April Fool's Day (85/04/01)
Do you know what a "poker face" is? One meaning of "poker" is simply a person or thing that pokes, like the thin, iron bar used to stir a fire in the fireplace. However, poker may also refer to a card game in which players bet on the value of the cards in their hands. It is from this game, that we get the expression "poker face" in reference to a face that shows no expression, like a poker player trying to conceal the nature of his hand. Today is a day to beware of people with poker faces who tell you a farfetched story or who ask you to go on such errands as to get some pigeon's milk, some sweet vinegar or a book on the History of Adam's Grandfather, for today is April Fools' Day, a day when some people enjoy playing practical jokes on others or deceiving the more gullible with white lies. Of course, the deceiver always enjoys the joke more than the one deceived, but when we are the butt of a frivolous joke we should not take it so seriously and join in the subsequent laughter. Most of us take ourselves too seriously and a periodic dose of humor may serve to change our perspective. We all need to develop the healthy ability to laugh at ourselves. (1503)
Cherry Blossoms (85/04/02)
Last Sunday afternoon, we held the 17th meeting of listeners to these "Daily Word" telephone messages at the Y.W.C.A. As usual, we had a very pleasant time, speaking in English and enjoying tea together. A question was raised regarding the homemade refreshment which my wife served. We were asked if it could be called a cake. Our answer was: "No, it is not a cake, but a crepe". A crepe is a small thin pancake, and the crepes my wife made for that meeting were rolled up with some whipped cream, strawberries and pieces of pineapple in the middle. The theme for the meeting was Cherry Blossoms and that is the first theme suggested for your essays for the next issue of "Daily Word" Echoes. What is the significance of cherry blossoms in Japanese thought and literature? Why have they had such an attraction for Japanese people throughout their history? What thoughts do cherry blossoms bring to your mind and how do you celebrate this "flower viewing" season? Send your essays for correction and publication to: "Daily Word", Post Office Box 30, Moriyama Post Office 463. In the Bible, flowers are a symbol both of transience and of God's loving care. Isaiah, chapter 40, states that people are like flowers that fade away, but in Matthew, chapter 6, we are told to consider how beautifully God clothes the flowers and to remember that he also cares for us. (1504)
17-Article Constitution (85/04/03)
Do you remember the name of the famous nephew of the Japanese Empress Suiko? He was the Crown Prince Shotoku, one of the truly outstanding figures in Japanese history. According to the Chronicles of Japan, or Nihonshoki, it was on the 3rd day of the 4th month in the 12th year of the reign of Empress Suiko (which was 406 A.D.), that he drew up the so-called 17-Article Constitution. This was the first set of rules established for Japanese society and although Buddhism is specifically mentioned in the 2nd article, the entire constitution is of a Confucianistic character. Its basic emphasis was on harmonious relationships, an emphasis that has been characteristic of Japanese thought throughout its history until today. Although some of the articles would require revision to suit a democratic society today, there is much of value for us to learn from them. In Article 6, we read, "Chastise that which is evil and encourage that which is good." "Conceal not the good qualities of others, and fail not to correct that which is wrong when you see it." in the New Testament book of Romans, chapter 12, we are also taught to live in harmony with one another, to hate what is evil, hold on to what is good and to show respect for others. (1505)
Washing one another's feet (85/04/04)
In Japan, when a guest comes to visit on a hot day, the polite host or hostess will offer a cup of tea and, maybe, a wet towel to wipe off perspiration. In the Palestine of Jesus day, it was the custom for a household servant to wash the feet of a guest who had travelled along the hot, dusty road with only pieces of leather tied onto the feet as sandals. Before eating his last supper with his disciples, Jesus took the place of the servant and washed his disciples' feet. This story is told in the Gospel according to John, chapter 13, where Jesus said: "Do you understand what I have done for you? You call me 'Master' and 'Lord', and rightly so, for that is what I am. Then if I, your Lord and Master, have washed your feet, you also ought to wash one another's feet. I have set you an example: you are to do as I have done for you." Today is the Thursday of Holy Week in the church calendar, when Jesus' Last Supper and his washing of his disciples' feet are commemorated. It is called Maundy Thursday, from the Latin word mandatum, meaning commandment. This was the first word of a song sung during the foot washing ritual based on Jesus' word, "A new commandment I give to you that you love one another as I have loved you." Loving service is a sign of being a disciple of Jesus.
