Thursday, July 18, 2013
Patience and Self-Denial
Dear Friends,
A reading from St. Paul’s Letter to the Romans (15:1-13):
We who are strong ought to put up with the failings of the weak and not to please ourselves; let each of us please our neighbor for the good, for building up. For Christ did not please himself; but, as it is written, “The insults of those who insult you fall upon me.” For whatever was written previously was written for our instruction, that by endurance and by the encouragement of the scriptures we might have hope. May the God of endurance and encouragement grant you to think in harmony with one another, in keeping with Christ Jesus, that with one accord you may with one voice glorify the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ.
Welcome one another, then, as Christ welcomed you, for the glory of God. For I say that Christ became a minister of the circumcised to show God’s truthfulness, to confirm the promises to the patriarchs, but so that the Gentiles might glorify God for his mercy. As it is written:
“Therefore, I will praise you among the Gentiles and sing praises to your name.” And again it says: “Rejoice, O Gentiles, with his people.” And again: “Praise the Lord, all you Gentiles, and let all the peoples praise him.” And again Isaiah says: “The root of Jesse shall come, raised up to rule the Gentiles; in him shall the Gentiles hope.”
May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, so that you may abound in hope by the power of the Holy Spirit.
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I had a great day yesterday with our friends from the Province of Quebec. We ended last evening at the Chinese Restaurant at Bloomfield and we had a lovely meal.
Below you will find the message of Our Lord, the Son of God, given to Father Melvin. Jesus spoke to him these words,
“Be patient, My brother Melvin and all My brothers and sisters who live in every country of the world. You are to please your neighbor and not yourself. When I came on earth I did not please Myself, but the insults that were directed toward you fell on Me. Be united with one voice to glorify God the Father and Me, your Savior. You Gentiles are all called to praise your Lord and to sing praises to Him. I want to fill you all with hope and joy and peace so that you will always remain in hope through the power of the Holy Spirit.
“I love you all and I give you all the graces you need.”
Father Melvin