Thursday, March 08, 2012
The Council of Jerusalem
Dear Friends,
Please read the passage below from the Acts of the Apostles (15:1-12):
Some who had come down from Judea were instructing the brothers, “Unless you are circumcised according to the Mosaic practice, you cannot be saved.” Because there arose no little dissension and debate by Paul and Barnabas with them, it was decided that Paul, Barnabas, and some of the others should go up to Jerusalem to the apostles and presbyters about this question. They were sent on their journey by the church, and passed through Phoenicia and Samaria telling of the conversion of the Gentiles, and brought great joy to all the brothers. When they arrived in Jerusalem, they were welcomed by the church, as well as by the apostles and the presbyters, and they reported what God had done with them. But some from the party of the Pharisees who had become believers stood up and said, “It is necessary to circumcise them and direct them to observe the Mosaic law.” The apostles and the presbyters met together to see about this matter. After much debate had taken place, Peter got up and said to them, “My brothers, you are well aware that from early days God made his choice among you that through my mouth the Gentiles would hear the word of the gospel and believe. And God, who knows the heart, bore witness by granting them the Holy Spirit just as he did us. He made no distinction between us and them, for by faith he purified their hearts. Why, then, are you now putting God to the test by placing on the shoulders of the disciples a yoke that neither our ancestors nor we have been able to bear? On the contrary, we believe that we are saved through the grace of the Lord Jesus, in the same way as they.” The whole assembly fell silent, and they listened while Paul and Barnabas described the signs and wonders God had worked among the Gentiles through them.
I celebrated Holy Mass at the Little Shrine yesterday morning and in the evening I was at the prayer meeting at our church. A good group came to both.
(Below you will find the message of Our Lord and Redeemer given to Father Melvin. Jesus spoke to him these words.)
“I love you, My brother Melvin, and all My brothers and sisters scattered over the whole earth. Some of you are suffering because of persecution, drought and earthly upheavals. Do not worry but remain close to Me and I will help you. The first Council of the Church was held at Jerusalem while the Apostles were still living. The big problem was this: should the Gentiles who wished to become Christians be circumcised before they are baptized. Some of the Jews were pushing that all be circumcised. However, with the power of the Holy Spirit St. Peter and the other Apostles decided that there would be no circumcision for the Gentiles as it was not necessary. So since that day this question never came up again. Yes, My Church has gathered many times in the past to decide on pressing questions. I was there to help them come to the right decision. All My followers are to follow the decisions of these councils for they came from Me through the Holy Spirit. I bless you all.”
Father Melvin