Meditation Minute

My Dearest Brothers and Sisters in Christ:

 

"What God has joined together, let no man put asunder"

 

Gospel Reading: Mark 10:1-12

 

And he left there and went to the region of Judea and beyond the Jordan, and crowds gathered to him again; and again, as his custom was, he taught them. And Pharisees came up and in order to test him asked, "Is it lawful for a man to divorce his wife?" He answered them, "What did Moses command you?" They said, "Moses allowed a man to write a certificate of divorce, and to put her away." But Jesus said to them, "For your hardness of heart he wrote you this commandment. But from the beginning of creation, `God made them male and female.' `For this reason a man shall leave his father and mother and be joined to his wife, and the two shall become one flesh.' So they are no longer two but one flesh. What therefore God has joined together, let not man put asunder." And in the house the disciples asked him again about this matter. And he said to them, "Whoever divorces his wife and marries another, commits adultery against her; and if she divorces her husband and marries another, she commits adultery."

 

In today’s Gospel reading, Jesus is again challenged by the Pharisees.  The message today talks not only about the fundamental purpose of man, but the need for man, both male and female, to be united in marriage.  God did not create man to be alone but to have a partner.  So significant is this union, that God says that the two shall become one.  In the beginning when God created man, he “created them both male and female”.  They were one being and then God extracted Eve from Adam.  Why? Adam would have a companion like him, while at the same time equal and complimentary to him.  Through marriage, male and female are reunited in the bond that God had created when He first made man.  The two should become inseparable as was the original creation of God.  Are there couples that when you think of one, you can’t help but think of the other?  This is what God has in mind when he created male and female, that together in marriage they form a single unit.  To put it simply, the indissolubility of marriage is not something that the church made up but is part of the natural law that God gave us from the very beginning of time before the fall of man.  Man, both male and female, naturally needs to be united.  This is why when we date, we are seeking a partner, someone of the opposite sex who we can spend the rest of our life.  Someone who we should be willing to totally give ourselves to with no expectations in return and under no conditions.  If the relationship is all about “me” and not about “you”, then this is a relationship inconsistent with the natural plan of God “from the beginning”.  The ultimate union we seek is a union with our Father in Heaven.  Our earthly relationship is to mimic our heavenly relationship with God.  Our heavenly relationship is about serving and being in communion with God.  This union goes to heart of the purpose of man.  Man is supposed to be rooted in the personal and total self-giving of himself to his spouse.  This same spousal relationship becomes the true model of man to each other.  This the same model created in the church.  The church is the bride and Christ is bridegroom.  Christ sacrificed everything for his bride.  We too are called to sacrifice everything for our bride.  We are called to give unselfishly with nothing expected in return.  God calls us to live as a spouse for all of mankind.  Once we understand our true spousal nature, we begin to see and experience the kingdom of heaven here and now.  We begin to understand the relationship we will experience in our eternal life.

 

A Simple Prayer

 

Lord God, you are the Bridegroom

You sacrificed everything for me and my sins.

You defeated Satan and brought us eternal life.

Give me the strength to be the Bridegroom.

 

Yours in Christ

Michael Marcon

Meditation Minute

My Dearest Brothers and Sisters in Christ

 

“Have salt in yourselves, and be at peace with one another.”

 

Gospel Reading: Mark 9:41-50

Jesus said to his disciples: “Anyone who gives you a cup of water to drink because you belong to Christ, amen, I say to you, will surely not lose his reward. “Whoever causes one of these little ones who believe in me to sin, it would be better for him if a great millstone were put around his neck and he were thrown into the sea. If your hand causes you to sin, cut it off. It is better for you to enter into life maimed than with two hands to go into Gehenna, into the unquenchable fire. And if your foot causes you to sin, cut if off. It is better for you to enter into life crippled than with two feet to be thrown into Gehenna. And if your eye causes you to sin, pluck it out. Better for you to enter into the Kingdom of God with one eye than with two eyes to be thrown into Gehenna, where their worm does not die, and the fire is not quenched. “Everyone will be salted with fire. Salt is good, but if salt becomes insipid, with what will you restore its flavor? Keep salt in yourselves and you will have peace with one another.”

How bad do you want to have eternal life?  Jesus presents some pretty tough challenges in today’s gospel reading.  The value of good works centers on our charitable acts of love.  Helping our fellow man no matter who he is will in no way jeopardized our ability to get into heaven.  However, causing others to sin or leading them away from God is the gravest sin of all.  When we lead others from God, we are directly employed in the service of Satan.  Satan’s goal is to lead us away from Christ.  So when we lead others away from Christ, we are pleasing Satan.  Today’s Gospel reading takes us much deeper.  It is easy to see that causing others to separate themselves is a grave issue, but what about our own salvation.  To what length must we be willing to go to avoid sin?  If sin is what separates us from God, then we must be willing to separate ourselves from what leads us there.  Just like a doctor must sometimes take drastic measures to save a patient’s life.  We must be willing to take drastic steps to avoid sin.  Jesus is telling us that we need to look for the root cause of our sins and like a doctor take action to save the body.  Does this mean to literally cut off your hand our dig out your eye?  No, it means we need to take serious action on anything that cause us to sin.  Jesus says we need to purify ourselves.  We need to be salted with fire.  In ancient times, salt was a way to purify and the fire represents the Holy Spirit.  Jesus is telling us that if we have sin within our lives then we need to purify ourselves with the salt of the Holy Spirit.  We need to open our hearts to let the Holy Spirit cleanse us and remove those parts of our lives which lead us to the fires of Hell “where their worm does not die, and the fire is not quenched.”  The worm is the agony and remorse we will feel if we are separated from God and the fires are the torment we will feel while serving eternity in hell.

