Happy New Year! (89/01/01)
Happy New Year! Today is a triple header of new beginnings. It is Sunday, the beginning of a new week. It is the first day of January, the beginning of a new month. It is also the first day of a brand new year. The name of this first month of the year comes from the name of the Roman god, Janus. Janus was the god of gates and doorways. He is pictured as a deity with two faces, looking in opposite directions. On this first day of the year, we may look over our past with both thankfulness to God and disappointment in ourselves, but we should face the future with hope and a new resolve to do better. In Oriental thought, this is the year of the serpent. In chapter 3 of Genesis, the first book of the Bible, is the symbolic story of the serpent tempting the mother of the human family to disobey God's command. During this New Year, we will also face subtle temptations to disobey the divine commands to act justly, to love God and to love our neighbor as ourself. As individuals with free wills, like our mother Eve, we can choose to obey or disobey, but the Bible teaches that a truly happy life is only found in living in accordance with the purpose of our Creator. According to Proverbs 16:20, "Happy is he who trusts in the Lord." Happy New Year! (2793)
Georgia (89/01/02)
In Japan, these first days of the new year are holidays when government business comes to a halt. However, it was on this second day of January in 1788, that the members of a special committee of the state of Georgia voted to ratify the U. S. Constitution, formally making Georgia the fourth state to join the Union. In fact, that committee began its deliberations on December 25th of the previous year, which, of course, is Christmas Day. The name of this southern state, which ranks 11th in population and 21st in area, is not derived from the man who became the first president of the United States the following year. Rather, it was named for England's King George II, who had granted the charter for that colony. The motto of the state is: "Wisdom, justice, and moderation", which is a good slogan to remember throughout this year. (2794)
New Year's Resolutions (89/01/03)
Two thoughts come to my mind on this third day of the New Year. They are a kind of mixture of influences from the Occident and the Orient. In America, it is common for people to make so-called New Year's Resolutions. They firmly resolve to change their bad habits or to make some improvement in their behavior in the New Year. However, many people break these resolutions before many days have passed, so I am reminded of the Japanese saying about a mikka-bōzu, or a three-day priest. Nowadays, bōzu is considered a slang term for a Buddhist priest (or for a young boy, or for a shaven head), but originally it was a respected term for one who lived in a Buddhist temple building, or bō. The English word "bonze", spelled b-o-n-z-e and derived from a Chinese word with a similar meaning, was previously used to signify a Buddhist priest. It is a good thing to make resolutions aimed at reforming or improving oneself in some way, but, according to the Bible, no matter how many resolutions we make nor how hard we try, we cannot reach the standard of perfection that God requires without God's help. Recognizing our weakness, we trust in the almighty God, our heavenly Father, for our salvation. (2795)
"Daily Word" (89/01/04)
Today is goyō hajime, the day that work begins at public offices in Japan. Since this "Daily Word" telephone service has never had a day off since it began, the only "honorable beginning of work" in its history occurred on September 1, 1980, but today I will mention "Daily Word" activities and invite your participation. 1) You may receive a written copy of messages before they are given on the telephone by sending me an addressed, stamped envelope plus ¥60 in stamps for each week of messages desired. 2) You may write a short essay on any theme mentioned in a message and send it to me for correction and publication in "Daily Word" Echoes. Essays for the next issue must reach me by January 11th. 3) We hold meetings of listeners on the fifth Sundays of the month. Our next meeting will be on January 29th at 1:30 at the Nagoya City Geijutsu Sōzō Senta- north of the Shinsakaemachi subway station when the 25th issue of the Echoes will be on sale. 4) On the first and third Tuesday evenings of the month, I teach a Bible Class at the Nagoya City Kyōikukan at Sakae. From 6:30-7:30, I lecture in Japanese and from 7:30-8:30 we consider the same Bible passage in English. This is: "Daily Word", Post Office Box 30, Moriyama Post Office, Nagoya 463. (2796)
Lost ring found (89/01/05)
