Meditation Minute

My Dearest Brothers and Sisters in Christ:

 

“But who do you say that I am?”

 

Gospel Reading: Luke 9:18-22

 

Once when Jesus was praying in solitude, and the disciples were with him, he asked them, “Who do the crowds say that I am?” They said in reply, “John the Baptist; others, Elijah; still others, ‘One of the ancient prophets has arisen.’” Then he said to them, “But who do you say that I am?” Peter said in reply, “The Christ of God.” He rebuked them and directed them not to tell this to anyone. He said, “The Son of Man must suffer greatly and be rejected by the elders, the chief priests, and the scribes, and be killed and on the third day be raised.”

 

Christ asks us to answer a simple question; “Who do you say that I am?”  How do you respond to this question?  Peter responds, “The Christ of God.” In this passage, we see that the apostles finally realize that Jesus is the Christ Messiah. They identify him as the priest, king and profit to all of mankind. It was by the faith placed in Peter by God that Peter recognized who Jesus was. They do not have the hindsight benefit that we have.  Jesus has not been resurrected.  No one on earth could have given him this faith. It had to come from God. We too are given that same faith, but do you see Jesus through the eyes of your faith?  Do you see Christ in your daily life?  To see Christ, one must have faith.  Faith is something that needs to exercised.  And from time to time, our faith may be challenged and put to the test.  If you do not exercise your faith, your belief in God might fail when it is challenged.

 

This gospel goes beyond just having faith, this readings was also a prophecy of Jesus’ upcoming passion and death. Jesus tells them that, “The Son of man must suffer many things, and be rejected by the elders and chief priests and scribes, and be killed, and on the third day be raised.” He tells his disciples this so they can be prepared for what lies ahead. Jesus lets them know that he must suffer before he can be truly glorified. Jesus freely accepted his fate and embraced what was going to happen to him. We all must face suffering in our lives just as Jesus did when he was crucified on the cross. We can either allow the suffering to control our lives and we can become overwhelmed with it or we can endure the suffering as a sacrifice to God in Heaven. On the cross Jesus defeated Satan and the powers of sin. Jesus’ own suffering and death on the cross gave us eternal life and freedom from the slavery of sin. Suffering provides the same grace for us. Through the grace of the Holy Spirit we can endure the suffering. Our knowledge of Christ the Redeemer encourages us to carry our cross and to live the gospels. Do not let suffering lead you from God, but closer to God.  Let the suffering strength your faith in Christ.  “Who do you say I am?”

 

A Simple Prayer

 

Lord Jesus, you are my light and my salvation.

Take my life and make it yours now and forever.

 

Yours in Christ

Michael Marcon

My Dearest Brothers and Sisters in Christ:

 

“Who then is this about whom I hear such things?”

 

Gospel Reading: Luke 9:7-9

Herod the tetrarch heard about all that was happening, and he was greatly perplexed because some were saying, “John has been raised from the dead”; others were saying, “Elijah has appeared”; still others, “One of the ancient prophets has arisen.” But Herod said, “John I beheaded. Who then is this about whom I hear such things?” And he kept trying to see him.

 

Do you desire to see God? If so, why? That may seem like a weird question, but it is a very important question. In today’s Gospel reading, Herod the Tetrarch heard about the miracles and healings that Jesus had preformed and “he kept trying to see him.” Unfortunately, his desire to seek out Jesus was not to form a relationship with him but to satisfy his curiosity. Herod had the same desire and curiosity to meet John the Baptist, but after he met him, he killed him to please others in his family. His seeking out John the Baptist was to demonstrate his own power. Who is it that you seek to know? Do you gravitate toward people of fame, power and wealth or do you seek to know God and people of God? At school or work, do you hang with people because it will elevate your status in this earthly society? It is so easy to seek out the popular crowd and to be with them. However, does this crowd lead one toward Christ or away from Christ? If you want to be united with God, then you should seek out people who are godly people. We should associate ourselves with people who express God’s love and truth. You, yourself should be an expression of God’s compassion towards others. Allow the grace of God to fill you with the faith and courage one needs to follow the godly crowd and not necessarily the popular crowd. We should seek out the meek, the poor, the merciful, the hungry for these are the people who will inherit the Kingdom of God. We should seek out those who also seek God. Seeking these people is the same as seeking out the Kingdom of Heaven.

 

A Simple Prayer

 

Heavenly Father, it is you that seek.

I seek you not for your power, but for your grace and mercy.

I seek you not for your popularity, but because you are the source of new life.

May I be godly and lead others to you.

 

Yours in Christ

Michael Marcon

 

Meditation Minute

My Dearest Brothers and Sisters in Christ:

 

Gospel Reading: Luke 9:1-6

Jesus summoned the Twelve and gave them power and authority over all demons and to cure diseases, and he sent them to proclaim the Kingdom of God and to heal the sick. He said to them, “Take nothing for the  journey, neither walking stick, nor sack, nor food, nor money, and let no one take a second tunic. Whatever house you enter, stay there and leave from there. And as for those who do not welcome you, when you leave that town, shake the dust from your feet in testimony against them.” Then they set out and went from village to village proclaiming the good news and curing diseases everywhere.

