July 11, 2014
Conclusion of Stephen’s Speech
A reading from the Acts of the Apostles 7, 51 – 60:
Stephen said to the Jews, “You stiff-necked people, uncircumcised in heart and ears, you always oppose the Holy Spirit; you are just like your ancestors. Which of the prophets did your ancestors not persecute? They put to death those who foretold the coming of the righteous one, whose betrayers and murderers you have now become. You receive the law as transmitted by angels, but you did not observe it.”
When they heard this, they were infuriated, and they ground their teeth at him. But he, filled with the Holy Spirit, looked up intently to heaven and saw the glory of God and Jesus standing at the right hand of God, and he said, “Behold, I see the heavens opened and the Son of Man standing at the right hand of God.” But they cried out in a loud voice, covered their ears, and rushed upon him together. They threw him out of the city, and began to stone him. The witnesses laid down their cloaks at the feet of a young man named Saul. As they were stoning Stephen, he called out, “Lord Jesus, receive my spirit.” Then he fell to his knees and cried out in a loud voice, “Lord, do not hold this sin against them”; and when he said this, he fell asleep.
Today Thursday, I attended the funeral of a great friend of mine who died at the age of 49. He died from a massive heart attack. At the funeral his young son about 7 years of age looked up and told his mother, “Look there is dad up there.” The child was full of joy to see his father on the way to heaven. I worked with this man for over ten years by giving retreats and conferences. He was one full of faith and love for Jesus and our Blessed Mother. He was a strong supporter of Pro-Life.
Below you will find the message of Our Lord and Savior given to Father Melvin. Jesus spoke to him these words,
“I bless you My brother Melvin and all My brothers and sisters who believe in Me and follow Me. At the beginning of the church, there was a very holy deacon and his name is Saint Stephen. He was not afraid to tell the Jews the sins they had committed. He told them that they had refused to accept Me as their Savior and it was the Jewish leaders that condemned Me to death on the cross. When the Jews heard this, they grabbed Saint Stephen and brought him out of the city and stoned him to death. However, Saint Stephen had a vision before he died and said, “Behold, I see the heavens opened and the Son of Man standing at the right hand of God.” He died a martyr, the first martyr of the Church and indeed he is in heaven having given his life to witness to Me, His Lord and Savior. I bless him and I bless you all.”
Father Melvin
P.S. We had a beautiful day today with sunshine and a little wind which helped to keep the temperature a bit cool. May the Lord fill you all with His love, peace and joy.