Meditation Minute

My Dearest Brothers and Sisters in Christ:

 

“Anyone who has ears ought to hear.”

 

Gospel Reading: Mark 4:21-25

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

A Simple Prayer

 

Lord God, you are the light of the world.

You make all things visible through your love and compassion.

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

 

Yours in Christ

Michael Marcon

Meditation Minute

My Dearest Brothers and Sisters in Christ:

 

“Who are my mother and my brothers?”

 

Gospel Reading: Mark 3:31-35

 

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

 

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

 

A Simple Prayer

 

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

You give me strength and hope to face the world.

 

Yours in Christ

Michael Marcon

 

Meditation Minute

My Dearest Brothers and Sisters in Christ:

 

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

 

Gospel Reading: Mark 3:22-30

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

 

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

 

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

 

A Simple Prayer

 

Father in Heaven, you are the healer.

Only you can free me from Satan and his bondage.

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

 

Yours in Christ

Michael Marcon

Meditation Minute

My Dearest Brothers and Sisters in Christ:

 

“Whenever unclean spirits saw him they would fall down before him.”

 

Gospel Reading: Mark 3:7-12

 

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

 

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

 

A Simple Prayer

 

Lord God, I reach out to touch your robe.

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

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

 

Yours in Christ

Michael Marcon

Meditation Minnute

My Dearest Brothers and Sisters in Christ:

 

“The Sabbath was made for man, not man for the Sabbath.”

 

Gospel Reading: Mark 2:23-28

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

A Simple Prayer

 

Lord, may I keep holy your day.

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

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

 

Yours in Christ

Michael Marcon

Meditation Minute

My Dearest Brothers and Sisters in Christ:

 

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

 

Gospel Reading: Mark 2:18-22

 

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

 

In today’s Gospel reading, Jesus is being challenged regarding the custom of fasting. Fasting, along with prayer and almsgiving, were the three major duties of a Jew in the time of Jesus. Jesus simply replied that there is a time to fast and a time to feast. The purpose of fasting, prayer and almsgiving was a way to prepare for the coming of the messiah. Jesus is telling the disciples that the Bridegroom, their savior was among them. It was time to celebrate with joy and happiness. Jesus compares himself to the new wine. Jesus is the new spirit, the new covenant and should not be confused with the old. The old ways are still valuable, but something new is among them and they need to adopt new ways. This new spirit does not necessarily fit into the old ways and new wine cannot be placed into old wine skins. To walk with Christ is a feast in itself. He brings about a whole new joy that can consume our lives. We do not want to lose the old ways, but bring to them the new joy of Christ.  The spirit alive in this Gospel Reading is most visible in a new convert to the faith.  The joy of their faith is so over the top that nothing can contain it.  It is a time of celebration, a time to let everything go; not a time to hold back.  Today is a new day, a day to get excited about Christ and a day to proclaim with great joy that you have been consumed by Jesus. 

 

We are beginning the approach to lent.  While this period is called Ordinary Time, it is also a time for us to contemplate the period of Lent.  Lent is a time of fasting.  But for now, we should carry forward the light of Christmas which burns in our heart. This is not a time to fast, but truly is a time to celebrate the gift that was given to us at Christmas.

 

A Simple Prayer

 

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

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

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

 

Yours in Christ

Michael Marcon

Meditation Minute

My Dearest Brothers and Sisters in Christ:

 

“Child, your sins are forgiven.”

 

Gospel Reading: Mark 2:1-12

 

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

 

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

 

A Simple Prayer

 

Lord Jesus Christ, you are so kind and merciful.

Your forgiveness heals my soul and my body.

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

 

Yours in Christ

Michael Marcon

 

Meditation Minute

My Dearest Brothers and Sisters in Christ:

 

“If you wish, you can make me clean.”

 

Gospel Reading: Mark 1:40-45

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

 

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

 

A Simple Prayer

 

Lord Jesus, If you will, make me clean.

