Thursday, August 16, 2012
Relations with the Thessalonians
Dear Friends,
A reading from St. Paul’s Letter to the Thessalonians (2:1-12):
For you yourselves know, brothers, that our reception among you was not without effect. Rather, after we had suffered and been insolently treated, as you know, in Philippi, we drew courage through our God to speak to you the gospel of God with much struggle. Our exhortation was not from delusion or impure motives, nor did it work through deception. But as we were judged worthy by God to be entrusted with the gospel, that is how we speak, not as trying to please human beings, but rather God, who judges our hearts. Nor, indeed, did we ever appear with flattering speech, as you know, or with a pretext for good – God is witness – nor did we seek praise from human beings, either from you or from others, although we were able to impose our weight as apostles of Christ. Rather, we were gentle among you, as a nursing mother cares for her children. With such affection for you, we were determined to share with you not only the gospel of God, but our very selves as well, so dearly beloved had you become to us. You recall, brothers, our toil and drudgery. Working night and day in order not to burden any of you, we proclaimed to you the gospel of God. You are witnesses, and so is God, how devoutly and justly and blamelessly we behaved toward you believers. As you know, we treated each one of you as a father treats his children, exhorting and encouraging you and insisting that you conduct yourselves as worthy of the God who calls you into his kingdom and glory.
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Yesterday was the Feast of Our Lady’s Assumption into heaven. Some people came in the afternoon to the meeting for prayers and to listen to my conference. I know everything went well.
Below you will find the message of Our Lord and Redeemer given to Father Melvin. Jesus spoke to him these words:
“I thank you My brother Melvin and all My brothers and sisters for celebrating My Mother’s great feast yesterday. It was a great day of joy in heaven with all the angels and saints. She is always very near to Me and we work together in helping everyone of you. Ask for Her intercession for what you need and She will bring it to Me. I am always filled with great joy when I see My Mother honored by Her children. I always show Her great honor all the time. I would like to ask you this question: How can you love Me if you do not love My Blessed Mother?
My great friend, St. Paul, worked hard to bring the good news to the people among whom he lived. He traveled from one place to another and he suffered much but he did not mind as long as he could preach to them and open the mind of the people to believe in Me. You too My friends are to believe in Me and follow My teachings. I love you all.”
Father Melvin