We read and hear many stories these days about the dark side of society and of human nature, but here is a story indicating that there are spots of brightness to be seen as well. Last June, Robert Farber, who lives on Long Island in New York State, graduated from New York University, which is also one of my alma maters. In July, while swimming off the Greek island of Hydra, Robert lost his college class ring which was inscribed with the university symbol, his name and social security number. The 14-karat gold ring was worth $500, so, as you can imagine, Robert was very upset about losing it. Last month, Robert received a letter from the NYU registrar's office informing him that his ring had been found. Jessemy Hudson, a 17-year old high school student in Petaluma, California had written the university, saying that her younger brother had found the ring while snorkeling during their family's vacation in Greece and she wanted to return it to the owner. After finding out Robert's address, Jessemy sent him the ring in the mail. I don't know Jessemy's religious background, but her action was in keeping with the so-called "Golden Rule" that Jesus proclaimed in Matthew 7:12, "Do for others what you want them to do for you."(2797)
Four freedoms (89/01/06)
Forty-seven years ago today, on January 6, 1941, President Franklin Roosevelt made a speech to the United States Congress. At that time, war was raging in Europe, but the United States was still technically neutral, for it did not enter the war until after the Japanese attack on Pearl Harbor in December of that year. The President's speech contrasted the worldview of the Allied democracies with that of their Nazi and Fascist opponents. He said: "We look forward to a world founded upon four essential freedoms. The first is freedom of speech and expression--everywhere in the world. The second is freedom of every person to worship God in his own way--everywhere in the world. The third is freedom from want--which ... means economic understandings which will secure to every nation a healthy peacetime life for its inhabitants--everywhere in the world. The fourth is freedom from fear--which ... means a worldwide reduction in armaments to such a point and in such a thorough fashion that no nation will be in a position to commit an act of physical aggression against any neighbor--anywhere in the world." Unfortunately, these "Four Freedoms" have not yet been realized and we should keep working to make them a reality--everywhere in the world, beginning in our own land. (2798)
Seven (89/01/07)
Today is the seventh day of the New Year. In the Bible, seven is a special, significant, sacred number. According to the Old Testament, God created the world in six days and rested on the seventh day. For that reason, a seven-day period became the basic unit in the Jewish calendar, with the seventh day designated a sabbath, a day of rest. Christians observe the first day of the week as their holy day in commemoration of Christ's resurrection on that day. In Japan also there are various traditions related to the number seven. Ceremonies are held on the seventh day after a child's birth and on a series of seventh days after a person's death. There are seven gods of good luck, and this seventh day of the first month is the first of the five seasonal festivals, which include tanabata on the seventh day of the seventh month. Today is the day for eating the special rice gruel containing seven herbs in the belief that they will remove evil from the body and prevent illness. In the 18th chapter of Matthew, when Jesus' disciple, Peter, asked him if he had to forgive a person who continued to sin against him as many as seven times, Jesus answered, "No, not seven times, but seventy times seven," meaning that we should never stop forgiving others even as God never stops forgiving us. (2799)
Where is God? (89/01/08)
Although the Japanese word, kami, is used to translate the English word, "God", the Biblical conception of God is completely different from the traditional Japanese idea of kami. In Japanese thought, there are countless kinds of kami. Some are good and others are bad. They may be born and grow, get old and die. It is not so with the God of the Bible, who is the one and only almighty, infinite, eternal Spirit. In one sense, the Biblical God, who is the Creator and Ruler of all, is far removed from the turmoil of human beings on the planet earth. In another sense, however, God is here with us in the midst of our troubles. In the Old Testament book of Isaiah, chapter 57, verse 15, it is written, "I am the high and holy God, who lives for ever. I live in a high and holy place, but I also live with people who are humble and repentant, so that I can restore their confidence and hope." Thus, in answer to the question, Where is God? we may reply that God, the Superintendent of the universe, is far above the confusion of our daily lives and also that God, our Heavenly Father, is at our side or within our hearts if we humbly recognize his presence. (2800)
Connecticut (89/01/09)
Exactly 200 years ago today, the fifth of the original thirteen colonies ratified the United States Constitution. It is the third smallest state and is located in the northeastern section of the country known as New England. Its capital city is Hartford and even some Americans have trouble spelling the name of this state correctly because it is not spelled exactly the way it is pronounced. Its name is derived from the Indian name of the main river that runs through the state. It is the state of Connecticut. How do you think it is spelled? In 1639, three English settlements united to form the Connecticut Colony and adopted the Fundamental Orders, which is considered the world's first written constitution. Connecticut is now known as the Constitution State. Constitutions are good, but they need to be amended as times change.(2801)
