Friday, February 03, 2012
The Council of Jerusalem
Dear Friends,
Please read the passage below of the Acts of the Apostles 15:1-12.
Some who had come down from Judea were instructing the brothers, “Unless you are circumcised according to the Mosaic practice, you cannot be saved.” Because there arose no little dissension and debate by Paul and Barnabas with them, it was decided that Paul, Barnabas, and some of the others should go up to Jerusalem to the apostles and presbyters about this question. They were sent on their journey by the church, and passed through Phoenicia and Samaria telling of the conversion of the Gentiles, and brought great joy to all the brothers. When they arrived in Jerusalem, they were welcomed by the church, as well as by the apostles and the presbyters, and they reported what God had done with them. But some from the party of the Pharisees who had become believers stood up and said, “It is necessary to circumcise them and direct them to observe the Mosaic law.” The apostles and the presbyters met together to see about this matter. After much debate had taken place, Peter got up and said to them, “My brothers, you are well aware that from early days God made his choice among you that through my mouth the Gentiles would hear the word of the gospel and believe. And God, who knows the heart, bore witness by granting them the holy Spirit just as he did us. He made no distinction between us and them, for by faith he purified their hearts. Why, then, are you now putting God to the test by placing on the shoulders of the disciples a yoke that neither our ancestors nor we have been able to bear? On the contrary, we believe that we are saved through the grace of the Lord Jesus, in the same way as they.” The whole assembly fell silent, and they listened while Paul and Barnabas described the signs and wonders God had worked among the Gentiles through them.
I will have a Healing Mass this evening at the Little Shrine of Our Lady of Prince Edward Island at 7:30 p.m. and we will begin with the rosary at 7:00 p.m.
(Below you will find the message of Our Lord and Redeemer given to Father Melvin. Jesus spoke to him these words.)
“I love you and bless you, My brother Melvin and all My brothers and sisters living in every country of the world. I call you all to remain united with Me every day. I live in your heart if you follow Me. I wish to say a few words about the Council of Jerusalem that took place while the Apostles were still living. The big question that was dealt with was whether the Gentiles should become Jews when they became Christians. Did they have to be circumcised and follow the Law of Moses? This council with the help of the Holy Spirit, and I was there too, made the right decision and all should be happy. The Gentiles do not have to be circumcised and follow the Mosaic Law. They have to follow My teachings and they will be saved. It is the same for you today. Remember that I am your Savior and you need to believe in Me and follow Me every day if you wish to enter heaven and be with Me. I love you all.“
Father Melvin
P.S. I will pray for all those who read this message at the healing Mass this evening.