Meditation Minute

My Dearest Brothers and Sisters in Christ:

"Do not be afraid; just have faith."

Gospel Reading: Mark 5:21-43

When Jesus had crossed again in the boat to the other side, a large crowd gathered around him, and he stayed close to the sea. One of the synagogue officials, named Jairus, came forward. Seeing him he fell at his feet and pleaded earnestly with him, saying, "My daughter is at the point of death. Please, come lay your hands on her that she may get well and live." He went off with him and a large crowd followed him.  There was a woman afflicted with hemorrhages for twelve years. She had suffered greatly at the hands of many doctors and had spent all that she had. Yet she was not helped but only grew worse. She had heard about Jesus and came up behind him in the crowd and touched his cloak. She said, "If I but touch his clothes, I shall be cured." Immediately her flow of blood dried up. She felt in her body that she was healed of her affliction. Jesus, aware at once that power had gone out from him, turned around in the crowd and asked, "Who has touched my clothes?" But his disciples said to him, "You see how the crowd is pressing upon you, and yet you ask, Who touched me?" And he looked around to see who had done it. The woman, realizing what had happened to her, approached in fear and trembling. She fell down before Jesus and told him the whole truth. He said to her, "Daughter, your faith has saved you. Go in peace and be cured of your affliction." While he was still speaking, people from the synagogue official's house arrived and said, "Your daughter has died; why trouble the teacher any longer?"  Disregarding the message that was reported, Jesus said to the synagogue official, "Do not be afraid; just have faith." He did not allow anyone to accompany him inside except Peter, James, and John, the brother of James. When they arrived at the house of the synagogue official, he caught sight of a commotion, people weeping and wailing loudly. So he went in and said to them, "Why this commotion and weeping? The child is not dead but asleep." And they ridiculed him. Then he put them all out. He took along the child's father and mother and those who were with him and entered the room where the child was. He took the child by the hand and said to her, "Talitha koum" which means, "Little girl, I say to you, arise!" The girl, a child of twelve, arose immediately and walked around. At that they were utterly astounded. He gave strict orders that no one should know this and said that she should be given something to eat.

In today’s Gospel reading, we see how important faith is in our spiritual life.  Jarius, a Jewish leader humbles himself before Jesus begging for his help and the woman who is hemorrhaging, reaches out in humility to touch the clothes of Christ.  Both individuals must believe that Christ can heal them and more important, must reach out to Christ for his help.  Jesus tells then, “Do not be afraid, just have faith.”  That same message is still very true today.  Must set aside our fears and our doubts and “just have faith”.  These two women have tried everything humanly possible to overcome the afflictions, but it is only through the power and mercy of Christ that they are healed.  We as Christians should also expect Christ to help us overcome the obstacles in our own lives which prevent us from our sanctification. We are attacked from Satan from so many directions. Satan places doubt within our hearts and puts things in front of us to tempt us, to lead us away from Christ. Satan cannot force us to turn from God; it is only by the nature of free will that we do so. He places desires of the flesh and mind to trick us into falling away from his grace. He creates disorder in our lives so we lose focus on the Kingdom of Heaven.  In this reading we are given hope that God’s love will save us and bring us fully into eternal life. The afflictions which torment us should be offered up to God.  Unlike the people at the time of Christ, we can encounter Christ daily in the Sacraments and in the Word.  We can encounter Christ anytime we want.  All we need to do is reach out.  We need not be afraid, but just have faith.  We can receive the Sacraments of Eucharist and Reconciliation every day.  These are the sacraments of nourishment and healing.  These are the Sacraments that restore us and unite us with Christ.  We can read the Word of God and be filled with his wisdom and understanding.  Christ tells us to “just have faith” as he tells us to “arise” and get up. 

A Simple Prayer

Lord Jesus, you are the healer.

You cure my afflictions and free me from the bonds of Satan

You give me hope of life eternal.

Yours in Christ

Michael Marcon

Meditation Minute

My Dearest brothers and Sisters in Christ:

Gospel Reading: Mark 4:26-34

Jesus said to the crowds: “This is how it is with the Kingdom of God; it is as if a man were to scatter seed on the land and would sleep and rise night and day and the seed would sprout and grow, he knows not how. Of its own accord the land yields fruit, first the blade, then the ear, then the full grain in the ear. And when the grain is ripe, he wields the sickle at once, for the harvest has come.” He said, “To what shall we compare the Kingdom of God, or what parable can we use for it? It is like a mustard seed that, when it is sown in the ground, is the smallest of all the seeds on the earth. But once it is sown, it springs up and becomes the largest of plants and puts forth large branches, so that the birds of the sky can dwell in its shade.” With many such parables he spoke the word to them as they were able to understand it. Without parables he did not speak to them, but to his own disciples he explained everything in private.

In today’s Gospel reading, Jesus again uses the example of the seed. He tells us “Of its own accord the land yields fruit, first the blade, then the ear, then the full grain in the ear. And when the grain is ripe, he wields the sickle at once, for the harvest has come.” Eventually the seeds of life we sow mature and must be harvested. We will all face that time when we must endure our final judgment. Once the ground is prepared, there is nothing that can be done but watch the seed grow. Jesus says, “the seed would sprout and grow, he knows not how.” God places a special grace within each soul. Our souls grow inside, yet we know not how. It is through the graces of God that the soul grows. Without the grace of God, the soul is empty. God silently helps transform our soul allowing us to make decisions which help turn us to God. While God places these graces within us, we must decide to be faithful, to be loving, to be compassionate, to surrender ourselves to the will of God. These decisions are placed within us through the power of the Holy Spirit. We should pray that when the fruit of our effort has finally ripened, we are worthy of the harvest. It is only by the grace of God that we can become one with Christ and one with the church. We should ask God to give us wisdom to make good decisions and the fortitude to avoid bad decisions.

