Tuesday, July 17, 2012
Selfless Concern for the Church
Dear Friends,
A reading from St. Paul’s Second Letter to the Corinthians (2 Cor 12:11-21):
I have been foolish. You compelled me, for I ought to have been commended by you. For I am in no way inferior to these “superapostles,” even though I am nothing. The signs of an apostle were performed among you with all endurance, signs and wonders, and mighty deeds. In what way were you less privileged than the rest of the churches, except that on my part I did not burden you? Forgive me this wrong!
Now I am ready to come to you this third time. And I will not be a burden, for I want not what is yours, but you. Children ought not to save for their parents, but parents for their children. I will most gladly spend and be utterly spent for your sakes. If I love you more, am I to be loved less? But granted that I myself did not burden you, yet I was crafty and got the better of you by deceit. Did I take advantage of you through any of those I sent to you? I urged Titus to go and sent the brother with him. Did Titus take advantage of you? Did we not walk in the same spirit? And in the same steps?
Have you been thinking all along that we are defending ourselves before you? In the sight of God we are speaking in Christ, and all for building you up, beloved. For I fear that when I come I may find you not such as I wish, and that you may find me not as you wish; that there may be rivalry, jealousy, fury, selfishness, slander, gossip, conceit, and disorder. I fear that when I come again my God may humiliate me before you, and I may have to mourn over many of those who sinned earlier and have not repented of the impurity, immorality, and licentiousness they practiced.
——————————
I am always in need of financial help to pay my bills and I have to pay some bills as soon as possible. If any can help me, I would be very thankful indeed.
(Below you will find the message of Our Lord and Redeemer Savior given to Father Melvin. Jesus spoke to him these words.)
“You are all called to love, My brother Melvin and all My brothers and sisters scattered over the countries of the world. What is important is selfless love by which you love all those you meet as if each one was Me, your Savior. Tell them that you love them and show by your actions that indeed you love them. There is too much selfish love today. People love you for what they can get from you. This is not what a follower of mine should do. You should never take advantage of another person for your own ends. If you are in trouble, yes, they will come to help you and this is what every Christian should do. I have told you in the Gospel to help the poor, the sick, the children and the aged. Every person who suffers is identified with Me, Your Brother. So, if you help them, I am the one you are helping. I will bless you and you will receive special gifts from Me. St. Paul did not want to impose on the people he visited. He did not even ask the people for food. He worked hard to have the money to buy what he needed but he was always ready to help the poor and the sick. I bless you and I call you all My friends.”
Father Melvin