Wednesday, May 02, 2012
The Beloved Disciple
Dear Friends,
Please read the passage below from the Gospel of St. John (21: 20-25):
Peter turned and saw the disciple following whom Jesus loved, the one who had also reclined upon his chest during the supper and had said, “Master, who is the one who will betray you?” When Peter saw him, he said to Jesus, “Lord, what about him?” Jesus said to him, “What if I want him to remain until I come? What concern is it of yours? You follow me.” So the word spread among the brothers that that disciple would not die. But Jesus had not told him that he would not die, just “What if I want him to remain until I come? What concern is it of yours?” It is this disciple who testifies to these things and has written them, and we know that his testimony is true. There are also many other things that Jesus did, but if these were to be described individually, I do not think the whole world would contain the books that would be written.
The Papal audience: There was a lot of noise where I was sitting so it was difficult to understand at least some of what the Pope was saying. After the blessing of the Pope, we left the square and went to a restaurant for something to eat. After our meal we went to visit the Basilica of St. John Lateran, the Cathedral of the Pope. Then we went across the street to the Holy Stairs where I celebrated Holy Mass in one of the chapels with the group. After Mass we went to visit the beautiful Basilica known as St. Mary Major. After this visit and prayers we left for our hotel. We had supper around 7:30 p.m. and then I went to my room for some prayers and for a good sleep.
The next morning we had breakfast at 7:00 a.m. and left our hotel at about 8:00 a.m. We traveled to the grand Basilica of St. Paul outside the Walls; here is where St. Paul is buried. I celebrated Holy Mass there in one of the chapels and then we left for the south of Italy to a town known as San Giovanni Rotondo, where St. Padre Pio lived and died. He is buried in the brand new church built in his honor. I will continue my report on this pilgrimage tomorrow.
(Below you will find the message of Our Lord and Savior given to Father Melvin. Jesus spoke to him these words.)
“My heart is full of love for you, My brother Melvin, and for all My brothers and sisters all over the world. My love for you will never diminish. You are all so dear to Me. You know how I loved My Apostles even though at times they were slow to understand. The beloved one was St. John who loved to sit near Me. He was the youngest of the Apostles who had such great faith and he was full of love for Me and for all his brothers and sisters. As I loved St. John, I also love you and I want you to remain closely united to Me. What increases your love for Me is prayer. Come, My friends, and spend time in contemplation with Me like the Apostles used to do. I will fill you with My light and flood you with all the graces you need. I am calling you to take My hand every day and I will protect you. You are mine.”
Father Melvin