The parable goes on to talk about the mustard seed. This is one of the smallest of seeds yet it grows into a mighty tree. A tree so big “that the birds of the sky can dwell in its shade.” The holy grace which was placed in our heart is like the mustard seed. It starts out small and then if we nourish it and feed it with “good”, it transforms into the large tree. The seed does not cause the transformation, but the power of the Holy Spirit given to us by God. Our heart transforms because we desire and long to be with God. Just like the seed cannot grow until it receives the nutrients from the earth, our soul cannot grow in the kingdom of God without the help of the Holy Spirit. God wants all of us to grow and become a mighty force within the kingdom of God. However, we must be willing, we must humble ourselves and we must receive the nutrients from the Word of God. We must be open to hear and see God. We also must be willing to be open and to see the need of others. We must be willing to spread our branches to provide shelter and food for those in need as the mustard tree did for the birds with its branches and its seed. You must ask yourself, “How open am I to the will of God?” How willing am I to share the graces which God has provided? When you examine your conscience, reflect on these thoughts.

A Simple Prayer

God, you have placed the seed of life within my soul.

Give me the nourishment and riches to make it grow into a mighty tree.

May my faith become attractive to guide others to you.

May my branches be worthy to provide shelter and food for others.

Yours in Christ

Michael Marcon

Meditation Minute

My Dearest Brothers and Sisters in Christ:

“Anyone who has ears ought to hear.”

Gospel Reading: Mark 4:21-25

Jesus said to his disciples, “Is a lamp brought in to be placed under a bushel basket or under a bed, and not to be placed on a lamp stand? For there is nothing hidden except to be made visible;  nothing is secret except to come to light. Anyone who has ears to hear ought to hear.” He also told them, “Take care what you hear. The measure with which you measure will be measured out to you, and still more will be given to you. To the one who has, more will be given; from the one who has not, even what he has will be taken away.”

In today’s Gospel reading, Jesus tells us the story of the lamp. The lamp symbolizes the Word of God. He challenges us by asking us what do we do with the lamp. The lamp provides light so we can see through the darkness. The light enables illuminates the pathway and allows us to avoid trouble and find our way to the true home of salvation. More importantly, the light can be shared with others.  When we are given the lamp, do we shield it from others or do we set it out for all to see? Not only does the light provide us safety and security, it is there to provide safety for others. Jesus tells us, “For there is nothing hidden except to be made visible; nothing is secret except to come to light.” If we place a bucket over the light, it will still be visible around the rim. It is impossible to fully contain the light and not let it shine. Jesus is calling us to proclaim the word, not hide it. No matter how much we try to avoid it, it will get out. Eventually the light of Christ will fully illuminate all of the world. The question is “Will we like what the light reveals?”

The Gospel reading goes on to say that the Word of God is a treasure. He who hears the Word of God will be given more grace and will yield more fruit. But he who does listen, will become more and more impoverished. Without the fruits of the Word, how will you feed yourself? I think we are weakest when we push Christ out of our life. Our spiritual life suffers and so does our personal life. When we are filled with the power of the Holy Spirit, it radiates from us. If we pollute our bodies with material possessions and unrighteous acts and thoughts, we diminish the gift of grace given to us by God. Christ tells us, “from the one who has not, even what he has will be taken away.” If we chose evil, our lives become disruptive and destructive. Evil is like cancer to our soul. It disorders the body. Fortunately, there is a cure; prayer, fasting and almsgiving. While we normally think of these as the three pillars of Lent, they should be a part of our everyday life. Through prayer, fasting and almsgiving, our lives become more ordered and more focused on Christ. The more we practice these three things, the more grace that is poured into our lives and more ordered we become. We become enriched with the spirit of God. We become more like what God intended us to be. We become more like the image and likeness of God.

A Simple Prayer

Lord God, you are the light of the world.

You make all things visible through your love and compassion.

May I become a beacon of your light to lead others to your table.

Yours in Christ

Michael Marcon

Meditation Minute

My Dearest Brothers and Sisters in Christ:

“Go into the whole world and proclaim the Gospel to every creature.”

Gospel Reading: Mark 16:15-18

Jesus appeared to the Eleven and said to them: “Go into the whole world and proclaim the Gospel to every creature. Whoever believes and is baptized will be saved; whoever does not believe will be condemned. These signs will accompany those who believe: in my name they will drive out demons, they will speak new languages. They will pick up serpents with their hands, and if they drink any deadly thing, it will not harm them.  They will lay hands on the sick, and they will recover.”

These words from Jesus seem to imply that Christians are being given super-human powers.  Powers to drive out demons, to speak new languages, to cure the sick, and to handle deadly things with no harm.  This may seem hard to believe that we have been given these powers, but if we think about it, we realize that we have been given these powers.  We are commanded to go forth and spread the Good News of the Gospels.  What is the Good News but Love.  Love is a universal language of compassion.  It joins us to our brothers and sisters all over the world.  It binds us to everyone no matter what their creed, their ethnic background or their standing in society.  Love can heal wounds and mend broken hearts.  Love gives us strength  and fills our hearts with joy. 

