Sunday, April 21, 2013
St. Paul begins to Preach
Dear Friends,
A reading from the Acts of the Apostles (9:19-30):
He stayed some days with the disciples in Damascus, and he began at once to proclaim Jesus in the synagogues, that he is the Son of God. All who heard him were astounded and said, “Is not this the man who in Jerusalem ravaged those who call upon this name, and came here expressly to take them back in chains to the chief priests?”
But Saul grew all the stronger and confounded the Jews who lived in Damascus, proving that this is the Messiah. After a long time had passed, the Jews conspired to kill him, but their plot became known to Saul. Now they were keeping watch on the gates day and night so as to kill him, but his disciples took him one night and let him down through an opening in the wall, lowering him in a basket.
When he arrived in Jerusalem he tried to join the disciples, but they were all afraid of him, not believing that he was a disciple. Then Barnabas took charge of him and brought him to the apostles, and he reported to them how on the way he had seen the Lord and that he had spoken to him, and how in Damascus he had spoken out boldly in the name of Jesus. He moved about freely with them in Jerusalem, and spoke out boldly in the name of the Lord. He also spoke and debated with the Hellenists, but they tried to kill him. And when the brothers learned of this, they took him down to Caesarea and sent him on his way to Tarsus.
——————————
I thank all those who have been praying for this special intention of Our Blessed Mother. Please continue your prayers and I know She is happy that you are listening to Her.
Below you will find the message of Our Lord, the Son of God, given to Father Melvin. Jesus spoke to him these words,
“Do not fear, My brother Melvin and all My brothers and sisters who are dedicated to Me. Some might try to stop you for speaking about Me or threaten you if you continue. When Paul was baptized, soon after he started to preach in the synagogues to the Jews about Me. They could not believe that he would talk about Me, as he had fought the Church and wanted to destroy it. After his encounter with Me on the road, he was completely changed and believed in Me with all his heart. The Jews wanted to kill him, but I helped him to get away.
“Learn from St. Paul and do not be afraid. Be My witness to all the people you meet. Tell them that I love them and I want them with Me. They have to believe in Me if they want to get to heaven some day. You are to be My missionary to the people you live with. Your faith and works will bring many to follow Me. I love you all.”
Father Melvin