Copyright (89/01/10)
Every week I make copies of these spoken messages and send them to those who request them. Using a copy machine, it is easy to make copies of documents, articles or even entire books. This poses a problem for owners of copyrighted material. A copyright is the legal right granted to an author, composer or publisher to the exclusive publication or use of a certain literary or musical work. When others make use of that work, a royalty should be paid to the copyright owner. Nowadays, many things are copied or used without permission or the payment of royalties. Even the song "Happy Birthday to You" is copyrighted and, technically, every time it is sung in public, a royalty should be paid to the copyright owner. The melody of that song was composed in the 1890s by two American kindergarten teachers. Its lyrics were written later and the song was copyrighted in 1935. The small company that owns the copyright is being sold to a large music publisher because it does not have the resources to protect its copyrights. Even so, this particular song received about $1 million a year in royalties because it is often used in motion pictures. Japanese are known to be good copiers, and in Hebrews 13:7, we are told to copy the faith of our Christian leaders. (2802)
Japanese viewed by foreigners (89/01/11)
Japanese people seem particularly interested in how they are viewed by foreigners. Recently a book has been published that contains interviews with 1000 foreigners from 35 countries who are residents of Japan. Frequently cited as the most curious among a "people hard to understand" is the Japanese salaryman. In the eyes of one American, the busybee Japanese worker is very much like a neighborhood cat that "comes in to eat and sleep and then goes back home to his company in the morning." In the opinion of a Frenchwoman, Japan is outwardly attractive but actually a sad place for "it is all business--buy and sell, sell and buy." In other words, there is no time off for relaxation. A West German resident viewed Japanese culture as losing its identity. He remarked, "The entire Japanese society appears to me as being a copy of something else." According to the author of this book, entitled The Resident Foreigner, the predominant question raised by those she interviewed was: "Why must all Japanese be the same?" Foreigners see Japanese society as exerting great pressure for all people to conform and those who refuse to conform are looked upon as social outcasts. The American jurist, Felix Frankfurter, once said, "Anybody who is any good is different from anybody else."(2803)
John Winthrop (89/01/12)
If something is "pure", it is unmixed with anything different than itself. It is clean, correct or sinless. A "purist" is a person who insists on strict correctness in observing traditional rules, particularly in the use of words. A "puritan" is one who follows strict religious discipline and advocates a stern morality. American history has been strongly influenced by the group of Puritans who separated from the Church of England and established religious settlements in Massachusetts under the leadership of John Winthrop, who was born 400 years ago, on January 12, 1588. An earnest Puritan, Winthrop was chosen governor of the Massachusetts Bay Colony when he was 41 and was re-elected eleven more times. The influence of this stern and tender man of conscience permeated those early settlements of religious minded people who highly valued work and frowned on luxuries and worldly pleasures. Winthrop did not believe in democracy, which is government by the people. He advocated a theocracy, which is government by God, in which rulers are considered representatives of God rather than of the people. The Bible teaches that people should be pure, but the emphasis is upon inner purity. In Titus 1:15, it is written, "To the pure, all things are pure." (2804)
Superstitious customs (89/01/13)
According to traditional Oriental superstitious thought, there is a cycle of six days that keeps revolving throughout the year. The most propitious day in this cycle is called taian and today is such a day, so there will probably be many weddings today in Japan. My almanac notes, however, that today is also a fujōju-nichi. I don't know how often such a day appears, but it doesn't appear to be auspicious for its meaning is literally "day of non-attainment". Furthermore, today is Friday, the thirteenth, which superstitious Westerners consider the most unlucky day. Sensible people recognize that no days are intrinsically lucky or unlucky. Since I consider Japanese people to be sensible, I am surprised to find so many superstitious customs that continue to be observed in this land. Individuals may say that they do not believe in the superstition but that social pressure requires conformity. A healthy faith in God not only frees people from superstition but give the courage to oppose an irrational conformity. While recognizing the value of social harmony and respecting our national heritage, has not the time come for us to cast off the fetters of blind conformity to superstitious traditions that hinder a life of honesty and truth? (2805)
