March (88/03/01)
Today is the first day of the third month of the year. The old Japanese name for this month is Yayoi. Yayoi is also the name of a place in Tokyo and the name given to the peculiar type of pottery discovered in that place in 1884. Since that kind of pottery is considered representative of a certain period in Japanese history, that historical age is also called Yayoi. Some women of this modern age are also called by that name. In English, this third month of the year is called March, which comes from the name of Mars, one of the most important Roman deities. The name, Rome, is derived from the name of its legendary founder, Romulus, and Mars was the father of Romulus. Later known as the god of war and the guardian deity of the Roman state, Mars was originally an agricultural deity whose festival was held in this spring month which came to bear his name. Mars also is the name given to the planet which is closest to the earth. According to an English proverb, March comes in like a lion and goes out like a lamb. However, sometimes the opposite is also true. In the Bible, both lion and lamb are used figuratively to refer to the regal strength and sacrificial humility of Jesus Christ, who was called the Lamb of God. (2497)
Samuel Houston (88/03/02)
The largest city in the southern part of the United States and the 4th largest city in the country was named for Samuel Houston, who was born 195 years ago today, on March 2, 1793, Although born in the state of Virginia, he became a Congressman from Tennessee and was later elected governor of that state. He moved to Texas while it was still under Mexican control, and when Texas declared its independence from Mexico in 1836, Houston became the commander of the revolutionary forces. Just as George Washington became the first president of a new republic after having earlier served as commander of a revolutionary army, Houston became the first president of the new Republic of Texas. Following the admission of Texas as the 28th state in 1845, Houston became a senator from Texas and later served as governor. Today, Houston, Texas is one of the oil centers of the world, the site of America's Manned Spacecraft Center and the fastest-growing urban center in the country. Samuel Houston holds an important place in United States' history. Samuel, which means "name of God", was the Old Testament prophet who told King Saul, in I Samuel 15:22, that obeying God is better than offering sacrifices to him. (2498)
Dolls (88/03/03)
In old Japan, there were five seasonal festivals observed in the 1st, 3rd, 5th, 7th and 9th months, Except for the first one, they were observed on the day of the month that corresponded to the number of that month. Thus, this 3rd day of the 3rd month is the Peach Festival, also known as Hina matsuri. The basic meaning of hina is a baby bird, but in this case it refers to a pretty doll. The English word, "doll", which is derived from the nickname of Dorothy, meaning God's gift, usually refers to a toy that children play with, But the Japanese dolls displayed during this "Doll's Festival" are not playthings. They are a kind of treasure that is stored during most of the year and brought out to be admired for a couple of weeks at this time. In English, "doll" may also refer to a pretty child or, in a more colloquial sense, to any attractive person, especially a woman. The Japanese word for "doll", or ningyō, literally means "human form", An Old Testament prophet ridiculed people of his day for making an image in human form out of wood, covered with precious metals and clothed with fine material and then worshipping it as a god. In the 10th chapter of Jeremiah, such an idol is compared to a scarecrow in a cucumber field which is completely different than the true and living God who is the Creator and Ruler of all. (2499)
Lent (88/03/04)
Lent, spelled l-e-n-t, is the past tense of lend, but when spelled with a capital letter it has a different meaning. Derived from the old English word for spring, it refers to a particular season in the Christian Church calendar. The forty weekdays before Easter Sunday are known as Lent. In traditional churches, this is a time of quiet meditation on the meaning of Christ's suffering and death and of solemn reflection on our own sins. The date of Easter is determined according to the lunar calendar and changes from year to year. This year, the Lenten season began on February 17th. For over a hundred years now, Christian women have gathered together during Lent for united prayer. Previously, these prayer meetings were held on the first Friday of Lent, but now this first Friday of March has been designated the World Day of Prayer. Today, in many communities in Japan and other countries throughout the world, meetings will be held in designated churches where women from different denominations will gather together to confess their sins and pray for a world of justice and peace where the love of God is seen. This year's program was prepared by a committee of Brazilian church women under the theme of "Open Doors". If we would all open the doors of our hearts to receive God's truth and love and to share them with others, our world would be a happier one. (2500)
