Monday, June 18, 2012
Unity and Variety
Dear Friends,
A reading from St. Paul’s First Letter to the Corinthians (12:1-13):
Now in regard to spiritual gifts, brothers, I do not want you to be unaware. You know how, when you were pagans, you were constantly attracted and led away to mute idols. Therefore, I tell you that nobody speaking by the spirit of God says, “Jesus be accursed.” And no one can say, “Jesus is Lord,” except by the Holy Spirit. There are different kinds of spiritual gifts but the same Spirit; there are different forms of service but the same Lord; there are different workings but the same God who produces all of them in everyone. To each individual the manifestation of the Spirit is given for some benefit. To one is given through the Spirit the expression of wisdom; to another the expression of knowledge according to the same Spirit; to another faith by the same Spirit; to another gifts of healing by the one Spirit; to another mighty deeds; to another prophecy; to another discernment of spirits; to another varieties of tongues; to another interpretation of tongues. But one and the same Spirit produces all of these, distributing them individually to each person as he wishes. As a body is one though it has many parts, and all the parts of the body, though many, are one body, so also Christ. For in one Spirit we were all baptized into one body, whether Jews or Greeks, slaves or free persons, and we were all given to drink of one Spirit.
We had a beautiful sunny day yesterday, Sunday, and we will have many sunny days in the week to come. I thank the Lord for the beautiful weather that He is giving us every day.
(Below you will find the message of Our Lord and Savior given to Father Melvin. Jesus spoke to him these words.)
“I have often sent the Holy Spirit upon you, My brother Melvin, and upon all My brothers and sisters living in every corner of the world. You know that the Father and I sent the Holy Spirit upon the Apostles on Pentecost and on that day the Church was born for about 3,000 people were baptized by the Apostles. The Holy Spirit is working all over the world especially in the hearts of those who believe in Me and follow Me. He also gives many, many gifts to those who believe. St. Paul listed a number of these gifts that you can receive. Some of these gifts are: speaking with wisdom, expression of knowledge, the gift of great faith, the gift of healing, the gift of prophecy, the gift of discernment of spirits, the gift of tongues and the interpretation of tongues.
All these gifts come from the one and only Holy Spirit. These gifts are given to people to help the members of the community to grow in faith and good works. Ask for the Holy Spirit to give you all the gifts you need and open your heart to receive them. These gifts are particularly at work in the Charismatic Movement today. You know, My brother Melvin, that I have given you the gift of speaking in tongues, of prophecy, of healing the sick, and you are filled all the time with My love, peace and joy. I want you all to grow as Christians and to practice the gifts that the Spirit has given you. I bless you all.”
Father Melvin