Meditation Minute

My Dearest Brothers and Sisters in Christ:

 

“Those who were ready went into the wedding feast with him.”

 

Gospel Reading: Matthew 25:1-13

 

Jesus told his disciples this parable: “The Kingdom of heaven will be like ten virgins who took their lamps and went out to meet the bridegroom.  Five of them were foolish and five were wise.  The foolish ones, when taking their lamps, brought no oil with them, but the wise brought flasks of oil with their lamps.  Since the bridegroom was long delayed, they all became drowsy and fell asleep. At midnight, there was a cry, ‘Behold, the bridegroom!  Come out to meet him!’  Then all those virgins got up and trimmed their lamps.  The foolish ones said to the wise, ‘Give us some of your oil, for our lamps are going out.’  But the wise ones replied, ‘No, for there may not be enough for us and you. Go instead to the merchants and buy some for yourselves.’  While they went off to buy it, the bridegroom came and those who were ready went into the wedding feast with him.  Then the door was locked. Afterwards the other virgins came and said, ‘Lord, Lord, open the door for us!’  But he said in reply, ‘Amen, I say to you, I do not know you.’  Therefore, stay awake, for you know neither the day nor the hour.”

 

In today’s gospel reading, we hear the story of the ten virgins. Like yesterday’s message, today’s message emphasizes the need to be vigilant in our quest for communion with Christ, the bridegroom. The ten virgins had oil lamps, five had a surplus of oil and five did not. The virgins were the bridesmaids whose job it was to light the way to the house of the bride. When the bridegroom approached, they would light their lamps so that the bridegroom would know where to find them. The five young virgins who had a store of excess oil where well illuminated and prepared for the bridegroom. Their lamps shone brightly all the time. The other five were not prepared because they ran out of oil. While they left to go buy more, the bridegroom arrived and entered the house. He closed the door behind him to keep out the strangers. The five who were prepared were let in and the five that were not were stuck outside. They cried out, “Lord, lord, open the door.” But the bridegroom replied, “Amen, I say to you, I do not know you.” It is unfortunate because these five virgin’s were originally inside the house, but because they were not ever vigilant, they were drawn away from the house when the bridegroom arrived. We too must be prepared for the Lord. We may be in the house, but if we are not vigilant in our pursuit of the Kingdom, then we too can be lead away from the house. We should be prepared. We should stock up on grace so that our lamp will shine forever bright. If our lamp is week or it runs out of oil, the Bridegroom will not know us and will not let us in. We should continually renew the oil of our lamp by actively participating in the Eucharist, by living the gospel and by sharing the love which God has poured into our souls. God will provide us with an endless supply of oil if we only look to heaven for his grace.

 

A Simple Prayer

 

Lord, make vigilant and attentive to the presence of the Bridegroom,

May I be prepared when he calls me into his house.

 

Yours in Christ

Michael Marcon

Meditation Minute

My Dearest Brothers and Sisters in Christ:

 

“Stay awake! For you do not know on which day your Lord will come.”

 

Gospel Reading: Matthew 24:42-51

 

Jesus said to his disciples: “Stay awake! For you do not know on which day your Lord will come. Be sure of this: if the master of the house had known the hour of night when the thief was coming, he would have stayed awake and not let his house be broken into. So too, you also must be prepared, for at an hour you do not expect, the Son of Man will come.  “Who, then, is the faithful and prudent servant, whom the master has put in charge of his household to distribute to them their food at the proper time? Blessed is that servant whom his master on his arrival finds doing so. Amen, I say to you, he will put him in charge of all his property. But if that wicked servant says to himself, ‘My master is long delayed,’ and begins to beat his fellow servants, and eat and drink with drunkards, the servant’s master will come on an unexpected day and at an unknown hour and will punish him severely and assign him a place with the hypocrites, where there will be wailing and grinding of teeth.”

 

As the new school year begins, we so often become focused on what we are going to do this year.  We are concerned about homecoming, classes, getting the best parking spot and so on.  Often we hear the saying, “Today is the first day of the rest of my life.”  But what if today was the last day of your life. What if there were no more tomorrows for you?  Today’s gospel reading has two stern warnings. The first is that we will not know the time of our death and the second is that we better be ready for our death when it comes. Jesus compares death to a thief. He tells us “if the master of the house had known the hour of night when the thief was coming, he would have stayed awake and not let his house be broken into.” The same thing applies to us. If we knew when we were going to die, we could prepare for our death and avoid the unpleasantries we may experience during our final judgment. If we could actually wait for the last minute to ask for absolution from our sins, we wouldn’t have to worry about the things that will keep us from entering the Kingdom of Heaven. We could party with the drunks and dance with the sinners with no threat of the consequences. But because we do not know the time nor the place, Jesus tells us that we must always be prepared. Jesus says, “Blessed is that servant whom his master on his arrival finds doing so.” This parable tells us that we should live life like today is the last day of our life.

