Lei Day in Hawaii (85/05/01)
Today marks the beginning of the 5th month of the year, the month of May. In many western countries, this month is associated with flowers and in some countries spring festivals are held on this first day of the month, which is called May Day. I have some childhood memories of making a simple May basket at school, putting some flowers in it and hanging it on someone's doorknob on a May Day many years ago. In the U.S. state of Hawaii, today is called Lei Day. A lei is a wreath or garland of flowers which is usually hung around the neck. Visitors to Hawaii are frequently welcomed with leis made of carnations, jasmines or orchids and although leis are worn throughout the year, everyone is encouraged to wear one on Lei Day. Since 1928, May Day has been Lei Day in Hawaii and on this day special programs, which include Polynesian songs and dances, are held in various communities. Along the Waikiki Beach, tourists as well as residents dress in gaily colored island clothes--including muumuus and aloha shirts. Prizes are awarded to people making the prettiest leis. In his Sermon on the Mount, Jesus pointed to the wild flowers as evidence of God's loving care. When you look at beautiful flowers, remember that God, your heavenly Father, loves and cares for you! (1533)
Volcanoes (85/05/02)
Volcanoes, called "fire mountains" in Japanese, are a characteristic feature of the Japanese landscape. The word "volcano" in English comes from the Latin word vulcanus, referring to Vulcan, the Roman god of fire. There are approximately 100 volcanic mountains in Japan, providing the inhabitants of these islands with envigorating hot springs and a fear of destructive earthquakes. Over half of Japan's national Parks contain volcanoes. A volcano has been called "a mountain with a built-in barbeque pit", but it is actually a vent in the earth's crust through which rocks, ash or molten rock, called lava, are ejected. Volcanoes are called "active" when they erupt, "dormant" during a long period of inactivity and "extinct" when all activity has finally ceased. More than 75% of the world's 850 active volcanoes lie within the so-called "Ring of Fire", a zone running along the west coast of the Americas from Alaska to Chile and down the east coast of Asia from Siberia to New Zealand. When a volcano erupts or when we experience an earthquake, we are reminded of man's puny power in comparison with the greatness of the power of God. In the 46th Psalm, the poet writes that he will not fear when the mountains tremble because God is his refuge.
Constitution Day (85/05/03)
Today, May 3rd, is Constitution Day in Japan. This day commemorates the new constitution which went into effect on May 3rd, 1947, replacing the old, Meiji Constitution which was drawn up in 1889. The present Japanese Constitution is based on 3 fundamental principles: the sovereign power of the people, the renunciation of war and military might and the recognition of basic human rights. These are noble ideals, but constant care is required to make sure they are observed. Today, some of the constitutional provisions seem to be ignored. Efforts are being made to loosen the strict separation of religion from government and to increase military might while basic human rights of some citizens and residents are overlooked. "Constitute" means to set up or establish an institution and a "constitution" refers to the law or principles upon which the institution is based. Constitution can also refer to the physical or mental makeup of an individual. To be a truly healthy person, one must live according to proper moral guidelines. For the Christian, God's revelation found in the Bible serves as the constitution upon which life is based and by which it is judged. The Psalmist wrote: "Your word is a lamp to guide me and a light for my path." (1535)
New York (85/05/04)
10 of the 50 states in the United States of America have 2 words in their names. The names of 5 of those states begin with a direction such as North, South or West and 4 of the 10 begin with the word "New". How many of them can you name? The most famous state with "New" in its name, of course, is New York, which was one of the 13 original states. New York is also the name of the nation's largest city, although it is not the capital city of the state. Before being seized from the Dutch by the British in 1664, this province was called New Netherlands and the city was known as New Amsterdam. However, after King Charles II granted both the province and the city to his brother, the Duke of York, they were renamed New York. The U.S., as a comparatively new country, has many cities and towns with the word "New" in their names. However, there are very few that contain the word "Old". Everyone enjoys new things and the Bible teaches that God will make a new heaven and a new earth and that we become new persons through our faith in him. As new people, we should be working to create a new Japan and a new world.(1536)
