Clark Gable (91/02/01)
One way to improve one's ability to understand American English is to watch American movies. Unfortunately, many such movies shown these days on Japanese television are low grade trash that are not worth watching. But there have been some great movies in the past, and some of them starred a good looking man named Clark. If you are an American movie buff, you have probably seen that classic movie set in the American South during the Civil War, entitled 'Gone With the Wind'. The male star of that movie, Clark Gable, was born 90 years ago today in Ohio. As a youth, Gable worked in the oil fields of Oklahoma. Although he hated the work, it helped develop his manly physique. In 1934, in the movie 'It Happened One Night', when Gable took off his shirt, it was apparent that he did not wear an undershirt. As a result, sales of undershirts around the country dropped dramatically--which shows the unconscious influence of one man's example. Asked to explain his popularity as an actor, Gable demurely replied, "I'm just a lucky slob from Ohio who happened to be in the right place at the right time." Obviously, being in the right place at the right time is advantageous, but ability and effort are also required to succeed. -- Clark Offner (3475)
At Narita (91/02/02)
After rushing from the North Wing of Narita Airport, where my plane from Nagoya had arrived, to the South Wing, where my plane to Manila was to depart, I faced another problem. I had completed the official departure procedures before boarding the plane in Nagoya so the stamp in my passport showed that I had already left Japan. But my special fare ticket had to be picked up at a group tour counter at Narita, meaning that, strictly speaking, I would have to go through immigration in order to obtain it. That is to say, I would need to officially re-enter the country in order to get my ticket to leave. An immigration officer balked at permitting me to re-enter before I had actually departed. With the help of a Japanese stewardess whose flight had been delayed, I was able to slip back into the country, pick up that ticket and then slip back out of the country through a different way. Because of the snowfall, all flights were off schedule, including that of the man coming in from Chicago who I was scheduled to meet and accompany to the Philippines and the one we were to leave on. His plane had been diverted to Haneda Airport where it had stayed for over an hour on the ground. We were happy to finally meet each other in the waiting area. We left Narita about four hours behind schedule, but he had an executive class ticket and mine was tourist class, so we were not able to sit together. -- Clark Offner (3476)
God's Chosen People (91/02/03)
It is a good feeling to be chosen by someone we respect or love--to be chosen to receive an award, to be the representative of a group or to become a bride or groom. Being chosen for a special purpose is a privilege, but it is accompanied by responsibility. The Old Testament is primarily concerned with the acts of God in relation to his chosen people, the Israelites. From the Christian perspective, the people of Israel rejoiced in the privilege they enjoyed as God's chosen people, but they did not fulfill their responsibility. In the New Testament view, God's chosen people are not people of a certain lineage but of a certain faith. In a New Testament letter written to Christians, the First Letter of Peter, chapter 2, verse 9, we find these words: "you are the chosen race ... God's own people, chosen to proclaim the wonderful acts of God, who called you out of darkness into his own marvellous light." Christians have the good feeling of being chosen by God, but they must remember also their responsibility. They are to proclaim the mercy and love of God who rescued them from the darkness of a dismal life and led them into the light of joy and hope. This letter further suggests that this proclamation includes doing such good deeds that even unbelievers will recognize them and give praise to God. (3477)
Curry Favor (91/02/04)
Men with beards must be careful when they eat lest a crumb of bread or a grain of rice becomes lodged in their beards. There is an old Chinese story of a government minister who considerately brushed a piece of food off of the prime minister's beard. The prime minister then inquired if that was a part of the minister's job. From this incident, the saying 'hige no chiri o harau' came to mean to fawn upon or to flatter one's superior. In English, we have the expression "to curry favor". In this case, "curry" is not something to eat. Rather, it is what a groom does to a horse to make it clean and neat. When brushing a horse, a groom uses a currycomb, but to curry favor, people make use of many artful devices, including smooth talk. Nevertheless, an Old Testament wise man wrote in Proverbs 26:28 that "a fawning tongue brings ruin." (3478)