 

Jesus’ second warning tells us what will happen if we are not prepared for our final judgment. Jesus says, “the servant’s master will come on an unexpected day and at an unknown hour and will punish him severely and assign him a place with the hypocrites, where there will be wailing and grinding of teeth.” In other words, Christ says we will spend eternity in hell. Basically, if we live life among the wicked, with those that have no regard for the laws of the church, then we will spend eternity crying and weeping with the rest of the unrepentant sinners for salvation. However, if we live out the gospels, if we bring Christ into this world through our actions and our words, then we will be prepared and will be rewarded with eternal life in heaven. Each morning when you wake, first thank God for allowing another opportunity to live and help bring forth the Kingdom of Heaven for others and then ask yourself, “What if today were my last day on earth? Am I prepared?” If you’re not prepared, take today to seek out the salvation you need to purify your soul.

 

A Simple Prayer

 

Lord, help me to be vigilant in preparation for my end time;

Help me be strong so that I can be ready when death comes.

I ask that your love and grace fill my heart with the passion to live the Gospels

so that I may enjoy eternity in heaven.

 

Yours in Christ

Michael Marcon

Meditation Minute

My Dearest Brothers and Sisters in Christ:

 

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

 

Gospel Reading: Mark 6:17-29

 

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

 

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

 

A Simple Prayer

 

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

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

 

Yours in Christ

Michael Marcon

 

Meditation Minute

My Dearest Brothers and Sisters in Christ:

 

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

 

Gospel Reading: Matthew 23:23-26

 

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

 

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

 

A Simple Prayer

 

Most Heavenly Father,

Make me aware of my sins and trespasses,

Help me avoid these sins so my soul remains clean.

Fill my heart with your compassion and love

So I may find the Kingdom of Heaven.

 

Yours in Christ

Michael Marcon

 

Meditation Minute

My Dearest Brothers and Sisters in Christ:

 

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

 

Gospel Reading: Matthew 23:13-22

 

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

 

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

 

A Simple Prayer

 

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

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

For it is you that makes all things sacred.

 

Yours in Christ

Michael Marcon

 

PS – Today is the Memorial to St. Monica.  If you know someone who is not a Christian or who has fallen away from the church, ask St. Monica for her intercessions.  It was her continual praying for her son that eventually caused him to become a Catholic and eventually one of the greatest Theologians of the church.

Meditation Minute

My Dearest Brothers And Sisters in Christ:

 

“Come and see.”

 

Gospel Reading: John 1:45-51

 

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

 

In today's gospel reading, an Israelite is questioning whether Jesus is truly the Son of God. Nathanael stated, "Can anything good come from Nazareth?" Not only did he question Jesus' authenticity, he kind of smacked him a little for being from the other side of tracks. There are times in our life when we too can become skeptical about the Son of God. We might ask the question, "Was Jesus real?" “Did Jesus really die on the cross for us?” “Did He rise from the dead?” If we question his existence, then how can we find the faith to believe? Instead of arguing with Nathanael, Philip invites him to "come and see" Jesus. To meet Jesus, Nathanael had to rise from his position to encounter Christ. A personal encounter with Jesus opened his heart. There is nothing I can say to make you believe and there is nothing I can do to make you have faith. You must "come and see." This last week, my wife and I went to Poland on Pilgrimage to see Holy spots of Blessed John Paul the Great.  We were there on the Solemnity of the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary.  We went to church at the Chapel of St. Maximilian Colby in small town outside Warsaw.  We arrived at the church at 8:30 in the morning and the church was overflowing with people.  The church was so full that people were gathered around the outside of the church in the hot sun praying and participating in the Mass.  They came to see the wonder and glory of our Father.  The families adored Jesus and paid special homage to our Blessed Mother.  As the day went on the crowds continued to build.  It was standing room only in the gardens surrounding the church.  Their faith brought them there and their love for Jesus Christ, the man from Nazareth, allowed them to see the joy of the Mass.  Jesus invites us every Sunday to His alter to "come and see" the miracle of the Eucharist; to ascend to have an encounter with Christ. A chance for us to love and adore him who died to save us from our sins.  We are invited to witness his great works in the miracles we see everyday around us. He also invites us to come and see the Gospels that are alive within us. Nathanael encountered Jesus and through the encounter, his heart was opened so he could experience the love of God. If we "come and see" Christ, He too will open our hearts. Once our hearts are open, the Kingdom of heaven will flow in. He will give us faith. Come and see the goodness of our Lord.