Summit Meeting (85/05/05)
A number of national leaders have just completed their summit meeting in Bonn, the capital of West Germany. Various matters of mutual interest were discussed there, but final solutions to the problems of the world were not found. The Bible text for my sermon today is found in the first 5 verses of the 2nd chapter of the Old Testament book of Isaiah. There, the prophet speaks of a future age when all the nations of the world will gather at another summit, at the House of the Lord, to listen to his teaching. He will settle the disputes among the nations and the result will be that "They will hammer their swords into ploughs and their spears into pruning-knives", and "Nations will never again go to war". Do you think this is merely an idle dream or is there a realistic possibility that it will come to pass? In either case, Jesus taught that his disciples should live in peace with one another and be peacemakers. There are many things about the future that we do not know, but the Christian has the faith that the future is in God's hands and finally God's perfect will will be done. Nevertheless, we are to be actively at work to accomplish God's will in the world. To do so, we should follow Isaiah's exhortation to "walk in the light which the Lord gives us!"(1537)
Sigmund Freud (85/05/06)
The word "analysis" comes from two Greek words, meaning to break something up into its constituent parts. The prefix "psycho" comes from a Greek word meaning "soul" or "mind". "Psychoanalysis" refers to the method of treating diseases of the mind by discovering and analyzing feelings that have been repressed. Psychoanalysis was developed by Sigmund Freud, an Austrian psychiatrist, who was born 129 years ago today, on May 6, 1856. Through psychoanalysis, patients are helped to look deeply into their own selves to try to understand the reason for their illness. Freud wrote, "The idea of life having a purpose stands and falls with the religious system". It is our Christian conviction that life does have a purpose and that that purpose becomes clear when we come into fellowship with God, our Father through faith in Jesus Christ, who revealed God to the world. We study the Bible to understand God's purpose and you are invited to attend the Bible Class I teach in Japanese and English on the 1st and 3rd Tuesdays of the month at the City Kyōikukan near Sakae beginning at 6:30. Join us tomorrow evening if you can. (1538)
Topics for essays (85/05/07)
That special week in the Japanese calendar known as "Golden Week" has now ended. This year, the week was a little longer than usual, since it began on Sunday and ended on Monday of the following week. Included in this week are the Emperor's Birthday, May Day, Constitution Day and Children's Day. How did you spend Golden Week? Did you take a trip, do something special, relax at home or just follow your regular routine? For your essay this week, the final one to be included in the June issue of "Daily Word" Echoes I am suggesting a choice of topics. "How I Spent Golden Week" is one alternative. The other is to write your ideas about the significance of one of the special days of that week. The previous 5 subjects for essays in the next issue are: Cherry Blossoms, Beginning the School Year in September, Cars and Traffic Accidents, Kami and God, and Library, Please send your essays on any or all of these topics to me by Saturday, May 18th. If you keep a copy of your essay, you can see what corrections or changes are made in the printed version. I would be happy to receive essays from you who have never written before. Don't be bashful. Jot down your thoughts and send them to: "Daily Word", Post Office Box 30, Moriyama Post Office 463.(1539)
Forgiveness (85/05/08)
In some American cities, today, May 8th, is remembered as V-E Day. Can you guess what "V-E" stands for? "V-E" refers to "Victory-Europe". It was just 40 years ago today that the unconditional surrender of the German troops to the Allied Forces became effective after some 6 years of war. In France, today is a national holiday commemorating that event. After the fighting stopped in Europe, however, it continued in Asia and Americans have a bigger celebration on V-J Day, which comes in August. You can probably guess what the "V-J" Stands for. During President Reagan's recent trip to Germany, there was a great controversy in the United States regarding his visit to a cemetery in Bitburg, where many German soldiers are buried. Included among the hundreds of graves are 47 of former SS, or Secret Service, men who were responsible for many barbaric cruelties committed against helpless and innocent people--especially Jews. Personally, I feel that such emotional opposition to the President's act of showing respect to the dead was mistaken and not in keeping with the Christian spirit of forgiveness. Alexander Pope has written, "To err is human, to forgive divine."