 

Where do you want to serve eternity?  Our actions today, determine the outcome of our eternal life. As we approach the beginning of Lent, meditate on the question, “How should I serve God today?” What charitable act can I do to bring people closer to Christ.  Pope Francis in his document Evangelii Gaudium says that we need to stop waiting in our church but go out into the community full of joy so the others long to be united with Christ. It is not in our preaching but in our actions that we attract others to Christ.  Be charitable and spread the love of Christ.

 

A Simple Prayer

 

Lord God, you are the salt which purifies my mind and body.

You send the Holy Spirit down upon us to heal us the sins which separate us.

Fill me with your grace and love so I can find true love with you in heaven.

 

Yours in Christ

Michael Marcon

Meditation Minute

My Dearest Brothers and Sisters in Christ:

 

“No one who does a mighty work in my name will be able soon after to speak evil of me”

 

Gospel Reading: Mark 9:38-40  

 

John said to him, "Teacher, we saw a man casting out demons in your name, and we forbade him, because he was not following us." But Jesus said, "Do not forbid him; for no one who does a mighty work in my name will be able soon after to speak evil of me. For he that is not against us is for us.

 

What is it that Jesus is trying to tell the Apostles in today’s Gospel?  For some reason, John thinks that the only people who can “cast out demons” are the twelve.   In other words, only the twelve should be able to deliver the message of God.  Christ warns the Apostles that they are not the exclusive messengers of God. That anybody who is delivering the message of God is working for God and not against him.  This message is as true today as it was 2000 years ago.  How many times have we heard that if you’re not (fill in the blank), then you’re not really Christian.  Under this scenario, we try to establish ourselves with an exclusive relationship with God.  That somehow God only favors us and nobody else.  This establishes an elitist relationship with God.  God came to save everyone, not just a small group of select people.  Jesus says that all people who work in the name of God will not be able to speak evil of him.  We should rejoice in the fact that others are delivering the message of God and no we do not have the exclusive relationship with him.  When someone decides to combat evil in the world that person glorifies God; when someone does a good deed, they do a good deed for God; and when someone avoids sin, they reduce the pain that Christ encountered on the cross. 

 

So why were the Apostles upset?  They were upset because they wanted the exclusive relationship with God.  They did not want to share God with anyone else.  This may have been due to envy, to jealousy or even pride.  There is no doubt that the Apostles loved God, but they let these other character traits overcome their goodwill.  To truly project love onto our neighbor, we must be willing to abandon our own desires.  Envy and pride can defeat the love that we want to give.  We should never be upset at others for delivering the message of God.  In fact, we should be encouraging others to deliver the message “for he that is not against us is for us.”  Pope Benedict and now Pope Francis reached out to all who profess the Gospel to be united as one, holy, catholic, and apostolic church  united in the same message that Christ was delivering in this Gospel 2000 years ago.

 

A Simple Prayer

 

Lord God, heavenly Father;

I suffer from pride, from envy and sin.

Forgive me for my weaknesses.

Give me strength to overcome them

so that I may convey your love to others.

 

Yours in Christ

Michael Marcon

Meditation Minute

My Dearest Brothers and Sisters in Christ:

 

“If anyone wishes to be first, he shall be the last of all and the servant of all.”

 

Gospel Reading: Mark 9:30-37

Jesus and his disciples left from there and began a journey through Galilee, but he did not wish anyone to know about it. He was teaching his disciples and telling them, "The Son of Man is to be handed over to men and they will kill him, and three days after his death the Son of Man will rise." But they did not understand the saying, and they were afraid to question him.  They came to Capernaum and, once inside the house, he began to ask them, "What were you arguing about on the way?"  But they remained silent. For they had been discussing among themselves on the way who was the greatest.  Then he sat down, called the Twelve, and said to them, "If anyone wishes to be first, he shall be the last of all and the servant of all." Taking a child, he placed it in their midst, and putting his arms around it, he said to them, "Whoever receives one child such as this in my name, receives me; and whoever receives me, receives not me but the One who sent me."