 

A Simple Prayer

 

God I come and see the goodness of the Lord.

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

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

 

Yours in Christ

Michael Marcon

 

Meditation Minute

My Dearest Brothers and Sisters in Christ:

 

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

 

Gospel Reading: Matthew 22:1-14

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

A Simple Prayer

 

Father in heaven, your grace is enough,

You have prepared the banquet table for a feast

Help open my heart to your feast.

 

Yours in Christ

Michael Marcon

Meditation Minute

My Dearest Brothers and Sisters in Christ:

 

Gospel Reading: Matthew 19:3-12

 

Some Pharisees approached Jesus, and tested him, saying, “Is it lawful for a man to divorce his wife for any cause whatever?” He said in reply, “Have you not read that from the beginning the Creator made them male and female and said, For this reason a man shall leave his father and mother and be joined to his wife, and the two shall become one flesh? So they are no longer two, but one flesh. Therefore, what God has joined together, man must not separate.”  They said to him, “Then why did Moses command that the man give the woman a bill of divorce and dismiss her?” He said to them, “Because of the hardness of your hearts Moses allowed you to divorce your wives, but from the beginning it was not so. I say to you, whoever divorces his wife (unless the marriage is unlawful) and marries another commits adultery.” His disciples said to him, “If that is the case of a man with his wife, it is better not to marry.” He answered, “Not all can accept this word, but only those to whom that is granted. Some are incapable of marriage because they were born so; some, because they were made so by others; some, because they have renounced marriage for the sake of the Kingdom of heaven. Whoever can accept this ought to accept it.”

 

Did you remember to thank God today for all he has provided? Have you thanked God for all the graces that have overflowed in you? Have you thanked Him for giving you the breath of life? When you awaken in the morning, take 5 minutes to just lay there and think of all the glorious things that God has given you. You have been blessed with life, the ability to breathe yet another breath. You have been given the ability to touch and see God in this world. We are united with our Father in heaven through the gift of life and baptism. Before we were born we were a spiritual being known to God and placed in the womb of our mother in our earthly body, a body which was formed from the dirt of this earth. Eventually we will be freed from the bonds of this earthly state and we will return to our spiritual life in God. Today’s Gospel talks about the union formed in marriage. In the beginning, we were created “male and female.”  We were one body united with God.  Because of our loneliness, God separated us into two.  Through marriage, we are reunited in this one body.  Through our sacrificial love for each other, we become bound with our Father in heaven.  The Pharisees question God about the legality of divorce. Jesus answers them, “So they are no longer two, but one flesh. Therefore, what God has joined together, man must not separate.” Through our Baptism, through the Eucharist and through Confirmation we form a union with God.  We become married to him through our faith and our hope for eternal life.  We are united with God like the marriage between a man and a woman. No man should do anything to separate us from his love and compassion for we are the Bride and Christ is the Bridegroom.  From the beginning of time, we have been linked with our creator.

 

A Simple Prayer

 

Lord Jesus, you are the Bridegroom and I am your loyal spouse.

Like a good spouse, you provide me with everything I need.

May I cherish you love and compassion forever.

 

Yours in Christ

Michael Marcon

Meditation Minute

My Dearest Brothers and Sisters in Christ:

 

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

 

Gospel Reading: Matthew 18:21-19:1

 

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

 

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

 

A Simple Prayer

 

Lord, you are so kind and merciful.

Give me the grace to be kind and merciful.

Free me from the resentment and jealousy.