Good Friday (85/04/05)
In many countries around the world, today is a national holiday called Good Friday. It is the Friday before Easter Sunday and commemorates the death of Jesus on the cross. Because the date of Easter changes every year to keep it in correspondence with the Jewish feast of the Passover which is determined by the lunar calendar, the date of Good Friday also varies from year to year. This most solemn day in the church calendar has traditionally been a day of fasting and prayer as Christians consider the significance of the death of the Son of God. There are various theories regarding why this sorrowful day is called "Good Friday". One theory is that since an old meaning of "good" was "holy", the term means "Holy Friday". Another holds that "good" is a corruption of "God's". Just as the greeting "Good-bye" came from the words "God be with you", so the term means "God's Friday". A 3rd theory is that it was called Good Friday because of the great good that resulted from Jesus' death. Christians believe that the sacrificial death of Jesus on the cross was the deepest expression of the love of God through which our sins are forgiven and we have been granted new, spiritual life. In I Corinthians, chapter 1, Paul refers to the word of the cross as "the power of God". (1507)
The Last Supper (85/04/06)
The central ritual in Christian churches is a memorial of Jesus Christ and commemorates his death on the cross. Depending upon the particular church tradition, it is called the Lord's Supper, Holy Communion, the Eucharist or Mass. In this ritual, bread and wine are used to symbolize the body and blood of our Lord, which were sacrificed for the forgiveness of our sins. Jesus established that tradition on the night before his death during his last supper with his disciples, as recorded in the 26th chapter of the Gospel according to Matthew. This supper was a special meal eaten during the Jewish feast of the Passover, which commemorates the deliverance of the Israelites from Egypt under the leadership of Moses. At that supper, the meat of a sacrificial lamb was eaten along with unleavened bread, wine and other symbolic foods. The New Testament teaches that Jesus himself became the Lamb of God whose life was offered up on our behalf. Jews continue to celebrate the feast of the Passover and this year, today, the 14th day of the month of Nisan in the Jewish calendar, marks the beginning of that 8 day feast. (1508)
Easter (85/04/07)
In the Jōdo tradition of Buddhism, the Pure Land is said to be in the west. Thus, during the higan season when the sun sets directly in the west those who have departed to that western paradise are remembered. In the Christian tradition, it is the eastern direction, from which the sun rises with the promise of a new day, that is important. Today is the day when most Christians celebrate the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead. The common name for this celebration, Easter, contains the word "east" from the name of the pagan goddess of the dawn, of spring and fertility. According to the Gospel of Luke, chapter 24, it was at early dawn on the 1st day of the week that some women went to Jesus' tomb to anoint his body with ointments. However, to their great surprise, the rock was rolled away from the entrance and the tomb was empty. At first, those who heard the report of these women could not believe it, but after they themselves met the risen Lord, they also believed. From the beginning of the Christian Church, the resurrection of Christ has been a central teaching. Those who have experienced new life through faith in Christ know him to be alive and can face every new day with hope. It is springtime in believers' hearts throughout the year. (1509)
Easter egg (85/04/08)
In many western countries, this day after Easter is a national holiday called Easter Monday. It is an occasion for joy and merrymaking following the austerities of the 6 week long Lenten season. From ancient times, eggs have been a symbol of fertility and new life, and colored Easter eggs have become a part of the Christian Easter celebration. In the United States, it has become a custom to have an Easter Egg Roll on the White House lawn on this Easter Monday, when many children with baskets full of Easter eggs gather to roll the hard-boiled eggs down the sloping lawn. The custom was begun by Dolly Madison, the wife of the 4th president. At first, the lawn around the Capitol was used for the event, but following complaints that the grass was being ruined by the thousands of pairs of small feet, the site was changed to the grounds of the White House in 1877. Since adults are not permitted to enter the grounds on this day unless accompanied by a child, some enterprising children charge a fee to escort adults past the gate. The new life symbolized by the Easter egg comes through faith in God, who has promised eternal life through the risen Christ. In the Gospel of John, chapter 11, Jesus said, "I am the resurrection and the life; he who believes in me shall never die."