Martyrs (91/02/05)
Today, February 5th, is a special memorial day in the Catholic Church in Japan commemorating the execution of 26 martyrs on a hill in Nagasaki almost 400 years ago. These six Spaniards and 20 Japanese Christians, on the order of Hideyoshi, had been mutilated in Kyoto and then led in procession from city to city as a warning to others. Following their arrival in Nagasaki, they were crucified on this day in 1597. The English word "martyr" comes from the Greek word for "witness". Although the word is now used in other ways, its primary meaning is a person who chooses to suffer death rather than give up faith or religious principles. There have been many martyrs in Christian history, but the religious climate in Japan does not encourage martyrdom so martyrs are exceptional. What does the word "martyr" bring to your mind? Does it have a positive or negative connotation? How do you account for the difference in the numbers of martyrs in Japan and in western countries? "Martyrs", religious or otherwise, is the suggested theme for an essay this week. Essays sent to me will be corrected and published in the next issue of "Daily Word" Echoes. My address is: "Daily Word" Post Office Box 30, Moriyama Post Office, Nagoya 463. (3479)
Massachusetts (91/02/06)
Ten of the 50 states in the United States of America have two words in their names, but do you know which state has the longest one-word name? This state is one of 28 whose names are derived from native words. Two-hundred-three years ago today, on February 6, 1788, it became the sixth of the original 13 states to ratify the constitution of the new nation. If you find it difficult to spell its name, you need not feel bad because many Americans have trouble spelling it also. There are 13 letters in its name which is spelled M-a-s-s-a-c-h-u-s-e-t-t-s. In the native Algonquin language, it means "place of the big hill" and originally denoted a particular hill near Boston. This state is one of four which has the word "commonwealth" in its official name. In area, it is about twice the size of Gifu Prefecture and ranks 45th among the states but, in population, it ranks 12th, with almost 6 million inhabitants. The Commonwealth of Massachusetts played an important role in the early history of the country. Its state motto, in Latin, is also the longest of state mottos. The English translation is: "By the sword we seek peace, but peace only under liberty." (3480)
A Hot-Air Balloon (91/02/07)
When a balloon is filled with hot air or a gas lighter than air it will rise and float in the air. A large balloon with a gondola underneath may become a means of transportation. Last month, two men set new records when they crossed the Pacific Ocean in a hot-air balloon. These same two men had previously crossed the Atlantic Ocean in such a balloon in 1987. Richard Branson, the British chairman of an airline company, and Per Lindstrand, a former Swedish air force pilot, left southern Japan in the early morning of January 15th. Their 60-meter-tall balloon was carried over the Pacific Ocean by the high altitude winds of the jet stream. After travelling for some 9,600 kilometers at speeds up to 320 kilometers-per-hour, they landed on a frozen lake in the Canadian Arctic on January 17th in minus 25 degree weather. A helicopter was sent to pick them up after their tiring voyage. To those with adventurous spirits, there are always new challenges to be met. Bertrand Russell has written that "A life without adventure is likely to be unsatisfying . . . ." Life itself is an adventure. And like all other adventures, a healthy faith is required to make it satisfying and bring it to a happy conclusion. (3481)
Taro and Jiro (91/02/08)