These are the last words spoken by Jesus to his apostles before he ascends into heaven. These words signify the end and the beginning. They signify the end of Jesus’ earthly mission and the start of his newly born heavenly mission.  Also in this message, Jesus defines our mission; to go out into the world and preach the gospel. We are called by Jesus to carry out his mission, to be his disciples and help save the world. It is our mission to provide salvation for everyone, not just those who we like, not just our friends, but everyone. In this one simple message, the full power of the gospel is revealed to us. The gospel is the true power of God to save us from our trespasses, to heal our souls, to protect us from the temptations of Satan and to deliver us from evil. The gospel message has the power to restore our lives and to leave us fulfilled in the glory of the Risen Christ.  Do you believe? Do you have faith? If so, then you are called to preach the Good News of the Lord; to spread the grace of God to World.

A Simple Prayer

Lord, help me to discern the gifts that you have given me.

Give me the strength and wisdom to use these gifts;

May your grace be the light which shines through me to bring others to your table;

For I am your messenger.

Yours in Christ

Michael Marcon

Meditation Minute

My Dearest Brothers and Sisters in Christ:

“Who are my mother and my brothers?”

Gospel Reading: Mark 3:31-35

The mother of Jesus and his brothers arrived at the house. Standing outside, they sent word to Jesus and called him. A crowd seated around him told him, “Your mother and your brothers and your sisters are outside asking for you.” But he said to them in reply, “Who are my mother and my brothers?” And looking around at those seated in the circle he said, “Here are my mother and my brothers. For whoever does the will of God is my brother and sister and mother.”

Who are your brothers and sisters?  Who is your mother and father?  Jesus’ own mother comes to visit him, yet he seems to rebuke her. He responds with a simple question, “Who are my mother and my brothers?” At first it may seem like Jesus is ignoring his family. It almost seems like they are not important. He says, “Here are my mother and my brothers.” There is no doubt that Jesus loved his family dearly and especially his mother. So what is the message that Jesus is trying to convey?  That God is what is important in our relationships. If God is truly part of your family, then everyone connected to God is part of your family.  This truly the definition of one church untied by Christ. We are all children of God and therefore, we are all brothers and sisters of Christ. When we form a relationship with God, we form a relationship with every other person. When we think of a family, we probably think of a relationship involving love, affection, kindness, loyalty, support and protection. Our family becomes our security and our foundation. This is what Jesus is telling his followers; a relationship with God offers all these things and more. When we think of a mother, we think of someone who nurtures, who cuddles, and who holds us close.  A brother is someone who defends us or confides in us and a sister who is one we share our deepest secrets and our passions. In God we find that same motherly/brotherly/sisterly compassion. God is not a set of laws limiting what we are allowed to do, but a relationship with God that allows us to share our love and compassion. It is through Christ that we become the sons and daughters of God.

A Simple Prayer

Father in Heaven, you are my love and my security.

You give me strength and hope to face the world.

Yours in Christ

Michael Marcon

Meditation Miniute

My Dearest Brothers and Sisters in Christ:

“If a kingdom is divided against itself, that kingdom cannot stand.”

Gospel Reading: Mark 3:22-30

The scribes who had come from Jerusalem said of Jesus, “He is possessed by Beelzebul,” and “By the prince of demons he drives out demons.” Summoning them, he began to speak to them in parables, “How can Satan drive out Satan? If a kingdom is divided against itself, that kingdom cannot stand. And if a house is divided against itself, that house will not be able to stand. And if Satan has risen up against himself and is divided, he cannot stand; that is the end of him. But no one can enter a strong man’s house to plunder his property unless he first ties up the strong man. Then he can plunder his house.  Amen, I say to you, all sins and all blasphemies that people utter will be forgiven them. But whoever blasphemes against the Holy Spirit will never have forgiveness, but is guilty of an everlasting sin.” For they had said, “He has an unclean spirit.”

In today’s Gospel reading, Jesus is accused of being associated with the Satan, the prince of demons. It is apparent from their accusations, that the scribes and the Pharisees do not understand the miracles that Jesus has performed. They have developed so much hatred for Christ that they refuse to see his miracles.  Jesus challenges the Pharisees to think differently. He says to the Pharisees, “How can Satan drive out Satan?”  Would it not take someone stronger than Satan to accomplish this.  The Pharisees are called to recognize the strength and power of Jesus.  Jesus uses his power to free man from the enslavement of Satan.  How can this be a deed of Satan, but a deed of God himself?  We must recognize that Satan is stronger than us and without God’s help, our house will be plundered.  Satan looks to enter our house and occupy it.  But if we surrender ourselves to God, He will defeat the power of Satan and build a stronghold around us. 