Mother-in-law (88/03/05)
According to the traditional Japanese calendar, today, March 5th, is keichitsu, the season when the insects or bugs that have been hibernating during the winter begin to make their appearance as the weather gets warmer. I am sure that the editor of a local newspaper in the U. S, city of Amarillo, Texas did not refer to the Japanese almanac when he chose this day, in 1934, as Mother-in-law Day. Most people do not know that there is such a day and I doubt that it will ever become very popular in Japan. A mother-in-law is the mother of one's husband or wife and mothers-in-law are not a very popular class of people. Someone has defined a mother-in-law as "the other woman in many a domestic triangle", In mathematics, a triangle is a figure with three angles, but when used figuratively, it may refer to the troubled relationships between three people. A domestic triangle occurs when the husband is interested in a woman other than his wife. If mothers refuse to give up their controlling influence over their sons even after they get married, difficulties are sure to result. The Old Testament book of Ruth is the lovely story of a Gentile bride who showed great love to her Jewish mother-in-law and became the great grandmother of the great king, David. (2501)
Humility (88/03/06)
In Latin, the word, humus, means soil, but in English it refers to the dark, organic material in soil that is produced by decomposed vegetable matter. From this Latin word, we get the word "humble", referring to something or someone that is low, or near the ground. A humble person is meek and modest in behavior and attitude. On three different occasions, Jesus said these words; "Everyone who makes himself great will be humbled, and everyone who humbles himself will be made great," In Luke 14:11, this saying follows his teaching that people should not choose the higher places at a public gathering. Rather, they should choose the lowest place. This is a common custom in Japan and people must often be urged to move up to a higher place. However, it is questionable whether this is a genuine expression of an inner attitude or merely a traditional form. A characteristic of Jesus' disciples is humility. Unfortunately, many of us Christians are not good examples of this quality, but the true follower of Christ is one who humbly recognizes his or her own weakness and looks to God for help. A proud Christian is a contradiction in terms. In Proverbs 16:18, it is written: "Pride comes before disaster, and arrogance before a fall." (2502)
A genius (88/03/07)
Today, March the 7th, is the birthday of a Korean named Kim. Since Kim is a very popular Korean name, I'm sure it's the birth day of many, many Koreans named Kim. But this particular Kim was born 25 years ago, the son of two university professors. In fact, according to my reference book, his parents were both born on the same day of the same year at exactly the same time. From birth, Kim was an exceptional child. He was soon writing poetry, spoke four languages and understood integral calculus by the time he was four years and eight months old. This Kim was a genius. "Genius" comes from a Latin word meaning "guardian spirit" and refers to a person of exceptional intellectual ability. Although we may not be geniuses, each one of us was born with certain abilities and we should use them for the benefit not only of ourselves but of others as well. (2503)
"Super Tuesday" (88/03/08)
The American process of selecting presidential candidates of the major political parties is somewhat complicated. Actually, the final selection of the candidates for this fall's presidential elections will be made at party conventions this summer. Delegates to these conventions are chosen according to the party rules which vary with the individual states. Last month, caucuses were held in the midwestern state of Iowa to indicate the preference of local party members. Two weeks ago, the nation's first primary election was held in the northeastern state of New Hampshire in which voters cast ballots for their choices and chose state delegates to the national party conventions. Today, primary elections are being held in 20 different states, most of them in the south. Political reporters call this day 'Super Tuesday' because of the important influence it will have in the election campaign from now on. The prefix "super", from a Latin word meaning "over" or "above", signifies something over, above or superior. The Japanese word su-pa- is used to refer to a supermarket, a large, self-service store which sells food and household goods. According to the Bible, God is a supernatural being with superhuman power and a superabundant love for us weak and sinful human beings who are his creatures. (2504)
Announcements (88/03/09)