The beginning of the school year (85/04/09)
Today is the 2nd Tuesday following our last "Daily Word" Listeners' Meeting, the day for me to suggest the 2nd theme for essays for the next issue of "Daily Word" Echoes. I hope you listeners who have never contributed an essay will also do so to give a broader perspective of the topics included. In Japan, April is not only the month of cherry blossoms, it is also the month when a new school year begins. Yesterday, my daughter began to teach her classes at Nanzan University. Today, my wife begins teaching a new class of 5-year-olds at Nagoya International School and later this month, my son will begin teaching his classes in the municipal junior high schools of Nagoya. In America, the school year begins in September, following 2 or 3 months of summer vacation. One of the topics being discussed by the Prime Minister's Committee on Education Reform is related to the advisability of changing the beginning of the school year in Japan to September. What is your opinion regarding this suggested change? Are you in favor or opposed? What are the reasons supporting your opinion? If you send your essay to me, I will correct it before having it published in the Echoes. My address is: "Daily Word", Post Office Box 30, Moriyama Post Office 463. An English proverb says "A good beginning makes a good ending". (1511)
"Ugly People Are Smarter" (85/04/10)
A recent news item caught my eye. It was entitled, "Ugly People Are Smarter". Does that make you feel good? The article told of the result of a study conducted by 2 American university professors which indicated that high school students who were considered physically unattractive had college entrance examination scores and IQ ratings several points higher than those judged attractive. One of the professors, a child psychologist, suggested that unattractive students might be compensating for their lack of beauty by studying and working harder to succeed. Some people value brains over beauty, but what is "beauty"? A toad might reply that a beautiful creature is one with 2 huge eyes bulging out of a little head, a large, flat mouth, a yellow belly and a brown, lumpy back. Emily Dickenson has written: "Beauty--be not caused--It is--/ Chase it, and it ceases--/ Chase it not, and it abides--." True beauty is an inner quality with a moral charm that is deeper than external, physical features. According to I Peter, chapter 3, beauty is not found in pretty ornaments or fine clothes. It is a healthy faith in a loving God that produces a truly beautiful person. (1512)
A thief in Catholic churches (85/04/11)
The Japanese word dorobō literally means "mud stick", but it may be translated into English as thief, robber or burglar. "Thief" is the more general term for a person who steals. A "robber" is one who takes something from a person by force and a "burglar" is a thief who breaks into a house to steal. This week, a 34 year old man was sent to the district attorney in Yokkaichi on a burglary charge. He has confessed to breaking into 78 Catholic churches in the Kyūshū, Kinki and Chūbu areas and stealing over ¥4 million. Having attended Catholic schools he was well acquainted with the church set-up and specialized in burglarizing Catholic churches. He found it easy to break into a church at night, steal the cash and leave again at daybreak. However, last December, after stealing ¥25,000 from a church in Yokkaichi, he fell asleep before leaving and was found there in the morning. The news article reporting this story has the sub-title of Shu yo, yurushi tamae!? Do you think the Lord will forgive such a person? The Bible teaches that if a sinner truly repents and sincerely seeks forgiveness from God, he will be forgiven. However, that does not relieve him of the responsibility of making amends for his misdeeds. (1513)
Overseer (85/04/12)
There are a number of different English translations for the Japanese word kantoku depending on the context. These days, many people will first think of a baseball manager or a motion picture director, but the word may also refer to a superintendent or a supervisor of a certain project in a factory. It may refer to a foreman or an inspector, and in a large department store, to a floorwalker. We also find the term in the Bible for the church leader called a bishop or overseer in English. The qualifications for this office are found in the 1st chapter of the New Testament book of Titus. In the Christian Catholic Church, the Protestant fellowship in which I am a minister, church leaders who oversee churches in certain areas are called overseers. My title is Overseer of the Pacific Churches, but yesterday the General Overseer of the Christian Catholic Church arrived in Nagoya. He will preach at our church in Takahama on Sunday morning and on Sunday afternoon, I will leave with him enroute to the Philippines, where I plan to spend 2 weeks. During that time, my wife will be reading the telephone messages which I have prepared ahead of time, so don't be surprised when you hear a different voice beginning next week. (1514)
Thomas Jefferson (85/04/13)
Do you know from what famous document the following words are quoted? "We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal, that they are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable Rights, that among these are Life, Liberty, and the pursuit of Happiness." They come from the Declaration of Independence which sought to explain to the world the reasons why the American colonies separated from Great Britain in 1776. The primary writer of that declaration was born on a farm in Virginia 242 years ago today on Apri1 13, 1743. His name was Thomas Jefferson and he became the 3rd president of the United States. Jefferson was a very gifted man--not only a leader and spokesman of the revolution, but a statesman, diplomat, scholar, linguist, writer, philosopher, political theorist, architect, engineer, scientist, farmer and agriculturist as well. Jefferson's view of all people being created equal and endowed by their Creator with unalienable rights is in accord with biblical teaching, which further teaches that the way for men and women to find true life, genuine liberty and lasting happiness is to come into a personal relationship with their heavenly Father through faith in Jesus Christ, the Savior.