 

In today’s Gospel reading, Christ empowers the Twelve to go out into the world and proclaim the Good News about the Kingdom of Heaven. He sent them not only to proclaim the Word, but also to heal the sick. Christ not only empowered the Twelve, He also empowered all the generations to come to do the same. We have all been given special graces of the Holy Spirit through our baptism and we are re-nourished through the power of the Eucharist and our participation in the sacraments to continue the mission of Christ in this world. The Word of God has the ability to change your life and to set you free from pain and suffering. Through the Gospel we find salvation and eternal life. We defeat death and sickness, pain and suffering for the glory of God in heaven. We find salvation from sickness, heartache and every earthly infliction. God gave us the same power he gave to the original Twelve. We too can change the world by preaching the gospel not only in words, but in our actions. We can become the beacon of light which leads others to the narrow gate to eternal life.

 

What is most interesting about today’s Gospel is Jesus’ instructions to the Twelve.  Jesus tells them, “Take nothing for the journey, neither walking stick, nor sack, nor food, nor money, and let no one take a second tunic.” He tells the Twelve that to truly preach the Gospel, they must separate themselves from the earthly treasures that keep us from seeing Christ in the world and finding the Kingdom of God. We must release the burdens which tie us to earth and keep us from heaven. How can we ask others to sacrifice if we are not willing to sacrifice ourselves. The more earthly treasures we give up, the more room we make for Christ in our lives. If our life is filled with new cars, the latest electronic gadgets and new clothes, how can we find space for Christ. Do you set aside time for others in need? Do you set aside time for your family and friends? Do you set aside time for Christ?  As you reflect upon your conscience today, ask yourself what material items keep you from total surrounding to God.

 

A Simple Prayer

 

Lord God, you gave me the power to proclaim the gospel.

Give me the power to use these gifts to bring others to your table.

 

Yours in Christ

Michael Marcon

 

Meditation Minute

My Dearest Brothers and Sisters in Christ:

 

“My mother and my brothers are those who hear the word of God and act on it.”

 

Gospel Reading: Luke 8:19-21

 

The mother of Jesus and his brothers came to him but were unable to join him because of the crowd. He was told, “Your mother and your brothers are standing outside and they wish to see you.” He said to them in reply, “My mother and my brothers are those who hear the word of God and act on it.”

 

Wow, can you believe that Jesus blew-off his mom.  How much trouble would you be in if you didn’t acknowledge your mom.  After reading the Gospel, it might appear that Jesus is rebuking his family. His family comes to see him but because of the crowds they cannot get near him. He is told of their desire, but Jesus responds, “My mother and my brothers are those who hear the word of God and act on it.” Did he just rebuke his mom? There is no doubt that Jesus loved his mother very much, but today’s message helps us understand the depth of the relationship we should seek with God. He is calling all of us to be one of his siblings. God never intended humans to be alone. In the beginning when God created man and he was alone, God saw that was not good and Adam was lonely. To respond to this solitude, God created a companion for Adam. Man formed a relationship with woman. In today’s gospel, God is telling us that while the relationship with your family is important, it is nothing unless that relationship is centered on God. Only through your relationship with God can you elevate your earthly relationships. All relationships should include the communion with God.  To be in communion with God, we must participate in the Word.  We must willingly to allow God to take control of our life and lead us to Him.

 

Being a good Christian is more than following the Ten Commandments, it is about establishing a relationship with God and making him head of your family. Today’s gospel challenges us to take the relationship deeper by elevating the importance of that relationship. By making your relationship with God the most important relationship in your life, we commit to a relationship of love. Any relationship founded on true love includes trust, commitment, loyalty, kindness and compassion. If we have this type of relationship with God, it will flow down into our other relationships. It will become the foundation for all relationships we form on earth. Every relationship you form on earth should mirror your relationship with God. Your relationship with other men and women should be Christ centered. The relationship should mirror the relationship you would have with Christ.

 

A Simple Prayer

 

My Heavenly Father, I love you and cherish you.

I desire a relationship with you.

May all my relationships mirror the one you desire from me.

 

Yours in Christ

Michael Marcon

 

 

Meditation Minute

My Dearest Brothers and Sisters in Christ:

 

“No one who lights a lamp conceals it with a vessel.”

 

Gospel Reading: Luke 8:16-18

Jesus said to the crowd: “No one who lights a lamp conceals it with a vessel or sets it under a bed; rather, he places it on a lamp stand so that those who enter may see the light. For there is nothing hidden that will not become visible, and nothing secret that will not be known and come to light. Take care, then, how you hear. To anyone who has, more will be given, and from the one who has not, even what he seems to have will be taken away.”

 

In today’s Gospel, we hear the story about the parable of the lamp. In the days of Jesus, lamps were the only means to see in the darkness. If you needed to work at night, you would need a lamp to get around. The lamp became the means to reveal what was hidden in the darkness.  In the darkness, we should seek out the lamp to become enlighten.  Once we become enlightened, we too will become a beacon of light for others.  God gives each of us many graces and gifts which help define who we are. These graces help light up the darkness not only in our own lives but in those around us. Our lamp helps us reveal who we are. Do you allow your gifts and talents to be revealed to others? Jesus tells us, “For there is nothing hidden that will not become visible,  and nothing secret that will not be known and come to light.” These truths that we have about ourselves will someday be revealed no matter how much we try to hide them. God is all knowing and knows what we try to hide. You cannot keep anything away from him. This not only includes the gifts which we have been given, but also the sins which darken your soul. You should use the light of God to illuminate and reveal those things which prevent you from journeying to God. Do not cover up the light, but let it shine bright for others to come see. Your light is a gift, reveal it to others so that those who enter may see the light.

 

A Simple Prayer

 

Lord, you are the Light of World.

Fill my heart and my soul with the wisdom and truth of the light.

May your light guide eliminate the darkness in my life,

And lead me to the Kingdom of Heaven.

