Sunday, May 26, 2013
Paul’s Farewell Speech at Miletus
Dear Friends,
A reading from the Acts of the Apostles (20:17-29):
From Miletus [Paul] had the presbyters of the church at Ephesus summoned. When they came to him, he addressed them, “You know how I lived among you the whole time from the day I first came to the province of Asia. I served the Lord with all humility and with the tears and trials that came to me because of the plots of the Jews, and I did not at all shrink from telling you what was for your benefit, or from teaching you in public or in your homes. I earnestly bore witness for both Jews and Greeks to repentance before God and to faith in our Lord Jesus. But now, compelled by the Spirit, I am going to Jerusalem. What will happen to me there I do not know, except that in one city after another the Holy Spirit has been warning me that imprisonment and hardships await me. Yet I consider life of no importance to me, if only I may finish my course and the ministry that I received from the Lord Jesus, to bear witness to the gospel of God’s grace.
“But now I know that none of you to whom I preached the kingdom during my travels will ever see my face again. And so I solemnly declare to you this day that I am not responsible for the blood of any of you, for I did not shrink from proclaiming to you the entire plan of God. Keep watch over yourselves and over the whole flock of which the Holy Spirit has appointed you overseers, in which you tend the church of God that he acquired with his own blood. I know that after my departure savage wolves will come among you, and they will not spare the flock.
——————————
Yesterday it rained for most of the day and it was cold. I ask you all to continue to pray for the intentions of Our Lady of Prince Edward Island.
Below you will find the message of Our Lord, the Son of God, given to Father Melvin. Jesus spoke to him these words,
“Be strong, My brother Melvin and all My brothers and sisters who are united to Me. It is only by having a strong relationship with Me that you will be able to face any problems or difficulties. Look at Saint Paul, he had to face many difficulties, but he was strengthened by Me and he was not afraid. He was always ready to face any problems with My help. He knew if he went to Jerusalem, he would be arrested and thrown into prison, yet he went there just the same as the Holy Spirit inspired him. He gave great witness of his faith in Me and he faced death without any worries. He told the Christians at Ephesus that they too would face savage wolves that will cause them many problems, but they should not be afraid but remain in close union with Me. Today there are many Catholic Christians that face strong opposition wherever they are, but they should always remain close to Me so that their faith remains strong. I love you all and I bless you.”
Father Melvin
P.S. I wish you all a great Feast of the Blessed Trinity.