Today's message consists of announcements regarding this telephone service. From the beginning, it has never been my aim to make money from this service, but I have asked listeners to share in its cost. Since NTT began transmitting the messages, there have been no telephone fees. The only cost has been the copying charge which I request from those receiving the weekly copies of messages. Due to the recent increase in requests for such copies, I have spent much time at the copy service store so I have decided to lease a copy machine, which is much more convenient but also more expensive. Therefore, beginning in April, the service charge for copies of the weekly messages will be raised from 30 to 60 yen to cover the increase in cost. Also, recently the computer used to compose these messages has had to be repaired. Those who wish to share in the additional cost I have incurred at this time may make a deposit in the Yūbin Furikae Kōza of Deiri-Wa-do, Nagoya 3-37078. Finally, on the first and third Tuesday evenings of the month at the City Kyōikukan at Sakae, I teach a Bible Class. From 6:30 to 7:30, we study the Bible in Japanese and from 7:30 to 8:30, we go over the same passage in English. All who are interested are invited to attend. (2505)
Harriet Tubman (88/03/10)
In England, "underground" refers to an underground electric train system, which is called a "subway" in the United States where the term, "Underground Railroad", has a particular historical significance. Before the Civil War, when slavery was still practiced in southern states, individuals and groups working for the abolition of slavery were called abolitionists, These abolitionists formed a loosely organized system for helping runaway slaves escape to the north. This system was called the Underground Railroad. Houses or barns where slaves were hidden by day were called "stations" and those who led the fugitives by night from one "station" to the next were called "conductors". One of the most successful "conductors" on the Underground Railroad was Harriet Tubman. A former slave herself, she led over 300 other slaves to freedom. During the Civil War, she worked for the Union forces as a laundress, nurse and spy. Harriet Tubman died 75 years ago today, on March 10, 1913, In the southern United States, black citizens now have the same legal rights as whites, but in South Africa, where blacks are in the majority, they are still denied democratic rights by the ruling whites. Conscientious people of all nations must work for the abolition of the evil apartheid system there. (2506)
"Aliens" (88/03/11)
Travelers arriving from abroad must go through immigration procedures. These procedures differ depending on whether the person holds a domestic or a foreign passport. In Japan, signs at international terminals use the word 'Aliens' to designate those holding non-Japanese passports. Some foreigners have objected to the use of this word, so it is now being replaced by the term, "Foreign Passports". What is wrong with the word 'alien'? Derived from a Latin word meaning "other", it may refer to anyone who is from another area. More specifically, it refers to a person who owes allegiance to another government in contrast to a citizen of the country. Thus, it is an appropriate term for citizens of foreign states. However, some people feel it has a disparaging meaning for it can also be used to mean something repugnant. Likewise, some foreigners in Japan object to being called gaijin, even though this term refers to an outsider or stranger, which we certainly are in this land. Any word can be used in an insulting manner, but the mind of the speaker and the significance the speaker gives to a particular word is important. The Bible refers to Christians as strangers or aliens in this world because we are citizens of the Kingdom of God and our basic allegiance is to our heavenly King. (2507)
Mauritius (88/03/12)
Although national flags of many countries have horizontal stripes, only one such flag consists solely of four horizontal stripes. It is the flag of an island nation only a bit larger than the Metropolitan District of Tokyo. Until the Korean Airlines tragedy last year, many people had never heard of this country. It is the country of Mauritius in the Indian Ocean, east of Madagascar. Originally uninhabited, it was occupied by the Dutch in the 16th century and named after their Prince Maurice of Nassau. It was later settled by the French and then seized by the British. When France was in control, blacks from Africa were imported to work the sugarcane plantations. Their descendants, which speak French and tend to be Roman Catholics, now comprise about one-third of the approximately 1.1 million population. The British imported laborers from India and their descendants, which tend to be Hindus, are now in the majority. On March 12, 1968, Britain granted independence to Mauritius so today is a national holiday in that country. The mixture of races, religions, languages and national backgrounds has caused problems, but belief in one Creator of all people implies that we are all brothers and sisters in the same human family. (2508)
"Born-again Christian" (88/03/13)