 

Yours in Christ

Michael Marcon

Meditation Minute

My Dearest Brothers and Sisters in Christ:

 

“Follow me.”

 

Gospel Reading: Matthew 9:9-13

 

As Jesus passed by, he saw a man named Matthew sitting at the customs post. He said to him, “Follow me.” And he got up and followed him. While he was at table in his house, many tax collectors and sinners came and sat with Jesus and his disciples. The Pharisees saw this and said to his disciples, “Why does your teacher eat with tax collectors and sinners?” He heard this and said, “Those who are well do not need a physician, but the sick do. Go and learn the meaning of the words, I desire mercy, not sacrifice. I did not come to call the righteous but sinners.”

 

What were you doing when Jesus called out to you, "Follow me." Jesus has called each of us to follow him. Not one of us has not been called.  The question is, “Were you listening?” Matthew, a tax collector, rose to the challenge and became one of the twelve Apostles. We too are called to leave the comfort of our normal everyday lives to become Disciples of Christ. There is not one person on this earth who has not been called to serve. Are you ready to be one of his disciples?  You might be saying to yourself that I am not worthy of his calling.  But if not you, then who?  Jesus called forth Matthew, a tax collector and a sinner.  In the days of Jesus, the tax collectors were considered some of the most evil and corrupt men on earth as they would pilfer and steal from others. The tax collector was put on par with the thieves and prostitutes. They were the worst of individuals. So why would Jesus call Matthew? He was not like other apostles called into service. In fact he was probably strongly hated by the townspeople in the village he lived. Matthew was chosen because he experienced the salvation shared through the grace of God. The simple command “follow me” was all Matthew needed to abandon his sinful ways and become a true disciple of Christ. Matthew became a loyal and dedicated servant of Christ at such a simple request. So why would Matthew become an apostle? Matthew, a greedy tax collector, must have realized after simply experiencing the presence of Christ in his life that the treasures of the Kingdom of God were far greater than the treasures he pilfered from the local Israelites. Jesus did not have to tell Matthew any long parable or convince him to be an apostle. He just simply looked into his heart and said, “Follow me” - two words that must have translated into “You’re forgiven” or “You’re loved.” Two words completely changed the life of Matthew forever.  It was this inner grace from God that completely changed Matthew’s life.

 

After Jesus called Matthew into service, many tax collectors and sinners came and sat down with Jesus and his disciples. Matthew’s calling opened the door for other sinners to come to God. However, the Pharisees were not happy that Jesus would sit and break bread with such men. They say to his disciples, “Why does your teacher eat with tax collectors and sinners?” Jesus hearing their complaints responds, “Those who are well do not need a physician,  but the sick do.” Jesus came not to heal the righteous, but to heal the sinners. We are all sinners, and yet we are all called into service to spread the word of God. There is no sin so great that you cannot repent and become a missionary for Christ. In two words, Jesus healed Matthew. In two words, Jesus can heal you too.

 

A Simple Prayer

 

Lord Jesus, our Savior and Light, I hear your calling to “Follow me.”

Give me the strength and wisdom to let go my sinful life so I can follow you.

 

Yours in Christ

Michael Marcon

 

Meditation Minute

My Dearest Brothers and Sisters in Christ:

 

“Your sins are forgiven. Your faith has saved you; go in peace.”

 

Gospel Reading: Luke 7:36-50

 

A certain Pharisee invited Jesus to dine with him, and he entered the Pharisee’s house and reclined at table. Now there was a sinful woman in the city who learned that he was at table in the house of the Pharisee. Bringing an alabaster flask of ointment, she stood behind him at his feet weeping and began to bathe his feet with her tears. Then she wiped them with her hair, kissed them, and anointed them with the ointment. When the Pharisee who had invited him saw this he said to himself, “If this man were a prophet, he would know who and what sort of woman this is who is touching him, that she is a sinner.” Jesus said to him in reply, “Simon, I have something to say to you.” “Tell me, teacher,” he said. “Two people were in debt to a certain creditor; one owed five hundred days’ wages and the other owed fifty. Since they were unable to repay the debt, he forgave it for both. Which of them will love him more?” Simon said in reply, “The one, I suppose, whose larger debt was forgiven.” He said to him, “You have judged rightly.” Then he turned to the woman and said to Simon, “Do you see this woman? When I entered your house, you did not give me water for my feet, but she has bathed them with her tears and wiped them with her hair. You did not give me a kiss, but she has not ceased kissing my feet since the time I entered. You did not anoint my head with oil, but she anointed my feet with ointment. So I tell you, her many sins have been forgiven; hence, she has shown great love. But the one to whom little is forgiven, loves little.” He said to her, “Your sins are forgiven.” The others at table said to themselves, “Who is this who even forgives sins?” But he said to the woman, “Your faith has saved you; go in peace.”

 

In today’s gospel reading, Jesus teaches a very important lesson about forgiveness. Why are we compelled to do the things that we do?  A woman, who is described as a sinner or prostitute, greets Jesus and begins shower him with gifts of special reverence. “She stood behind him at his feet weeping and began to bathe his feet with her tears.” What compelled her to prostrate herself before Christ except for the sorrowfulness for her sins.  She came to the feet of Christ and bathed his feet with her tears.  These tears expressed the contriteness of her heart.  She was truly sorry for her sins and knew that she had offended our Father in heaven.  On her nears, crying in sorrowfulness she expresses her remorse for who she is. It was her contrite heart that Jesus saw and forgave. 

