May 30, 2014
The Anointing at Bethany
A reading from the Gospel of Saint Matthew 26, 6 – 13:
Now when Jesus was in Bethany in the house of Simon the leper a woman came up to him with an alabaster jar of costly perfumed oil, and poured it on his head while he was reclining at table. When the disciples saw this, they were indignant and said, “Why this waste? It could have been sold for much, and the money given to the poor.” Since Jesus knew this, he said to them, “Why do you make trouble for the woman? She has done a good thing for me. The poor you will always have with you, but you will not always have me. In pouring this perfumed oil upon my body, she did it to prepare me for burial. Amen, I say to you, wherever this gospel is proclaimed in the whole world, what she has done will be spoken of, in memory of her.”
Today Thursday is the actual day of the Ascension. It was celebrated today in many countries and especially at the Vatican. In other countries this feast will be celebrated on Sunday. Why did they change the date? The reason is that if the feast is celebrated on Thursday only a small group of people will be present because many are working on that day. If it is on Sunday then all those who go to church will be present for the feast. So that is why it was changed to Sunday.
Below you will find the message of Our Lord and Savior given to Father Melvin. Jesus spoke to him these words,
“I call you My brother Melvin and all My brothers and sisters to follow in the Bible the course of the events as they lead to My death on the cross and My burial.
Mary Magdalene is the one who came to anoint My head when I was in Bethany. She poured this rich oil on My head as she was led by the Spirit. This is a Jewish custom that the dead have to be anointed with oil once they have died and before they are buried. Although some of the Apostles, especially Judas Iscariot, objected to what this woman did, I told the Apostles that it was a good thing that she did. Indeed everywhere were this story is told, this woman will be honored for the great act she did.
This story is to remind you that My death is near. In fact in two days I will be hanging on the cross, having been killed although I did nothing wrong. However, I accepted to die for each one of you to pay the price for your sins. I love you all.”
Father Melvin
P.S. I thank the Lord for the beautiful sunny day we had on Thursday. There was no wind and the temperature was much warmer than the day before. May the Lord bless you all.