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

 

Yours in Christ

Michael Marcon

 

Meditation Minute

My Dearest Brothers and Sisters in Christ:

 

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

 

Gospel Reading: Luke 1:39-56

 

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

 

Today we celebrate the Feast of the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary.  We hear in today’s Gospel reading the joyful story of the Mary’s visit to see Elizabeth. Both Mary and Elizabeth, through the miracles of God in Heaven, are with child. Elizabeth was thought to be barren and unable to have children, yet God filled her womb with life.  Mary womb was also filled with life, but a life that was so great that it contained what the universe could not.  Mary is the person who prepared God’s dwelling place on earth.  She was pregnant with Jesus Christ our Lord and Savior; God incarnate. She was filled with the Holy Spirit and the fully human God of Heaven and Earth. An expecting mother is normally glowing with the elation that she has new life within her womb.  She beams with the joy knowing that she will bring a new person into this world.  Mary must have been exponentially more joyful knowing that she had the Christ child within her womb.  Can you even begin to image the joy and happiness that radiated from Mary in her state of supreme motherhood? We are told that when Mary entered Elizabeth’s house, the baby in Elizabeth’s womb (John the Baptist) leapt with joy as he too was filled with the Holy Spirit. The Holy Spirit, radiating from Mary, embraced both Elizabeth and her unborn child allowing them to realize the significance of the child within Mary’s womb.  The Lord Jesus Christ had entered all three lives. Mary proclaimed, “My soul magnifies the Lord, and my spirit rejoices in God my Savior.”

 

Because of her dedication and her most perfect response to our Father in Heaven, she became the vessel through which God enters this world.  She becomes the living Ark of the Covenant.  She must completely accept and commit herself completely to God before God can enter her womb.  She becomes the most perfect model for us.  It is through our yes, that God will enter our souls.  It is by the example of Mary that we know that God can enter into our lives.  We too are filled with this same Holy Spirit through our baptism. The big question, “Is it obvious that you have the Holy Spirit within you?” Can your fellow brothers and sisters identify you as carrying Christ within your heart and soul? To have the Holy Spirit dwelling in us is one of the greatest graces God bestows upon us. We should be excited and sing out that we have God present within our souls. It is our job, through our actions, our words and thoughts to radiate outward the Holy Spirit to all we meet. We are commanded to share the gifts which God has bestowed upon us.  The greatest of these gifts is the Gift of the Holy Spirit.  We must not only take in the Holy Spirit, we must also reflect and radiate the Holy Spirit to others.

 

A Simple Prayer

 

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

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

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

 

Yours in Christ
Michael Marcon

 

Meditation Minute

My Dearest Brothers and Sisters in Christ:

 

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

 

Gospel Reading: Matthew 17:22-27

 

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

 

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

 

A Simple Prayer

 

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

I am truly sorry for every trespass I commit.

And I forgive all those who have trespassed against me.

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

 

Yours in Christ

Michael Marcon

 

 

Meditation Minute

My Dearest Brothers and Sisters in Christ:

 

“But who do you say that I am?”

 

Gospel Reading: Matthew 16:13-23

 

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

 

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

 

A Simple Prayer

 

Lord Jesus, solidify my faith. 

Make me a rock to build you church upon.

Make my faith strong like Peter's.

Give me wisdom to bring others to you.

 

Yours in Christ

Michael Marcon

 

Meditation Minute

My Dearest Brothers and Sisters in Christ:

 

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

 

Gospel Reading: Matthew 15:21-28

 

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

 

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

 

A Simple Prayer

 

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

You are my Savior and my Lord.

May I trust you always and pursue your love.

May I never stray or weaken in my faith.

 

Yours in Christ

Michael Marcon

 

Meditation Minute

My Dearest Brothers and Sisters in Christ:

 

“Lord, if it is you, bid me come to you on the water.”

 

Gospel Reading: Matthew 14:22-36

 

Then he made the disciples get into the boat and go before him to the other side, while he dismissed the crowds. And after he had dismissed the crowds, he went up on the mountain by himself to pray. When evening came, he was there alone, but the boat by this time was many furlongs distant from the land, beaten by the waves; for the wind was against them. And in the fourth watch of the night he came to them, walking on the sea. But when the disciples saw him walking on the sea, they were terrified, saying, "It is a ghost!" And they cried out for fear. But immediately he spoke to them, saying, "Take heart, it is I; have no fear." And Peter answered him, "Lord, if it is you, bid me come to you on the water." He said, "Come." So Peter got out of the boat and walked on the water and came to Jesus; but when he saw the wind, he was afraid, and beginning to sink he cried out, "Lord, save me." Jesus immediately reached out his hand and caught him, saying to him, "O man of little faith, why did you doubt?" And when they got into the boat, the wind ceased. And those in the boat worshiped him, saying, "Truly you are the Son of God." And when they had crossed over, they came to land at Gennesaret. And when the men of that place recognized him, they sent round to all that region and brought to him all that were sick, and besought him that they might only touch the fringe of his garment; and as many as touched it were made well.

