Monday, November 4, 2013
Paul’s Loneliness
Dear Friends,
A reading from Saint Paul’s Second Letter to Timothy (2 Tim 4:9-22):
Try to join me soon, for Demas, enamoured of the present world, deserted me and went to Thessalonica, Crescens to Galatia, and Titus to Dalmatia. Luke is the only one with me. Get Mark and bring him with you, for he is helpful to me in my ministry. I have sent Tychicus to Ephesus. When you come, bring the cloak I felt with Carpus in Troas, the papyrus rolls, and especially the parchments.
Alexander the coppersmith did me a great deal of harm; the Lord will repay him according to his deeds. You too be on guard against him, for he has strongly resisted our preaching.
At my first defense no one appeared on my behalf, but everyone deserted me. May it not be held against them! But the Lord stood by me and gave me strength, so that through me the proclamation might be completed and all the Gentiles might hear it. And I was rescued from the lion’s mouth. The Lord will rescue me from every evil threat and will bring me safe to his heavenly kingdom. To him be glory forever and ever. Amen.
Greet Prisca and Aquila and the family of Onesiphorus. Erastus remained in Corinth, while I left Trophimus sick at Miletus. Try to get here before winter. Eubulus, Pudens, Linus, Claudia, and all the brothers send greetings. The Lord be with your spirit. Grace be with all of you.
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I had visitors from New Brunswick again today and I prayed with them. Many more will come in the next few days. All who wish to come are welcome, but phone before you come to make sure I will be home.
Below you will find the message of Our Lord and Savior given to Father Melvin. Jesus spoke to him these words,
“As Saint Paul did, I greet you all My brother Melvin and all My brothers and sisters who care for Me and want to help Me. I need many people to help Me in the work of the Gospel. Pray My dear friends that many will answer the call for the priesthood. Pray too that many women will decide to become religious sisters and to work for Me and My Church. I also ask you to pray for the faithful that they will give their time to serve Me. I need many to help run the various groups, to come and help to serve at Masses, and to visit the people in their parishes, to bring them My love and to teach them My teaching. I am in need of many people so that My Church will be alive and always ready to help those in need, especially the poor and the young.
“I send you all the graces you need and I am always there to help you. I love you all.”
Father Melvin