At times we also have a hard time recognizing God in our life.  We must be willing to open our eyes to see God’s action in our life.  Jesus has performed several miracles and the Pharisees cannot accept that Christ is the Messiah.  They do not want to admit that Christ can perform miracles because doing so would mean that they accept that he is our Lord and Master.  This is what Christ calls the “blasphemes against the Holy Spirit.”  The Pharisees have become so disconnected with God, that they no longer recognize him.  The same can happen to us.  How can we ask Christ to help us if we reject him.  This is like going to a Doctor for help and rejecting everything the doctor tells you to do to get better.  You begin to believe that the doctor is poisoning you instead of saving you.  When we reject Gods teachings and rationalize our own sinfulness, we commit blasphemy against the Holy Spirit.  We must avoid denying Christ in our life; we must avoid rejecting his teachings; but most importantly, we must open our hearts to the commandments of God.  This is the medicine that cures us and saves us.  It is the medicine that frees us from the bondage of Satan.  It is the medicine that brings us to eternal life. 

A Simple Prayer

Father in Heaven, you are the healer.

Only you can free me from Satan and his bondage.

Open my eyes to see the miracles you perform in my life.

Yours in Christ

Michael Marcon

Meditation Minute

My Dearest Brothers and Sisters in Christ:

Today is the Memorial of Saint Agnes, virgin and martyr.

Gospel Reading: Mark 3:13-19

Jesus went up the mountain and summoned those whom he wanted and they came to him. He appointed Twelve, whom he also named Apostles, that they might be with him and he might send them forth to preach and to have authority to drive out demons: He appointed the Twelve: Simon, whom he named Peter; James, son of Zebedee, and John the brother of James, whom he named Boanerges, that is, sons of thunder; Andrew, Philip, Bartholomew, Matthew, Thomas, James the son of Alphaeus; Thaddeus, Simon the Cananean, and Judas Iscariot who betrayed him.

In today’s Gospel, we hear the calling of the twelve Apostles. It says that Jesus summoned the Apostles so that “they might be with him and he might send them forth to preach and have authority to drive out demons.” Jesus called each of them by name and they obeyed his calling. They obeyed the calling to come forth to be ridiculed, abused and for most of them, martyrdom. Some of them even had a special calling above the others such as Simon whom He named Peter. Peter was given the assignment to be the rock from which our faith was built. He called Peter to be strong and steadfast in his convictions. James and John were named the sons of thunder because of their strength and commitment to Jesus. But who were the twelve? Were they rulers, rich people, people of society, or the magistrate? No, they were twelve common ordinary men who were not rich and had no significant position in society. They were ordinary people with no special traits or gifts that He would set them over everyone else. We too are called by Jesus. He calls us by name not because we have extraordinary gifts, but because we are ordinary people who can do extraordinary things with God’s help. He calls us to come forth to preach and to drive out demons. He calls us to spread the light of God within the darkness of the world. He calls us to leave our ordinary lives and to become fishers of men. He calls us to be shepherds so that we might lead others to God. He calls us to be doctors so that we might heal the souls of the fallen. When Jesus calls, we must listen. We must be willing to abandon our worldly treasures for the treasures which await us in the Kingdom of God. We must ask the simple question, “Who does God want me to be?” The answer is in your prayers and your reflections on the Gospel messages. God will take your ordinary gifts and talents and transform them into his greatness for the Kingdom of God.

A Simple Prayer

Lord, open my ears so I can hear your calling.

Give me the strength and the courage to come when you call for I am your servant.

Yours in Christ

Michael Marcon

Meditation Minute

My Dearest Brothers and Sisters in Christ:

Gospel Reading: Mark 3:7-12

Jesus withdrew toward the sea with his disciples. A large number of people followed from Galilee and from Judea. Hearing what he was doing, a large number of people came to him also from Jerusalem, from Idumea, from beyond the Jordan, and from the neighborhood of Tyre and Sidon. He told his disciples to have a boat ready for him because of the crowd, so that they would not crush him.  He had cured many and, as a result, those who had diseases were pressing upon him to touch him. And whenever unclean spirits saw him they would fall down before him and shout, “You are the Son of God.” He warned them sternly not to make him known.

In today’s Gospel reading, the people of Israel are overwhelming Jesus. People from all over the country are coming to Jesus to be healed. The Gospel reading says “He told his disciples to have a boat ready for him because of the crowd, so that they would not crush him.” Why would all these people seek Jesus? It’s simple. They knew that they would gain freedom from their afflictions if they just reached out to him. Yesterday’s Gospel reading was also about reaching out. We hear that Christ cured the man with the crippled hand when he reached out. Because of their faith, these followers reach out to Christ to true healing; not just physical healing, but also spiritual healing. It was purely because of their faith and love for Christ that they were healed. We too are called to reach out to Christ. He will chase away our demons and free us from our afflictions. The demons are no match for Christ. The demons “fall down before him and shout, ‘You are the Son of God’.” Our troubles are no match for Christ.  The unclean spirits which plague us are easily defeated by Christ; we just need to surrender those spirits to Christ. We need to reach out for his saving grace. This is done through deepening our prayer life and giving of our talents and treasures. We should reach out with expectant faith to his healing powers. No matter what affliction you have, Christ welcomes you into his open arms like a small child reaching out for his parent. In your prayer, reach out your arms. Extend them upward to heaven. Call out to Christ and let him know that you are there.

A Simple Prayer

Lord God, I reach out to touch your robe.

I reach out with expectant faith for your healing love and grace.

Set me free from my afflictions which block the path to you.