Climbing Mt. Fuji (85/05/09)
Peter Hartley, a 31-year-old staff member of an art museum in Manchester, England, had long desired to climb Mt. Fuji. However, he was over-confident and unwise to try to do so all by himself early last month. As a matter of fact, he did reach the peak, but, as he started his downward climb on the morning of April 7th, he slipped and fell. Knocked unconscious, his body continued to slide down the icy paths for, a distance of some 2,500 meters, from the 8th station on the mountain down to the 4th. By chance, another group of climbers witnessed his fall and notified the police. Hours later, a search party found his bruised and battered body at the point of freezing. He was taken to a hospital and treated for a concussion and a broken collarbone. 5 days later, he regained consciousness and is now continuing his recovery at St. Luke's Hospital in Tokyo following his miraculous escape from death. Being adventuresome is fine, but wisdom and humility are also needed. In the New Testament book of I Corinthians, chapter 10, verse 12, it is written: "Let anyone who thinks that he stands take heed lest he fall." (1541)
Kosei-shugi (85/05/10)
The Prime Minister's Committee on Educational Reform has run into a linguistic problem. In a recent discussion, questions were raised regarding the meaning of kosei-shugi and whether or not a better expression could be found. Do you understand the meaning of kosei-shugi? Do you think this element is lacking in Japanese education? The present educational system in Japan has obviously been greatly influenced by American thought. However, the fact that after almost 40 years of following that system, kosei-shugi continues to be a problem indicates that Japanese education has not become so "Americanized" after all. Shugi, as a suffix, is usually translated "ism", but kosei may refer to individuality, personality, idiosyncracy or characteristic trait. The word "educate" comes from a Latin word meaning "to draw out". From my American perspective, Japanese education continues to be weak in "drawing out" the individual, personal characteristics of students. A healthy harmonization of traditional Japanese group-consciousness with the Western emphasis on individuality is still needed. The Bible teaches individual responsibility toward both God and neighbor.
Cormorant fishing (85/05/11)
There are many kinds of fish in Japan, but one of the most popular is called ayu. Ayu may be caught by such conventional ways as using a hook and line or a net, but in Gifu Prefecture, a unique method of catching ayu has been practiced since ancient times. A large, long-necked sea bird, called a cormorant, is trained to catch ayu. Cormorant fishing has become a tourist attraction on the Nagara River and today marks the beginning of the fishing season. Cormorant fishing boats are manned by 4 men. One steers the boat while another tends to the decoy fire which attracts the fish. The head fisherman controls 12 birds from the bow by means of reins held in his left hand and manipulated with his right. His assistant controls another 4 birds from midship. A cord around the birds' necks keep them from swallowing the fish they capture. Rather, the birds are pulled to the boat where the fish are disgorged. According to the Gospel of Mark, chapter 1, the first 4 disciples Jesus called to follow him were fishermen. While they were fishing, he called to them, "Follow me and I will make you fishers of men." One of the tasks of Jesus' disciples is to bring other people into God's kingdom using the net of love. (1543)
Carnations (85/05/12)
The price of carnations has greatly increased in the past few days. This rise in price occurs every year at this time. The reason is obvious. Today is Mother's day and it is customary to give or wear carnations on this day in honor of our mothers. According to the law of supply and demand and the merchants' desire to make a nice profit, the price of carnations always rises just before this 2nd Sunday of May. What is the reason for the relationship of carnations to Mother's Day? Carnations happened to be the favorite flower of the mother of Anna Jarvis, who initiated this day in 1907 in the American state of West Virginia. The word "carnation" basically refers to the color of human flesh but later it was used to indicate a flower of that pinkish color. After 2000 years of cultivation, there are now some 2000 varieties of carnations, all derived from the gillyflower that used to be added to wine and beer as a flavoring in former days, May I suggest that the best way to honor our mothers is not by giving them gifts nor making pretty speeches but by living in such a way everyday that will bring joy to them and be of help to others. The same may be said for how we should honor God, our heavenly Father. (1544)
Jamestown (85/05/13)
James is a popular man's name in the United States. It is also found in the names of American cities and towns, among which are James, Jamesburg, Jamesport, Jamesville, James City and 18 communities called Jamestown. The most famous Jamestown was located in Virginia. It was the first permanent English settlement in America and was established 378 years ago today, on May 13, 1607, under the leadership of John Smith, on a marshy peninsula along the James River. The first settlers were mainly former soldiers and fortune hunters who were dreaming of an easy life in the New World. However, it didn't work out that way. In the first 7 months of Jamestown's existence, 73 settlers died from famine and disease and a so-called "starving time" continued for another couple of years. What really improved the colony's fortunes was the introduction of tobacco in 1612. Soon tobacco was being exported to England and Virginia had become economically self-sufficient. From that time to this, that southeastern part of the country has been the main area where that noxious weed is grown, but the person concerned about good health will stay away from it and other harmful drugs.(1545)