 

In today’s gospel reading, we hear the miracle of Jesus walking on the water.  This story has many aspects including fear, trust, and doubt.  I think we all experience these same conditions probably in that same order.  It was out of fear that the apostles called out Jesus and he approached them on the water.  They also expressed fear when the witnessed Jesus walking on the water not knowing who he was or how he was able to do this.  When they experience Jesus in his true wonder and awe, they develop an unbelievable level of trust.  But unfortunately, that trust is generally followed by doubt once we think about our humanness.  The message is clear, we must trust in the Lord and have faith in his powers at all times. We must realize that all our strength and ability comes from God and not from us. Even if we begin to let the raging waters consume us and experience doubt, we can still cry out to the Lord and he will be there for us. When we are facing the raging waters of life, Christ is there to help us. He will carry us if we believe and trust in Him. Peter believed in the power Christ and left the boat. He stepped into the raging waters without fear. We too may be called to leave the security of the boat and to enter the raging waters. We too must do it without fear and let God be God.  We will face many challenges in our life, some of them beyond our imagination. We must trust in the Lord; we must realize that he is truly the “Son of God.” Only through him can we walk on water and calm the seas. It is his power that allows us to accomplish great miracles. If we do not have faith, how can God help us? If we deny his power, God will cease to help us. We must be willing to come to Christ and accept him as all powerful.

 

A Simple Prayer

 

Lord, if it is your will, bid me come to you on the water.

Give me the strength to trust you and

If I experience doubt and weakness,

May I cry out to you for help.

 

Yours in Christ

Michael Marcon

 

Meditation Minute

My Dearest Brothers and Sisters in Christ:

 

Today is the Feast of the Transfiguration of the Lord

 

“This is my beloved Son. Listen to him.”

 

Gospel Reading: Mark 9:2-10

 

Jesus took Peter, James, and his brother John, and led them up a high mountain apart by themselves. And he was transfigured before them, and his clothes became dazzling white, such as no fuller on earth could bleach them. Then Elijah appeared to them along with Moses,  and they were conversing with Jesus. Then Peter said to Jesus in reply,  “Rabbi, it is good that we are here! Let us make three tents: one for you, one for Moses, and one for Elijah.” He hardly knew what to say, they were so terrified. Then a cloud came, casting a shadow over them;  from the cloud came a voice,  “This is my beloved Son. Listen to him.” Suddenly, looking around, they no longer saw anyone but Jesus alone with them.  As they were coming down from the mountain, he charged them not to relate what they had seen to anyone, except when the Son of Man had risen from the dead. So they kept the matter to themselves, questioning what rising from the dead meant.

 

Have you seen the glory of God? Have you ever climbed a mountain to hear the word of Christ? Jesus often separated himself from others so that he could pray and talk to his Father in Heaven. On this day, Jesus took Peter, James and John with him. They witnessed Jesus in a whole new light.  The true glory of God was shining through Christ on top of the mountain. The apostles said that Jesus was “transfigured before them, and his clothes became dazzling white.”  The reading says that the three were “so terrified,” but a bright cloud appeared before them and God told them, “This is my beloved Son. Listen to him.”  God appeared to them to calm their fears. 

 

We too must be willing to climb mountains to hear the Word of God. We must be willing to separate ourselves from the rest of the world so that we can see the light of the Holy Spirit and hear his message.  At times, what we hear may scare us.  We might not even fully understand what is being told to us.  In today’s Gospel reading, the Apostles did not know what rising from the dead meant.  When you pray to God do you listen for the Word of God? We must not only speak to God, but more importantly, we must listen to God. He speaks to us in so many ways. Through the Gospel, through the Eucharist and through the actions of his disciples. Listen and you will hear the Glory of God. It will shine through like the radiant white light that transfigured Christ. Seek the Word of God and you will be transformed.

 

Yours in Christ

 

Most heavenly Holy Spirit

I am listening. Fill me with your glory.

May the light of Christ shine through to my life.

 

Yours in Christ

Michael Marcon

 

Meditation Minute

My Dearest Brothers and Sisters in Christ:

 

“Where did this man get all this?”