Easter in Eastern Orthodox churches (85/04/14)
Recent statistics indicate that approximately 1/3 of the world's population is related to a Christian church. There are some 872 million Roman Catholics, 278 million Protestants and 170 million Eastern Orthodox. Orthodox Churches are found mainly in Eastern Europe. Last Sunday was the day that Christian churches belonging to the Roman Catholic and Protestant traditions celebrated Easter. However churches of the Eastern Orthodox tradition have a different method of determining the date of Easter and are celebrating today. The actual dates of the crucifixion and resurrection of Jesus Christ are not known but the Gospels make clear that his resurrection was discovered on the first day of the week. Therefore, although the date changes from year to year in relation to the lunar calendar used in Judaism, Easter is always celebrated on Sunday. In fact the reason that Christians regularly gather to worship together on Sunday is because of Christ's resurrection on that day. We start every week with a renewed faith in the final triumph of good over evil and of life over death. According to I Peter 1:3, by accepting the mercy of God, we are "born anew through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead". I pray that you also will experience the truth of this verse. (1516)
Tax (85/04/15)
In Japan, income tax must be paid by the 15th of March, but in the United States today, the 15th or April, is the deadline for paying taxes. Howard Dietz has written the following ditty: "In seventeen hundred and seventy six,/A group of American mavericks/Renounced the yoke of tyranny--/The tax on stamps the tax on tea./Our fathers felt that they were fit/To tax ourselves and you'll admit/We have been pretty good at it." It was during the American Civil War that personal incomes were taxed as a temporary means of raising money by the governments of both North and South during that emergency. After the war, such taxation was halted, but some 30 years later, Congress passed a bill which imposed a 2% tax on annual incomes exceeding $4000. This law was later found to be unconstitutional, so in 1913, the 16th Amendment to the Constitution was ratified, giving Congress the right to tax incomes. President Franklin Roosevelt called taxes "the dues that we pay for the privileges of membership in an organized society" and in Romans 13:9, we are told to pay our dues, "taxes to whom taxes are due, [and] respect to whom respect is due."(1517)
Car (85/04/16)
The English word "car", derived from a Latin word referring to a two-wheeled war chariot, now may refer to any vehicle on wheels. A railroad car runs on a railroad and a streetcar runs on rails on city streets. The word "motorcar" was used for a car which carried its own source of power such as an electric or gasoline motor. Nowadays, "car" by itself usually refers to an automobile, which comes from two Greek words meaning "self-moving". In Japanese, this self-moving vehicle is called a jidōsha. Automobiles are very important in modern Japan--not only domestically, but internationally as well. Along with many other modern devices, they are convenient but also cause problems. Aichi Prefecture has a high percentage of cars in relation to the population and is usually a leading prefecture in the number of traffic accidents. Do you drive a car? What do you think about cars and the traffic accident problem? That is the theme for this week's essays. A fast, reckless driver is sometimes referred to as a "Jehu" because of the Bible verse found in II Kings 9:20. Send your essays for correction and publication in "Daily Word" Echoes to: "Daily Word", Post Office Box 30, Moriyama Post Office 463. (1518)
The Treaty of Shimonoseki (85/04/17)
Today is April the 17th. Do you know what happened 90 years ago today, on April 17,1895, in the town of Shimonoseki? I wonder if this date is included in some entrance examinations? Anyway, it was on this day that the Treaty of Shimonoseki was signed by Prime Minister Ito of Japan and Viceroy Li of China. This treaty, which brought to an end Japan's short war with China over Korea, recognized the full and complete independence of Korea and ceded to Japan the island of Formosa and adjacent islands along with a peninsula in South Manchuria. It also stimulated opposition from European powers and edged Japan further in the direction which finally led to the Pacific War with the Allied Forces. Napoleon wrote that "Treaties are observed as long as they are in harmony with interests" and another French general, Charles De Gaulle, said that "Treaties are like roses and young girls. They last while they last." In the Bible, the solemn promise God makes to his people is called a covenant, but unlike human promises, God's covenant is sure and everlasting. In II Timothy 2:13 it is written that even "If we are not faithful, he remains faithful, because he cannot be false to himself."