In the New Testament, the followers of Jesus are often called disciples. This English word comes from a Latin word meaning learner or pupil. A disciple is one who is taught by another and who follows the teaching and example of that teacher or master. From among his many disciples, Jesus chose twelve men who became his inner circle of disciples, to whom he gave more particular instruction and whom he sent out to preach and to minister as his representatives. He called these twelve men "apostles", from a Greek word meaning "one who is sent out". According to the 26th verse of the 11th chapter of the Acts of the Apostles, Jesus' disciples were first called "Christians" in the town of Antioch. A "Christian" may be defined in various ways. A person who believes that Jesus is the Christ and has become his disciple, or one who manifests the spirit or quality of Christ, may be called a Christian. In a more formal sense, a Christian is one who has been baptized. Since some people are baptized as infants, the term "born-again Christian" is now often used to describe those who have made a personal decision to believe in and follow Christ and have experienced new life through that faith, for Jesus said to Nicodemus in John 3:3, that "No one can see the Kingdom of God unless he is born again." (2509)
Albert Einstein (88/03/14)
Today, March 14th, is the birthday of one of the greatest physicists of all time, who was born in Germany in 1879. When he was 26 years old, he wrote a paper on the photoelectric effect, the basis of electronics which has such practical applications as television and automation. He received the Nobel Prize in physics in 1921. Because he was an anti-fascist, a pacifist and a Jew, he left Germany after the rise of Hitler and went to the United States, where he became famous for his theory of relativity. This great scientist, Albert Einstein, recognized the mutual importance of both science and religion, writing that, "science without religion is lame, religion without science is blind" and that, "The cosmic religious experience is the strongest and the noblest driving force behind scientific research." A true scientist must also be a person of faith. (2510)
Buzzard Day (88/03/15)
Today, March 15th, is the day when income tax returns must be filed in Japan. Most people do not consider it a very happy day. In fact, some people may view men working for the tax office as "buzzards", which is a slang expression for a despised person. Often, the adjective, "old", is used with this word, so the unpleasant person is called an "old buzzard". Actually, "buzzard" is the name of a particular kind of hawk, or nosuri in Japanese. Buzzards, which feed on insects and small reptiles, should be considered friends of human beings, but the word gives a negative impression in English. In the small American community of Hinckley, Ohio, today is known as Buzzard Day. It is the traditional day for the annual return of buzzards for the mating season. Tax collectors were among the most despised people in the Jewish society of Jesus' day because they collected taxes from their own countrymen for the foreign, imperial power in Rome. Many of them were also dishonest. The, so-called respectable people of Jesus' day refused to associate with these "buzzards", but Jesus became a friend of such despised people. His explanation, as given in Mark 2:17, was that "People who are well do not need a doctor, but only those who are sick." Can you grasp his meaning? (2511)
James Madison (88/03/16)
Today, March l6th, is the 237th anniversary of the birth of the fourth president of the United States. Whereas the first president of the new republic is known as the "father of his country", this fourth president is considered the "father of the Constitution", for James Madison was the chief drafter of that basic law of the land. Along with his extensive knowledge of history, government and law, Madison was well-versed in ethics and theology. It was said of him that "he knew more of theology than most ministers". The first political issue he became involved in was related to religious toleration in his native colony of Virginia. He favored religious freedom and opposed the principle of an established church. His concern for individual human rights are reflected in the first 10 amendments to the Constitution, known as the Bill of Rights, which he proposed. When his lifelong friend, Thomas Jefferson, was elected president, Madison became his secretary of state and the next president. A statement he made 200 years ago should be heeded by people concerned with human rights today. He said, "there are more instances of the abridgement of the freedom of the people by gradual and silent encroachments of those in power than by violent and sudden usurpations." (2512)
St. Patrick's Day (88/03/17)
Colors may have different meanings in different cultures. Red signifies something bright and happy in Japan but is a sign of danger in the West. Green is the color of freshness and new life in both East and West, but in Europe and America, green has another significance which is related to this 17th day of March, known as St. Patrick's Day. St. Patrick is the patron saint of Ireland and green is the color related to this "Emerald Isle" and to its patron saint. Many people in the United States have Irish blood in them and today is the day to indicate that part of one's lineage by wearing something green. A green blouse, skirt, necktie, kerchief, scarf or boutonniere may also be worn by people who are not Irish but who are happy to participate in this Irish tradition. In New York City, where there are many residents of Irish descent, a St. Patrick's Day Parade is held. Paraders march past St. Patrick's Cathedral on 5th Avenue while marching bands play traditional Irish melodies. Patrick was a missionary who spread Christianity throughout his homeland, which has remained a fervent Catholic nation until today. In the 23rd Psalm, one of the famous Bible passages, green pastures are a symbol of the peaceful, pleasant place that the divine Shepherd leads his human sheep. (2513)
