good news; this is Christ telling us that the church is open to everyone. 

 

The last part of the passage foretells of our own day of judgment. “But when these signs begin to happen, stand erect and raise your heads because your redemption is at hand.”  All of us will die and all of us will be judged by the Son of Man.  This Day of Judgment will either be a sad day or joyful day for us.  At your day of judgment, will Christ praise you for your labor or punish you for your wickedness.  The hope of salvation is placed in our souls at birth.  We have a natural desire to be good and want forgiveness.  We all hope for eternal life; however, we do not all do what is necessary to achieve eternal life.  We must be sorrowful for our sinfulness and beg Christ to have mercy on us.  We do not want to end up like the old Jerusalem, destroyed by the armies, but like the new church, raised in the glory of Christ.  During this advent season, we should prepare the way for Christ.  We should clear the trail to let him into our lives.  Most of us think of Lent as a time of reflection and penance, but we should take the opportunity during Advent to do the same.  This year raise a new church in your soul, stand erect and raise your head because Christ the King is coming.

 

A Simple Prayer

 

Lord, I am the New Jerusalem; let me stand tall and erect.

Give me the strength to raise my head so I can face my judgment.

Help me prepare the way of the Lord in my soul.

 

Yours in Christ

Michael Marcon