Monday, September 2, 2013
Selfless Concern for the Church
Dear Friends,
A reading from Saint Paul’s Second Letter to the Corinthians (2 Cor 12:11-21):
I have been foolish. You compelled me, for I ought to have been commended by you. For I am in no way inferior to these “superapostles,” even though I am nothing. The signs of an apostle were performed among you with all endurance, signs and wonders, and mighty deeds. In what way were you less privileged than the rest of the churches, except that on my part I did not burden you? Forgive me this wrong!
Now I am ready to come to you this third time. And I will not be a burden, for I want not what is yours, but you. Children ought not to save for their parents, but parents for their children. I will most gladly spend and be utterly spent for your sakes. If I love you more, am I to be loved less? But granted that I myself did not burden you, yet I was crafty and got the better of you by deceit. Did I take advantage of you through any of those I sent to you? I urged Titus to go and sent the brother with him. Did Titus take advantage of you? Did we not walk in the same spirit? And in the same steps?
Have you been thinking all along that we are defending ourselves before you? In the sight of God we are speaking in Christ, and all for building you up, beloved. For I fear that when I come I may find you not such as I wish, and that you may find me not as you wish; that there may be rivalry, jealousy, fury, selfishness, slander, gossip, conceit, and disorder. I fear that when I come again my God may humiliate me before you, and I may have to mourn over many of those who sinned earlier and have not repented of the impurity, immorality, and licentiousness they practiced.
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We started the new month of September yesterday and it was cloudy most of the day. We had a few hours of sun in the morning. When the sun is hidden it is cooler, especially in the evening. I thank the Lord though for the nice weather.
Below you will find the message of Our Lord and Savior given to Father Melvin. Jesus spoke to him these words,
“I bless you My brother Melvin and all My brothers and sisters who walk in My steps. Some though are not following the way I showed them. There are some who are full of jealousy, selfishness and they slander others and gossip and live in disorder. No, My friends, I want you to follow the Christian way by loving each other and by being humble. There are others who commit impurity and immorality. You know that these are sins and they offend Me. You must repent of all these sins and stop doing such things in the future. Follow Me and ask for My help, and you will receive the graces and strength you need to avoid the temptations of the evil one and follow the way that leads to holiness. I love you and I will help you if you open your hearts to me.”
Father Melvin