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

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

 

Yours in Christ

Michael Marcon

Meditation Minute

My Dearest Brothers and Sisters in Christ:

 

Gospel Reading Mark 1:29-39

 

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

 

In today’s Gospel reading, we hear about the healing of Peter’s Mother in Law.  See is sick and unable to be a host to her guests.  Recognizing her pain, Jesus reaches out to her to heal her.  In her healing she finds the strength to wait on her guests.  In response to his great works, the whole town approached him and all were healed.  This is the same healing we receive when we gather at Mass.  In the Mass, Jesus is presented to everyone.  At times, we would like to keep him to ourselves in our own home, in our own church, but his mission is much greater.  We must take Christ out to all the people.  We must be will to wait on those once we have received him.  When we experience the healing afforded to us through the Eucharist meal, we must be willing to become the Eucharist for others.  We must go out and take Christ to everyone. Did your New Year’s resolution include the any spiritual resolution. If not, make a resolution to become the face of Christ for others.  Invite people to come to church with you.  While at church, greet people with joy and happiness.  We be can become the light for others to bring them into the fold.

 

A Simple Prayer

 

Lord God, you are the healer, the one who makes me whole.

Give me the strength to go out and Evangelize others.

Fill me with your grace and love so I can bring others to your banquet table.

 

Yours in Christ

Michael Marcon

 

 

 

Meditation Minute

My Dearest Brothers and Sisters in Christ:

 

“Repent, for the Kingdom of heaven is at hand.”

 

Gospel Reading: Matthew 4:12-17, 23-25

 

When Jesus heard that John had been arrested, he withdrew to Galilee.  He left Nazareth and went to live in Capernaum by the sea, in the region of Zebulun and Naphtali, that what had been said through Isaiah the prophet might be fulfilled: Land of Zebulun and land of Naphtali ,the way to the sea, beyond the Jordan, Galilee of the Gentiles, the people who sit in darkness have seen a great light, on those dwelling in a land overshadowed by death, light has arisen. From that time on, Jesus began to preach and say, “Repent, for the Kingdom of heaven is at hand.” He went around all of Galilee, teaching in their synagogues, proclaiming the Gospel of the Kingdom, and curing every disease and illness among the people.  His fame spread to all of Syria, and they brought to him all who were sick with various diseases and racked with pain, those who were possessed, lunatics, and paralytics, and he cured them.  And great crowds from Galilee, the Decapolis, Jerusalem, and Judea, and from beyond the Jordan followed him.

 

In today’s Gospel reading, we hear that Jesus has begun his mission. As soon as John the Baptist is arrested, Jesus begins his mission of spreading the Good News. His message is simple, He calls us to “Repent, for the Kingdom of heaven is at hand.” Jesus Christ is the Kingdom who came to heal us and spare us from eternal death. He came so that we would know the true light and be spared from the darkness. He is the great light who came to free the world from the darkness of sin and despair by proclaiming the Gospel of the Kingdom. He brought us the promise of hope and peace; a hope that we will share in the eternal Kingdom of God and peace with our Father in heaven. Jesus came not just to cure us from our ailments and afflictions; He came to establish our faith in the resurrection and life ever after. What do we need to do to enjoy these promises? We need to repent and be ready to receive the Word of God. His Word continues still today as we hear the Gospel readings and experience the joy of the sacrifice of the Eucharist. Christ is still among us proclaiming the Good News; He is still curing every disease and illness among the people. As you begin this New Year, make a resolution to listen to the Word and experience Christ in your life. Make a resolution to share Christ with others and to bring others to the Eucharistic banquet table. May we all gather around his table to experience the hope and peace that he brought into this world.

 

A Simple Prayer

 

Father, you sent your Son into this World to show us the light.

He came to heal us and save us from eternal death.

Help me to open my eyes and cure my legs so that I may see and walk with him

Spreading the Good News of the Kingdom of heaven.

 

Yours in Christ

Michael Marcon

 

Meditation Minute

My Dearest Brothers and Sisters in Christ:

 

“Behold, the Lamb of God, who takes away the sin of the world!” 

 

Gospel Reading: John 1:29-34

 

John the Baptist saw Jesus coming toward him and said, "Behold, the Lamb of God, who takes away the sin of the world. He is the one of whom I said, 'A man is coming after me who ranks ahead of me because he existed before me.' I did not know him, but the reason why I came baptizing with water was that he might be made known to Israel." John testified further, saying, "I saw the Spirit come down like a dove from the sky and remain upon him. I did not know him, but the one who sent me to baptize with water told me, 'On whomever you see the Spirit come down and remain, he is the one who will baptize with the Holy Spirit.' Now I have seen and testified that he is the Son of God."