 

We are one week away from Mardi Gras and the beginning of Lent.  So how does today’s Gospel reading help me prepare us for our upcoming Lenten journey.  What is it in this message that will set me on a course to the resurrection.  What is it that I must do during Lent to bring me closer to God?  Today’s Gospel reading starts with Jesus trying to explain what is getting ready to happen.  They are getting ready to experience the final journey to Calvary where Jesus is crucified for us.  So what are His disciples doing during this time?  Their arguing over who is top dog.  Is it not like us to always want to be on top; to be first in line or to be number one. We all want to be first but Jesus tells us that we must be last to be first. This goes against what we perceive to be our own human nature. None of us enter a race to finish last and none of us enter a competition to be defeated. Human ambition tells us that we must be first to satisfied. But Jesus tells us that we must be willing to sacrifice everything we have to be first in the kingdom of God. When we seek a path to heaven, we must walk on the trail that requires total abandonment. We must be willing to abandon all our worldly goods and possessions. We must become a servant to the needs of man. To bask in the glory and honor of God, one must be willing to burden the cross. One must be willing to make sacrifices. We must learn that lent is not about us, but about us bringing people to Christ.  How do we do that?  By praying for others, by fasting for others and by giving alms for others.  It is not about us, but about those that we make the sacrifice.

 

Jesus embraces a young child to demonstrate his message. Children were the very bottom of the Jewish society. They were equivalent to the house servants. By embracing this child, Jesus elevated the small child to a position of honor. When we go out into the world, who is it that we seek; the healthy or the sick; the rich or the poor. To be greatest in the kingdom of God requires us to humble ourselves for the benefit of others. We must be willing to abandon our own needs for the needs of others. If we are to fill ourselves with the glory of God, we must empty ourselves of our own vanity. When you look in the mirror, ask the simple question, who am I?  Who do I serve?  Who will I feed today?  Who will I lead to Christ today?

 

A Simple Prayer

 

Lord, you have given me the greatest example.

You came to be my servant and now I must learn to be the servant of man.

Help me to humble myself before my fellow man.

Help me to seek the glory of God through the abandonment of my vanity.

 

Yours in Christ

Michael Marcon

Meditation Minute

My Dearest Brothers and Sisters in Christ:

 

“Who do people say that I am?”

 

Gospel Reading: Mark 8:27-33

Jesus and his disciples set out for the villages of Caesarea Philippi. Along the way he asked his disciples, "Who do people say that I am?" They said in reply, "John the Baptist, others Elijah, still others one of the prophets." And he asked them, "But who do you say that I am?" Peter said to him in reply, "You are the Christ." Then he warned them not to tell anyone about him.  He began to teach them that the Son of Man must suffer greatly and be rejected by the elders, the chief priests, and the scribes, and be killed, and rise after three days. He spoke this openly. Then Peter took him aside and began to rebuke him. At this he turned around and, looking at his disciples, rebuked Peter and said, "Get behind me, Satan. You are thinking not as God does, but as human beings do."

 

Today’s Gospel reading presents two very challenging question we all must answer - Who do others say that I am and Who do you say that I am? I think that Jesus asks this question because he knows that we are heavily influenced by peer pressure. We are so concerned with what others think that we allow these pressures to form our own thoughts and opinions. The second question clearly challenges His disciples to see beyond what others think and for them to form their own opinion. When Jesus asked Peter these questions, He was challenging Peter’s faith. There is no way that Peter could have formed this conclusion on his own. Peter does not yet have the advantage of the whole story yet.  He has not yet witnessed the crucifixion and resurrection.  Therefore, it had to be revealed to him through the grace of God. Do you see Jesus as just a wise man and a great profit or do you truly see him as our Lord and Messiah? In this passage Jesus tells His disciples about His journey on earth. He tells them, “the Son of Man must suffer greatly and be rejected by the elders, the chief priests, and the scribes, and be killed, and rise after three days.” So what is He really trying to teach His disciples. First, do you really know who I am and secondly, are you truly willing to follow me. It is obvious that being a disciple of Christ is not going to be easy. The passage says the Peter “began to rebuke him.” In typical Peter style, Peter begins to protest Christ’s words. He was challenging Jesus probably telling him not to talk like that or you’ve got to be crazy if you think we’re going to let anything happen to you. Jesus responds to Peter’s outcry telling him, “Get behind me, Satan!” Jesus is telling Peter not to tempt Him. Only Satan tempts God.

 

So many times we hear the word of God and yet we do not like what we hear. So many times we decide to listen to others and not to be led by the spirit which is alive in our own heart. Jesus came to save us from our sins. He gave us very simple commandments and he showed us the way to the cross. More importantly, He showed us a way to the resurrection. Unfortunately, society today tries to divert us from the path. Satan tempts us every day. Satan wants us to listen to his message and not the message of Christ. In this case, we say no to Jesus, we don’t want to obey Him or, we convince ourselves that it is too difficult to obey. However, our Faith will give us the strength we need to follow Christ. We need to exercise that Faith so it will grow strong to face the challenges which we will face. Today spend a few moments in silence and mediate on the question, ”Who do you say I am?” Listen to your heart. Let the answer guide you to the spiritual path which leads to his Eucharistic Table.

 

A Simple Prayer

 

Jesus, You are the Messiah who freed us from our sins.

You came to this earth to light the path and show us the way.

Help me to hear your words and see you wisdom.