   

Many times we are blind to the actions of other and judge them wrongly.  The Pharisee was rather indignant at what he saw. The Pharisee thought, “If this man were a prophet, he would know who and what sort of woman this is who is touching him, that she is a sinner.” Jesus, knowing the inner thoughts of the Rabbi, use the moment to teach the man about forgiveness.  It is obvious that the grace of God has filled the woman with repentant sorrow.  It is this repentant sorrow that compels her to kneel at the feet of Jesus.  It is also the hardness of the Pharisee’s heart that causes him to wrongly judge the motives of the woman.  Out of pure love, the woman worships Christ.  In response to her act of love Jesus forgives the woman of her sins.  Because of his blindness to the truth, the Pharisee cannot see the forgiveness.  In his blindness, the Rabbi does not even greet Jesus with the customary greeting yet the woman used precious oil which would have been extremely valuable.

 

The real message here is that the woman, through her own humility, fell prostate at his feet and showed true love and compassion for Christ. Because of this demonstration, Jesus says, “So I tell you, her many sins have been forgiven; hence, she has shown great love. But the one to whom little is forgiven, loves little.” We are all sinners. Are you willing to fall prostrate before him and ask for true forgiveness? Do you love him enough to spend the valuable perfume to anoint him? Do you shed tears over your sins? Do you open yourself to the grace and unlimited mercy of God? We can take the position of the Pharisee and reject God’s love or we can take the position of the sinner and accept God’s love. When you take time to examine your conscience and evaluate your sins, you are at the feet of Christ. What you do while you are at the feet of Christ tells God what is truly on your heart.  It is through the humility of reconciliation that we shed the tears that open us up to true forgiveness. It is through our faith, Christ’s grace and love, that we are saved.

 

A Simple Prayer

 

Lord Jesus Christ, I fall to your feet.

A weep in sorrow because I am a sinner.

Let me anoint you with my tears and my sorrows.

I give these things up to you my Lord so I can be filled with your grace.

 

Yours in Christ

Michael Marcon

 

Meditation Minute

My Dearest Brothers and Sisters in Christ:

 

“We played the flute for you, but you did not dance.”

 

Gospel Reading: Luke 7:31-35

 

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

 

When Jesus spoke to his disciples, his message must have fallen on deaf ears. Jesus was disappointed at the Israelites because they were not excited to hear his message. Can you imagine Jesus coming and speaking at church and you yawn in boredom? Or even worse, you completely ignore him while you’re talking with your friends or fall asleep. Can you image him coming and getting mad at him because celebrates with sinners, beggars and prostitutes? The Israelites were “bored” with Jesus’ message. They did not want to hear what he had to say. They yawned at him and made up excuses not to be with him. Is this not our reaction when we hear Jesus? Do we try to avoid going to be with God? Are you excited to be able to celebrate the Eucharist or do you makeup excuses to miss Mass? Anytime you have the opportunity to engage the Word, whether through formation, fellowship, adoration, or reconciliation, you should dance with joy because God is with you in a very special way. Jesus gave us the sacraments so we could have a life-long encounter with Christ. When we meet Christ in the sacraments, we should praise God with all the same fanfare we celebrate New Year’s. The Israelites were “bored” because they could not see the greatness of the Lord. But it is out of our blindness that we cannot see the celebration which Christ has brought to us. We let the devil enter the picture to divert our eyes from the true happiness we should experience when we are with Christ. God is piping us a beautiful song, we should stand and dance with the Lord. We should get lost in his celebration.

 

A Simple Prayer

 

Lord Jesus, I want to hear your music and celebrate,

May the good news of gospel fill my heart with joy and love

So I may serve you here on Earth.

 

Yours in Christ

Michael Marcon

 

 

 

Meditation Minute

My Dearest Brothers and Sisters in Christ:

 

“A great prophet has arisen in our midst.”

 

Gospel Reading: Luke 7:11-17

Jesus journeyed to a city called Nain, and his disciples and a large crowd accompanied him. As he drew near to the gate of the city, a man who had died was being carried out, the only son of his mother, and she was a widow. A large crowd from the city was with her. When the Lord saw her, he was moved with pity for her and said to her, “Do not weep.” He stepped forward and touched the coffin; at this the bearers halted, and he said, “Young man, I tell you, arise!” The dead man sat up and began to speak, and Jesus gave him to his mother. Fear seized them all, and they glorified God, exclaiming, “A great prophet has arisen in our midst,” and “God has visited his people.” This report about him spread through the whole of Judea and in all the surrounding region.

 

How many times have we faced misfortune.  Sorrow overcomes us and it becomes difficult to coup with the grief.  The normalcy of our lives are disrupted and worry begin as we try to make sense of the situation.  Jesus responds to our needs and helps us through our fears.  In today’s Gospel, Jesus reached out to the lady who lost her son.  The Gospel says that Jesus was “moved with pity.”  As we suffer in life, Jesus feels our grief and reaches out to help us.  Jesus does not like us to have sorrow in our lives, but we live in a fallen world and sorrow is inevitable.  If we reach out to Christ, he will comfort us.  He can relieve the death in our lives and fill us with the hope of new life.  We must be willing to look to him for our security.  He will restore our lives.  Through him we will restore our lives.

 

A Simple Prayer

 

Lord, you are the life of the world.

Through you we find comfort and security.

Give me the strength to offer up my suffering.

Give me the strength to find security in you touch.

 

Yours in Christ

Michael Marcon

 

Meditation Minute

My Dearest Brothers and Sisters in Christ:

 

“Lord, do not trouble yourself, for I am not worthy to have you come under my roof.” 

