Friday, October 4, 2013
Progress of the Gospel
Dear Friends,
A reading from Saint Paul’s Letter to the Philippians (1:12-26):
I want you to know, brothers, that my situation has turned out rather to advance the gospel, so that my imprisonment has become well known in Christ throughout the whole praetorium and to all the rest, and so that the majority of the brothers, having taken encouragement in the Lord from my imprisonment, dare more than ever to proclaim the word fearlessly.
Of course, some preach Christ from envy and rivalry, others from good will. The latter act out of love, aware that I am here for the defense of the gospel; the former proclaim Christ out of selfish ambition, not from pure motives, thinking that they will cause me trouble in my imprisonment. What difference does it make, as long as in every way, whether in pretense or in truth, Christ is being proclaimed? And in that I rejoice.
Indeed I shall continue to rejoice, for I know that this will result in deliverance for me through your prayers and support from the Spirit of Jesus Christ. My eager expectation and hope is that I shall not be put to shame in any way, but that with all boldness, now as always, Christ will be magnified in my body, whether by life or by death. For to me life is Christ, and death is gain. If I go on living in the flesh, that means fruitful labor for me. And I do not know which I shall choose. I am caught between the two. I long to depart this life and be with Christ, for that is far better. Yet that I remain in the flesh is more necessary for your benefit. And this I know with confidence, that I shall remain and continue in the service of all of you for your progress and joy in the faith, so that your boasting in Christ Jesus may abound on account of me when I come to you again.
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We had another beautiful day yesterday. It was sunny the whole day and it was warm enough in the afternoon.
Below you will find the message of Our Lord and Savior given to Father Melvin. Jesus spoke to him these words,
“Never be afraid to spread My Gospel, My brother Melvin and all My brothers and sisters who have great love for Me. The first thing you have to do is to pray for those who do not believe. Pray for them every day. They need to receive the gift of faith and the grace to say ‘yes’ to this great gift. Do not be afraid to speak to the people you meet about Me. It is true at times some will reject you but do not worry, many others will accept you. See what the Apostles have done. They went out to different countries and spread the good news, and this is how My Church was able to grow all the time. You also need to give good examples in loving all those you meet and to never insult any person no matter what they do. Pray for those who do not love you and one day they will change. You know that I want all the people to come to believe in Me. I love you all and I bless you.”
Father Melvin