Wednesday, November 09, 2011
The Rich Official
Dear Friends,
An official asked Jesus this question, “Good teacher, what must I do to inherit eternal life?” Jesus answered him, “Why do you call me good? No one is good but God alone. You know the commandments, ‘You shall not commit adultery; you shall not kill; you shall not steal; you shall not bear false witness; honor your father and your mother.'” And he replied, “All of these I have observed from my youth.” When Jesus heard this he said to him, “There is still one thing left for you: sell all that you have and distribute it to the poor, and you will have a treasure in heaven. Then come, follow me.” But when he heard this he became quite sad, for he was very rich. Jesus looked at him (now sad) and said, “How hard it is for those who have wealth to enter the kingdom of God! For it is easier for a camel to pass through the eye of a needle than for a rich person to enter the kingdom of God.” Those who heard this said, “Then who can be saved?” And Jesus said, “What is impossible for human beings is possible for God.” Then Peter said, “We have given up our possessions and followed you.” He said to them, “Amen, I say to you, there is no one who has given up house or wife or brothers or parents or children for the sake of the kingdom of God who will not receive back an overabundant return in this present age and eternal life in the age to come.” (Passage from the Gospel of St. Luke 18:18-30)
I went to celebrate Holy Mass and a Healing Service at St. Paul’s Church, Summerside, PEI, last evening and a good group of people attended. Prior two of us had a beautiful meal at the home of great friends. I will celebrate Holy Mass this morning at the Little Shrine of Our Lady of Prince Edward Island at 9:30 a.m.
Below you will find the message of Our Lord and Savior given to Father Melvin. Jesus spoke to me these words,
“I am calling you, My dear friends, especially you, My brother Melvin, and all My brothers and sisters living in every country in the world. I am calling you to come and follow Me. As I told this rich man, you will first have to follow the commandments of God. If you follow the commandments, then there will be one thing else you have to do. Give your money to the poor and come follow Me. You have the example of the Apostles who gave up everything to follow Me and all except Judas received their reward. They are now in heaven. You are not to pile up money in the banks and refuse to help those who are in need. This is not the way a follower of mine has to follow. Indeed you need some money to live but do not be attached to it and be ready to give away for good causes and to help the poor. If you do this you will receive many blessings in this world and eternal life in the next world.
I am your example. I was born in a cave in Bethlehem and I lived poor all My life. At times I did not have even a place to sleep. I slept outside together with the Apostles under the trees. Yet I was happy and I had enough food to eat most of the time. Follow Me and you will be blessed.”
Father Melvin