"Spork" (88/03/18)
Recently, I came across a new word in an English newspaper published in Japan. Of course, in a living language, new words are always being produced, but I'm not sure if this word is a legitimate English word or another one of the peculiar "made in Japan" compositions. The word, 'spork', is not found in any of my dictionaries. Do you know what it is? It's an eating utensil shaped like a spoon with a forked tip. In other words, it's a combination spoon-fork. Although such utensils are not commonly used in the United States, the article indicated that they are provided in three-fourths of the lunchrooms of public primary and junior high schools in Japan, even though the Education Ministry disapproves. The Education Ministry thinks the use of "sporks" encourages poor table manners and recommends the use of chopsticks instead. Certainly, table manners differ when using chopsticks, for when using spoons, forks or "sporks", dishes should never be lifted from the table toward one's mouth. "Sporks" may be a symbol of the peculiar mixture of East and West in Japan today, but true internationalization involves a basic change of mental outlook rather than simply using foreign utensils--or even a foreign language. (2514)
David Livingstone (88/03/19)
As I prepare today's message, I recall a visit I made to the famous shrine at Ise many years ago. A professor of the Kōgakkan Daigaku was my guide. As we passed a certain stone with the sacred shimenawa hanging around it, the professor told me that that stone was a kamisama I remember my surprise that a non-living thing was called a kamisama which we usually translate into English as "God" or "a god", However, I also recalled the New Testament passage, 1 Peter 2:4, where Jesus Christ is figuratively referred to as "a living stone", upon which the spiritual edifice of the church is established. Today, March 19th, is the birthday of one of the living stones in that spiritual building whose name was Livingstone. David Livingstone was born in Scotland 175 years ago. He became a doctor and then a medical missionary to Africa. He also gained fame as an explorer and the discoverer of the Victoria Falls. Livingstone actively worked to abolish the slave trade and died in an African village, but his body was buried in Westminster Abbey in London, At the close of his eventful life, David Livingstone said, "All that I am I owe to Jesus Christ, revealed to me in His divine Book." (2515)
A dialogue (88/03/20)
A monologue is a speech by one person, but a dialogue is a conversation between two or more people. Sermons in Christian churches are usually monologues. However, if there is opportunity for listeners to speak back to the preacher in a relaxed atmosphere following the sermon, his monologue may provide the starting point for a dialogue. Jesus often made use of dialogue in his ministry. The 4th chapter of the Gospel of John includes a dialogue he had with a woman of Samaria. This dialogue shows how Jesus refused to be bound by customs of his day which were unjust or unkind. In the first place, he was willing to engage in meaningful conversation with a woman, which proud men of his day refused to do. Secondly, this woman was a Samaritan, a person of mixed-blood who would be called a ha-fu in modern Japanese, who were despised by the so-called pure-blooded Jews of that day. Finally, she was a woman of poor reputation who came to draw water from the well at noontime to avoid meeting the other women of her neighborhood. Jesus' dialogue with her indicates his lack of prejudice and his concern to share God's love with all kinds of people. To this woman, he stated the important biblical truth found in verse 24 that "God is spirit, and those who worship him must worship in spirit and in truth." (2516)
Furikae (88/03/21)
Today is called a furikae kyūjitsu in Japan. The characters used for furikae literally mean "shake" and "change". A furikae kyūjitsu occurs on the day following a regular holiday that falls on a Sunday. In theory, this permits employees to take all 12 holidays a year and gives them a long weekend as well. In the United States, some holidays are now observed on a certain Monday instead of a particular date. Thus, King's Birthday is celebrated on the third Monday of January, Washington's Birthday on the third Monday of February, Memorial Day on the last Monday of May, Labor Day on the first Monday of September and Columbus Day on the second Monday in October. Furikae may also refer to a postal transfer account. If you wish to contribute to the expense of this telephone service, you may make a deposit in the furikae account of Deiri-Wa-do, Nagoya 3-37078. (2517)