The small town of Konoura, located in the southern part of Akita Prefecture on the coast of the Japan Sea, is the hometown of the Antarctic explorer, Nobu Shirase. An exhibition is now being held there in the Shirase Antarctic Expedition Memorial Hall. The exhibition features the great feat of two Sakhalin dogs, Taro and Jiro, that survived a winter in the Antarctic where the average winter temperature is minus 57 degrees Celsius. The dogs accompanied a Japanese expedition in 1958 and were left there when the expedition returned to Japan. A year later, when a second expedition found the dogs still alive, they became popular heroes. A film about them, "Antarctica Story", was produced and a statue of the dogs may be found at the Nagoya Port even today. Following Taro's death in Sapporo, his body was stuffed and put on display at Hokkaido University's Botanical Garden. After Jiro died in the Antarctic, his body was brought back to Japan, stuffed and exhibited at the National Science Museum in Tokyo's Ueno Park. Previous attempts to display the bodies of the two dogs together did not succeed, but at this exhibition in Konoura, entitled "Antarctic Wintering", they have been reunited after a 30-year separation, providing the major attraction of the exhibition. -- Clark Offner (3482)
In a Manila hotel (91/02/09)
The man I met at Narita Airport and accompanied to the Philippines was the head minister and top official of the church in which I serve. Before leaving Chicago, he had reserved a room for us in a Manila hotel. The name of this hotel was La Corona. In English, "corona" denotes the faint circle of light sometimes visible around the sun, but the Spanish name of this hotel meant "The Crown". Because of our delayed flight from Tokyo, it was after 3:00 a.m. when we arrived at the Manila Airport and after 4 o'clock when we got to the hotel. Not surprisingly, the hotel management thought we would not be using the room which had been reserved for us and had rented it to another party. The only unoccupied room was the more spacious and more expensive room for honeymooners, having an oversized bath, one large circular bed with a frilly bedspread and elegant furniture. This room was made available to us for the price of the regular room that had been requested. Since we were tired and had no choice, we took this room and slept for a few hours before beginning our meetings with Philippine church leaders. The hotel was willing for us to remain in that special room at the regular room rate for the remainder of our stay, but we chose not to accept this gracious offer and moved to a regular twin bed room where we were much more comfortable. (3483)
The Bread of Life (91/02/10)
In the narrow sense of the word, 'gohan' denotes "boiled rice", as in phrase 'gohan o taku'. But it is commonly used in the broader meaning of an entire meal, as in the phrase, 'gohan o taberu'. Among the Jewish people in Bible days, the so-called "staff of life" was bread, so this word was also used in a narrow and broader sense. The well-known saying that human beings "cannot live on bread alone" teaches that more than physical food is needed for people to live a truly healthy, satisfying life. "Spiritual bread" also is required. In his discourse following the miraculous provision of bread for a large crowd of people, recorded in the 6th chapter of the Gospel of John, Jesus talked about this spiritual food. He spoke of "the bread from heaven" [32], "the bread of God" [33] and "living bread" [51], but his most surprising statement is found in verse 34, where he says, "I am the bread of life." The Bible teaches that true, satisfying life is a gift from God, the Source of life. And this gift is given to those who recognize their spiritual hunger and humbly seek satisfaction through faith in God. Christians believe that in the words and life of Jesus Christ, this new life is communicated. Thus, to us, Christ is truly the "Bread of life" through whom true life, or salvation, is found. (3484)
'Ogoru Mono' (91/02/11)
A patriot is a person who loves and supports his or her country. A genuine patriot will sincerely criticize government policies that seem unwise or unjust. On this Japanese holiday, it is well to reflect on the characteristics of a 'healthy' patriotism. Years ago, this holiday, then called 'kigensetsu', was used to promote an unhealthy ultra-nationalism that exerted a destructive rather than a constructive influence in the world. Today is a good opportunity to humbly reflect upon both the positive and negative aspects of Japanese history. Looking back on its history, every nation has reasons to be proud and reasons to be ashamed, but there is truth in the Japanese proverb, "ogoru mono hisashi karazu". According to the Old Testament book of Proverbs: "Pride leads to destruction, and arrogance to downfall" (16:18) "but if you are humble, you will be respected" (29:23). (3485)
Lacquerware (91/02/12)