Ratification (89/01/14)
The English word "ratify" comes from two Latin words meaning "to make fixed". It means to give formal approval to an agreement, thus making it valid. In democratic countries, treaties signed by delegates require ratification by a larger representative body. If or when Japan and the Soviet Union sign a peace treaty ending the Pacific War, it must be ratified by the Japanese Diet. One hundred four years ago today, on January 14, 1784, the peace treaty that had been signed over four months earlier between Great Britain and the United States was ratified by the Continental Congress. A key provision of that treaty was that it must be ratified and returned to England within six months. It took up to two months to cross the ocean in those days, so the treaty needed to be ratified during the first half of January. As the year began, only seven of the thirteen colonies had sent delegations to the Congress meeting in the temporary capital in Annapolis, Maryland. Two more were required to make a quorum. Delegates from Connecticut arrived on January 13th and a representative from South Carolina arrived on the 14th. So it was on that day the treaty was ratified and the American Revolutionary War officially came to a close. Every year on this day, ceremonies are held to commemorate that event. (2806)
Maturity (89/01/15)
This fifteenth day of January is Adults Day in Japan. The word "adult" comes from the same Latin root as "adolescent" The Latin verb means to grow up. An adolescent is still in the process of growing up while an adult has supposedly reached maturity. According to Japanese law, a person becomes an adult at the age of 20 and thereby obtains the right to vote. In the United States, the 26th amendment to the Constitution, which was passed in 1971, gives the right to vote to all citizens 18 years of age or older. Needless to say, true maturity is not automatically achieved at a certain age. Physical maturity of human beings is usually reached during the teen-age years, but genuine spiritual maturity may never be attained during our lifetime. Healthy minds continue to grow and expand their understanding throughout the life of the thinker. In chapter 6 of the New Testament Letter to the Hebrews, the writer urges his readers to leave behind elementary teachings and move on toward greater maturity in their faith. This is good advice for all people in whatever activity they are engaged--whether studying English or something else. We should keep going on and make further progress as long as we live. (2807)
Guerilla (89/01/16)
There are two words in English pronounced gah-ril-ah. The one, spelled g-o-r-i-l-l-a, is the name of a large ape found in African forests having a stocky body and coarse, dark hair. This word is derived from a Greek word referring to a tribe of hairy women. The other word, spelled g-u-e-r-r-i-l-1-a, is used for a member of an irregular military force which operates in small, independent groups to carry out its objectives. Although this guerrilla may also spend some time in trees, hiding from or spying on an enemy, there is no relationship between the two words. The latter word comes from a Spanish word meaning "little war". It is this kind of "gah-ril-ah" which is more fearsome. A good Bible verse to remember when confronted by any kind of "gah-ril-la" is found In Isaiah 43:5, where the Lord says: "Fear not, for I am with you." (2808)
Going barefoot (89/01/17)
In warm summer weather children enjoy going barefoot--especially on a sandy beach or a grassy lawn. But what do you think of children going barefoot in winter? The 400 pupils at the Irefune Elementary School on the outskirts of Kawasaki are encouraged to go barefoot all year long. The barefoot movement was begun at this 60-year-old school ten years ago when many of its pupils were found to have flat feet and to be suffering from illnesses related to the polluted atmosphere. The school nurse says that flat feet can lead to poor posture, skeletal deformity, strained muscles, bad breathing and generally poor health. Since pupils were encouraged to go barefoot, they have developed high arches, are stronger, more outgoing and less prone to coughs and colds. The school children are not required to go barefoot but they receive a card which is stamped each time they do so. If the card is full at the end of the month, they get a certificate. Even the principal goes barefoot to set a good example and the foreign teacher of English follows suit. Discipline is required to develop healthier bodies and healthier minds, but let us remember the saying that "He that sows thorns should not go barefoot." (2809)