May I find one true path that leads to eternal life.

 

Yours in Christ

Michael Marcon

 

Meditation Minute

My Dearest Brothers and Sisters in Christ:

 

“His sight was restored and he could see everything distinctly.”

 

Gospel Reading: Mark 8:22-26

When Jesus and his disciples arrived at Bethsaida, people brought to him a blind man and begged Jesus to touch him. He took the blind man by the hand and led him outside the village. Putting spittle on his eyes he laid his hands on the man and asked, "Do you see anything?" Looking up the man replied, "I see people looking like trees and walking." Then he laid hands on the man's eyes a second time and he saw clearly; his sight was restored and he could see everything distinctly. Then he sent him home and said, "Do not even go into the village."

 

In today’s Gospel reading, we hear the story of the healing of a blind man.  What is interesting about this story is that the blind man is not cured instantly, but in stages.  The people lead the blind man to Jesus and ask that Jesus touch him so he can be healed.  The reading says that Jesus took him by the hand and led him.  Due to the faith of the people, the blind man was partially healed.  But it was not until the blind man began to witness the power of God that he was fully cured.  Jesus touched him a second time and his eyes were fully opened.  We too have the power to bring people to Christ.  Through our own faith, we can lead the spiritually blind to Christ.  Through our own desires and our actions, we can begin to open their eyes.  But for their eyes to be fully open, they must submit to God.  They must allow Christ to lead them and heal them.  They must be willing to allow the will of God to act in their lives.  The blind person in this story had to first put his faith in the hands of the people to be led to Christ and once he was in front of Christ, he had to take Christ’s hand.  This action demonstrates the power of the Church.  If we are the body and Christ is the head, it takes the whole church to heal the sinner.  When we ask for forgiveness, we ask everyone to forgive us.  When we ask to be healed, we must ask everyone to pray for us.  Not only the people on the earth, but all the angels and saints.  Take Christ’s hand and allow him to lead you, allow him to open your eyes to the glory of God. You may only see stick figures at first, but the more you come into the light, the more you will see.

 

A Simple Prayer

 

Christ, your people have brought me to your door step.

Take my hand and lead me, wash my eyes so I may see you.

Open my heart so I can grow in your love and compassion.

 

Yours in Christ

Michael Marcon

Meditation Minute

My Dearest Brothers and Sisters in Christ:

 

“Do you have eyes and not see, ears and not hear?”

 

Gospel Reading: Mark 8:14-21

 

The disciples had forgotten to bring bread, and they had only one loaf with them in the boat. Jesus enjoined them, “Watch out, guard against the leaven of the Pharisees and the leaven of Herod.”  They concluded among themselves that it was because they had no bread. When he became aware of this he said to them, “Why do you conclude that it is because you have no bread? Do you not yet understand or comprehend? Are your hearts hardened? Do you have eyes and not see, ears and not hear? And do you not remember, when I broke the five loaves for the five thousand, how many wicker baskets full of fragments you picked up?” They answered him, “Twelve.” “When I broke the seven loaves for the four thousand, how many full baskets of fragments did you pick up?” They answered him, “Seven.” He said to them, “Do you still not understand?”

 

Jesus asks us a very simple question in today’s Gospel – “Do you have eyes and not see, ears and not hear?” Jesus is clearly fussing at the disciples because of their inability to see what is right before them and to hear the voice of God. It’s like he’s saying, “Come on guys, don’t you know who I am? Do you not understand that I am the bread of life; the manna from heaven?  I am the abundant food of life.  Were you not there when I did all these things?” Jesus says that he has provided everything they need, why do you not see this? The disciples are worried because they only have one loaf of bread among them. Jesus reminds them about the feeding of the five thousand and then the feeding of the four thousand. After each feeding, there was an abundant supply of bread left over. The  disciples should not worry because Christ is there to take care of them. This is the same message we should receive today. God provides everything we need in abundance. He is the true bread of life. We are called to put our trust in his hands and to believe in Him.  But Jesus also warns us about the bread that corrupts; the bread from within and the bread from outside.  He tells them, “Watch out, guard against the leaven of the Pharisees and the leaven of Herod.” He is warning us of false prophets who lead us astray with bad teaching and He warns us of those who are outside our faith who tell us our faith is wrong.  The Pharisees were too legalistic and did not understand the true meaning of the commandments.  They obeyed the law, but only out of obligation and not out of love.  Their commitment was contrived for fear of becoming unclean instead of the fear of separation from God.  The bread of Herod is one of hatred and repression.  Herod was dominating and all about Herod and not the wellbeing of others. Both forms of bread are destructive to the soul.  Our daily bread is what truly nourishes us, both our body and soul. If the bread does not nourish our souls but leads us to be greedy, we need to avoid that bread. What bread do you seek? Through our own greed, others have not. If we hoard the bread, others will not eat.  When we give, we feed others.  It is a chance for us to share the graces we have been given with others.  This is the bread that is abundant and ever living.

