June 26, 2015
Jesus Arrested (2)
A reading from the Gospel of Saint John 18, 12 – 18:
So the band of soldiers, the tribune, and the Jewish guards seized Jesus, bound him, and brought him to Annas first. He was the father-in-law of Caiaphas, who was high priest that year. It was Caiaphas who had counseled the Jews that it was better that one man should die rather than the people.
Simon Peter and another disciple followed Jesus. Now the other disciple was known to the high priest, and he entered the courtyard of the high priest with Jesus. But Peter stood at the gate outside. So the other disciple, the acquaintance of he high priest, went out and spoke to the gatekeeper and brought Peter in. Then the maid who was the gatekeeper said to Peter, “You are not one of this man’s disciples, are you?” He said, “I am not.” Now the slaves and the guards were standing around a charcoal fire that they had made, because it was cold, and were warming themselves. Peter was also standing there keeping warm.
I went to the city of Summerside yesterday morning. It is about one hour’s drive from my house. I love to go to this city where they have a very big Catholic Church and the name of the Church is Saint Paul. I have celebrated Holy Mass in that church many times. Today I will have to go to the Province of New Brunswick.
Below you will find the message of Our Lord and Savior given to Father Melvin. Jesus spoke to him these words,
“My brother Melvin and all My brothers and sisters, it is now time as we read the Gospel of Saint John for My arrest at the hands of the soldiers and guards of the high priest and the Pharisees. So they grabbed Me and brought Me to the place where Annas, the father-in-law of the high priest, was. Two Apostles followed Me, they were Peter and John. John was known by the high priest so he was able to go in without trouble but Peter stayed outside. It was John who went out and spoke to the gatekeeper and Peter was let in. When the woman saw Peter she asked him if he was one of My disciples and Peter answered no. This was Peter’s first denial. You know I had told him while we were in the Upper Room that he would deny Me three times during the night.
My dear friends, I was questioned by the high priest and others and I was not afraid to answer them the truth. My dear brothers and sisters, I want you to always say the truth. In this way you will do exactly what I did. I never told a lie. I bless you all.”
Father Melvin