Thesaurus (89/01/18)
When I write articles or prepare these daily messages, I sometimes make use of a thesaurus. This English word is the transliteration of a Greek word meaning "treasure". The thesaurus I use is a treasury, or collection, of words. It is not a dictionary, however, which defines the meanings of words. Rather, it is a list of words having the same or similar meanings. Consulting this book, I often can find a more precise word to convey the meaning I have in mind or simply a different word to use instead of repeating the same word again. My reference book is called Roget's Thesaurus, after the man who first compiled such a list and published it. This man, Peter Mark Roget who was born 210 years ago today, on January 18, 1779, was an English physician who made lists of words as a hobby. He listed words in certain categories that included other words with similar or related meanings from which he could choose the most appropriate one. Although his Thesaurus has been greatly revised over the years, it still bears his name. The Greek word thesauros is used in the Gospel of Matthew, chapter 6, where Jesus teaches, "Do not store up for yourselves treasure on earth .... Store up treasure in heaven .... For where your treasure is, there will your heart be also." (2810)
Pilot's weight (89/01/19)
Some boys dream of becoming pilots when they grow up. That has never been one of my dreams, but on my birthday last month a newspaper article appeared indicating I would not be disqualified from becoming a pilot in Japan because of my weight. Under current Japanese regulations, people more than 30 percent overweight cannot get a pilot's license. I have never considered myself overweight, but Japanese standards suggest an optimum weight in kilograms is 90 percent of one's height in centimeters minus 100. Since I am 180 centimeters tall and my weight is creeping up toward the 80 kilogram mark, according to this method of computation, I am just under the 30 percent overweight line. Thus, my weight would not disqualify me from becoming a pilot, although a number of other factors certainly would. However, beginning in April, this weight limitation will no longer be in effect. I presume this change in regulations reflects a change in the size and shape of Japanese people. Back in 1910, an American humorist, wrote about the Japanese in the quaint, ungrammatical English of Mr. Dooley: "A big man knows he don't have to fight, but whin a man is little an' knows he's little an' is thinkin' all th' time he's little an' feels that ivrybody else is thinkin' he's little, look out f'r him."(2811)
Inauguration Day (89/01/20)
At noon on this 20th day of January, U.S. Eastern Standard Time, a new president of the United States will be inaugurated in Washington, D.C. The Chief Justice of the Supreme Court will administer the oath of office to the incoming president. As he places his left hand on a Bible and raises his right hand, George Bush will repeat the words indicated in the Second Article of the Constitution: "I do solemnly swear that I will faithfully execute the office of President of the United States, and will, to the best of my ability, preserve, protect and defend the Constitution of the United States." Following the oath, this 41st President will deliver his inaugural address. Until 1933, the president's term began in March, but the 20th Amendment to the Constitution designates January 20th as the beginning of the new term for president and vice president and January 3rd for Senators and Representatives. Inauguration Day festivities have become a kind of show, viewed by people around the world. However, the hard part comes after the show is over and the new president must tackle the difficult problems which the United States and the world are facing. I pray that President Bush will be a wise and conscientious leader who will further the cause of peace and justice throughout the world. (2812)
Lenin Mausoleum (89/01/21)
A mausoleum is a large and stately tomb where the remains of a rich or famous person are interred. One of the famous landmarks of Moscow is the Lenin Mausoleum along the Kremlin wall on the west side of Red Square. In this building, the embalmed body of Vladimir Ilyich Lenin is on display to those who wish to view it. Sixty-five years ago today, on January 21, 1924, this Russian revolutionary leader died, so today is the day when traditional ceremonial observances are held in his memory at this Communist shrine. Thus far, Lenin has escaped the unhappy fate of other Soviet leaders following their deaths. There have been various attempts to eliminate memories of Joseph Stalin and last month the Communist Party officially decreed that the names of former Soviet leaders Brezhnev and Chernenko be eliminated from the names of towns, schools, factories and clubs. Memorial plaques denoting homes where they once lived, places they visited and schools they attended were also ordered removed and destroyed. In the Old Testament book of Proverbs, chapter 10, verse 7, it is written: "The righteous are remembered in blessing; the name of the wicked turns rotten". (2813)
