April 19, 2015
John the Baptist’s Testimony to Himself
A reading from the Gospel of Saint John 1, 19 – 28:
This is the testimony of John. When the Jews from Jerusalem sent priests and Levites to him to ask him, “Who are you?” He admitted and did not deny it, but admitted, “I am not the Messiah.” So they asked him, “What are you then? Are you Elijah?” And he said, “I am not.” “Are you the prophet?” He answered, “No.” So they said to him, “Who are you, so we can give an answer to those who sent us? What do you have to say for yourself?” He said, “I am the voice of one crying out in the desert. Make straight the way of the Lord,” as Isaiah the prophet said.”
Some Pharisees were also sent. They asked him, “Why then do you baptize if you are not the Messiah or Elijah or the Prophet?” John answered them, “I baptize with water; but there is one among you whom you do not recognize, the one who is coming after me, whose sandal strap I am not worthy to untie.” This happened in Bethany across the Jordan, where John was baptizing.
I thank all those who sent donations today. So I have 15% of what I need. I am praying that the evil one will not have the last word with this problem. It is with your help and your prayers that I can advance. I did not sleep much last night but at the last I offered all my troubles to the Lord and I pray He will help me. I have until Wednesday to receive all that you want to give me and I hope it will be the last. I know Our Blessed Mother is praying for a good outcome to all this.
Below you will find the message of Our Lord and Savior given to Father Melvin. Jesus spoke to him these words,
“Look kindly My brother Melvin and all My brothers and sisters upon the great Saint John the Baptist. He was sent before Me to prepare My entry into My public life. He was a holy man who gave his life for Me. At his birth his father prophesized about his young son. All priests, bishops and even the Pope prayed these words of Zachariah every day in the breviary. They are words inspired by the Holy Spirit. When it was time to begin My public life, St. John the Baptist came to the river Jordan and began to preach to the people to repent of their sins. As an example of repentance, John the Baptist called the people to come to the Jordan and be baptized in the river. Many people came from all over Israel to John the Baptist and were baptized. Even some of the Jewish leaders came to him and they had questions. They asked him if he was the Messiah and he said no. They asked if he was Elijah and he said no. So some asked if he was the prophet. Again he said no. So they asked him at the end who he was. He answered them by saying these words, ‘I am the voice of one crying out in the desert, make straight the way of the Lord as Isaiah the prophet said.’ So he was working the way that the prophets had foretold. He called the people to baptism to prepare them for the coming of the Messiah, the Lord. He even told them that I was among them but they did not know Me yet. St. John the Baptist showed his great love for Me and you know he gave up his life as a martyr. He was killed by the king. I call you all to have faith in Me like Saint John the Baptist and never to be afraid to show your faith to anyone you meet.”
Father Melvin