Tuesday, July 24, 2012
The Importance of Faith
Dear Friends,
A reading from St. Paul’s Letter to the Galatians (5:1-15):
For freedom Christ set us free; so stand firm and do not submit again to the yoke of slavery. It is I, Paul, who am telling you that if you have yourselves circumcised, Christ will be of no benefit to you. Once again I declare to every man who has himself circumcised that he is bound to observe the entire law. You are separated from Christ, you who are trying to be justified by law; you have fallen from grace. For through the Spirit, by faith, we await the hope of righteousness. For in Christ Jesus, neither circumcision nor uncircumcision counts for anything, but only faith working through love. You were running well; who hindered you from following the truth? That enticement does not come from the one who called you. A little yeast leavens the whole batch of dough. I am confident of you in the Lord that you will not take a different view, and that the one who is troubling you will bear the condemnation, whoever he may be. As for me, brothers, if I am still preaching circumcision, why am I still being persecuted? In that case, the stumbling block of the cross has been abolished. Would that those who are upsetting you might also castrate themselves!
For you were called for freedom, brothers. But do not use this freedom as an opportunity for the flesh; rather, serve one another through love. For the whole law is fulfilled in one statement, namely, “You shall love your neighbor as yourself.” But if you go on biting and devouring one another, beware that you are not consumed by one another.
I have people coming to the Chapel of Our Lady of Prince Edward Island almost every day. They come to pray and to ask for healing prayers.
(Below you will find the message of Our Lord and Redeemer given to Father Melvin. Jesus spoke to him these words.)
“I call you My friend My brother Melvin and you are My friends too My brothers and sisters living in every country of the world. There is no greater freedom than the freedom of the sons and daughters of God. I have brought you out of darkness by My suffering and death on the cross. You are filled with the Holy Spirit, the Third Person of the Holy Trinity. With all these gifts you will be united with Me in peace and love. Do not be afraid to witness to your faith in Me and to speak about all I have done for you. You know that I protect you every day if you call on Me and I will also give you the strength to avoid sin and to do good. Once you have found Me, do not look elsewhere for I am your only Savior. I am the only one who can lead you along the right path and if you follow it you will be with Me in heaven one day. Pray for all those who do not pray or do not believe. If they remain without faith until death, they will not be saved. So pray for them that they may receive the gift of faith and believe in Me with all their heart. I love you, My brothers and sisters, and I am calling you every day to come and follow Me.”
Father Melvin