As you know, "Japan" is the English name for Nippon, but did you know that "japan" is also a common noun denoting the lacquer, or urushi, for which Japan is famous? Producing high quality lacquerware is a traditional craft that is suffering from the popularity of cheaper plastic products. Eight years ago, a lacquerware center was opened with government support in a small town in Iwate Prefecture which was formerly a leading producer of lacquerware products. One aim was to train young people in this art in the hope that the traditional industry might be revived. Recently, however, the number of trainees has decreased and the outlook for reviving the industry is dark. The theme for essays this week is "Lacquerware". What do you think of this traditional Japanese product? Do you have much lacquerware in your home? Why are young people not attracted to this traditional craft? What do you think is the future of this industry? Short essays on this theme sent to me will be corrected and included in the next issue of "Daily Word" Echoes. If you wish to receive a copy of the current issue of the Echoes, please make a deposit of ¥400 in the yūbin furikae kōza of "Deiri-Wa-do", Nagoya 3-37078. This is "Daily Word" Post Office Box 30, Moriyama Post Office, Nagoya 463. (3486)
Lenten Season (91/02/13)
One meaning of lent, spelled l-e-n-t, is the past tense of lend, but when it is spelled with a capital "L", it denotes a season in the Christian Church calendar. This is a season of preparation for the commemoration of Jesus' death on Good Friday followed by the celebration of his resurrection on Easter Sunday. It consists of 40 weekdays, beginning on the seventh Wednesday before Easter, which is called Ash Wednesday. This year, Easter falls on March 31st so today, February 13th, is Ash Wednesday, the beginning of Lent. Ashes are the powdery residue that remains after something is burned. In Biblical writings, ashes are a symbol of penitence and it has been the custom in some churches to smear ashes on one's forehead on this day as a symbol of penitence. Customs in the various church bodies differ, but traditionally this Lenten Season is a time of quiet reflection, meditation, prayer and self-denial. It may or may not be related to self-denial, but in response to listeners' requests, I have asked my wife to take time from her busy schedule as a kindergarten teacher at Nagoya International School to record a "Daily Word" message periodically and I hope she will be able to do so about once a week. (3487)
St. Valentine's Day (91/02/14)
There are many customs in modern Japan that have been imported from the West. Many such cultural imports have met the same fate as material imports: they are not only adopted, they are also adapted to fit the Japanese situation. Such an adaptation has occurred in regard to customs related to St. Valentine's Day. In the West, this day, commemorating the death of a 3rd-century Christian martyr, has become a day for people in love to give outward expression to their romantic feelings. In recent centuries, valentines, in the form of greeting cards or gifts, have been exchanged between unmarried lovers, husbands and wives, parents and children themselves. At present, chocolate valentines have become very popular. The Japanese adaptation of this Western custom may reflect a certain facet of Japanese society for here, the giving of sweets on this day follows a one-way street from women to men. The Bible teaches that God is the source of true love but, unfortunately, love between God and people also tends to be one-sided. Although God has shown love to all people, only a few show their love to God in return and seek to share God's love with others. (3488)
Cyrus McCormick (91/02/15)
In the old days, farmers had to plant and reap their crops by hand, but these days even agricultural work has become mechanized. A machine that created a revolution in the agricultural industry was invented by a man born 182 years ago today, on February 15, 1809, in the American state of Virginia. His name was Cyrus McCormick. His father was a farmer and an inventor who had attempted to develop a grain-cutting machine but failed. Cyrus, benefitting from his father's experience, used different principles and was successful. His horse-operated reaper, first demonstrated in public in July 1831, was the chief attraction at the London world's fair twenty years later and McCormick became famous. His harvester contributed to the victory of the North in the Civil War because it enabled the Union to feed both soldiers and civilians while also securing funds from Europe by means of a lucrative export trade in grain. The machine also encouraged the westward movement of Americans as much land could be harvested with fewer hands. Cyrus McCormick became a millionaire who was not content to use his wealth only for personal purposes. He contributed liberally to education and philanthropic causes and a theological seminary in Chicago, which was endowed by him, still bears his name. (3489)