 

Gospel Reading: Matthew 13:54-58

 

Jesus came to his native place and taught the people in their synagogue. They were astonished and said, "Where did this man get such wisdom and mighty deeds? Is he not the carpenter's son? Is not his mother  named Mary and his brothers James, Joseph, Simon, and Judas? Are not his sisters all with us? Where did this man get all this?" And they took offense at him. But Jesus said to them, "A prophet is not without honor except in his native place and in his own house." And he did not work many mighty deeds there because of their lack of faith.

 

Have you ever tried to impress your own family or the neighbors you grew up with? In today's gospel, Jesus returns to his town where he grew up. The townspeople just cannot believe that He is the Messiah. They simply cannot accept him for who He is because they knew him when He was a young boy. How could he be the Messiah? We all have difficulty believing that those we have known since they were young can grow up to do extraordinary things.  Jesus' own town folks commented that this can't be the Messiah, he's the son of Mary, and he's only a carpenter's son. Our most severe critics are generally those we are closest. They are the ones who can't believe we can do extraordinary things.

 

We are simple people, how can we perform miracles? How can we preach to those that we know? Every day ordinary people do extraordinary things. Every day ordinary people step out of their ordinary lives and experience something miraculous. How many of your friends would believe that you can do something amazing and miraculous. Christ called ordinary fishermen to come follow him. He is also calling us, ordinary people, to come and follow him, to do his will and spread his word. Do you hear him? What is he calling you to do?

 

Have we become so familiar with Christ that we do not recognize him and his miracles that are all around us? Many times we do not recognize the blessing which have been bestowed upon us. Do you go to church and not recognize or sit in awestruck at the Eucharistic Mystery because it is familiar? Today's gospel challenges us see God's miracles as if it were the first time we met him. We should greet Jesus like we do a new born baby. Everyone wants to hold the new baby and embrace the miracle. We should do this every day with our faith and our commitment to God. God breeds new life in us through his miracles. If we do not believe, how can we recognize the miracles when we witness them?

 

A Simple Prayer

 

Father, give me the new life.

Help me renew my friendship with you.

Help me, an ordinary person, become extraordinary.

 

Yours in Christ

Michael Marcon

 

Meditation Minute

My Dearest Brothers and Sisters in Christ:

 

“The angels will go out and separate the wicked from the righteous and throw them into the fiery furnace, where there will be wailing and grinding of teeth.”

 

Gospel Reading: Matthew 13:47-53

 

Jesus said to the disciples: "The Kingdom of heaven is like a net thrown into the sea, which collects fish of every kind. When it is full they haul it ashore and sit down to put what is good into buckets. What is bad they throw away. Thus it will be at the end of the age. The angels will go out and separate the wicked from the righteous and throw them into the fiery furnace, where there will be wailing and grinding of teeth." "Do you understand all these things?" They answered, "Yes." And he replied, "Then every scribe who has been instructed in the Kingdom of heaven is like the head of a household who brings from his storeroom both the new and the old." When Jesus finished these parables, he went away from there.

 

At first read, today’s gospel reading sounds like it is about the judgment day.  But in reality, it is also about the church and her mission. Jesus tells us that the "Kingdom of heaven is like a net thrown into the sea, which gathered fish of every kind." Fish nets are non discriminating. The nets gather everything in the water, the good fish, the bad fish, the trash, and the seaweed. The fish net represents the church. The church is non discriminating. It invites everyone into her net. The church does not care if you are righteous or not. The message of Christ is available to everyone who will join her. It catches all the fish – the good fish and the bad fish. The fishermen then cull the good fish from the bad fish. The good fish are placed in coolers to preserve them while the bad fish are thrown away. Once the net has been cast it is up to the church to teach the ways of Christ, to show everyone the glory of God and to instruct us on moral value and guidance. The mission of the church is to bring us all to Christ so we can share in the glory of the Kingdom of Heaven. However, we must be worthy to enter. The church will bring us there, but it is up to us to make ourselves worthy.  When we participate in the Gospels, the Sacraments, and the Traditions of the church, we are exposed to the teachings of Christ.  But participation is not enough, we must live out the teachings which we are taught through the Gospels, the Sacraments and the Traditions of the Church else we spend eternity separated from the Kingdom of heaven.

 

A Simple Prayer

 

Lord Father, your net has been cast.

May I be worthy of the catch.

I long for the treasure of the kingdom of heaven.

 

Yours in Christ

Michael Marcon