 

Over the next couple of weeks, our eyes should become focused on the pending season of Lent. During this season, we are called to empty ourselves of those things that cause us to sin and separate ourselves from God.  We are called to fast from the leaven of Herod and of the Pharisees and to seek the leaven of our Lord.  Were are called to clear our cabinets of the bread which does not fulfill, but weights us down.  Take this next two weeks to inventory your heart so you can hear the Word of God.

 

A Simple Prayer

 

Lord Jesus, you are the bread of life.

Lead me to your table that I may be nourished in the sacramental body.

That your bread will fill me with the Holy Spirit and give me eternal life.

 

Yours in Christ

Michael Marcon

Meditation Minute

My Dearest Brothers and Sisters in Christ:

 

“Why does this generation seek a sign?”

 

Gospel Reading: Mark 8:11-13

 

The Pharisees came forward and began to argue with Jesus, seeking from him a sign from heaven to test him. He sighed from the depth of his spirit and said, “Why does this generation seek a sign? Amen, I say to you, no sign will be given to this generation.” Then he left them, got into the boat again, and went off to the other shore.

 

In today’s Gospel reading, Jesus expresses deep sadness from the questioning by the Pharisees. The Pharisees still do not accept Jesus as the messiah sent by God. Even after performing miracles and preaching the Word of God to them, they ask for a sign. Even after witnessing all his great deeds, they cannot find it in their heart to understand and know Christ.  If the Pharisees reject these miracles as signs, then what could Jesus do to convince them to come to know him. Jesus asks the all-important question, “Why does this generation seek a sign?” The answer is simple.  It is simply that their hearts have become so hardened to the true Word of God that they cannot see Jesus as the messiah. Jesus himself was sent as the sign of the messiah. The Pharisees are asking for signs not because they seek the truth, but because they do not accept Christ as the messiah. How many times do we ask God the same thing? How many miracles have we witnessed and yet we turn to Christ and say, show me a sign? It is okay to have doubts, but to have doubt and to challenge God is a sin. It is our weakness that causes us to question God. God reveals his presence to us every day; we just need to open our hearts and be willing to see the light. Christ provides everything we need to believe; we just need to come before him and accept the truths that are laid before us. 

 

A Simple Prayer

 

Lord Jesus, may I always see your loving ways.

May your miracles be the shining light which guides me to your door.

May your words inspire my heart to love and obey your every command.

May I become a light for others.

 

Yours in Christ

Michael Marcon

Meditation Minute

My Dearest Brothers and Sisters in Christ:

 

“Nothing that enters one from outside can defile that person; but the things that come out from within are what defile.”

 

Gospel Reading: Mark 7:14-23

Jesus summoned the crowd again and said to them, “Hear me, all of you, and understand. Nothing that enters one from outside can defile that person; but the things that come out from within are what defile.”  When he got home away from the crowd his disciples questioned him about the parable. He said to them, “Are even you likewise without understanding? Do you not realize that everything that goes into a person from outside cannot defile, since it enters not the heart but the stomach and passes out into the latrine?” (Thus he declared all foods clean.) “But what comes out of the man, that is what defiles him. From within the man, from his heart, come evil thoughts, unchastity, theft, murder, adultery, greed, malice, deceit, licentiousness, envy, blasphemy, arrogance, folly. All these evils come from within and they defile.”

 

Where does evil come from? Jesus is quite clear that nothing that his Father in Heaven created is evil, but that evil comes out of man. We know that everything God created is good and when God looked at the whole of creation, He said that it was “very good”.  Therefore, evil is created by man himself.  Jesus says that “Nothing that enters one from outside can defile that person; but the things that come out from within are what defile.” Evil grows from within our own souls, the same place where God gave us the ability to love. Evil starts small as thoughts within our heart and begins to fill our soul and take over the love which was created by God. Evil grows from our own internal desires and thoughts. Some people like to believe that sin just happens and that there are evil things in this world that cause us to sin. But sin doesn’t just happen, it forms from deep inside us and then is projected from us into the world. It is our intentions that become actions which become evil. It is us who have to nurture the evil. Only the human mind can conceive evil and only the human will can allow it to grow. We must learn to take control of these thoughts. God wants to free us from the burdens which sin places upon us. God has placed the Holy Spirit within us to help us overcome the evil. It is through God that we recognize sin and through His grace that we are forgiven and freed from the bondage of sin and evil. God’s love for us enables us to recognize sin and gives us the strength to choose what is good and to reject what is evil. We must trust in the power of the Holy Spirit to lead us and guide us and to help us wipe out the evil that forms within.  As we begin to chose good over evil, we replace evil with our soul with the love fostered by God.  Today, ask yourself the simple question, “What occupies my soul?”

 

A Simple Prayer

 

My Father in Heaven, help me fight the evil which forms within.

Give me the wisdom to recognize evil and to make wise choices.

May I chose good and concur the evil intentions within my soul.

 

Yours in Christ

Michael Marcon

Meditation Minute

My Dearest Brothers and Sisters in Christ:

 

This people honors me with their lips, but their hearts are far from me.