Yours in Christ

Michael Marcon

Meditation Minute

My Dearest Brothers and Sisters in Christ:

Gospel Reading: Mark 3:1-6

Jesus entered the synagogue. There was a man there who had a withered hand. They watched Jesus closely to see if he would cure him on the Sabbath so that they might accuse him. He said to the man with the withered hand, “Come up here before us.” Then he said to the Pharisees, “Is it lawful to do good on the Sabbath rather than to do evil, to save life rather than to destroy it?” But they remained silent. Looking around at them with anger and grieved at their hardness of heart, Jesus said to the man, “Stretch out your hand.” He stretched it out and his hand was restored. The Pharisees went out and immediately took counsel with the Herodians against him to put him to death.

Again in today’s Gospel Jesus is challenged about good works being performed on the Sabbath. A man with a crippled hand enters the synagogue. The Jewish leaders sit there waiting to see if Jesus will “cure him”. Sensing the hardness of their hearts, Jesus calls the crippled man over and asks the Jewish leaders, “Is it lawful to do good on the Sabbath rather than to do evil, to save life rather than to destroy it?” Jesus elects to do good and cures the man’s hand. Paul tells us that Jesus cannot say yes and no.  He cannot chose good or evil; he can only chose good.  Therefore, Jesus can only chose to cure the man.  The Jewish leaders take the commandments way too literally and become enraged at Jesus’ choice to do work on the Sabbath.  How can he work on the Sabbath if He claims to be God.  The Pharisees apparently do not understand the real purpose of the Sabbath; to honor God for all he has done for us. If we see someone cripple or hurt, what better display of gratitude toward God then to reach out and help the individual. The scribes and the Pharisees were so literal in the interpretation, they could not see the good, the yes, that he was doing. Jesus points out that the purpose of the Sabbath is to do good and not to do harm. We are called to save the lives of our fellow brothers and sisters when they are in need. Christians celebrate the Lord’s Day to honor God for all he has done for us. We celebrate the new life that was given to us through the cross and Christ’s resurrection. Through the resurrection, we are given new life and restored to God’s yes. God saved our life through the death of his only son. It is this form of love that God wants us to remember and reflect on during the Sabbath. If we truly love and honor God, then his love will overflow from us out to our neighbors “to do good” and “to save life” – to say yes to the will of God.

A Simple Prayer

Lord, Jesus Christ, I celebrate the resurrection of new life.

Give me the strength to reach out and give this love to others.

Yours in Christ

Michael Marcon

Meditation Minute

My Dearest Brothers and Sisters in Christ:

Gospel Reading: Mark 2:23-28

As Jesus was passing through a field of grain on the Sabbath, his disciples began to make a path while picking the heads of grain. At this the Pharisees said to him, “Look, why are they doing what is unlawful on the Sabbath?” He said to them, “Have you never read what David did when he was in need and he and his companions were hungry? How he went into the house of God when Abiathar was high priest and ate the bread of offering that only the priests could lawfully eat, and shared it with his companions?” Then he said to them, “The Sabbath was made for man, not man for the Sabbath. That is why the Son of Man is lord even of the Sabbath.”

In today’s Gospel, Jesus is questioned about the Sabbath. God gave Moses the commandment to keep holy the Sabbath. This day was set aside for remembrance of our Lord. According to the Mosaic Law, this was supposed to be a day for us to celebrate God’s gifts and graces he gave us. It is a day where we should praise God for all he has done for us. On this particular Sabbath, Jesus’ disciples were picking grain to eat and were challenged by the Pharisees. They said to Jesus, “Why are they doing what is unlawful on the Sabbath?” Jesus uses the scriptures from the Old Testament to justify their actions. Jesus tells us it is more important for us to take care of our human needs then to practice ritual customs. The Sabbath was designed to renew us and refresh us, not punish us.  If we work seven days a week, when will we take time to reflect on the gifts God has given us.  When will we take time to thank Him for all He has given us?  Withholding our basic humanly needs was not the purpose of the Sabbath. As Jesus told the Pharisees, “The Sabbath was made for man, not man for the Sabbath.”

During Sabbath, we are called to fast and to pray in remembrance of what God created for us. On the seventh day God rested and admired all he had created. We too are called to reflect and give praise to all that God created. We are called to feast on the bread of life which God has given us. We are called to a time of fasting not of our basic human needs, but of the things that keep us from joining Him in the Kingdom of Heaven. We are called to reflect in prayer on what God has created and the goodness of His creation. It is a time for us to fast from the hustle and bustle of our daily lives so we can reflect on God and not on us. We are called to refrain from the worldly treasures so we can acknowledge the spiritual treasures. It is not a time to deny ourselves of our basic human needs, but to overwhelm ourselves with the love that God has poured out for us.  We should feast in the glory of God.

A Simple Prayer

Lord, may I keep holy your day.

May I give the mercy and grace which you unconditionally give to me.

May I nourish my spiritual needs so I may grow in you.

Yours in Christ

Michael Marcon

Meditation Minute

My Dearest Brothers and Sisters in Christ:

“Can the wedding guests fast while the bridegroom is with them?”

Gospel Reading: Mark 2:18-22

The disciples of John and of the Pharisees were accustomed to fast. People came to Jesus and objected, “Why do the disciples of John and the disciples of the Pharisees fast, but your disciples do not fast?” Jesus answered them, “Can the wedding guests fast while the bridegroom is with them? As long as they have the bridegroom with them they cannot fast. But the days will come when the bridegroom is taken away from  them, and then they will fast on that day. No one sews a piece of unshrunken cloth on an old cloak. If he does, its fullness pulls away, the new from the old, and the tear gets worse. Likewise, no one pours new wine into old wineskins. Otherwise, the wine will burst the skins, and both the wine and the skins are ruined. Rather, new wine is poured into fresh wineskins.”