Eye Examination (91/02/16)
Our hotel in Manila was within walking distance of the American Embassy. I went there one morning to ask for an introduction to either an ophthalmologist or an optometrist. The reason I wanted to see an eye specialist was not because of eye trouble but to have a document filled out. Every three years the State of Illinois sends me a form to fill out in order to renew my driver's license. The renewal form includes a section to be completed by an eye specialist, giving the result of an eye examination. Methods of calculation are different, however, in the United States and Japan. In the U.S., "twenty-twenty" is considered perfect vision, while in Japan, a simple "two" is the perfect score. It is troublesome for me to find an optometrist in Nagoya who understands the American method of calculation, so I took the renewal form with me to the Philippines in the expectation that American influence there was still strong enough for eye specialists to understand the American way of calculation. At a clinic a few blocks away from the embassy, I had my vision examined and the form filled out without difficulty. A state official in Illinois was probably surprised to find the signature of a Philippine ophthalmologist on the renewal form from an American in Japan. (3490)
Nicodemus (91/02/17)
'Nike' is the Greek word for "victory" and, in Greek mythology, the name of the goddess of victory. 'Demos' is the Greek word for "people" and the root of the English word "democracy", or government by the people. The masculine name, Nicodemus, is formed by a combination of these two words and means "victor over the people". A man named Nicodemus is mentioned three times in the Gospel of John. This man was a member of the group called Pharisees and also served on the Jewish governing body called the Sanhedrin. Nicodemus once met Jesus by night and talked with him [3:1-21] and, following Jesus' death, he helped prepare his body for burial [19:39]. When the Sanhedrin, or Jewish Council, was prepared to arrest Jesus and denounce him, Nicodemus criticized its policy with these words, in chapter 7, verse 51: "According to our Law we cannot condemn a man before hearing him and finding out what he has done." This courageous act of Nicodemus, speaking up for justice and adherence to the law in the face of emotional demands of a majority, is a good example for conscientious politicians and businessmen today. A call for justice and obedience to the law should also be made by common people who seek to follow the voice of conscience or of God. (3491)
Mote and Beam (91/02/18)
'Sun' and 'Shaku' are old Japanese measurements that are no longer in use, but most people know that one 'shaku' is ten times as long as a 'sun'. The Japanese saying 'hito no issun, waga isshaku', implies that people measure others' faults with a different scale than they use for their own. The English word "mote", meaning a very small particle, is not used so often these days, but in the classical English version of the Gospel of Matthew, chapter 7, Jesus reproves those who see the tiny mote in another's eye and ignore the huge beam in their own. According to a modern translation, he said, "Why do you look at the speck in your brother's eye and pay no attention to the log in your own eye?" People of all times and places have a common tendency to minimize their own faults while maximizing those of others. The same tendency is true of nations as well. (3492)
Copernicus (91/02/19)
Today, February 19th, is the birthday of the Polish astronomer who established the foundation upon which modern astronomy is built. Nicholas Copernicus was born 518 years ago in 1473. Having studied canon law and medicine as well as astronomy, he served as a physician and a priest while continuing his studies related to the structure of the universe. He formulated the theory that the sun is the center of the system and that the earth is a planet revolving around it while turning on its own axis. This revolutionary concept was opposed by the church of his day because it was contrary to traditional church doctrine. Are you interested in astronomy, the study of celestial bodies, or astrology, the belief that such bodies have an influence on the course of human affairs? Do you ever consult an astrological chart regarding your fortune? When ancient biblical poets looked at the stars, they thought of the greatness of God, the Creator. What do you think about when you view the starry sky? "Stars" is the suggested theme for an essay this week. What do you think about them? Essays sent to me will be corrected and printed in the next issue of "Daily Word" Echoes. My address is: "Daily Word", Post Office Box 30, Moriyama Post Office, Nagoya 463. (3493)