 

Gospel Reading: Mark 7:1-13

 

When the Pharisees with some scribes who had come from Jerusalem gathered around Jesus, they observed that some of his disciples ate their meals with unclean, that is, unwashed, hands. (For the Pharisees and, in fact, all Jews, do not eat without carefully washing their hands, keeping the tradition of the elders. And on coming from the marketplace they do not eat without purifying themselves. And there are many other things that they have traditionally observed, the purification of cups and jugs and kettles and beds.) So the Pharisees and scribes questioned him, “Why do your disciples not follow the tradition of the elders but instead eat a meal with unclean hands?” He responded, “Well did Isaiah prophesy about you hypocrites, as it is written: This people honors me with their lips, but their hearts are far from me; In vain do they worship me, teaching as doctrines human precepts. You disregard God’s commandment but cling to human tradition.” He went on to say, “How well you have set aside the commandment of God in order to uphold your tradition! For Moses said, Honor your father and your mother, and Whoever curses father or mother shall die. Yet you say, ‘If someone says to father or mother, “Any support you might have had from me is qorban”’ (meaning, dedicated to God), you allow him to do nothing more for his father or mother. You nullify the word of God in favor of your tradition that you have handed on. And you do many such things.”

 

What do you think is more important – to have a clean heart or to have clean hands? Today’s gospel message is quite clear. It’s not what’s on the outside that’s important but what’s on the inside. We must have a clean heart and a clean mind if we are to be truly centered on God. The Jews were more worried about their outward appearance and not about their spiritual well being. In other words, they were more concerned about what went into their mouths then what came out. Jesus tells the Pharisees and the scribes that the true defilement is in our words and the sentiment in our hearts. Hatred and evil are born within us, deep inside our minds and our hearts. It starts in our thoughts and our desires. Our soul is the source of our hatred. If we do not purify the thoughts contained within our soul, what good is it to have clean hands. Our thoughts and desires are like the seeds of plants, the plants which eventually fill our soul. We must uproot the weeds so the good plants can grow and prosper. If we have good thoughts and desires, then we will grow good plants and our soul will flourish. If we do not tend the garden, the bad seeds will sprout into weeds which will eventually overtake the goodness in our soul. It is through the grace of God that we can kill the weeds and purify our hearts.

 

A Simple Prayer

 

Lord God, master of all.

Help me to identify the sins in my life.

Give me the wisdom to recognize wrong from right

And the power to change and cleanse my soul.

 

Yours in Christ

Michael Marcon

 

Meditation Minute

My Dearest Brothers and Sisters in Christ:

 

He sent them out two by two and gave them authority over unclean spirits.

 

Gospel Reading: Mark 6:7-13

 

Jesus summoned the Twelve and began to send them out two by two and gave them authority over unclean spirits. He instructed them to take nothing for the journey but a walking stick –no food, no sack, no money in their belts. They were, however, to wear sandals but not a second tunic. He said to them, “Wherever you enter a house, stay there until you leave from there. Whatever place does not welcome you or listen to you, leave there and shake the dust off your feet in testimony against them.” So they went off and preached repentance. The Twelve drove out many demons, and they anointed with oil many who were sick and cured them.

 

In today’s Gospel reading, Christ empowers the Twelve Apostles 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 and have authority over unclean spirits. He gave them the power to heal us physically and spiritually. He tells them “to take nothing for the journey but a walking stick —no food, no sack, no money in their belts.” Jesus requires them to be free from all the earthly attachments which might prevent them preaching the truth. If we are bound to our earthly possessions, they will divert our attention. Jesus let them know that their needs would be met and that all they needed to worry about is preaching the Good News. The Apostles whose mission was to bring forth the Kingdom of God, did not need to rely upon worldly items but on God’s own divine intervention. Whatever they needed was provided by those lives that they changed. Do we not feel compelled to give to those who help us? We feel the need to repay them for their service. The basic human needs of the Apostles were a fringe benefit from doing God’s will.

 

We too are called to be missionaries of the Good News. God tells us to go forth and spread the Word. We too should be willing to forgo our earthly needs and place our trust in God that he will provide everything we need. Sometimes we are asked to do things that absolutely scare us. I have to believe that the Apostles were just a little bit scared when Jesus sent them out into the World to preach the Good News. You can almost hear them say, “But Jesus…” And Jesus replies, “Do not worry for my Father will take care of your needs.”  It was through the grace of God which they preached that their needs were met. The simple message is that we should not neglect our spiritual needs by worrying about the worldly things. 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, X Boxs, 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?

 

A Simple Prayer

 

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

Give me the power to say yes an go forth into the world.

 

Yours in Christ

Michael Marcon

Meditation Minute

My Dearest Brothers and Sisters in Christ:

 

“A prophet is not without honor except in his native place and among his own kin and in his own house.”

 

Gospel Reading: Mark 6:1-6

 

Jesus departed from there and came to his native place, accompanied by his disciples.  When the sabbath came he began to teach in the synagogue, and many who heard him were astonished. They said, “Where did this man get all this? What kind of wisdom has been given him? What mighty deeds are wrought by his hands! Is he not the carpenter, the son of Mary, and the brother of James and Joseph and Judas and Simon? And are not his sisters here with us?” And they took offense at him. Jesus said to them, “A prophet is not without honor except in his native place and among his own kin and in his own house.” So he was not able to perform any mighty deed there, apart from curing a few sick people by laying his hands on them. He was amazed at their lack of faith.