Harmony (89/01/22)
A basic element in traditional Japanese thought is the idea of harmony or wa. In the so-called Constitution of Prince Shotoku, this is the principal virtue and Article 10 explicitly states, "though we alone be in the right, let us follow the multitude and act like them." This is quite different from the individualistic emphasis of Western thought. Although the Bible also encourages us to live in harmony with others, living in harmony with the purpose of God has priority over living in harmony with people. In the Old Testament, the chosen people of God were often instructed not to follow the customs of the nations around them. They were chosen to be a special people with a special mission as representatives of the true and living God in the world. In the book of Jeremiah, chapter 10, a clear contrast is given between the lifeless, man-made idols of the nations around them and the living God who created and rules the world. According to the Bible, our primary responsibility is to God, and our daily lives--including thoughts, words and actions--are to be conducted according to our understanding of God's will. Christians believe it is more important to follow God or our conscience rather than simply "following the crowd". (2814)
Gypsies (89/01/23)
A nomad is a member of a group of people who have no fixed home and move from place to place. Nomads wandering through Europe in the 15th century were mistakenly thought to have come from Egypt and thus were called Gypsies. In Hungary, Gypsies are the largest ethnic minority and make up about 6 percent of the population, but because the authorities do not recognize them as a nationality, they have recently formed a federation to press for political rights and improved living conditions. Although they have been ignored for a long time, Japan also has minorities within its country whose conditions also should be improved. (2815)
Listeners' Meeting (89/01/24)
In a formal debate, a given proposition is defended by one side and opposed by the other. The two sides may be called affirmative and negative, pro and con or for and against. There are two sides to all controversial subjects and we will be considering one such subject at our "Daily Word" Listeners' Meeting next Sunday afternoon, beginning at 1:30 at the Nagoya City Geijutsu Sōzō Center, north of the Shinsakaemachi subway station. We will not have a formal debate and we will not insist that everyone make a speech for or against a stated proposition, although we will ask those who attend to introduce themselves in English. The topic for consideration is one that is being discussed by many people these days. It is the Emperor System, or tennōsei, in Japan. What do you think of this system? Should it be continued as it is, changed or abolished? What are the pluses and minuses of the system, its advantages and disadvantages in modern Japan? While we enjoy some refreshments prepared by my wife, I hope to hear the views of those present on this topic. You may come and simply listen if you wish, but you will be given an opportunity to express your opinion if you wish to do so. (2816)
Chindonya (89/01/25)
A sandwich is made up of two slices of bread with some filling in between and a sandwich board is made up of two large boards bearing placards, hinged at the top by straps for hanging over the shoulders with one board in front and the other behind. Such a sandwich board is carried by a sandwich man for advertisement purposes. Years ago, I remember seeing such sandwich men in a small troupe of advertisers known as chindonya. In this troupe, men wearing strange costumes and playing such instruments as drums, samisen, clarinets and bells advertised the opening of a new store or a bargain sale or publicized some special entertainment. Children followed along after them and the music or noise would attract the attention of adults as well. Times have changed and there are now only 25 chindonya troupes throughout Japan continuing this unique method of advertising. I am not wearing a sandwich board, but I will inform you that a newly-published book, entitled Daily Word, containing 36 of these telephone messages selected for publication by Hokuseido Shoten is now on sale at, or may be ordered through, local bookstores. We hope to have some copies available at the "Daily Word" Listener's Meeting next Sunday afternoon.(2817)
Michigan (89/01/26)
In the east-central part of North America there are five freshwater lakes that are connected to one another. The total area of these Great Lakes is greater than the combined area of the Japanese islands of Honshu and Shikoku. Four of the lakes form part of the border between the United States and Canada. One of the United States has the same name as one of the lakes. The name comes from Indian words meaning "big water". This state of Michigan, which officially became the 26th state 152 years ago today, on January 26, 1837, has borders on four of the five lakes and is divided into an upper and lower part by Lake Michigan itself. Michigan has over 3,200 kilometers of shoreline, 58,000 kilometers of streams and some 11,000 lakes, so it is famous not only for automobile manufacturing but for fishing as well. The state motto is a Latin phrase meaning "If you seek a pleasant peninsula, look around you." The person who looks around with the eyes of faith can find beauty in everything. At our "Daily Word" Listeners Meeting next Sunday afternoon at the City Geijutsu Sōzō Senta-, we will be thinking about the pros and cons, of the tennōsei in Japan. We would be happy to hear your views on this theme also. (2818)