 

In today’s Gospel reading, John the Baptist heralds us to "Behold, the Lamb of God, who takes away the sin of the world.” He gives witness to Christ and his divinity. John refers to Jesus as the Lamb of God, the Lamb of the Passover; the Lamb that will deliver us from the evil of our sins.  John is the witness of the Holy Spirit who descended upon Jesus and remains with him.  John testifies that he did not know Jesus, but realizes who Jesus is after he sees the Holy Spirit descend upon him.  We too should recognize Jesus as the Lamb of God, the one who takes away the sins of the world.  We are called to be a witness to the Holy Spirit and allow it to take over our lives.  It is through the Holy Spirit that Christ is revealed to us.  Once the Holy Spirit becomes active in our life, it is hard to deny his existence.

 

Pope Francis tells a story of a man who work for his Diocese for more than 30 years.  Every time the man began a task, he stated the name of Jesus.  Pope Francis asked him why he said that before he started work.  The man replied that the name of Jesus gave him power to do his work.  Francis said that the man was not a theologian, but only had to reply upon the power he gain through his Baptism and the Holy Spirit.  We must “Behold the Lam of God” and trust in him to carry us no matter what we do.  This same Holy Spirit revealed the Christ to John the Baptist through the power of Baptism.  We need to learn to trust in God and to let him rule our day.

 

A Simple Prayer:

 

Lord, fill me with the Holy Spirit so that I may grow to know you.

Take over my life because it is all I have to give you.

 

Yours in Christ

Michael Marcon

Meditation Minute

My Dearest Brothers and Sisters in Christ:

 

“I baptize with water; but there is one among you whom you do not recognize, the one who is coming after me, whose sandal strap I am not worthy to untie.”

 

Gospel Reading: John 1:19-28

This is the testimony of John.  When the Jews from Jerusalem sent priests and Levites to him to ask him, “Who are you?” He admitted and did not deny it, but admitted, “I am not the Christ.”  So they asked him, “What are you then? Are you Elijah?” And he said, “I am not.” “Are you the Prophet?” He answered, “No.”  So they said to him, “Who are you, so we can give an answer to those who sent us?  What do you have to say for yourself?” He said: “I am the voice of one crying out in the desert, ‘Make straight the way of the Lord,’  as Isaiah the prophet said.”  Some Pharisees were also sent.  They asked him, “Why then do you baptize if you are not the Christ or Elijah or the Prophet?” John answered them, “I baptize with water; but there is one among you whom you do not recognize, the one who is coming after me, whose sandal strap I am not worthy to untie.” This happened in Bethany across the Jordan, where John was baptizing.

 

In today’s Gospel Reading, John is “the voice of one crying out in the desert.” He is proclaiming the presence of Christ among us.  While he is challenged and questioned, he stands firm in his resolution calling the people of Israel to “Make straight the way of the Lord.”  This year in the church, we too are called to evangelize and call out to the people.  We are called to be a voice crying out in the desert.  But what is it that we are proclaiming?  What is the resolution of God that comes from your actions and your words?  The Pharisees sent messengers out to John the Baptist to question him. John did such a great job witnessing to the Messiah that some thought that he might be the Messiah himself. But he was clear in his response, “I am not Christ… I am the voice of one crying out in the desert.” John’s mission was to lead and direct others to Christ through his own resolutions.   John was the pregame announcer making sure that everyone knew that Christ now dwells among us. John heralded the way of Christ. The Holy Spirit filled John the Baptist and gave him the strength to lead the way to Christ. The big question is, “Do you recognize Christ in your life?” Are you a voice crying out in the desert that Christ is among us?  When John walked this earth, he was blasting the trumpets and crying at the top of his lungs, “Behold the Lamb of God who takes away the sins of the World!” Today, we are given the same mission. Christ is among us and we must make straight the way of the Lord. We must make the commitment to live a life worthy of Christ. It is our job to lead others to Christ. Maybe the real question should be, “Do others recognize Christ in me?” Our New Years’ resolution should focus on making sure that we are witnesses of Christ.  But remember resolutions are empty promises which bear no fruit unless they are put into action.  It is in our action that we make way for Christ in our lives.

 

A Simple Prayer

 

Lord Jesus Christ, you are the Lamb of God.

Make me the servant of your Word.

Help me to be faithful to your mission.

Let me make straight the way of the Lord.

 

Yours in Christ

Michael Marcon