Tuesday, November 22, 2011
The Betrayal and Arrest of Jesus
Dear Friends,
While Jesus was still speaking, a crowd approached and in front was one of the Twelve, a man named Judas. He went up to Jesus to kiss him. Jesus said to him, “Judas, are you betraying the Son of Man with a kiss?” His disciples realized what was about to happen, and they asked, “Lord, shall we strike with a sword?” And one of them struck the high priest’s servant and cut off his right ear. But Jesus said in reply, “Stop, no more of this!” Then he touched the servant’s ear and healed him. And Jesus said to the chief priests and temple guards and elders who had come for him, “Have you come out as against a robber, with swords and clubs? Day after day I was with you in the temple area, and you did not seize me; but this is your hour, the time for the power of darkness.” (Passage from the Gospel of St. Luke 22:47-53)
I was at the New Manor in Alberton yesterday afternoon to celebrate Holy Mass with the Catholics living there. A large group attended. I also visited those who were unable to attend and I blessed them and gave them Holy Communion. This evening I will go to the Immaculate Conception Church in Palmer Road for an hour of adoration. The Blessed Sacrament is exposed on the altar for the whole day on Tuesday.
(Below you will find the message of Our Lord and Savior given to Father Melvin. Jesus spoke to him these words:)
“I love you, My brother Melvin and all My brothers and sisters scattered throughout the world. It was out of love for all of you that I agreed to be arrested, to suffer and to die on the cross for your salvation. What was so painful for Me was that one of the twelve Apostles betrayed Me to the authorities. Judas had lived with Me for about three years and he had seen all the miracles I had done and he had heard all My teachings, and yet he could betray His Savior.
My dear friends, every person who commits grievous sin acts like Judas and insults Me. You turn your backs to Me and cause Me great pain. You know how much I suffered during My Passion and death. Yet I would suffer this all over again to save you because I love you and I want you with Me.”
Father Melvin