Monday, October 21, 2013
Neglect of Work
Dear Friends,
A reading from Saint Paul’s Letter to the Thessalonians (2 Thess 3:6-18):
We instruct you, brothers and sisters, in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, to shun any brother who conducts himself in a disorderly way and not according to the tradition they received from us. For you know how one must imitate us. For we did not act in a disorderly way among you, nor did we eat food received free from anyone. On the contrary, in toil and drudgery, night and day we worked, so as not to burden any of you. Not that we do not have the right. Rather, we wanted to present ourselves as a model for you, so that you might imitate us. In fact, when we were with you, we instructed you that if anyone was unwilling to work, neither should that one eat.
We hear that some are conducting themselves among you in a disorderly way, by not keeping busy but minding the business of others. Such people we instruct and urge in the Lord Jesus Christ to work quietly and to eat their own food. But you, brothers, do not be remiss in doing good. If anyone does not obey our word as expressed in this letter, take note of this person not to associate with him, that he may be put to shame. Do not regard him as an enemy but admonish him as a brother.
May the Lord of peace himself give you peace at all times and in every way. The Lord be with all of you. This greeting is in my own hand, Paul’s. This is the sign in every letter; this is how I write. The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with all of you.
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If anyone of you should have a statue of Buddha or any other leader of a non-Christian religion, you must get rid of that statue. You know that there is only one Savior and you can have His picture or statue, and that is ok. You can also have the picture or statue of Our Blessed Mother and of any of the saints, for they are our friends and they pray for us.
Below you will find the message of Our Lord and Savior given to Father Melvin. Jesus spoke to him these words,
“I, the Lord, fill you all with My peace, My brother Melvin and all My brothers and sisters. Remain in close union with Me. As Saint Paul teaches you, you are to work in order to have the food you eat and a home to live in. Saint Paul was a good example to the people of his time. Wherever he went, he found work so that he always had enough money to buy his food. Let him be a model to all of you.
“However, there are some who do not work. They are a nuisance to all the others. They act in a disorderly way and often become thieves and commit many sins. I want every person to work quietly so that they can eat the food they buy with their own money. However, you know that you have to help the poor, the elderly and the sick. Many children too need help and you should be ready to help them. Follow my teachings and you will be blessed, and you will be filled with peace. I love you all.”
Father Melvin