July 15, 2014
Simon the Magician
A reading from the Acts of the Apostles 8, 9 – 25:
A man named Simon used to practice magic in the city and astounded the people of Samaria, claiming to be someone great. All of them, from the least to the greatest, paid attention to him, saying, “This man is the ‘Power of God’ that is called ‘Great.'”
They paid attention to him because he had astounded them by his magic for a long time, but once they began to believe Philip as he preached the good news about the kingdom of God and the name of Jesus Christ, men and women alike were baptized. Even Simon himself believed and, after being baptized, became devoted to Philip; and when he saw the signs and mighty deeds that were occurring, he was astounded.
Now when the Apostles in Jerusalem heard that Samaria had accepted the word of God, they sent them Peter and John, who went down and prayed for them, that they might receive the Holy Spirit, for it had not yet fallen upon any of them; they had only been baptized in the name of the Lord Jesus. Then they laid hands on them and they received the Holy Spirit.
When Simon saw that the Spirit was conferred by the laying on of the Apostles’ hands, he offered them money and said, “Give me this power too, so that anyone upon whom I lay my hands may receive the Holy Spirit. But Peter said to him, “May your money perish with you, because you thought that you could buy the gift of God with money. You have no share or lot in this matter, for your heart is not upright before God. Repent of this wickedness of yours and pray to the Lord that, if possible, your intention may be forgiven. For I see that you are filled with bitter gall and are in the bonds of iniquity.” Simon said in reply, “Pray for me to the Lord, that nothing of what you have said may come upon me.” So when they had testified and proclaimed the word of the Lord, they returned to Jerusalem and preached the good news in many Samaritan villages.
I will have a healing service at Our Lady of Prince Edward Island’s chapel on August 1st and the service will begin at 7:00 p.m. All are welcome and I will pray on every person present.
Below you will find the message of Our Lord and Savior given to Father Melvin. Jesus spoke to him these words,
“Follow the Apostles My brother Melvin and all My brothers and sisters who have accepted Me as your Redeemer and you do all that I have asked you.
The Apostle Philip had been sent to Samaria to teach the Good News to the people of this area. He worked hard and many people were baptized even a magician called Simon. He believe in Philip and he was astounded by the signs and the mighty deeds that he accomplished in My Name. Then the Apostles Peter and John were sent to Samaria so that those baptized might receive the Holy Spirit. They came and laid hands on the people and they all received the Holy Spirit. Simon the Magician went to Saint Peter and offered him money and asked him to give him the power to lay hands on people so they may receive the Holy Spirit. Saint Peter was angry at him and told him these words, “May your money perish with you, because you thought that you could buy the gift of God with money.”Saint Peter told him to repent of what he did. He asked Saint Peter to pray for him to the Lord, that nothing of what he had said may come upon him. Then the Apostles left for Jerusalem.
As you see it is very important to receive the Holy Spirit. Today it is the Bishop who gives the Holy Spirit and it is a sacrament called the Sacrament of Confirmation. All those who are baptized must receive this great sacrament and be filled with the Holy Spirit. Then you will receive the strength to follow Me and to work for Me. I bless you all.”
Father Melvin
P.S. It was cloudy and we had a bit of rain today Monday in the morning but the sun came out in the afternoon and it was very beautiful but not too warm. Thank you Lord for the beautiful afternoon.