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