Telling lies (85/05/14)
The Japanese word hōben, translated into English as an expedient, is used in reference to the means the Buddha used to convey his teachings to the common people, but a popular saying in Japanese, which I strongly dislike, is uso mo hōben. It means that, under certain circumstances, lies are justifiable. Of course, the one who lies determines whether or not the circumstances make a lie permissible. So-called "white lies" are considered trivial or told out of politeness without any harmful intent, but once a person is known to "stretch the truth" or to tell lies under certain conditions, that person's trustworthiness will always be suspect. The moral obligation to tell the truth is the same for all conscientious persons, but it is especially important for those in certain professions to be completely trustworthy. Therefore, I was very disappointed to read of the Tokyo doctor who lied about the whereabouts of former Prime Minister Tanaka. Unfortunately, it is not surprising when politicians lie, but the words of teachers, doctors, ministers and all Christians, should be completely trustworthy. We are told in Ephesians, chapter 4, that putting away falsehood and speaking the truth to our neighbor is one evidence of the new nature we have received through our faith in Christ.(1546)
5-15 Incident (85/05/15)
Today is May the 15th. Those familiar with Japanese history will recognize the significance of this date, which fell on a Sunday 53 years ago, in 1932. It was a time of political, social and economic unrest in Japan. In the early evening, nine young naval and army officers worshipped at the Yasukuni Shrine and then drove to the official residence of the 75 year old prime minister, Tsuyoshi Inukai. After they found the prime minister, he calmly invited them into a tatami room to talk things over. One of the more rabid men, however, yelled, "No use talking! Fire!" and the small man with the goatee was cut down by a rain of bullets. This assassination and other acts which accompanied it became of crucial importance in setting the stage for the Pacific War and have become known as the May 15th Incident. Because of the general atmosphere of that time, the assassins were given light sentences and were soon freed. Popular opinion can easily be manipulated by the mass media, so it is necessary to be careful to keep our emotions and reason closely tied to a firm moral base. It is by a strong faith in a righteous, loving, almighty God that we are able to stand against mistaken social pressure. (1547)
Ascension Day (85/05/16)
Most American holidays have traditionally been designated according to the day of the month. For example, New Year's Day is January 1st and Independence Day is the 4th of July. Some holidays, on the other hand, have traditionally been designated according to the day of the week. For example, Labor Day is the 1st Monday of September and Thanksgiving Day is the 4th Thursday of November. There are both types of holy days in the church calendar also. Christmas Day is always on December 25th, but Easter Day is always on a Sunday, the Sunday after the 1st full moon following the spring equinox. Since Ascension Day, which commemorates Christ's ascension into heaven, is observed on the 40th day after Easter, it always falls on a Thursday. Today is Ascension Day this year. In a number of European countries, this is a national holiday. There are 2 accounts of the ascension in the New Testament--in the last verses of the Gospel of Luke and in the first chapter of the Acts of the Apostles. Both were written by the same author. The significance of the ascension is that the Savior sent from God returned to his heavenly home following his earthly ministry and now is reigning as the victorious Lord and King.(1548)
A sunken fishing boat (85/05/17)
There have been a number of recent newspaper stories regarding the survivors of a sunken fishing boat. These 3 men had drifted in a lifeboat in the cold, northern seas for 16 days. Their remarkable escape from death can partially be explained by their positive, hopeful attitude and their mutual encouragement. However, of particular interest to me was the fact that they kept with them the lifeless bodies of 2 other comrades who had died in order to present them to the bereaved families. This indicates a special concern for external form which permeates Japanese society. In all areas of Japanese tradition, form and formalities are important. It would have been common for Americans in such a situation to have given a simple sea burial for the dead, but Japanese value the corpse, even though it will immediately be cremated. Although I can understand something of this Japanese feeling toward the dead remains of a loved one, I believe that an excessive concern for form may lessen concern for the more important spirit. There are many formalities in traditional observances that are loved because they are familiar, but if they are no longer alive with meaning and inspiration, they should be discarded if they cannot be resurrected. (1549)
Capsule hotels (85/05/18)
