July 28, 2014
The Baptism of Cornelius
A reading from the Acts of the Apostles 10, 44 – 48:
While Peter was still speaking these things, the Holy Spirit fell upon all who were listening to the word. The circumcised believers who had accompanied Peter were astounded that the gift of the Holy Spirit should have been poured out on the Gentiles also, for they could hear them speaking in tongues and glorifying God. Then Peter responded, “Can anyone withhold the water for baptizing these people, who have received the Holy Spirit even as we have?” He ordered them to be baptized in the name of Jesus Christ. Then they invited him to stay for a few days.
When I was in Africa, a young man came to see me who was possessed by evil spirits. He asked me if I could pray over him and chase them away. He told me that he had done voodoo and that is why he was possessed. I prayed over him and placed my hands on his head. As I began to pray he started to shout and scream and he was rolling around in the room. It took nearly half an hour before he became still and he opened his eyes and he was full of peace. I knew then that the evil spirits were gone and I thank the Lord for chasing them away. This young man never suffered from these evil spirits again.
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 never to fear to speak about Me to the people. Look at what Saint Peter did in the home of Cornelius, a Roman soldier. He was invited by Cornelius after he saw an angel who told him to invite Saint Peter to his home to speak to his people. So Peter came and spoke about Me to Cornelius and all his family and friends. While Saint Peter was speaking the people began to speak in tongues and glorifying God. All those who had come with Saint Peter were amazed that the Holy Spirit fell on these non-Jews. It looked very much like the day of Pentecost when the Holy Spirit fell upon the Apostles. So Saint Peter said that they should all be baptized as they had received the Holy Spirit even as the Apostles had. So Cornelius and all his family and friends were baptized and entered My Church. I call you all to preach the Good News wherever you go and the Holy Spirit will come upon them. I bless you all.”
Father Melvin
P.S. We had a beautiful sunny day and it was not too warm because there was a nice wind. Praise the Lord.