 

Gospel Reading: Luke 7:1-10

 

When Jesus had finished all his words to the people, he entered Capernaum. A centurion there had a slave who was ill and about to die, and he was valuable to him. When he heard about Jesus, he sent elders of the Jews to him, asking him to come and save the life of his slave. They approached Jesus and strongly urged him to come, saying, "He deserves to have you do this for him, for he loves our nation and he built the synagogue for us." And Jesus went with them, but when he was only a short distance from the house, the centurion sent friends to tell him, "Lord, do not trouble yourself, for I am not worthy to have you enter under my roof. Therefore, I did not consider myself worthy to come to you; but say the word and let my servant be healed. For I too am a person subject to authority, with soldiers subject to me. And I say to one, 'Go,' and he goes; and to another, 'Come here,' and he comes; and to my slave, 'Do this,' and he does it." When Jesus heard this he was amazed at him and, turning, said to the crowd following him, "I tell you, not even in Israel have I found such faith." When the messengers returned to the house, they found the slave in good health.

 

Today’s Gospel reading is the source for the new liturgy translation we use in Mass, “Lord, I am not worthy that you should enter my roof, but only say the word and my soul shall be healed.”  We must realize acknowledge our unworthiness, our humbleness before God.  We must accept that He is the master and we are his servants. The theme today is about coming to Christ and coming to know Christ.  The centurion in today’s reading was obviously not Jewish and would have been discouraged from even caring about the Jews.  So it was unexpected that he would come to Christ for a Jewish person, a person who was his slave.  Yet he had the courage to overcome the ridicule and possible retaliation from his own people to help this lowly servant.  This centurion was more concerned about the slave then he was about his own honor and dignity among the Roman elite.  He elevated the value of the servant above him when he asked Jesus to cure the slave.  As the centurion approached Jesus he said to him, “Lord, do not trouble yourself, for I am not worthy to have you enter under my roof.”  This was an outward sign of his humility.  The centurion obviously recognized who was the greater person.  We too must accept humility before we can accept help from the Lord.  We must recognize our unworthiness and our sinfulness before we can open our hearts to allow the Lord to come in.  Jesus responded to this demonstration by saying, “I tell you, not even in Israel have I found such faith.”  This is the same response we get when we humble ourselves before Christ and invite him into our lives.  The door to salvation is right in front of us and humility is the key which opens the lock and lets you in. 

 

A Simple Prayer

 

Lord, I am not worthy of your help for I am a sinner

But say the word, and let my servant be healed.

Increase my faith so I can stand true even when it is not popular.

 

Yours in Christ:

Michael Marcon    

 

Meditation Minute

My Dearest Brothers and Sisters in Christ:

 

“For God so loved the world that he gave his only Son, so that everyone who believes in him might not perish but might have eternal life.”

 

Gospel Reading: John 3:13-17

 

Jesus said to Nicodemus: “No one has gone up to heaven except the one who has come down from heaven, the Son of Man. And just as Moses lifted up the serpent in the desert, so must the Son of Man be lifted up, so that everyone who believes in him may have eternal life.”  For God so loved the world that he gave his only Son, so that everyone who believes in him might not perish but might have eternal life. For God did not send his Son into the world to condemn the world, but that the world might be saved through him.

 

Today is the Feast of the Exaltation of the Cross.  The feast, more than anything else, is a celebration and commemoration of God's greatest work for us: his salvific death on the Cross and His Resurrection, through which death was defeated and the doors to Heaven opened.  The entrance antiphon for the Feast of the Exaltation of the Holy Cross is: "We should glory in the cross of our Lord Jesus Christ, for he is our salvation, our life and our resurrection: through him we are saved and made free."  The cross is more than two pieces of wood; it is throne on which Jesus was “lifted up.”  In today’s Gospel reading, we hear one of the most popular bible verses of all – “For God so loved the world that he gave his only Son.” But it also tells us that God sent Jesus to us not to condemn us, but to save us from our sins. He sent his only son to be the light and the way, to be the guide who leads us to the narrow gate.  He sent his only Son, to suffer and die for our sins and on the third day He would rise again to save us from the eternal fires of Hell. What is the narrow gate which opens up our freedom but the cross on which Christ was raised before his subjects.  Jesus is the light that came into the world to show us the way to the Kingdom of Heaven. We cannot make it to the Kingdom of Heaven without going through the cross.  We must recognize the cross as the greatest sacrifice of all; a sacrifice that can free us from our sins.  God sent his son to be our beacon so that we might be saved.  Jesus is the example which will lead us to eternal life.  By leading a life imaging the life of Christ, we develop a virtuous habit which helps perfect our soul.  Christ burdened the cross to free us from our sins so that we might find eternal life with his Father in Heaven.  He does not condemn us for our sins, but frees us from our earthly bonds which can lead us to the fires of Hell. To find Christ, we must be willing to imitate his life and ultimately his sacrifice.  We must be willing to lift high the cross. 

 

A Simple Prayer

 

Christ Jesus, you are the gift which saves us from our sins.

You are the light which leads us to the gate.

Strengthen our will so we can find the light of God.

 

Yours in Christ

Michael Marcon

 

Meditation Minute

My Dearest Brothers and Sisters in Christ:

 

“To you who hear I say, love your enemies, do good to those who hate you, bless those who curse you, pray for those who mistreat you.”