In today’s Gospel reading, Jesus is being challenged by the disciples of John the Baptist regarding fasting. They ask Jesus, “Why do John's disciples and the disciples of the Pharisees fast, but your disciples do not fast?” Fasting, along with prayer and almsgiving, were the three major duties of a Jew in the time of Jesus. Jesus simply replied that there is a time to fast and a time to feast. The purpose of fasting, prayer and almsgiving was a way to prepare for the coming of the messiah. Jesus is telling the disciples that the Bridegroom, their savior was among them. It was time to celebrate with joy and happiness. Jesus compares himself to the new wine. He tells his disciples, “No one puts new wine into old wineskins; if he does, the wine will burst the skins, and the wine is lost, and so are the skins; but new wine is for fresh skins.” Jesus tells the disciples that he is the new spirit and should not be confused with the old. The old ways are still valuable, but something new is among them and they need to adopt new ways. This new spirit does not necessarily fit into the old ways and new wine cannot be placed into old wine skins. To walk with Christ is a feast in itself. He brings about a whole new joy that can consume our lives. We do not want to lose the old ways, but bring to them the new joy of Christ.

A Simple Prayer

Lord, I walk with joy in the feast of salvation.

Help me to renew my life through prayer, fasting and almsgiving.

May I celebrate this Lenten season with the joy in knowing that I can serve you.

Yours in Christ

Michael Marcon

Meditation Minute

My Dearest Brothers and Sisters in Christ:

“Child, your sins are forgiven.”

Gospel Reading: Mark 2:1-12

When Jesus returned to Capernaum after some days, it became known that he was at home. Many gathered together so that there was no longer room for them, not even around the door, and he preached the word to them. They came bringing to him a paralytic carried by four men. Unable to get near Jesus because of the crowd, they opened up the roof above him. After they had broken through, they let down the mat on which the paralytic was lying. When Jesus saw their faith, he said to him, “Child, your sins are forgiven.” Now some of the scribes were sitting there asking themselves, “Why does this man speak that way?  He is blaspheming. Who but God alone can forgive sins?” Jesus immediately knew in his mind what they were thinking to themselves, so he said, “Why are you thinking such things in your hearts? Which is easier to say to the paralytic, ‘Your sins are forgiven,’ or to say, ‘Rise, pick up your mat and walk’? But that you may know that the Son of Man has authority to forgive sins on earth” –he said to the paralytic, “I say to you, rise, pick up your mat, and go home.” He rose, picked up his mat at once, and went away in the sight of everyone. They were all astounded and glorified God, saying, “We have never seen anything like this.”

What obstacles are preventing you from getting to Christ?  What do you need to overcome to stand in the presence of God?  In today’s Gospel reading, Jesus is visited by the paralytic man. The reading tells us that Jesus was busy preaching to a large crowd and there was no more room, “not even around the door.” Four men carrying the paralytic man “opened up the roof above him” and “let down the mat on which the paralytic was lying.” Because of their deep faith and commitment to encounter Christ, Jesus said to the man, “Child, your sins are forgiven.” Jesus healed the man of his greatest affliction; he forgave the man of his sins. The scribes were not happy with Jesus because only God could forgive sins and therefore Jesus was claiming to be God. Jesus sensing what was in their hearts said to the crowd, “Why are you thinking such things in your hearts? Which is easier, to say to the paralytic, ‘Your sins are forgiven,’ or to say, ‘Rise, pick up your mat and walk’?” To prove he was the Son of Man, he commanded the paralytic man to walk again. The crowd responded, “We never seen anything like this!” These people witnessed the true healing power of forgiveness. So what was the greater affliction, the man’s sins or being paralyzed? It was obviously his sins. By the faith of the paralyzed man and the four men who brought him, Christ freed this man from his sins. This is the same freedom we can experience after reconciliation. As we remove the sins that afflict our body, our soul becomes free to walk again. The burden of our sins can paralyze us and hold us back. It is difficult and humbling to have a deep and sincere confession. Sometimes we have to tear the roof off our house to expose the sins which keep us from Christ. It is our desire for forgiveness that yields freedom from the sins.

A Simple Prayer

Lord Jesus Christ, you are so kind and merciful.

Your forgiveness heals my soul and my body.

May your love consume and control my life, my body and my soul.

Yours in Christ

Michael Marcon

Meditation Minute

My Dearest Brothers and Sisters in Christ:

“If you wish, you can make me clean.”

Gospel Reading: Mark 1:40-45

A leper came to him and kneeling down begged him and said, “If you wish, you can make me clean.” Moved with pity, he stretched out his hand, touched the leper, and said to him,  “I do will it. Be made clean.” The leprosy left him immediately, and he was made clean. Then, warning him sternly, he dismissed him at once. Then he said to him, “See that you tell no one anything, but go, show yourself to the priest and offer for your cleansing what Moses prescribed; that will be proof for them.” The man went away and began to publicize the whole matter. He spread the report abroad so that it was impossible for Jesus to enter a town openly. He remained outside in deserted places, and people kept coming to him from everywhere.