Naoya Shiga (91/02/20)
As an adjective, novel, spelled n-o-v-e-l, means something new, unusual or different. As a noun, however, novel denotes a fictional story or a prose narrative. Usually, novels have plots that are unfolded by the actions, speech and thoughts of its characters. There are many different kinds of novels, including romantic, historical, political, psychological and mystery novels. Someone has described a novelist as a strange creature whose tale comes out of his head, which is a pun on two different words pronounced [teil]. The Japanese word for novel is shōsetsu, literally meaning a short opinion, but some shosetsu are not so short. A popular type of novel in modern Japanese literature is the so-called shi-shōsetsu, a novel depicting the writer's private life. A popular novelist who perfected this type of novel was born 108 years ago today, on February 20, 1883 in Miyagi Prefecture. His name was Naoya Shiga. In his novel, At Kinosaki, he relates his feelings about death and, in typical Japanese fashion, makes the ambiguous statement that "There did not seem to be much difference between [being alive and being dead.]" In my Western way of thinking, I would disagree. How about you? (3494)
Hothouse Flowers (91/02/21)
Although any house that is painted white may be called a white house, as a proper noun, White House is the official name of the executive mansion of the President of the United States. Likewise, any house that is painted green may be called a green house, but as a common noun and a single word, greenhouse does not indicate the color of a house. In fact, most greenhouses are not green at all. Constructed of glass panes or plastic sheets to utilize the light and heat of the sun's rays, they are colorless or transparent. The purpose of a greenhouse is to house plants which require controlled temperature and humidity. A hothouse is a heated greenhouse for plants requiring an even, relatively warm temperature. In a hothouse, beautiful flowers native to the tropics may be cultivated even in cooler climates. "Hothouse Flowers" is also the name of an Irish musical group that recently held a concert in Tokyo. It was reported that both the instrumentalists and the vocalist in this band not only performed well but exuded a warm spirit that permeated the atmosphere like a pleasant aroma. Like hothouse flowers, through our attitudes, words and actions, we also can make the spiritual atmosphere around us more beautiful and fragrant. (3495)
Clergyman (91/02/22)
Some Japanese people are confused regarding the words used for Christian clergymen. In Protestant churches, a person authorized to perform religious functions may be called a "minister". The basic meaning of "minister" is to serve. In most Protestant churches, such a person is ordained after having fulfilled certain conditions. Since ministers are called upon to preach sermons, they may also be called "preachers" and a minister who has a position of leadership in a local congregation is called a "pastor", or 'bokushi', in Japanese. In Roman Catholic churches, the clergyman who performs rituals and administers the sacraments is called a "priest", denoting a person who offers sacrifices. Although Roman Catholic priests are prohibited from marrying, they are called "Father", or 'shinpu', in Japanese. I am presently serving as the paster of a Japanese congregation in the city of Takahama in Aichi Prefecture, but the church is looking for a Japanese paster to minister there. If you have any suggestion of a suitable candidate for that position, please let me know. In regard to this or any other matter relating to these telephone messages, you may write to me at the following address: "Daily Word", Post Office Box 30, Moriyama Post Office, Nagoya 463. (3496)
Security Guards (91/02/23)
In Manila, I found the atmosphere quite different than in Nagoya. Of course, the climate was different. My flight from Tokyo had been delayed due to snow, but Manila was hot--even in January. Along with the contrasting weather, the political atmosphere was also dissimilar. When I went to the American Embassy, I was examined by Philippine security guards and was required to leave my camera at the entrance. Security guards were not only at the Embassy gate. They were seen throughout the city--at banks, business offices, hotels and even at restaurants. These uniformed men were always armed with pistols or rifles. Armed soldiers were also visible along the street, in front of business establishments, at intersections and public places. Once, I had to cross the street since an armed car, surrounded by guards, had pulled up to a bank to make a delivery or a pickup and pedestrians were required to make a detour in order to pass by. Having all of these armed men around to ensure security, however, did not make me feel more secure than in Japan. Rather, the ubiquitous presence of security personnel contributed to an atmosphere of insecurity and I realized anew the need for a sense of inner peace that is not dependent upon external, material weapons. (3497)