 

Gospel Reading: Luke 6:27-38

 

Jesus said to his disciples: “To you who hear I say, love your enemies, do good to those who hate you, bless those who curse you, pray for those who mistreat you. To the person who strikes you on one cheek, offer the other one as well, and from the person who takes your cloak, do not withhold even your tunic. Give to everyone who asks of you, and from the one who takes what is yours do not demand it back. Do to others as you would have them do to you. For if you love those who love you, what credit is that to you? Even sinners love those who love them. And if you do good to those who do good to you, what credit is that to you? Even sinners do the same. If you lend money to those from whom you expect repayment, what credit is that to you? Even sinners lend to sinners, and get back the same amount.  But rather, love your enemies and do good to them, and lend expecting nothing back; then your reward will be great and you will be children of the Most High, for he himself is kind to the ungrateful and the wicked. Be merciful, just as also your Father is merciful.  “Stop judging and you will not be judged. Stop condemning and you will not be condemned. Forgive and you will be forgiven. Give and gifts will be given to you; a good measure, packed together, shaken down, and overflowing, will be poured into your lap. For the measure with which you measure will in return be measured out to you.”

 

Today’s Gospel reading is very fitting in the shadow of the anniversary of 9/11, recent world events and the current political scene in the US. It seems that hatred abounds in the world at a time when love and compassion are greatly needed.  Jesus tells us that we must be compassionate, not to our friends but to our enemies. We are called not only to love our enemies but to pray for and bless them in the name of God. I asked the teens last night at Upper Room if they would be willing to give their life for someone they hated and one replied, “I hope I would be able to.”  I think at times this is the most difficult thing that Christ asked us to do. When we are born, God gave us the grace to love and to hope. He does not give us the grace to hate. This aspect of our character we learn from the world around us. How much better this world would be if we could abolish hatred. Hatred leads to retaliation and retaliation leads to more hatred. This becomes an infestation that feeds upon itself.  Unless we break the cycle, hatred continues to grow. Christ tells us that we must be willing to give up everything we own for our neighbor, we must be willing to give them the clothes from our back and all the money that we have in hopes that this will lead to peace and unity. How we treat our enemies is a true testament to our treatment of Christ. It is easy to love those who love you, it is a true symbol of character to love those who hate you. Christ tells us “love your enemies and do good to them, and lend expecting nothing back; then your reward will be great and you will be children of the Most High, for he himself is kind to the ungrateful and the wicked.” Who are the kind and the ungrateful? We are. No matter what we do, our Father in heaven always loves us. He cherishes us and pours out his unconditional love for us. If we are to find the path to heaven, then we must line it with prayers and blessing for those we have learned to hate. The message is simple, “Stop judging and you will not be judged. Stop condemning and you will not be condemned.  Forgive and you will be forgiven. Give and gifts will be given to you; a good measure, packed together, shaken down, and overflowing, will be poured into your lap. Today, say a special prayer for your enemies and most importantly say a prayer for those who hate the US and who are in turmoil with our government and politicians that we can become brothers and sisters in Christ.

 

A Simple Prayer

 

Lord God, you are the master of the world.

You gave me the gifts of love and hope, but I have learned to hate.

Help me abolish hatred in my life so that I may help end hatred in the world.

 

Yours in Christ

Michael Marcon

 

Meditation Minute

My Dearest Brothers and Sisters in Christ:

 

“Blessed are you who are poor, for the Kingdom of God is yours.”

 

Gospel Reading: Luke 6:20-26

 

Raising his eyes toward his disciples Jesus said:  “Blessed are you who are poor, for the Kingdom of God is yours. Blessed are you who are now hungry, for you will be satisfied. Blessed are you who are now weeping, for you will laugh. Blessed are you when people hate you, and when they exclude and insult you, and denounce your name as evil on account of the Son of Man. Rejoice and leap for joy on that day! Behold, your reward will be great in heaven.  For their ancestors treated the prophets in the same way. But woe to you who are rich, for you have received your consolation. But woe to you who are filled now, for you will be hungry. Woe to you who laugh now, for you will grieve and weep. Woe to you when all speak well of you, for their ancestors treated the false prophets in this way.”

 

Today's message is quite clear, those that suffer on earth will be rewarded in the Kingdom of God. Those who sacrifice everything for God and give up all the earthly items will find a special joy in heaven. I have heard many a preacher say that someone must be blessed because they are rich or that they have a good job. Not that these people cannot be blessed, but this implies that those who have nothing are being punished by God. Today’s gospel reading tells us something quite different. The truly blessed people are those who have found God and have absolutely nothing. Those are the people who one would expect to be soured by their position in society. Christ tells us that if you are poor on earth, you will be rich in heaven; or, if you had a sad life on earth, you will have a very happy life in heaven. We will all suffer and experience some degree of pain, suffering, sickness, and even death. However, some people appear to be burdened with an abundance of pain and suffering. At times we may think that a dark cloud is just sitting over our head. Why does God allow us to suffer? Why must people be poor and homeless? We are called to have faith in God and offer this suffering to him. This offering transcends earthly happiness and allows us to reach a spiritual happiness in the kingdom of heaven.

 

We have all seen people who absolutely nothing, yet they laugh and have fun. They are content with what God has given them and they take satisfaction in their simple lives. Why are they not sad? The word Beatitude literally means happiness. True happiness comes from the suffering. Are you really happy if you are given everything? Do we not get bored with material things to only want more? Then we become bored with this stuff and want even more. Is that really happiness? How long does that brand new IPod or Xbox keep you happy? True happiness is found in the Beatitudes. This message is really trying to tell us that the poor are not held captive to material things and therefore can see the things that bring true happiness. They can see the Kingdom of God because their site is not blinded by greed for earthly materials. To find true happiness in heaven, we will need to empty our lives of those things that prevent us from seeing God. This is why we are asked to fast, pray and give alms. During this time, we separate ourselves from the earthly things and allow our souls to unite with God in Heaven. These are things we typically do during lent; however, we are called to live Lent year round, not just during the Lenten season.