Names (88/03/22)
One of the famous lines from Shakespeare's Romeo and Juliet is: "What's in a name? that which we call a rose/ By any other name would smell as sweet." Nevertheless, it is true that people do make certain associations with particular names or words. For 47 years, a certain diet candy has been called Ayds, spelled A-y-d-s, but because of the present concern over the incurable disease known by the acronym, AIDS, spelled A-I-D-S, sales of this candy have greatly decreased. The manufacturers are now faced with the need to change the name of their product. This reminds me of the problem my niece faced when she became a teenager. Her first name is Gaye, spelled G-a-y-e, but as she was growing up the word "gay", spelled g-a-y and meaning happy, came to be applied to homosexuals. Consequently, she stopped using her first name and is now known by her middle name instead. In the Bible, there are a number of men whose names were changed: Jacob's name was changed to Israel; Jesus' disciple, Simon, was called Peter; and Soul, the persecutor of Christians, became Paul, the Christian missionary. In some churches, a person is given a new, Christian name, at baptism to symbolize that person's beginning of a new life. (2518)
Patrick Henry (88/03/23)
Because St. Patrick is the patron saint of Ireland, Patrick is a favorite name for boys of Irish lineage, but if you ask Americans to name a person in American history named Patrick, most of them would name Patrick Henry. Elected to the legislature of the Colony of Virginia at the age of 29, he became an outstanding orator and vigorously opposed the unfair demands of the British government. He was 38 years old when he made his famous speech, 113 years ago today, on March 23, 1775, favoring the organization of a militia to defend the colony, His speech ended with these words: "Is life so dear or peace so sweet as to be purchased at the price of chains and slavery? Forbid it, Almighty God! I know not what course others may take, but as for me, give me liberty, or give me death!" These final words, "give me liberty or give me death", became a rallying cry of the American Revolution and a keynote of American patriotic thought. Liberty is also a key concept in Christian thought. A healthy faith does not enslave. Rather it sets one free, as the Apostle Paul wrote in II Corinthians 3:17: "where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is liberty". (2519)
Smell (88/03/24)
Human beings have five senses: sight, hearing, smell, taste and touch. All of them are important for living a healthy life, but some recent research has focused on the influence of the sense of smell in making life more, or less, enjoyable. Manufacturers are developing new products using different scents for particular purposes. A pillow with the scent of Japanese cypress is said to invite restful sleep and using peppermint-scented soap in the morning is said to help people wake up more pleasantly. A railway company is experimenting with the scent of peppermint to help keep train operators from falling asleep while on duty and a university dental department is studying a smell to calm children undergoing dental treatment. City smells such as gas fumes and cigarette smoke pollute the atmosphere, but a clinic in Tokyo has a relaxation room in which the scent of dried flower petals and spices, called potpourri, is wafted through the air to help patients suffering from too much tension relax. In II Corinthians 2:14, the Apostle Paul compares the knowledge of Jesus Christ to a sweet fragrance which Christians are spreading throughout the world, but I wonder if the aroma exuded by our lives is enticing or repelling to others. (2520)
Arturo Toscanini (88/03/25)
A number of English words begin with "phil", from a Greek word for "love". Philosophy means loving wisdom, philanthropy, loving mankind, and Philadelphia, loving brothers. Philharmonic, or loving harmony, is usually applied to a symphony orchestra. One of the world's greatest philharmonic conductors was born 122 years ago today, on March 25, 1867. Born and educated in Italy, Arturo Toscanini went to Rio de Janeiro when he was 19, to play in an orchestra there. Substituting as conductor, he was such a success that he was engaged for the rest of the season and returned to Italy the following year. He became the famous conductor of many operas in his homeland and of symphony orchestras in New York. The temperamental Toscanini would sometimes break his baton and throw it at a musician during rehearsals. The word, "symphony", comes from two Greek words meaning "sound together" or "harmony". It is thrilling to hear the varied sounds of many musical instruments played together in harmony. In the 5th chapter of the New Testament book of Revelation is a vision of the whole world, with all its variety, singing praises to God. As different members of the same human family, all nations have a unique contribution to make in this divine symphony. (2521)
Laughter (88/03/26)