In today’s Gospel reading, we hear the story about a leper seeking God’s help.  He cries out to Christ seeking his mercy and help.  Moved with pity, Jesus reaches out his hand and says, “I do will it.  Be made clean.” What is it that we bring before the Lord and ask for his mercy? No matter what it is, Christ will reach out his hand and heal us. Lepers were considered untouchables; people cast out from society and left to wither and die in seclusion. Jesus embraces the Leper and cures him despite his being cast out by society. No matter how unclean you become, Jesus will not leave you. No matter how grotesque your sins, Jesus will say to you, “I do will it; be made clean.” It’s Jesus’ will that we all be clean and purified. In this Gospel reading, Jesus also sets the example for us. We too are called to reach out to the untouchables. We are called to forgive everyone, even those who have committed the most contemptible of sins. We are called to reach out our hands and forgive. It is through our mercy and love that we demonstrate our true commitment to Christ. Christ tells us that our judgment will be based on how we treat others.  No matter how deep the wound, we must reach out. We need to think of those whom we have shunned and those that we have cast out and reach out to them. At the same time we give our mercy and love, Christ is abundantly filling us with his.

A Simple Prayer

Lord Jesus, If you will, make me clean.

Help me prepare my heart so that I may reach out to others.

Fill me with your love and mercy so I may give it freely.

Yours in Christ

Michael Marcon

Meditation Minute

My Dearest Brothers and Sisters in Christ:

Gospel Reading: Mark 1:29-39

On leaving the synagogue Jesus entered the house of Simon and Andrew with James and John. Simon’s mother-in-law lay sick with a fever. They immediately told him about her. He approached, grasped her hand, and helped her up. Then the fever left her and she waited on them. When it was evening, after sunset, they brought to him all who were ill or possessed by demons. The whole town was gathered at the door. He cured many who were sick with various diseases, and he drove out many demons, not permitting them to speak because they knew him. Rising very early before dawn,  he left and went off to a deserted place, where he prayed. Simon and those who were with him pursued him and on finding him said, “Everyone is looking for you.” He told them, “Let us go on to the nearby villages that I may preach there also. For this purpose have I come.” So he went into their synagogues, preaching and driving out demons throughout the whole of Galilee.

In today’s Gospel reading, Jesus is presented as the solution to all that ails us. He is in the house of Peter and his mother-in-law is sick. Jesus reaches out to heal her from her sickness. After being freed from her affliction the Gospel tells us that she was able to serve God. Her infliction kept her from taking care of and honoring Christ.  Once relieved from her illness, she was able to serve our Lord. After seeing this great work, they bring to Jesus all who are sick or possessed with demons. Again, Jesus reaches out and cures them of the things in their lives that afflict them. How many times are we afflicted with things that trouble our lives or demons that possess us? Jesus tells us to bring our troubles to him and he will free us from our afflictions and those things that prevent us from serving him. We must be willing to freely give up what keeps us from walking with Christ. We must be willing to humble ourselves before him. Not only does Christ restore us, he gives us the strength we need to serve others.  After performing the miracles, Jesus goes off to a private place to pray and communicate with his Father. Peter follows him saying, “Everyone is searching for you.” And Jesus replies, “Let us go on to the nearby villages that I may preach there also. For this purpose have I come.” If you are searching for God, he is there. Reach out in prayer with your problems and your afflictions for this is why he came. With Christ in your life, you can now go out to other villages to serve God.

A Simple Prayer

Lord, I am burdened with many troubles

I offer these problems up to you

That you may restore me and free me from my demons

So that I may serve you, my Lord and Master.

Yours in Christ

Michael Marcon

Meditation Minute

My Dearest Brothers and Sisters in Christ:

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

Gospel Reading: Mark 1:14-20

After John had been arrested, Jesus came to Galilee proclaiming the Gospel of God: “This is the time of fulfillment. The Kingdom of God is at hand. Repent, and believe in the Gospel.” As he passed by the Sea of Galilee, he saw Simon and his brother Andrew casting their nets into the sea; they were fishermen. Jesus said to them, “Come after me, and I will make you fishers of men.” Then they left their nets and followed him. He walked along a little farther and saw James, the son of Zebedee, and his brother John.  They too were in a boat mending their nets. Then he called them. So they left their father Zebedee in the boat along with the hired men and followed him.

In today’s Gospel reading, Jesus begins his mission by proclaiming the Gospel of God.  What is the Gospel of God – “The Kingdom of God is at hand. Repent, and believe in the Gospel.”  The word repent comes from the Greek word “metanoia” which literally means a change of mind. In the context of Jesus’s proclamation, He is calling us to convert our minds to his way of thinking.  He is calling the first apostles to turn away from sin and to “Come after me, and I will make you fishers of men.” The gospel reading says that they immediately left their nets and followed him. They immediately made the decision to change their minds and follow him.  They didn’t hesitate in their decision. They heard the call of God and joined him on his mission to bring others into the kingdom of God. These men gave up everything to follow Jesus. Eventually, most of them would give up their lives. So why would they leave the comfort of their lives as fishermen to become followers of Christ. They did it because of the promise of eternal peace and salvation. They heard the good news about the kingdom of God and that promise was greater than the consequences they were about to face. We too are called by name to be fishers of men. We are called to be the light of the Gospel so others can see the Word of God. We are called to bring people into the kingdom of God. We are called to holiness.  Do you hear God’s calling?

