June 9, 2015
Unbelief and Belief among the Jews
A reading from the Gospel of Saint John 12, 37 – 43:
After he had said this, Jesus left and hid from them. Although he had performed so many signs in their presence they did not believe in him, in order that the word which Isaiah the prophet spoke might be fulfilled:
“Lord, who has believed our preaching, to whom has the might of the Lord been revealed?”
For this reason they could not believe, because again Isaiah said:
“He blinded their eyes and hardened their hearts, so that they might not see with their eyes and understand with their heart and be converted, and I would heal them.”
Isaiah said this because he saw his glory and spoke about him. Nevertheless, many, even among the authorities, believed in him, but because of the Pharisees they did not acknowledge it openly in order not to be expelled from the synagogue. For they preferred human praise to the glory of God.
We had another beautiful sunny day on Monday and it was warmer than yesterday. It became cloudy in the evening and we had a mild rain during the night. A number of people sent me names to add to the Book of Remembrance. I always offer every week three Holy Masses for those written in the book and I will do this every week for a full year. Many people have been changed completely after I started offering Masses for them.
Below you will find the message of Our Lord and Redeemer given to Father Melvin. Jesus spoke to him these words,
“Faith is a very important gift for every person. So ask for the increase of this gift My brother Melvin and all My brothers and sisters who believe in Me. Although many Jews saw all the great miracles I did such as bring Lazarus who was buried back to life, still they would not believe that I was the Messiah, the Savior of the world. Many still wanted to arrest Me and kill Me. Others however believed in Me as the Messiah but they would not acknowledge it openly because of their fear of the Pharisees. They could be expelled from the synagogue. I had to go in hiding so that they would not arrest Me before the time was right.
My dear friends, it is difficult at times today to show yourself as one who believes in Me. If you do, they will laugh at you and say that you are crazy. However, you know that you cannot be saved unless you believe in Me and follow Me every day. Be men and women of prayer and go to church regularly especially every Sunday. Go to receive the Sacraments of Reconciliation and the Eucharist regularly and you will be closely united to Me and I will give you all the graces you need to avoid sin and to grow in holiness. I bless you all.”
Father Melvin