Saturday, June 16, 2012
Warning against Idolatry
Dear Friends,
A reading from St. Paul’s First Letter to the Corinthians (10:14-33):
Therefore, my beloved, avoid idolatry. I am speaking as to sensible people; judge for yourselves what I am saying. The cup of blessing that we bless, is it not a participation in the blood of Christ? The bread that we break, is it not a participation in the body of Christ? Because the loaf of bread is one, we, though many, are one body, for we all partake of the one loaf. Look at Israel according to the flesh; are not those who eat the sacrifices participants in the altar? So what am I saying? That meat sacrificed to idols is anything? Or that an idol is anything? No, I mean that what they sacrifice, they sacrifice to demons, not to God, and I do not want you to become participants with demons. You cannot drink the cup of the Lord and also the cup of demons. You cannot partake of the table of the Lord and of the table of demons. Or are we provoking the Lord to jealous anger? Are we stronger than he? “Everything is lawful,” but not everything is beneficial. “Everything is lawful,” but not everything builds up. No one should seek his own advantage, but that of his neighbor. Eat anything sold in the market, without raising questions on grounds of conscience, for “the earth and its fullness are the Lord’s.” If an unbeliever invites you and you want to go, eat whatever is placed before you, without raising questions on grounds of conscience. But if someone says to you, “This was offered in sacrifice,” do not eat it on account of the one who called attention to it and on account of conscience; I mean not your own conscience, but the other’s. For why should my freedom be determined by someone else’s conscience? If I partake thankfully, why am I reviled for that over which I give thanks? So whether you eat or drink, or whatever you do, do everything for the glory of God. Avoid giving offense, whether to Jews or Greeks or the church of God, just as I try to please everyone in every way, not seeking my own benefit but that of the many, that they may be saved.
Yesterday was the Feast of the Sacred Heart and today it is the Feast of the Immaculate Heart of Our Blessed Mother.
(Below you will find the message of Our Lady given to Father Melvin. She spoke to him these words.)
“I bless you, My son Melvin and all My sons and daughters spread throughout the countries of the world. Give praise and thanksgiving to the Father for all that He is doing for all of you. Yesterday was the Feast of the Sacred Heart of Jesus, My Son. What perfect love He showed to all of you by sacrificing Himself on the cross for you all so that you could be free from sin and become the beloved of God. I call you all to follow Him and Him alone. Many people today are worshiping idols and this is a great offense against God. Modern idols are money, New Age, satanic cults, freedom from everything even from following your Lord and Savior, and immorality. My dear children, I am calling you back to My Son, Jesus. He is your Redeemer who died for you and He will save you if you follow Him. Come leave the darkness behind and come into the light for My Son is the light. He alone can give meaning to your life in this world. Have great hope that when you leave this life, you will enter everlasting happiness in heaven. I love you all, My dear children, and I want you all with Me.”
Father Melvin