The word "capsule" comes from a Latin word referring to a small box. It is used for that part of a rocket containing the small compartment in which astronauts live while orbiting the earth, but now there are so-called "capsule hotels" in Japan. A "capsule hotel" is made up of small, one-tatami-mat-sized rooms equipped with air conditioning and television sets. A recent survey of 90 such hotels has shown that most renters of these inexpensive compartments are salaried workers in their 30s or 40s. The reasons for staying in such a hotel were given in the following order; first, to take refuge after having a quarrel with one's wife; second, to relax and escape stress; third, to study; and fourth, to meditate or fantasize. For our mental and physical health, it is sometimes necessary to get away from the conflicts and busyness of daily life, but bars and capsule hotels are not the best ways to do so. I'd suggest attending a church service to find spiritual refreshment and to get a new perspective on life. Christian worship is not a way to escape from problems but to find the strength to face and overcome them. Tomorrow would be a good time to begin that weekly custom.(1550)
Ascension (85/05/19)
Since today is the Sunday following Ascension Day in the church calendar, my sermon today is related to the Christian doctrine of the Ascension. The Gospel of Luke ends with this story of the ascension of the resurrected Lord. There, it is written that as Jesus was b1essing his disciples, he departed from them and was taken up into heaven. Both the resurrection and the ascension are difficult for us to understand because they do not fit into our normal patterns of thinking and experience. If they indeed occurred as historical events, they must be considered supernatural happenings. Modern people are not comfortable with such occurrences which they cannot understand, but if there is a God, as the Bible teaches, and if Jesus was truly the Christ, the incarnation of God, as the Bible also teaches, then it is not strange if some events surrounding his life are beyond our understanding. Although difficult to understand, the underlying meaning of these events is clear. The Son of God who gave his life to save all people is now living and reigning as the exalted King. That is why the Gospel story ends with the disciples rejoicing and giving thanks. Those of us today who believe in the living, reigning Christ should be doing the same. (1551)
Queen Victoria (85/05/20)
Victoria was the longest reigning monarch in British history. She reigned for 63 years until her death in 1901 at the age of 81. She was born on May 24, 1819, and in years gone by her birthday was celebrated as Empire Day throughout the British Empire. Nowadays, there is no longer a British Empire, but in Canada this Monday before May 25th is a holiday known as Victoria Day in memory of this colonial ruler. Queen Victoria was an honest, conscientious ruler who was neither highly intellectual nor imaginative. The adjective, Victorian, is now used to refer to something or someone characteristic of her age. When applied to furniture, it refers to ornate, flowery carving and patterned upholstery, but when applied to people or morality, it refers to such things as prudery, bigotry and stuffy hypocrisy. Of course, the feminine name, "Victoria", like the masculine name, "Victor" is related to victory. Speaking of victory, in the First Letter of John, chapter 5, we are told that it is our faith that brings us victory over the world and it is the one who believes in Jesus as the Son of God who is the true victor.(1552)
Ramadan (85/05/21)
According to the Islamic calendar, today marks the beginning of the 9th month, the month of Ramadan. Ramadan literally means the "hot month", but since the Islamic calendar is a lunar calendar, the season in which a particular month falls is variable. Sometimes this "hot month" comes in the winter, but whenever it comes, it is a month of fasting in the Islamic tradition. During the next 30 days, devout Muslims are required to abstain from all food, drink, tobacco and sexual intercourse during the daylight hours, They must also abstain from lying, speaking ill of others, quarreling, engaging in angry talk, discussing disreputable matters and wrong behavior of any sort. The purpose of this month of fasting is to teach discipline and self-control, Over 95% of the citizens of both Iran and Iraq are Muslims and a war between these two mid-eastern countries has been going on for almost 5 years. Islamic leaders each year suggest that fighting be stopped during this month of Ramadan, but Iran has refused to accept such a suggestion. All of us find it easy to observe the traditional forms as long as they don't conflict with things we consider of greater importance, don't we?(1553)
"Daily Word" telephone service (85/05/22)
For today's message, I will make some comments regarding this telephone service which may be of interest to you. The "Daily Word" telephone service began on September 1st, 1980, so it is now in its 4th year of operation. In Apri1, 1981, the first meeting of listeners to "Daily Word" was held. It is now our custom to hold such meetings on the 5th Sunday afternoons of the month, so the 18th meeting of listeners will be held on June 30th at 1:30 P.M. at the Y.W.C.A. Beginning in September 1981, I began sending out typewritten copies of the daily messages each weekend to those who requested them. Since the cost of copying has been reduced, beginning next month, I will send out a copy of the week's messages on Thursdays to those who send me a self-addressed, stamped envelope plus ¥60 in stamps. In August, 1982, the 1st issue of "Daily Word" Echoes was published, made up of essays submitted by listeners on various topics suggested in my messages. The 12th issue of that periodical, to be on sale at the next listeners' meeting, is now being prepared. If you wish to write to me, I'd be happy to hear from you. My address is: "Daily Word", Post Office Box 30, Moriyama Post Office 463.