San Francisco Earthquake (85/04/18)
In Japan, September 1, 1923 is the well-known date of the Tokyo earthquake and fire in which about 100,000 lives were lost. In the United States, it is today, April 18th, that is remembered as the date of the great earthquake and fire that occurred in San Francisco in 1906. The magnitude of both of these earthquakes was the same, measuring 8.3 on the Richter scale. However, in the case of San Francisco, only 450 lives were lost. The San Francisco earthquake began at 5 o'clock in the morning and lasted only a few minutes, but the fires that resulted continued to burn for another 2 1/2 days, destroying the business district and 3/5 of the city's homes. That was the worst conflagration in American history to that time. Following this disaster, aid from the rest of the United States and from Europe helped the San Franciscans to rebuild their city with materials that would better withstand earthquakes and fires. Emerson has written, "Every calamity is a spur and valuable hint". Even in adversity, there is something for us to learn. Ignazio Silone has noted that "An earthquake achieves what the law promises but does not in practice maintain--the equality of all men". (1520)
Meaning of "human" (85/04/19)
In the Biblical story of creation, the first man that God created was called Adam. However, adam is also the Hebrew word for "man", so this word may be a common noun as well as a proper noun. In Hebrew, 'adamah means "of the ground". According to the Bible story in Genesis, chapter 2, God formed a man, Adam, out of mite soil from the ground. In Latin, the word for ground is humus, which in modern English refers to the organic part of the soil. From this word "humus" comes the word "humble", which originally meant "close to the ground"--that is, low in rank, unimportant or unpretentious. The word "human" comes from this same root, reminding us that we human beings have a lowly origin. Finally, if we add an "e" on to "human", we get the word "humane", which refers to the best qualities of humankind--such as kindness, tenderness, mercy and consideration. One of the basic sins of human beings is pride, which comes from forgetting our humble origin as creatures from the soil who should find their fulfilment not in lording it over others, but in humbly serving our Creator and acting humanely toward our fellow creatures. (1521)
House and Home (85/04/20)
There are many words that have come from English into Japanese--not by translation, but by transliteration. Transliteration means to transmit the same sounds of a word from one language to another rather than putting the meaning into a different word of the other language. For example, both "house" and "home" have been transliterated into Japanese katakana. Both of them may be translated ie, but, in English, there is a different feeling related to these 2 words. "House" comes from a root meaning to cover and refers basically to a material building. "Home" comes from a root meaning to lie down or rest and refers to one's dwelling place with a warmer, friendlier atmosphere than a mere "house". Home has been called the place where one hangs one's hat, but the comedian, Groucho Marx, referred to it as the place where one hangs one's head. According to Edgar Guest's poem, "It takes a heap o' livin' and some love to make a home". Do you live in a "house" or a "home"? In Jesus' story of the Prodigal Son in Luke, chapter 15, the son finally realized that "home" was where his father was. And so it is with us. Spiritually, to be at home is to be with our heavenly Father. (1522)
Seed (85/04/21)
You are probably acquainted with the symbolic mark which appears on books published by Iwanami Shoten, it is the picture of a man sowing seed. The inspiration for this picture is found in the 4th chapter of the Gospel according to Mark, where Jesus told the parable of a sower who scattered seeds which fell on 4 different kinds of soil. Some seed fell on the hard soil along the path where it was eaten by the birds before it took root. Some seed fell on rocky ground where there was only a little soil; that seed sprouted quickly, but because it didn't have deep roots it soon died. Other seed fell among thistles which choked it before it bore any fruit. However, some of the seed fell on good soil and eventually did bring forth fruit. In this parable, Jesus taught that the word of God is like seed. Whether or not that word will bear fruit in the lives of people who hear it depends on the kind of reception it gets in their hearts, which are compared to soil. Some people don't listen to the word that is proclaimed. Others listen for a while but don't permit the word to deeply penetrate their thinking. Some are so busy with other matters that the word cannot grow and bear fruit. But some do let the word of God bring forth good fruit in their lives. Which kind of soil is your heart like? (1523)
Oklahoma Day (85/04/22)
