August 7, 2014
Paul and Barnabas at Iconium
A reading from the Acts of the Apostles 14, 1 – 7:
In Iconium they entered the Jewish synagogue together and spoke in such a way that a great number of both Jews and Greeks came to believe, although the disbelieving Jews stirred up and poisoned the minds of the Gentiles against the brothers. So they stayed for a considerable period, speaking out boldly for the Lord, who confirmed the word about his grace by granting signs and wonders to occur through their hands. The people of the city were divided: some were with the Jews; others, with the apostles. When there was an attempt by both the Gentiles and the Jews, together with their leaders, to attack and stone them, they realized it and fled to the Lycaonian cities of Lystra and Derbe and to the surrounding countryside, where they continued to proclaim the good news.
I have what is called a book of remembrance, where people can have names written in it and I offer Holy Masses for these people three times a week for a full year. I prayed for a couple from France who were on the verge of divorce and after offering Masses for them, they began to get along better and now they are living without problem. Anyone can write the names of their relative or friends, living or dead, and all they have to do is pay $15.00 for each name. The Lord has touched many of these people written in the book.
Below you will find the message of Our Lord and Savior given to Father Melvin. Jesus spoke to him these words,
“Do not be afraid to suffer My brother Melvin and all My brothers and sisters who are dedicated to Me. You see how Saint Paul and Barnabas suffered much when they traveled to Antioch and to Iconium. Some people accepted them and their teaching and believed in Me, their Savior. Others, however, refused to accept their teaching and wanted to kill them. In that case they had to flee the town and go somewhere else. It is especially the Jews who refuse to believe what the Apostles taught about Me. They did not want to accept that I am their Messiah and that I came to save them.
Do not worry what people say but come and follow Me. The devil is there and he is working against Me but do not follow him. He is your enemy. I am your great friend and I love you.”
Father Melvin
P.S. It is cloudy this afternoon and we might have some rain during the night. The farmers need the rain. May the Lord bless you all.