 

In today’s Gospel reading, Jesus returns home with his disciples to preach the Word in Nazareth. The towns people are astonished and amazed at his wisdom, but at the same time full of doubt and disbelief. One would think that his own towns people would celebrate his accomplishments, but instead they are critical of his abilities. Because of this disbelief, they are unable to open their hearts to the Good News.  In fact, they were offended by his abilities and what he was saying. Are we not the same to the people who are closest to us. The people who judge us most severely are generally our closest friends and family. And likewise, the people we are harshest to are those that are closest to us.  The people that are closest to us are the ones who have the hardest time believing in our success. They cannot believe that a carpenter, a simple man, a common laborer can be so profound in his wisdom. He is no longer just the son of Mary, but now a Rabi professing the Word of God with amazing wisdom.

 

It says that Jesus was amazed at their lack of faith. Is Jesus amazed at your faith or your lack of faith? Have you become so familiar with your faith that you no longer see the wonder and awe of our Lord. Has your religion become so boring that you have begun to ignore it? As we approach lent a week from now, it is time to renew our commitment to God and to our faith. No matter how familiar we have become with our faith, we need to renew it as if it were a brand new friend we have just met for the first time. We need to have that new found curiosity which helps us dig deeper and find out more. It needs to help lead us to a more solid foundation from which to grow. We need to find the wonder and awe that allows us to form a life-long bond with Christ.

 

A Simple Prayer

 

Lord, open my eyes to a new found relationship with God.

Let me experience the Gospels like a new found friend.

Help me inspire my curiosity so that I may grow in faith to be your servant.

 

Yours in Christ

Michael Marcon

 

Meditation Minute

My Dearest Brothers and Sisters in Christ:

 

"Do not be afraid; just have faith."

 

Gospel Reading: Mark 5:21-43

 

When Jesus had crossed again in the boat to the other side, a large crowd gathered around him, and he stayed close to the sea. One of the synagogue officials, named Jairus, came forward. Seeing him he fell at his feet and pleaded earnestly with him, saying, "My daughter is at the point of death. Please, come lay your hands on her that she may get well and live." He went off with him and a large crowd followed him.  There was a woman afflicted with hemorrhages for twelve years. She had suffered greatly at the hands of many doctors and had spent all that she had. Yet she was not helped but only grew worse. She had heard about Jesus and came up behind him in the crowd and touched his cloak. She said, "If I but touch his clothes, I shall be cured." Immediately her flow of blood dried up. She felt in her body that she was healed of her affliction. Jesus, aware at once that power had gone out from him, turned around in the crowd and asked, "Who has touched my clothes?" But his disciples said to him, "You see how the crowd is pressing upon you, and yet you ask, Who touched me?" And he looked around to see who had done it. The woman, realizing what had happened to her, approached in fear and trembling. She fell down before Jesus and told him the whole truth. He said to her, "Daughter, your faith has saved you. Go in peace and be cured of your affliction." While he was still speaking, people from the synagogue official's house arrived and said, "Your daughter has died; why trouble the teacher any longer?"  Disregarding the message that was reported, Jesus said to the synagogue official, "Do not be afraid; just have faith." He did not allow anyone to accompany him inside except Peter, James, and John, the brother of James. When they arrived at the house of the synagogue official, he caught sight of a commotion, people weeping and wailing loudly. So he went in and said to them, "Why this commotion and weeping? The child is not dead but asleep." And they ridiculed him. Then he put them all out. He took along the child's father and mother and those who were with him and entered the room where the child was. He took the child by the hand and said to her, "Talitha koum" which means, "Little girl, I say to you, arise!" The girl, a child of twelve, arose immediately and walked around. At that they were utterly astounded. He gave strict orders that no one should know this and said that she should be given something to eat.

 

In today’s Gospel reading, we see how important faith is in our spiritual life.  Jarius, a Jewish leader humbles himself before Jesus begging for his help and the woman who is hemorrhaging, reaches out in humility to touch the clothes of Christ.  Both individuals must believe that Christ can heal them and more important, must reach out to Christ for his help.  Jesus tells then, “Do not be afraid, just have faith.”  That same message is still very true today.  Must set aside our fears and our doubts and “just have faith”.  These two women have tried everything humanly possible to overcome the afflictions, but it is only through the power and mercy of Christ that they are healed.  We as Christians should also expect Christ to help us overcome the obstacles in our own lives which prevent us from our sanctification. We are attacked from Satan from so many directions. Satan places doubt within our hearts and puts things in front of us to tempt us, to lead us away from Christ. Satan cannot force us to turn from God; it is only by the nature of free will that we do so. He places desires of the flesh and mind to trick us into falling away from his grace. He creates disorder in our lives so we lose focus on the Kingdom of Heaven.  In this reading we are given hope that God’s love will save us and bring us fully into eternal life. The afflictions which torment us should be offered up to God.  Unlike the people at the time of Christ, we can encounter Christ daily in the Sacraments and in the Word.  We can encounter Christ anytime we want.  All we need to do is reach out.  We need not be afraid, but just have faith.  We can receive the Sacraments of Eucharist and Reconciliation every day.  These are the sacraments of nourishment and healing.  These are the Sacraments that restore us and unite us with Christ.  We can read the Word of God and be filled with his wisdom and understanding.  Christ tells us to “just have faith” as he tells us to “arise” and get up. 

