Wednesday, June 5, 2013
Trial before Felix
Dear Friends,
A reading from the Acts of the Apostles (24:1-15):
Five days later the high priest Ananias came down with some elders and an advocate, a certain Tertullus, and they presented formal charges against Paul to the governor. When he was called, Tertullus began to accuse him, saying, “Since we have attained much peace through you, and reforms have been accomplished in this nation through your provident care, we acknowledge this in every way and everywhere, most excellent Felix, with all gratitude. But in order not to detain you further, I ask you to give us a brief hearing with your customary graciousness. We found this man to be a pest; he creates dissension among Jews all over the world and is a ringleader of the sect of the Nazoreans. He even tried to desecrate our temple, but we arrested him. If you examine him you will be able to learn from him for yourself about everything of which we are accusing him.” The Jews also joined in the attack and asserted that these things were so.
Then the governor motioned to him to speak and Paul replied, “I know that you have been a judge over this nation for many years and so I am pleased to make my defense before you. As you can verify, not more than twelve days have passed since I went up to Jerusalem to worship. Neither in the temple, nor in the synagogues, nor anywhere in the city did they find me arguing with anyone or instigating a riot among the people. Nor can they prove to you the accusations they are now making against me. But this I do admit to you, that according to the Way, which they call a sect, I worship the God of our ancestors and I believe everything that is in accordance with the law and written in the prophets. I have the same hope in God as they themselves have that there will be a resurrection of the righteous and the unrighteous.
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I thank the Lord for the beautiful day we had yesterday here in Prince Edward Island. It was sunny all day and it was warm.
Below you will find the message of Our Lord and Savior, the Son of God, given to Father Melvin. Jesus spoke to him these words,
“Honor the truth, My brother Melvin and all My brothers and sisters who accept Me as your Savior and Lord. I came into the world to bring you the truth, the whole truth, and I call upon you all to believe My words. Saint Paul was accused of falsehood because the Jews wanted to kill him and they said all kinds of lies against him. It is well that he was before the governor Felix who would judge the case in a very good way.
“My friends, you will be accused at times by those who do not like you. They will exaggerate all kinds of things and at the end these are only falsehood. Do not worry about these people, but remain united to Me and know that I will give you the wisdom you need to defend yourselves. It is important that you contemplate My cross, as this is the sign of My suffering for you. You too will have a cross to carry, but carry it behind Me and I will lighten it for you. Embrace your cross and you will be blessed. I love you all.”
Father Melvin