 

A Simple Prayer

 

Lord, I desire to find your happiness,

Give me the strength to separate myself from the earthly things that keep me from you.

I hunger for your love.

May my suffering allow me to see you more clearly.

 

Yours in Christ

Michael Marcon

 

Meditation Minute

My Dearest Brothers an d Sisters in Christ:

 

“Is it lawful to do good on the Sabbath rather than to do evil, to save life rather than to destroy it?”

 

Gospel Reading: Luke 6:6-11

 

On a certain Sabbath Jesus went into the synagogue and taught, and there was a man there whose right hand was withered. The scribes and the Pharisees watched him closely to see if he would cure on the Sabbath so that they might discover a reason to accuse him. But he realized their intentions and said to the man with the withered hand, “Come up and stand before us.” And he rose and stood there. Then Jesus said to them, “I ask you, is it lawful to do good on the Sabbath rather than to do evil, to save life rather than to destroy it?” Looking around at them all, he then said to him, “Stretch out your hand.” He did so and his hand was restored. But they became enraged and discussed together what they might do to Jesus.

 

In today’s Gospel reading, the scribes and the Pharisees are watching Jesus trying to trap him in violating the commandments. Jesus sees their intentions and challenges the Pharisees and scribes to extend their thinking beyond the words and look for the deeper meaning of the commandments. The commandment, Keep Holy the Sabbath Day, is all about salvation and saving and not about abstinence from work. If someone is ill, then we should reach out to render aid. The intention of the Sabbath is to “do good” and to “save life” and not allow humanity to die in sin. Jesus calls the cripple man forward and says to him, “Stretch out your hand.” He extended his hand and it was healed. When someone is hurting or needing help, the first thing that comes to mind is out stretched hands. When a child needs his parents, they approach them with outstretched hands. As we go through life, many people extend their hands for help; the poor, the homeless, the weak, and the injured. Do you deny them aide or do you reach out to help them? The Sabbath Day is a day of rest so we can recharge our life, so we can reflect on the aliments which cripple our souls. This is also a day we should honor God for all the healing graces He has provided to us. What better way to say thank you then to extend the same grace to someone else who is in need. Not only is the Sabbath a day for you to extend your arms to ask for forgiveness from your sins, but it is a day for you to embrace someone else who has extended their arms in need. The sad part about today’s Gospel is that the Pharisees and scribes did not recognize the good that Jesus provided. Jesus not only cured this man’s hands, he also cured this man’s soul. They were so wrapped up with hatred and envy that they missed the true meaning of today’s message. The Sabbath is a day of healing and we are called to be healers of men. The Sabbath is a day of salvation and we should walk with our hands extended to embrace the Lord.

 

A Simple Prayer

 

Lord Jesus, I extend my arms to be healed.

May your saving grace flow through my body.

Transform me into your servant so I can heal others.

Give me the strength to help the poor and the weak.

 

Yours in Christ

Michael Marcon

 

Meditation Minute

My Dearest Brothers and Sisters in Christ:

 

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

 

Gospel Reading: Luke 5:33-39

 

The scribes and Pharisees said to Jesus, “The disciples of John the Baptist fast often and offer prayers, and the disciples of the Pharisees do the same; but yours eat and drink.” Jesus answered them, “Can you make the wedding guests fast while the bridegroom is with them? But the days will come, and when the bridegroom is taken away from them, then they will fast in those days.” And he also told them a parable. “No one tears a piece from a new cloak to patch an old one. Otherwise, he will tear the new and the piece from it will not match the old cloak. Likewise, no one pours new wine into old wineskins. Otherwise, the new wine will burst the  skins, and it will be spilled, and the skins will be ruined. Rather, new wine must be poured into fresh wineskins. And no one who has been drinking old wine desires new, for he says, ‘The old is good.’”

 

In today’s gospel reading, Jesus is being challenged by the scribes and the Pharisees. These people were generally very legalistic and believed in the literal meaning of law. They said to Jesus, “The disciples of John the Baptist fast often and offer prayers; … but yours eat and drink.” Fasting was a major part of the Jewish lifestyle so why was Jesus letting his disciples avoid fasting? Jesus replied, “Can you make the wedding guests fast while the bridegroom is with them? But the days will come, and when the bridegroom is taken away from them, then they will fast in those days.” So what is Jesus really trying to tell the disciples? The disciples of Jesus were feasting in the presence of Christ. They were celebrating his very presence among them.  Now was not the time to fast, but the time to celebrate because in the near future he was going to be taken away from them. Jesus explains this in a parable about placing new wine in old wine skins. If you place new wine in old skins, the fermenting wine will cause the wine skin to burst. New wine needs to be placed in new skins. Jesus is trying to explain to the disciples that there are times when old traditions are appropriate and times when we need to let the new traditions begin. This relationship/discipleship with Jesus was new and exciting. Jesus filled them with the Holy Spirit and they were alive and celebrating. Why would you fast when you’re feasting on the Holy Spirit? While there is nothing wrong with old traditions; new traditions can be just as rewarding.  And in this case, bringing you closer to God. This also goes for fasting and feasting; there is a time to fast and a time feast. When we walk with Christ we are feasting in his presence, but when we need to atone for our sins, it is a time to fast.