Mozart (89/01/27)
If you are a lover of classical music or a fan of Western films, you must know what famous musician had the middle name of Amadeus. A few years ago, a motion picture under that title was shown in Japanese theaters. It portrayed the short, turbulent life of one of the greatest musicians of all time, Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart, who was born in Austria 233 years ago today, on January 27, 1756. Mozart was a child prodigy, that is, a child with extraordinary talent or ability. His father, a composer and violinist, taught him to play the harpsichord, violin and organ and at the age of five, he was already composing music. As a child, he presented concerts throughout Europe and had written concertos, sonatas, symphonies and operettas by the time he was 13. He continued composing all types of music throughout his life. Although his musical works were prodigious, his lifestyle was prodigal and he died in poverty when he was only 35 years old. Mozart had great talent and made good use of it. In Jesus' Parable of the Talents, found in Matthew, chapter 25, he emphasized that those of us whose talents are few also have the responsibility of making good use of them. (2819)
A bottled letter (89/01/28)
In Japanese, there are two different words pronounced bin. One of them means "bottle" and the other may mean "mail", or "letter". These words are usually not related, but some people put a bin in a bin when they go to the ocean. A recent news item told of a bottled letter that took 18 months to travel about 6,400 kilometers. Paul Seegert, a university student in the northern state of Wisconsin, regularly goes with his family on a trip to the southern state of Florida. Every year for the past ten years, Paul has placed a note in a bottle and thrown it into the ocean. He was surprised to receive a letter recently from Sandy Ottaway, who lives in Dorset, England. Last fall, while walking with her husband on a beach in a small town in Spain, she spied a bottle and found Paul's note inside. An umi-no-tayori takes much longer to cross the ocean than a kaze-no-tayori so she sent her letter to Paul by airmail. If you have any bottled-up reactions to these telephone messages, I hope to hear them at the meeting of "Daily Word" listeners tomorrow afternoon at 1:30 at the City Geijutsu Sōzō Senta-, north of the Shinsakaemachi subway station. My wife and I look forward to meeting many listeners there. (2820)
John the Baptist (89/01/29)
One of the frustrating problems faced by foreigners living in Japan is not only trying to understand the words of people but to perceive their deeper meaning, that is, to comprehend the mind of the speaker. It is difficult for us to discern the difference between tatemae and honne. That was not a problem for people who heard the words of John the Baptist, as recorded in the 3rd chapter of the Gospel of Luke. John spoke his mind very plainly and his listeners had no doubt about his meaning. (That may be one reason why he lived alone in the desert rather than in the city.) When the crowds of people came out to be baptized by John he called them a "brood of vipers". Vipers are a kind of snake, but the Jews would never think of having a "year of the snake" in their calendar. In the Bible, snakes usually have a very negative image. John considered that people were trying to escape the coming judgment of God, like snakes fleeing from a fire, by being baptized, but he urged them to bring forth the kind of fruit in their lives that showed true repentance rather than simply performing a ritual. What God requires of people is not a ceremonial rite of some kind but a new heart that is seen in the way we live. What kind of fruit are you bearing in your daily life?(2821)
Georgia (89/01/02)
New Year's Resolutions (89/01/03)
"Daily Word" (89/01/04)
Lost ring found (89/01/05)
Four freedoms (89/01/06)
Seven (89/01/07)
Where is God? (89/01/08)
Connecticut (89/01/09)
Copyright (89/01/10)
Japanese viewed by foreigners (89/01/11)
John Winthrop (89/01/12)
Superstitious customs (89/01/13)
Ratification (89/01/14)
Maturity (89/01/15)
Guerilla (89/01/16)
Going barefoot (89/01/17)
Thesaurus (89/01/18)
Pilot's weight (89/01/19)
Inauguration Day (89/01/20)
Lenin Mausoleum (89/01/21)
Harmony (89/01/22)
Gypsies (89/01/23)
Listeners' Meeting (89/01/24)
Chindonya (89/01/25)
Michigan (89/01/26)
Mozart (89/01/27)
A bottled letter (89/01/28)
John the Baptist (89/01/29)
"Daily Word" (89/01/30)
Time consciousness (89/01/31)
Happy New Year! (89/01/01)