 

A Simple Prayer

 

Lord Jesus, you are the healer.

You cure my afflictions and free me from the bonds of Satan

You give me hope of life eternal.

 

Yours in Christ

Michael Marcon

Meditation Minute

My Dearest Brothers and Sisters in Christ:

 

Gospel Reading: Luke 2:22-40

 

When the days were completed for their purification according to the law of Moses, Mary and Joseph took Jesus up to Jerusalem to present him to the Lord, just as it is written in the law of the Lord, Every male that opens the womb shall be consecrated to the Lord, and to offer the sacrifice of a pair of turtledoves or two young pigeons, in accordance with the dictate in the law of the Lord.  Now there was a man in Jerusalem whose name was Simeon. This man was righteous and devout, awaiting the consolation of Israel, and the Holy Spirit was upon him. It had been revealed to him by the Holy Spirit that he should not see death before he had seen the Christ of the Lord.  He came in the Spirit into the temple; and when the parents brought in the child Jesus to perform the custom of the law in regard to him, he took him into his arms and blessed God, saying: "Now, Master, you may let your servant go in peace, according to your word, for my eyes have seen your salvation, which you prepared in the sight of all the peoples: a light for revelation to the Gentiles, and glory for your people Israel." The child's father and mother were amazed at what was said about him; and Simeon blessed them and said to Mary his mother, "Behold, this child is destined for the fall and rise of many in Israel, and to be a sign that will be contradicted and you yourself a sword will pierce so that the thoughts of many hearts may be revealed." There was also a prophetess, Anna, the daughter of Phanuel, of the tribe of Asher. She was advanced in years, having lived seven years with her husband after her marriage, and then as a widow until she was eighty-four. She never left the temple, but worshiped night and day with fasting and prayer. And coming forward at that very time, she gave thanks to God and spoke about the child to all who were awaiting the redemption of Jerusalem. When they had fulfilled all the prescriptions of the law of the Lord, they returned to Galilee, to their own town of Nazareth. The child grew and became strong, filled with wisdom; and the favor of God was upon him.

 

In today’s Gospel reading, Mary and Joseph take Jesus to Jerusalem for his purification.  In this ceremony, every male child is “consecrated to the Lord.”  Not only is the child offered up, but a sacrifice was made at the same time.  But because Mary and Joseph were poor, they could not make the customary sacrifice of a lamb or goat, but sacrifice a pair of birds.  Theirs is but a humble sacrifice for someone so great.  The Jews recognized that all God’s creations were a gift including children.  The children were taken to the temple to offer them up into his service.  This was a commitment to raise their children according to Mosaic Law.  The Gospel reading goes on to discuss an elderly man named Simeon.  Simeon was the Rabi that performed the purification ceremony.  He was a man filled with the Holy Spirit and knew that Christ the Lord would visit his temple before he died.  Once he holds Jesus in his hand, he replies, “Now, Master, you may let your servant go in peace, according to your word, for my eyes have seen your salvation, which you prepared in the sight of all the peoples: a light for revelation to the Gentiles, and glory for your people Israel.”  Simon not only acknowledges Jesus as the Messiah for the people of Israel, but also for the entire world.  Jesus brought the true light into the world so that all could find Glory in God.  Simeon was not the only witness in the temple.  The Gospel reading mentions a second witness, Anna, that was a prophetess that never left the temple.  Anna was completely devoted to God and worshiped night and day with fasting and prayer.  Because of her devotion to God and her purity of heart, she also recognized Jesus as the Messiah.

 

The Lord found favor in these two witnesses, not because of their worldly riches, but because of the spiritual commitment to God.  They devoted their lives to the coming of Christ.  They waited patiently until his arrival and when Jesus was presented to them in the temple, they recognized him as the Messiah.  They became a witness and a proclamation of the coming of the Lord.  How devoted are you to God?  Are you willing to fast and pray every day for his glory?  Are you willing to proclaim the presence of God in your life? Are you consumed with the world around or do you see Christ around you?  What offering  are you willing to make for God?  Mary and Joseph made a simple offering to God to honor God and to thank him for their son.  Our offerings do not need to be grand, but they need to be from the heart.  When we fast, we should fast from things that separate us from God and when we pray, we should pray with a contrite heart. 

 

A Simple Prayer

 

Lord, help me recognize you in my life.

Help me to see the one true light and to follow its path.

Give me the strength to proclaim your presence.

 

Yours in Christ

Michael Marcon