Today, April 22nd, is a legal holiday in the American state of Oklahoma, called Oklahoma Day. It commemorates the opening up of this area of the country to settlers on April 22, 1889. Festivities include parades, rodeos, patriotic speeches and other activities around the state, but the official celebration takes place in the town of Guthrie, which was the capital of the old Oklahoma Territory and later the first capital of the new state. Until this day in 1889, this area of some 2 million acres or 809,000 hectares, was known as the "Unassigned Lands", but 96 years ago today the land was made available for settling or home-steading. The U.S. Army tried to keep the tens of thousands of people behind the starting line until the bugle call at noon signaled the start of the rush to stake out claims on the free land. By nightfall, almost all of the land had been claimed. Some people who tried to get to the land sooner than the official starting time were called "Sooners" and that became the nickname of the state and of the state university's football team. At times we would like God to act sooner than he does, but in James, chapter 5, we are instructed to be patient like a farmer after he has planted his seed.(1524)
Kami in Japan (85/04/23)
In the calendar of saints, today is the feast day of St. George, the patron saint of England. Little is known about this man who was martyred in the year 303 in Palestine, but there is a popular legend about him slaying a dragon, which reminds me of the myth of Susano-o killing the 8-headed serpent in Japanese tradition. In Japanese mythology, such exploits were attributed to kami, which is the term that came to be applied to the God of the Bible, the almighty Creator of the universe, the all-knowing Ruler of history and the merciful Savior of all people. The use of kami for the Biblical God in Japanese was influenced by the use of that character for God in the Chinese translation of the Bible. Before the end of the war, the Japanese emperor was also considered a living kami. Do you think the idea of kami has changed since then? What comes to your mind when you hear this word? I would like to read your reaction to the word kami and what impressions or thoughts it brings to your mind and how they compare with the Biblical concept of God. Send your essay on this theme for correction and publication in "Daily Word" Echoes to: "Daily Word", Post Office Box 30, Moriyama Post Office 463. I would very much like to hear from you, and to read your ideas on this subject.(1525)
Charlie Chaplin (85/04/24)
Many years ago in a New York City subway, some passengers were reading while others were talking or just sitting. Many of them had very serious expressions on their faces. Then, from one end of the car the laughing voice of a small child was heard. It continued for a few minutes and was such a happy, innocent, infectious laugh that before long almost everyone in that car was smiling. The whole atmosphere had changed because of the laughter of a little child. So it is that the happiness of one person can be shared with those about him or her in a very natural manner, resulting in a changed atmosphere. 94 years ago, Charlie Chaplin, the famous comedian and movie producer was born in London. Both of his parents were actors and he began his acting career at 7 years of age. With his derby hat, tiny mustache, baggy trousers, oversized shoes, awkward walk and bamboo cane, he became a famous figure in the silent movies, causing people around the world to laugh. He once said, "Laughter is the tonic for pain", and in the Old Testament book of Proverbs, chapter 17, verse 22, it is written, "A cheerful heart is a good medicine". A little laugh right now might brighten your day, but remember that a truly joyful heart comes from a healthy faith. (1526)
Anzac (85/04/25)
Have you ever heard of an Anzac, spelled A-n-z-a-c? What do you think it might be: a plant, a bird, a fish, an animal? In fact, Anzacs are a kind of Homo sapiens, found primarily in Australia and New Zealand. In those 2 countries, today is a legal holiday known as Anzac Day. "Anzac" is an acronym from the first letters of Australia and New Zealand Army Corps. On this Anzac Day, Australians and New Zealanders honor their war dead. It was on this day in 1915, during the 1st World War, that Anzac troops fought in the Gallipoli Campaign in Turkey, which was aimed at gaining control of the Dardanelles, the strategic waterway which separates Europe from Asia. Although it was unsuccessful, the Anzacs fought gallantly and today their bravery is commemorated. It is well for us to remember those who have died in battle. At the same time, however, we should dedicate ourselves to the task of making our world a place where wars no longer occur. If nations were as serious about achieving lasting peace as they are about winning wars, much progress could be made. As the UNESCO Constitution states, "Since wars begin in the minds of men, it is in the minds of men that the defenses of peace must be constructed".