Captain Kidd (85/05/23)
Have you ever heard of Captain Kidd? In 1696, when English ships were troubled by pirates on their trips between India and Great Britain, Captain William Kidd was commissioned as a privateer to rid the seas of such pirates. However, harsh conditions aboard his ship and the dissatisfaction of his crew led to a mutiny which seemingly turned the captain from a pirate hunter to a pirate himself. Denying such reports, he voluntarily returned to New York to defend himself. There he was imprisoned and sent to London for trial. Various questions have been raised about the fairness of his trial, which had political implications beyond the murder and piracy charges against him. Nevertheless, on May 23, 1701, 284 years ago today, he was hanged, while protesting his innocence to the end. Even at the time of his death, some people doubted his guilt, but since that time, many legends have developed about Captain Kidd, the cruel pirate who buried secret treasures on lonely islands and many fortune hunters have searched for these hidden riches without success. People in every age seek for riches, but in Matthew, chapter 6, verses 19-21 Jesus teaches about the true, spiritual riches which we should store up for ourselves in heaven.(1555)
Siesta (85/05/24)
If you have ever travelled in Spain or other countries having Spanish influence, you probably know what a siesta is. In Spanish, it means "sixth" and refers especially to the sixth hour after sunrise, or noontime, the hottest part of the day. In many Latin countries, it is common to take a siesta, that is, a brief nap or rest, after the noon meal. In Spain, many stores are closed every afternoon during this siesta time. This week, Spanish trade unions called for a strike by shopkeepers to protest moves by the government to bring an end to that custom. The country's Socialist administration has passed a law allowing retail shops to remain open throughout the afternoon to encourage consumer spending. The trade unions consider this a step in the wrong direction and oppose giving up a rest period with such a long history. All 4 of the New Testament Gospels mention the 6th hour as the time of Jesus' crucifixion. According to Mark 15:33, "When the sixth hour had come, there was darkness over the whole land until the ninth hour." This was not a siesta time. It was a symbolic reference to the deep, sacred significance of Jesus' death on behalf of all people--to save them from their sins.(1556)
Argentina (85/05/25)
The Rio de la Plata, meaning "Silver River" in Spanish is one of the widest rivers in the world. Actually, it is the confluence of 2 rivers on their way to the sea. At its mouth, it is over 200 kilometers wide. The main cities on its banks are Montevideo, Uruguay and Buenos Aires, Argentina. The name Argentina, which also means "silver", was first used in a poem written in 1602 and was later chosen as the name of the country. A revolution against its Spanish rulers took place on May 25, 1810, 175 years ago today, so today is observed as the national holiday in this 2nd largest and most highly developed country in South America. Over 97% of its citizens are the descendants of European immigrants, so the native Indian population is very small. In recent years, Argentina has been going through difficult times trying to extricate itself from the oppressive results of a military government which had ignored basic human rights. The leaders and people of this "Silver Land" on the banks of the "Silver River", along with the rest of us, should recognize the truth found in chapter 3 of the Old Testament book of Proverbs that wisdom and understanding are more valuable than silver.(1557)
Pentecost (85/05/26)
The Greek word for "five" is pente, so there are a number of words in English that begin with this prefix. In poetry, a pentameter is a line of verse that contains 5 measures. In sports, a pentathlon is an athletic contest in which each contestant takes part in 5 events. In geometry, a pentagon is a 5-sided figure, which is also the shape of an important government building in Washington, D.C. The first 5 books of the Old Testament are referred to as the Pentateuch and in Jewish and Christian traditions, today is called Pentecost, meaning 50th day, for it is the 50th day after the Jewish feast of the Passover and after the Christian Easter it is also called Shavuot, or Feast of Weeks, in Judaism, which was originally a harvest festival but now also commemorates the giving of the 10 commandments to Moses on Mt. Sinai. In the Christian Church it is also called Whitsunday, from the white garments worn by those to be baptized, and commemorates the descent of the Holy Spirit on the disciples of Jesus, recorded in the 2nd chapter of The Acts of the Apostles. It may be considered the birthday of the Christian Church, which was empowered by the Spirit of God to proclaim the Good News of Christ throughout the world. (1558)