Do you like to laugh? In Japan, there are various kinds of laughter with different meanings. In English, laughter may refer to a guffaw, a snicker, a giggle, a titter or a chuckle. It is a recognized medical fact that laughter is good for one's health. A recent news article has stated that even when one is not feeling good, a forced smile will make one feel better. When a person smiles, a chemical reaction in the brain creates a sensation of pleasantness. When a person actually laughs, the heart and lungs are stimulated. The heart beats faster, blood pressure temporarily rises and the blood is more thoroughly oxygenated. During laughter, facial muscles, the diaphragm, heart, lungs, thorax and abdomen all vibrate in a muscular massage, a kind of "internal jogging". When one stops laughing, arteries and muscles relax and blood pressure is reduced. Researchers believe that this whole process may help digestion, work as a healthful laxative and even burn up some calories. According to the Old Testament story found in Genesis 17 and 18, when the old couple, Abraham and Sarah, were told they would have a son, they laughed. So, in chapter 21, when the child was born, he was called Isaac, meaning "he laughs". (2522)
Palm Sunday (88/03/27)
This Sunday before Easter in the Christian Church calendar is known as Palm Sunday. That name is derived from the story of Jesus' return to Jerusalem on the Sunday before his death, as recorded in the 12th chapter of the Gospel of John. There it is written that a large crowd had gathered in Jerusalem for the Jewish Passover Festival. When the people heard that Jesus was coming, "they took branches of palm trees and went out to meet him, shouting, 'God bless the King of Israel.'" A palm leaf, also called a frond, is a symbol of victory or triumph and this event is called Jesus' Triumphant Entry into Jerusalem. However' instead of riding into the capital city on a majestic horse like a worldly king or emperor, he rode on a lowly donkey, symbolizing his humility and the way of self-sacrifice he was travelling. Five days later, on the following Friday, this man who was called "king" on Sunday was crucified as a common criminal. On Palm Sunday, we remember the fickleness of human nature and the transitoriness of human popularity. The real triumph of Jesus, the Christ, was revealed in his resurrection on the following Sunday, reminding us that true victory comes through self-sacrifice. (2523)
Virgin Islands (88/03/28)
This last Monday of March is an annual holiday in the Virgin Islands of the United States. This group of nine main islands and some 75 islets, lie just east of Puerto Rico and form a part of the demarcation line between the Atlantic Ocean and the Caribbean Sea. Discovered by Christopher Columbus in 1493, they were ruled by various European countries until March 31, 1917, when the United States purchased them from Denmark for $25 million. This holiday, called Transfer Day, commemorates that event. Residents of the islands, 80% of whom are black, enjoy all the rights of U. S. citizens except that they are not able to vote in presidential elections. Columbus named the islands in honor of a group of Christian virgins who were martyred in the 4th century, but today these islands are considered a kind of vacationers' paradise. (2524)
Bible (88/03/29)
The English word "paper" comes from the name of a grass-like plant, called papyrus, from which paper-like writing material was made in ancient times. A main center where this writing material was produced was the ancient city of Byblos on the east coast of the Mediterranean Sea and Greeks coined the word biblos, meaning "book", from the name of that city. In Greek, a biblion is a small book and the plural of biblion is biblia. In the 4th century, a Greek patriarch used biblia to refer to the sacred writings of Christianity, to distinguish it as "the Book of books". This is the origin of the word "Bible", which refers to the collection of many separate writings or books written by many different people over hundreds of years which now serve as the basis of Christian teaching. In order to understand western thought, one must have some knowledge of the Bible. Those of you living in the Nagoya area are invited to a Bible Class I teach at the City Kyōikukan at Sakae on the first and third Tuesday evenings of the month. From 6:30 to 7:30, I explain the meaning of a certain passage in Japanese. From 7:30 to 8:30, we discuss the same passage in English. In April, we will begin studying the Gospel of Mark. All who are interested are invited to attend. (2525)
Samuel Houston (88/03/02)
Dolls (88/03/03)
Lent (88/03/04)
Mother-in-law (88/03/05)
Humility (88/03/06)
A genius (88/03/07)
"Super Tuesday" (88/03/08)
Announcements (88/03/09)
Harriet Tubman (88/03/10)
"Aliens" (88/03/11)
Mauritius (88/03/12)
"Born-again Christian" (88/03/13)
Albert Einstein (88/03/14)
Buzzard Day (88/03/15)
James Madison (88/03/16)
St. Patrick's Day (88/03/17)
"Spork" (88/03/18)
David Livingstone (88/03/19)
A dialogue (88/03/20)
Furikae (88/03/21)
Names (88/03/22)
Patrick Henry (88/03/23)
Smell (88/03/24)
Arturo Toscanini (88/03/25)
Laughter (88/03/26)
Palm Sunday (88/03/27)
Virgin Islands (88/03/28)
Bible (88/03/29)
Hiccup (88/03/30)
Hippopotamus (88/03/31)
March (88/03/01)