Thursday, October 31, 2013
Warning against Useless Disputes
Dear Friends,
A reading from Saint Paul’s Second Letter to Timothy (2 Tim 2:14-26):
Remind people of these things and charge them before God to stop disputing about words. This serves no useful purpose since it harms those who listen. Be eager to present yourself as acceptable to God, a workman who causes no disgrace, imparting the word of truth without deviation. Avoid profane, idle talk, for such people will become more and more godless, and their teaching will spread like gangrene. Among them are Hymenaeus and Philetus, who have deviated from the truth by saying that the resurrection has already taken place and are upsetting the faith of some. Nevertheless, God’s solid foundation stands, bearing this inscription, “The Lord knows those who are his”; and, “Let everyone who calls upon the name of the Lord avoid evil.”
In a large household there are vessels not only of gold and silver but also of wood and clay, some for lofty and others for humble use. If anyone cleanses himself of these things, he will be a vessel for lofty use, dedicated, beneficial to the master of the house, ready for every good work. So turn from youthful desires and pursue righteousness, faith, love, and peace, along with those who call on the Lord with purity of heart. Avoid foolish and ignorant debates, for you know that they breed quarrels. A slave of the Lord should not quarrel, but should be gentle with everyone, able to teach, tolerant, correcting opponents with kindness. It may be that God will grant them repentance that leads to knowledge of the truth, and that they may return to their senses out of the devil’s snare, where they are entrapped by him, for his will.
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We had another beautiful sunny day yesterday, although every day now it is getting colder. We did not get any snow yet.
Below you will find the message of Our Lord and Savior given to Father Melvin. Jesus spoke to him these words,
“I call you to impart the Word of God without deviation, My brother Melvin and all My brothers and sisters who are eager to listen to Me, your Savior. You are all to avoid evil and to cleanse yourself from all evil, and you will be a vessel for lofty use and ready to do every good work. Avoid all foolish and ignorant debates, for you know that they will cause quarrels. You should be gentle with everyone, to teach the truth and correcting opponents with kindness. It may be that God will grant them repentance. I want them all to return to their senses and come and follow Me. I will grant them the graces they need and the strength to believe in the truth.
“I love you all.”
Father Melvin