Paul and James in Jerusalem

Wednesday, March 14, 2012

Paul and James in Jerusalem

Dear Friends,

After these days we made preparations for our journey, then went up to Jerusalem. Some of the disciples from Caesarea came along to lead us to the house of Mnason, a Cypriot, a disciple of long standing, with whom we were to stay. When we reached Jerusalem the brothers welcomed us warmly. The next day, Paul accompanied us on a visit to James, and all the presbyters were present. He greeted them, then proceeded to tell them in detail what God had accomplished among the Gentiles through his ministry. They praised God when they heard it but said to him, “Brother, you see how many thousands of believers there are from among the Jews, and they are all zealous observers of the law. They have been informed that you are teaching all the Jews who live among the Gentiles to abandon Moses and that you are telling them not to circumcise their children or to observe their customary practices. What is to be done? They will surely hear that you have arrived. So do what we tell you. We have four men who have taken a vow. Take these men and purify yourself with them, and pay their expenses that they may have their heads shaved. In this way everyone will know that there is nothing to the reports they have been given about you but that you yourself live in observance of the law. As for the Gentiles who have come to believe, we sent them our decision that they abstain from meat sacrificed to idols, from blood, from the meat of strangled animals, and from unlawful marriage.” So Paul took the men, and on the next day after purifying himself together with them entered the temple to give notice of the day when the purification would be completed and the offering made for each of them.

I went for an hour of Eucharistic Adoration last evening from 5:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. It was a great and wonderful hour with Jesus who spoke to me for half an hour. This morning I will celebrate Holy Mass 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 him these words.)

“I fill you with My grace, My brother Melvin and all My brothers and sisters living in every country of the world. You need My help if you are to advance in holiness every day. I used to go to Jerusalem at least once a year for the great celebration and it was My joy to go to the temple and pray to My Father. I loved to spend time with Him every day. When St. Paul was in Jerusalem, they attacked him because of the decision of the church to do away with the Mosaic Law and especially with circumcision. St. Paul suffered much because of this and finally was beheaded in Rome.

Father Melvin