Monday, March 26, 2012
St. Paul on Trial before Felix
Dear Friends,
A passage from the Acts of the Apostles (24:1-16):
Five days later the high priest Ananias came down with some elders and an advocate, a certain Tertullus, and they presented formal charges against Paul to the governor. When he was called, Tertullus began to accuse him, saying, “Since we have attained much peace through you, and reforms have been accomplished in this nation through your provident care, we acknowledge this in every way and everywhere, most excellent Felix, with all gratitude. But in order not to detain you further, I ask you to give us a brief hearing with your customary graciousness. We found this man to be a pest; he creates dissension among Jews all over the world and is a ringleader of the sect of the Nazoreans. He even tried to desecrate our temple, but we arrested him. If you examine him you will be able to learn from him for yourself about everything of which we are accusing him.” The Jews also joined in the attack and asserted that these things were so. Then the governor motioned to him to speak and Paul replied, “I know that you have been a judge over this nation for many years and so I am pleased to make my defense before you. As you can verify, not more than twelve days have passed since I went up to Jerusalem to worship. Neither in the temple, nor in the synagogues, nor anywhere in the city did they find me arguing with anyone or instigating a riot among the people. Nor can they prove to you the accusations they are now making against me. But this I do admit to you, that according to the Way, which they call a sect, I worship the God of our ancestors and I believe everything that is in accordance with the law and written in the prophets. I have the same hope in God as they themselves have that there will be a resurrection of the righteous and the unrighteous. Because of this, I always strive to keep my conscience clear before God and man.
I concelebrated Holy Mass yesterday morning with the Parish Priest at our parish church. Today begins the 40 hours of adoration at our church and I will go there this afternoon.
(Below you will find the message of Our Lord and Redeemer given to Father Melvin. Jesus spoke to him these words.)
“Do not be afraid, My brother Melvin and all My brothers and sisters, when people accuse you falsely. They accused Me falsely and they also accused falsely St. Paul, My great Apostle. Do not be afraid because I know the truth and these false accusations will condemn the perpetrators who are working for Satan.
Many of My followers have been dragged before courts and all kinds of lies were said against them. Some were condemned unjustly as they had not done anything wrong. It is those who suffer unjustly who will receive a high place in heaven for indeed they have followed Me very closely.
I urge you all to follow the commandments so that you will not be accused for doing evil. Do not do anything wrong but do what is right. You need to strive for holiness every day. Come to Me every day and spend time with Me in contemplation. You will receive great gifts and strength to do always what is right. I bless you all.”
Father Melvin