Generosity in Giving

Wednesday, July 11, 2012

Generosity in Giving

Dear Friends,

A reading from St. Paul’s Second Letter to the Corinthians (2 Cor 8:1-15):

We want you to know, brothers, of the grace of God that has been given to the churches of Macedonia, for in a severe test of affliction, the abundance of their joy and their profound poverty overflowed in a wealth of generosity on their part. For according to their means, I can testify, and beyond their means, spontaneously, they begged us insistently for the favor of taking part in the service to the holy ones, and this, not as we expected, but they gave themselves first to the Lord and to us through the will of God, so that we urged Titus that, as he had already begun, he should also complete for you this gracious act also. Now as you excel in every respect, in faith, discourse, knowledge, all earnestness, and in the love we have for you, may you excel in this gracious act also.

I say this not by way of command but to test the genuineness of your love by your concern for others. For you know the gracious act of our Lord Jesus Christ, that for your sake he became poor although he was rich, so that by his poverty you might become rich. And I am giving counsel in this matter, for it is appropriate for you who began not only to act but to act willingly last year: complete it now, so that your eager willingness may be matched by your completion of it out of what you have. For if the eagerness is there, it is acceptable according to what one has, not according to what one does not have; not that others should have relief while you are burdened, but that as a matter of equality your surplus at the present time should supply their needs, so that their surplus may also supply your needs, that there may be equality. As it is written: “Whoever had much did not have more, and whoever had little did not have less.“

People are coming to visit the little home of Our Lady of Prince Edward Island almost every day now. They love to pray here.

(Below you will find the message of Our Lord and Savior given to Father Melvin. Jesus spoke to him these words.)

“ I bless you My brother Melvin and all My brothers and sisters who daily give themselves to help others. You are not turned in upon yourselves but you are turned toward others especially those who suffer in one way or another. Continue to pray for the sick and My brother Melvin place your healing hands on them for My healing power is passing through you. Pray for physical healing but also spiritual healing. There are many who need spiritual healing like this lady who visited you lately. She was all mixed up, as she did not attend the church I founded on the Apostles but another founded by human beings. Now her heart has been healed and she will return to My Church and I will bless you with much love and peace. If any of you are living in sin, you need to do something about this immediately. You need to change your life and follow My way, which the Church has the duty to teach you all. If you come and follow Me, you will be blessed indeed and you will have great peace in your heart and I will give you the graces you need every day. Remain always with Me.”

Father Melvin