December 02, 2014
Reason for not Using His Rights
A reading from Saint Paul’s First Letter to the Corinthians 9, 12b – 18:
Yet we have not used this right. On the contrary, we endure everything so as not to place an obstacle to the gospel of Christ. Do you not know that those who perform the temple services eat what belongs to the temple, and those who minister at the altar share in the sacrificial offerings? In the same way, the Lord ordered that those who preach the gospel should live by the gospel.
I have not used any of these rights, however, nor do I write this that it be done so in my case. I would rather die. Certainly no one is going to nullify my boast. If I preach the gospel, this is no reason for me to boast, for an obligation has been imposed on me, and woe to me if I do not preach it! If I do so unwillingly, then I have been entrusted with a stewardship. What then is my recompense? That, when preach, I offer the gospel free of charge so as not to make full use of my right in the gospel.
I received a phone call from France today and the person told me about her cure. She had phoned me in the past to ask me to pray for her because her jaw bone was almost all gone. So I prayed for her that the Lord would heal her and that this bone would return and be strong. Today she went to see her doctor and after examining her, he found out that her jaw bone is completely normal and this indeed is a miracle. I thank the Lord for this great healing and this lady is thanking the Lord too. How wonderful Our Lord Jesus is. He loves us very much.
Below you will find the message of Our Lord and Savior given to Father Melvin. Jesus spoke to him these words,
“I have called, My brother Melvin and all My brothers and sisters, many to go out and preach the Gospel. From the time of the Apostles until today, many have answered this call and they have given their lives to work for the Gospel. I told them that those who work for the Gospel should live by the Gospel.
The great Saint Paul wrote in the First Letter to the Corinthians that he too had the right to live by the Gospel but he never used this right. Instead he worked making tents and he lived from the money he made selling these tents. However, he told the people that was his choice not to ask for any money to live, but the others who work for the Gospel have a right to live by the Gospel. That means the people whom they serve must look after the preachers so that they have enough to eat and to drink and have the clothing they need and a place to sleep at night.
There are many priests in the church working in every country of the world. Some are in charge of parishes, others teach in seminaries or colleges, while others are missionaries living in a foreign land. My Church makes sure that they have all that is necessary for them to live. Those who help the priests are in fact helping Me, their Lord and Savior. I bless you all and I want you all close to Me at all times. I love you all.”
Father Melvin
P.S. We had a cloudy day but it was 8 degrees Celsius and most of the snow is gone.