Wednesday, August 10, 2011
The Parable of the Ten Virgins
Dear Friends,
Jesus said to them in reply, “… Then the kingdom of heaven will be like ten virgins who took their lamps and went out to meet the bridegroom. Five of them were foolish and five were wise. The foolish ones, when taking their lamps, brought no oil with them, but the wise brought flasks of oil with their lamps. Since the bridegroom was long delayed, they all became drowsy and fell asleep. At midnight, there was a cry, ‘Behold, the bridegroom! Come out to meet him!’ Then all those virgins got up and trimmed their lamps. The foolish ones said to the wise, ‘Give us some of your oil, for our lamps are going out.’ But the wise ones replied, ‘No, for there may not be enough for us and you. Go instead to the merchants and buy some for yourselves.’ While they went off to buy it, the bridegroom came and those who were ready went into the wedding feast with him. Then the door was locked. Afterwards the other virgins came and said, ‘Lord, Lord, open the door for us!’ But he said in reply, ‘Amen, I say to you, I do not know you.’ Therefore, stay awake, for you know neither the day nor the hour. (Passage from the Gospel of St. Matthew 24:4a; 25:1-13)
I will soon have to start writing the Newsletter of Our Lady of Prince Edward Island. I hope it will be prepared before I leave for Europe on September 6, 2011. Many of you have paid your subscription but there are still a good number who have not paid. I urge you to pay this small amount before the next Newsletter is ready. I am getting ready for the English retreat that will begin next week on Tuesday, August 16, at 2:00 p.m.
Below you will find the message of Our Lord and Savior given to Father Melvin. Jesus spoke to him these words,
“Be wise My loved ones as I greet you, My brother Melvin and all My brothers and sisters scattered all over the world. Be wise, My friends, like the five wise virgins. They were ready for all eventualities. You too must open your heart to receive all the graces and gifts you need for whatever will happen in the future. You need a strong faith and to be faithful to your prayers every day especially the praying of the rosary, going to Holy Mass regularly and receiving Me in Holy Communion every day if possible. You will have to be strengthened so that you will always say ‘no’ to the temptations of the evil one. Don’t forget your time for contemplative prayer every day. In this way you will become My great friend and we will have a deep friendship.
What you have to watch these days is the temptation of the world. The world is always tempting you with money, with honor and with a great reputation. You know that the world is opposed to Me and it is part of the darkness that exists everywhere. Do not be lured by the attraction of the world. It does not last. It is there today and tomorrow it is gone. Remain with Me and your joy will be full today, tomorrow and every day of your life. I love you all.”
Father Melvin