A bird brooding under a truck (85/05/27)
Recently, a truck driver in Mie Prefecture, noticed that whenever he came back to the company parking lot, a bird would hop around underneath his truck. Looking more closely, he found a bird's nest under the back part of the truck. Not only was there a nest, there were eggs in the nest. Whenever the truck was in the parking lot, the mother bird would sit on the edge, but when it left, she would fly off, await its return and then resume her brooding. Although the truck was used 4 or 5 hours a day, last week the driver found 5 baby birds in that nest. The mother bird was very busy, caring for her brood and bringing them food. She had to leave whenever the truck was driven away, but she made a beeline for the nest as soon as it returned and continued her maternal duties. Feeling sympathetic to that pitiful family of Japanese wagtails, the company is now trying to use other trucks and leave that one parked. In Japanese, that bird is called a segurosekirei and if you can write that in Kanji, you will probably have no difficulty getting into an elite Japanese university. In the Gospel of Luke, chapter 23, Jesus expressed love for the people of Jerusalem by comparing himself to a loving mother bird who wanted to gather her chicks under her wings. (1559)
The Onaruto Bridge (85/05/28)
Tokushima Prefecture is located on the island of Shikoku and Hyōgo Prefecture is on the island of Honshū. Last Sunday, people from both of these prefectures began walking from opposite sides of a new bridge, connecting these 2 prefectures, and met in the middle. They were celebrating the completion of this 1,629 meter long Onaruto Bridge, the longest suspension bridge in Asia, which will be officially opened to traffic on June 8th. The Naruto or Roaring Gate, Channel over which the bridge passes is famous for turbulent water and whirlpools formed by the clashing of currents from the Inland Sea and the Pacific Ocean. Just 48 years ago today another famous suspension bridge was opened to traffic. That bridge, over 1000 meters longer than this new bridge, connects the city of San Francisco with Marin County, California. It spans the beautiful strait between San Francisco Bay and the Pacific Ocean known as the Golden Gate, so the bridge, which was opened to traffic on May 28, 1937, is called Golden Gate Bridge. Some people think that heaven has a golden gate, but the vision given in chapter 21 of the Apocalypse, the last book of the Bible, includes a street of gold, but the gates of the city were made of pearl.(1560)
John Kennedy (85/05/29)
Today, May 29th, is the birthday of the 35th president of the United States, the youngest man to hold that office and the country's first Roman Catholic president. Do you know his name? John Kennedy was born into a wealthy Massachusetts family 68 years ago. After graduating from Harvard, he joined the navy and became the commander of a torpedo boat in the Pacific War. He showed outstanding bravery in risking his life for others following the destruction of his boat by a Japanese destroyer. After the war, he entered politics. He was elected to Congress when he was 29 years old and, at the age of 35, became a Senator. During the time of convalescence following surgery related to his wartime injuries, he wrote a book, Profiles in Courage, about American statesmen who risked their political careers for what they believed to be the needs of the nation. It was published in 1956 and less than 5 years later, John Kennedy was elected president at the age of 43. In his inaugural address, he urged his countrymen to "ask not what your country can do for you--ask what you can do for your country." This is in the same spirit as the words of Jesus found in Acts 20:35: "There is more happiness in giving than in receiving."
Volcanoes (85/05/02)
Constitution Day (85/05/03)
New York (85/05/04)
Summit Meeting (85/05/05)
Sigmund Freud (85/05/06)
Topics for essays (85/05/07)
Forgiveness (85/05/08)
Climbing Mt. Fuji (85/05/09)
Kosei-shugi (85/05/10)
Cormorant fishing (85/05/11)
Carnations (85/05/12)
Jamestown (85/05/13)
Telling lies (85/05/14)
5-15 Incident (85/05/15)
Ascension Day (85/05/16)
A sunken fishing boat (85/05/17)
Capsule hotels (85/05/18)
Ascension (85/05/19)
Queen Victoria (85/05/20)
Ramadan (85/05/21)
"Daily Word" telephone service (85/05/22)
Captain Kidd (85/05/23)
Siesta (85/05/24)
Argentina (85/05/25)
Pentecost (85/05/26)
A bird brooding under a truck (85/05/27)
The Onaruto Bridge (85/05/28)
John Kennedy (85/05/29)
Memorial Day (85/05/30)
Nishi-muku-samurai (85/05/31)
Lei Day in Hawaii (85/05/01)