Wednesday, May 8, 2013
Council of Jerusalem
Dear Friends,
A reading from the Acts of the Apostles (15, 1-12):
Some who had come down from Judea were instructing the brothers, “Unless you are circumcised according to the Mosaic practice, you cannot be saved.” Because there arose no little dissension and debate by Paul and Barnabas with them, it was decided that Paul, Barnabas, and some of the others should go up to Jerusalem to the apostles and presbyters about this question. They were sent on their journey by the church, and passed through Phoenicia and Samaria telling of the conversion of the Gentiles, and brought great joy to all the brothers. When they arrived in Jerusalem, they were welcomed by the church, as well as by the apostles and the presbyters, and they reported what God had done with them. But some from the party of the Pharisees who had become believers stood up and said, “It is necessary to circumcise them and direct them to observe the Mosaic law.”
The apostles and the presbyters met together to see about this matter. After much debate had taken place, Peter got up and said to them, “My brothers, you are well aware that from early days God made his choice among you that through my mouth the Gentiles would hear the word of the gospel and believe. And God, who knows the heart, bore witness by granting them the holy Spirit just as he did us. He made no distinction between us and them, for by faith he purified their hearts. Why, then, are you now putting God to the test by placing on the shoulders of the disciples a yoke that neither our ancestors nor we have been able to bear? On the contrary, we believe that we are saved through the grace of the Lord Jesus, in the same way as they.” The whole assembly fell silent, and they listened while Paul and Barnabas described the signs and wonders God had worked among the Gentiles through them.
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I did not send a message yesterday, as I had to go to town early in the morning. But here is the message for today. I also thank all those who have sent me money via PayPal, which you can find at my website: Our Lady of PEI.
Below you will find the message of Our Lord, the Son of God, given to Father Melvin. Jesus spoke to him these words,
“I bless you My brother Melvin and all My brothers and sisters who trust in Me. The first council of the Church was held in Jerusalem and the Apostles were present. They had a big question to decide and it was this: should the Gentiles first become Jews before they can become Christians? This council decided for eternity that the Gentiles do not have to be circumcised and they do not have to follow the Law of Moses. What they have to do is to follow Me, their Savior. Some Jews were not happy with this especially the Pharisees but what was decided was the best decision for the whole church. Indeed the Apostles were guided by the Holy Spirit and so they could not give a false decision. The Church has held Councils many times and the decisions were very important for the life of the Church. Pray that all My followers will follow what was decided at these councils. I love you all and I give you all the graces you need.”
Father Melvin