United Republic of Tanzania (85/04/26)
Today, April 26th, is the national day of the United Republic of Tanzania. Do you know where that country is? It is located on the eastern coast of Africa and consists of an area on the mainland and an offshore island. Archaeological discoveries indicate that manlike creatures lived in this area 3 million years ago. The island of Zanzibar, 37 kilometers off the mainland, is known for its production of cloves. On April 26, 1964, Zanzibar united with the former German colony of Tanganyika to form this United Republic of Tanzania. Some 35% of the population are considered Muslim, 35% Christian, and the remaining 30% animistic. Although Tanzania is one of the world's leading diamond-mining nations, it is one of the poorest African countries. Its economy is based on agriculture and most Tanzanians scratch out a bare living, raising corn, beans and cassava. Considering Tanzania, it is clear that having diamonds doesn't make one rich. In fact, it is well to consider what it is that does make one rich and how riches themselves are to be defined. In Matthew, Chapter 6, Jesus told his disciples to store up riches in heaven, "for where your treasure is, there will your heart be also". (1528)
New Hampshire (85/04/27)
New Hampshire was a British colony that became 1 of the original 13 states of the U.S.A. It is one of 4 states whose name begins with "New". It was named after an area in England, where the suffix "shire" refers to a county. Today is a legal holiday in the state of New Hampshire. It is called Fast Day. This is an observance which dates back the colonial period when governors appointed certain days for fasting and prayer. The word "fast" may have quite opposite meanings, depending upon the context. For example, to say that a horse is fast may mean that it runs swiftly or that it is securely tied. In regard to one's behavior, to be "fast" may refer to a wild lifestyle, but in the case of Fast Day, it refers to abstaining from food for a religious purpose. Fasting was practiced as a religious discipline in Jesus' day also, but he taught that true religious devotion or piety is not a matter of keeping external rules or traditional customs. Rather, it is based on a personal, spiritual relationship with our heavenly Father, which is seen in our entire life style, not only in certain religious rituals. (1529)
"Golden Week" (85/04/28)
According to one Japanese manner of speaking, today is the beginning of "golden week". This week is called "golden" because of the numerous holidays it contains. The term was first used by movie theaters because of the many customers that came during that week--making it a "golden week" for the theater owners. "Golden" refers to something having the color of gold, to something very valuable or to something prosperous and joyful. The "golden age" refers to an imaginary, early age in which people were ideally happy and prosperous or to the time of greatest progress or prosperity in a nation's history. An English proverb states that "the golden age was never the present age". The Golden Arrow is an award given by Tokyo publishing companies to an outstanding actor or actress and the Golden Bat, which first went on sale in 1906, is the Japanese cigarette with the longest history. During the war, its name was changed to kinshi, meaning "golden kite". The "golden mean" is the safe, prudent way between extremes, the path of moderation, and the "golden rule", as given by Jesus in Matthew 7.12, is to "always treat others as you would have them to treat you". This "golden rule" is a good rule to follow during "golden week" and all year round.(1530)
Cherry Blossoms (85/04/02)
17-Article Constitution (85/04/03)
Washing one another's feet (85/04/04)
Good Friday (85/04/05)
The Last Supper (85/04/06)
Easter (85/04/07)
Easter egg (85/04/08)
The beginning of the school year (85/04/09)
"Ugly People Are Smarter" (85/04/10)
A thief in Catholic churches (85/04/11)
Overseer (85/04/12)
Thomas Jefferson (85/04/13)
Easter in Eastern Orthodox churches (85/04/14)
Tax (85/04/15)
Car (85/04/16)
The Treaty of Shimonoseki (85/04/17)
San Francisco Earthquake (85/04/18)
Meaning of "human" (85/04/19)
House and Home (85/04/20)
Seed (85/04/21)
Oklahoma Day (85/04/22)
Kami in Japan (85/04/23)
Charlie Chaplin (85/04/24)
Anzac (85/04/25)
United Republic of Tanzania (85/04/26)
New Hampshire (85/04/27)
"Golden Week" (85/04/28)
The Emperor's 84th birthday (85/04/29)
Library (85/04/30)
April Fool's Day (85/04/01)