Ezra, the Scribe (91/02/24)
Literally, a scribe is a writer. If a scribe writes very hurriedly, his writing, or script, may be termed a scribble, but if the scribe's writing is considered sacred, it is called scripture. The Old Testament contains a book called "Ezra", the name of a scribe who is a main character in this portion of scripture. The book begins with a proclamation made by the King of Persia, now known as Ian, giving permission to the Jews living in Babylon, now known as Iraq, to return to their homeland of Judah, now known as Israel, and rebuild the temple in Jerusalem. This proclamation, dating from the 6th century B.C., indicates the ancient roots of problems which continue to trouble Mideastern counties even today. The first verse of this book states that the proclamation of King Cyrus was prompted by God to accomplish the word spoken by his prophet Jeremiah almost 70 years earlier. In the biblical perspective, all of history even such tragic events as wars and the cruelties that accompany them, are somehow under the overall control of God who can make use of human evil for some good purpose. This faith engenders hope in the hearts of those who believe. (3498)
'Hito o Norowaba' (91/02/25)
When some people become very angry at others, they pray for some misfortune to come upon them. In other words, they curse them. The person who curses others, however, also suffers. This is the implication of the Japanese proverb 'hito o norowaba, ana futatsu'. The English saying that "Curses, like chickens, come home to roost" likewise implies that cursing others will bring unhappiness to oneself. A similar truth was taught by the Old Testament sage who wrote in Proverbs, chapter 26, verse 27, that "People who set traps for others get caught themselves. People who start landslides get crushed." On the other hand, Jesus gave this advice to his disciples: "Love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you." [Matthew 5:44] If we follow this admonition, we may be surprised at the beneficial effect it will have upon ourselves. (3499)
Victor Hugo (91/02/26)
One of the great figures in French literature was born 189 years ago today, on February 26, 1802. If you were asked to name five French writers, certainly his name would be included. He was first a poet, then a dramatist and, finally, a novelist. The novel for which he is especially famous is about a peasant who was imprisoned for a minor offense and became a hardened convict. Through the influence of a compassionate priest, he changed his lifestyle and became a respected manufacturer and town official. Discovered and hunted by his enemies, however, he once again became an outlaw. Nevertheless, he bore his misfortunes with grace and his noble death is one of the great episodes of fictional literature. You probably are acquainted with this story of Jean Valjean related in Les Miserables, by Victor Hugo. A memorable quotation from that novel is: "The supreme happiness of life is the conviction that we are loved." I would add that the good news communicated in the teaching and life of Jesus Christ is that all people are genuinely loved--by God! Listeners writing essays for the next issue of "Daily Word" Echoes should mail them by Saturday, March 2nd to: "Daily Word", Post Office Box 30, Moriyama Post Office, Nagoya 463. (3500)
At Narita (91/02/02)
God's Chosen People (91/02/03)
Curry Favor (91/02/04)
Martyrs (91/02/05)
Massachusetts (91/02/06)
A Hot-Air Balloon (91/02/07)
Taro and Jiro (91/02/08)
In a Manila hotel (91/02/09)
The Bread of Life (91/02/10)
'Ogoru Mono' (91/02/11)
Lacquerware (91/02/12)
Lenten Season (91/02/13)
St. Valentine's Day (91/02/14)
Cyrus McCormick (91/02/15)
Eye Examination (91/02/16)
Nicodemus (91/02/17)
Mote and Beam (91/02/18)
Copernicus (91/02/19)
Naoya Shiga (91/02/20)
Hothouse Flowers (91/02/21)
Clergyman (91/02/22)
Security Guards (91/02/23)
Ezra, the Scribe (91/02/24)
'Hito o Norowaba' (91/02/25)
Victor Hugo (91/02/26)
Penguins (91/02/27)
Population (91/02/28)
Clark Gable (91/02/01)