Meditation Minute

My Dearest Brothers and Sisters in Christ:

 

“This generation is an evil generation; it seeks a sign, but no sign will be given it, except the sign of Jonah.”

 

Gospel Reading: Luke 11:29-32

 

While still more people gathered in the crowd, Jesus said to them, “This generation is an evil generation; it seeks a sign, but no sign will be given it, except the sign of Jonah.  Just as Jonah became a sign to the Ninevites, so will the Son of Man be to this generation. At the judgment, the queen of the south will rise with the men of this generation and she will condemn them, because she came from the ends of the earth to hear the wisdom of Solomon, and there is something greater than Solomon here.  At the judgment the men of Nineveh will arise with this generation and condemn it, because at the preaching of Jonah they repented, and there is something greater than Jonah here.”

 

Today I am altering the meditation minute profile.  Instead of reflecting directly upon the gospel passage above, I am asking that we begin a nine day novena for Pope Benedict XVI.  These are the last nine days of his pontificate.  His prayers are needed to help him transition from being Peter, to being a humble servant of God.  During his pontificate, he wrote many documents, letters and books.  His very first encyclical was Dues Ceritas Es – God is Love.  Benedict reflects upon the greatest of God’s commandments – love.  We too have an obligation to express our love through prayer.  During the last nine days, I ask that while you reflect on the gospel reading, you pray the following prayers for our Holy Father.

 

Lord, source of eternal life and truth, give to your shepherd, Benedict, a spirit of courage and right judgment, a spirit of knowledge and love. By governing with fidelity those entrusted to his care, may he, as successor to the Apostle Peter and Vicar of Christ, build your Church into a sacrament of unity, love and peace for all the world.

Amen.

V/ Let us pray for Benedict, the Pope.
R/ May the Lord preserve him, give him a long life, make him blessed upon the earth, and not hand him over to the power of his enemies.
V/ May your hand be upon your holy servant.
R/ And upon your son, whom you have anointed.

Our Father…
Hail Mary…
Glory Be

A Simple Prayer

 

Lord God, help me to recognize my sinful ways.

Help me to free myself from the bonds of Satan

It is through your mercy and goodness that I am set free.

 

Yours in Christ

Michael Marcon