 

A Simple Prayer

 

Lord, fill me with the Holy Spirit so I can feast in your presence.

Help me to find your presence in my prayers and my fasting.

May you become a tradition in my life which frees me from the bonds on sin.

 

Yours in Christ

Michael Marcon

 

Meditation Minute

My Dearest Brothers and Sisters in Christ:

 

“Do not be afraid; from now on you will be catching men.”

 

Gospel Reading: Luke 5:1-11

 

While the crowd was pressing in on Jesus and listening to the word of God, he was standing by the Lake of Gennesaret. He saw two boats there alongside the lake; the fishermen had disembarked and were washing their nets. Getting into one of the boats, the one belonging to Simon, he asked him to put out a short distance from the shore. Then he sat down and taught the crowds from the boat. After he had finished speaking, he said to Simon, "Put out into deep water and lower your nets for a catch." Simon said in reply, "Master, we have worked hard all night and have caught nothing, but at your command I will lower the nets." When they had done this, they caught a great number of fish and their nets were tearing. They signaled to their partners in the other boat to come to help them. They came and filled both boats so that they were in danger of sinking. When Simon Peter saw this, he fell at the knees of Jesus and said, "Depart from me, Lord, for I am a sinful man." For astonishment at the catch of fish they had made seized him and all those with him, and likewise James and John, the sons of Zebedee, who were partners of Simon. Jesus said to Simon, "Do not be afraid; from now on you will be catching men." When they brought their boats to the shore, they left everything and followed him.

 

Can you imagine what it must have been like for Peter?  You’re in your own boat minding your own business when along comes God.  Of all the people He could pick, He picked Peter.  He climbs in his boat and now Peter has an up close and personal seat with Christ.  When Jesus is preaching to the crowd, Peter has the best seat in the house.  From this story, you know that Peter must be special, he has the prime seat in the house.  Now Peter is also probably tired and weary.  He has been up all night fishing and hasn’t caught a thing.  He was busy putting his nets away when Jesus asks him to go out and try again.  Peter must of thought to himself, “Is this guy crazy, I’m ready to go home and go to bed and this guy wants me to dirty my nets again!”  He tells Jesus, “Master, we have worked hard all night and have caught nothing!” But somehow he is touched by Jesus’ words and does as he commands. How often does God call us into service, yet we find excuses to ignore him.  When we encounter Christ in our lives and He asks us to be His servant, our first response is to reject his request either out of fear, insecurity or doubt. But once we abandon our fear and follow His commands, we find that our reward is more abundant than we could imagine. Our nets are full and we need help bringing in our catch. At that point, we are so excited about the catch that we do not realize that our boat is on the verge of sinking because we do not know how to handle this new fragile faith. We do not know how to handle this new found fulfillment. Our faith is so fragile. It is easy to get discouraged either because you have been overloaded or because you do not know how to handle the cross you have been given. But if you follow Christ, He will take care of you. Even though the boats were overload, they made it safely to shore.  He will make sure that your boat stays afloat even in troubled waters. The more we grow in faith; the easier it is to follow Christ. But not only must we follow Christ, we are asked to lead others to his way. We are call to be “fishers of men.”

 

A Simple Prayer

 

Lord Jesus Christ, fill my heart with your compassion and love.

May I learn to use this love and compassion to lead others to you.

 

Yours in Christ

Michael Marcon

 

Meditation Minute

My Dearest Brothers and Sisters in Christ:

 

“They were astonished at his teaching because he spoke with authority.”

 

Gospel Reading: Luke 4:31-37

 

Jesus went down to Capernaum, a town of Galilee. He taught them on the Sabbath, and they were astonished at his teaching because he spoke with authority. In the synagogue there was a man with the spirit of an unclean demon, and he cried out in a loud voice, “What have you to do with us, Jesus of Nazareth? Have you come to destroy us? I know who you are–the Holy One of God!” Jesus rebuked him and said, “Be quiet! Come out of him!” Then the demon threw the man down in front of them and came out of him without doing him any harm. They were all amazed and said to one another, “What is there about his word? For with authority and power he commands the unclean spirits, and they come out.” And news of him spread everywhere in the surrounding region.

 

What does it mean when it says that Jesus “spoke with authority?”  Young Rabbis would rely on the teachings of the prophets and the Rabbis that came before them.  Jesus did not need to refer to the prophets for he was God himself speaking, he was the Word made Flesh.  Therefore, his word was the Word of God, there is no higher authority.  His word was so powerful, he was able to call the demons forth from the people they infected.  Jesus challenged his disciples to define who has control over our life.  In today’s gospel, we see that the man’s life is possessed by an unclean spirit. His life was controlled by this unclean spirit, but in an encounter with Jesus Christ, the unclean spirit was banished from him.  We too may have unclean spirits in our lives and these demons have control over our lives.  These demons are the addictions and actions which separate us from God.  When we encounter Jesus in our life, He has the power to overcome and control these demons.  Through his authority He can destroy the demons and free you from their grip.  At times these demons are so intertwined in our lives, we do not recognize them or we discount the power they have over us.  To recognize these demons, we need to examine our lives.  We also need to recognize that only Jesus has the authority and power to free us from our demons.  It is through our own submission to the will of God, that we will be freed from demons which can consume our lives.

 

A Simple Prayer

 

Lord, you are the supreme ruler,

You are God of all.

Call my name and I will come to be your servant

For your word is my authority.

 

Yours in Christ

Michael Marcon