A Simple Prayer

Lord God, the kingdom of heaven is at hand.

You have called me by name to be your servant.

Give me the strength to be your light and to lead others to you.

Yours in Christ

Michael Marcon

Meditation Minute

My Dearest Brothers and Sisters in Christ:

"You are my beloved Son; with you I am well pleased."

Gospel Reading: Mark 1:7-11

And John the Baptist preached, saying, "After me comes he who is mightier than I, the thong of whose sandals I am not worthy to stoop down and untie. I have baptized you with water; but he will baptize you with the Holy Spirit." In those days Jesus came from Nazareth of Galilee and was baptized by John in the Jordan. And when he came up out of the water, immediately he saw the heavens opened and the Spirit descending upon him like a dove; and a voice came from heaven, "You are my beloved Son; with you I am well pleased."

Some of you are probably saying, didn’t we have this gospel last Friday?  And the answer would be yes.  This allows us to reflect on this reading one more time.  John the Baptist professed a baptism of repentance for the forgiveness of sins. So why did Jesus, the Son of God himself, submit John’s baptism?  In his Baptism, we become eternally linked to his “baptism” upon the cross. His Baptism marks the beginning of his mission as the suffering Servant who came to free us from our sins. In this one act he links himself to all of us sinners. Out of God’s love for us, he consents to this baptism which eventually will become a baptism of death on the cross for the restitution of our sins. Our Father in heaven proclaims his delight in his Son’s choice in the proclamation, "You are my beloved Son; with you I am well pleased." God’s love for his son becomes the outward vision of the Holy Spirit descending upon Christ. At his baptism the heavens were opened and the waters became eternally sanctified by the descent of the Holy Spirit onto Jesus signifying the beginning of a new covenant with God.

In your own Baptism, you became eternally linked with our Father in Heaven, through the power of the Holy Spirit which sanctified the waters from which your new life springs forward.  IN the Spring of your new life, the church reaches out to educate you and form you as one of the disciples of Christ.  What would our Father in Heaven proclaim about your Baptism?  Would he look down and say, “You are my beloved child; with you I am well pleased.”  This question may be difficult to ask and even more difficult to answer.  It is good if we reflect on our own lives to determine where God is well pleased and where we may need to make changes.  This allows us to reconcile ourselves with our own baptism.  It is through the act of reconciliation with our Father, that you fulfill your Baptismal promises.

A Simple Prayer

Father in Heaven,

I know at times I turn my back on you when I sin.

Please give me the wisdom to recognize my sins and to reconcile them with you

So that I can focus my eyes upon the glory of heaven.

Yours in Christ

Michael Marcon

Meditation Minute

My Dearest Brothers and Sisters in Christ:

"You are my beloved Son; with you I am well pleased."

Gospel Reading: Mark 1:7-11

This is what John the Baptist proclaimed: "One mightier than I is coming after me. I am not worthy to stoop and loosen the thongs of his sandals. I have baptized you with water; he will baptize you with the Holy Spirit." It happened in those days that Jesus came from Nazareth of Galilee and was baptized in the Jordan by John. On coming up out of the water he saw the heavens being torn open and the Spirit, like a dove, descending upon him. And a voice came from the heavens, "You are my beloved Son; with you I am well pleased."

In today’s Gospel, we again hear the story of John the Baptist and the Baptism of Jesus.  However, this is really a story about humanities humility before God.  John the Baptist has a large following and some have already identified him as a great prophet.  Instead of exhibiting pride in the fact that he has this large group of followers, he humbles himself by acknowledging, “I am not worthy…”  We express this same message of unworthiness during the Mass to acknowledge that we too are not worthy of anything God has given us.  We are lowly sinners who must realize that our salvation is on our knees and not standing prideful on our feet.  John takes this level of humility to an extreme state when he states, “I am not worthy to stoop and loosen the thongs of his sandals”.  The Jews, who were fanatics about cleanliness, would never touch the feet of another person or even carry their shoes.  The job of carrying a person’s sandals was reserved to the lowliest of servants and this person was probably not a Jew.  John suggests that he is not even worthy enough to be the lowest of servants for Christ.  In stooping (i.e., kneeling) before Christ, we should acknowledge that we are not worthy to receive the love and the gifts for everything he has poured out for us.  Jesus, as the perfect model, also expresses a level of humility in the fact that he is baptized.  It is obvious that God is without sin and therefore does not need to be Baptized.  So why is Jesus Baptized?  He receives the Baptism to unite himself with us him in our own humility.  We become united with the Holy Trinity in this one Sacramental act; we are united with the voice of the Father, the Baptism of the Son and the descent of the Holy Spirit.  We become bound to all three persons of God when we find ourselves kneeling before God experiencing the joy of humility.  Every time we find ourselves truly humble on our knees before Christ, the heavens are torn open and the voice of God calls out, “With you I am well pleased.”  We become bound to Christ like the sandals on his feet.  We are unworthy, yet we are still united with him.  It is when we refuse to recognize that God is everything and our salvation, that we separate ourselves from his salvation and we deny the unity that was formed during our baptism.  It is when we put ourselves in the position of the crown on his head, that we try to elevate ourselves above Christ and we deny his kingly authority.

A Simple Prayer

Father in Heaven, I was joined to you in my Baptism;

Give me the grace of humility to recognize that it is through you that I am saved.

Yours in Christ

Michael Marcon