Friday, April 3, 2015 Good Friday

John, Chapter 19, verse 7-9

⁷The Jews answered, “We have a law, and according to that law he ought to die, because he made himself the Son of God.” ⁸Now when Pilate heard this statement, he became even more afraid, ⁹and went back into the praetorium and said to Jesus, “Where are you from?” Jesus did not answer him.

Pilate was afraid of diabolical and fanatical men but not of God. Let us not be like Pilate. How often are we though when we go about our daily business? Pilate symbolically washed his hands to remove his guilt. Did it work? To remind myself of this as I wash my hands throughout the day during the washing I say the Hail Mary and ask our Lady to help me not betray the sacrifice of our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. I try to remember He became hopeless to give us hope.

In our book study of Character is Destiny[1] we will study the hopefulness of John Winthrop who left the security of his native country to face the dangers of an unknown world to create and shape the character of a new civilization in America. Is there still hope in this country He helped found? Only if we hope!

John was a puritan and followed their teachings in that they are to be in the world but not of the world. They should not love earthly pleasures but neither should they shun the blessings of God. To be humble and grateful and give hope to others, by being faithful and encouraging in their own society. John believed men should strive to build a shining city on the hill by putting ones duty to God and community before one’s own personal desires and to never despair.

He wrote and preached the sermon, “Model of Christian Charity” to give hope to others. He led always by example and never, never gave up hope.

Next Friday I will examine the confidence of Queen Elizabeth I in our continuing book study of Character is Destiny.  Please feel free to add your comments!

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[1] McCain, John and Salter, Mark. (2005) Character is destiny. Random House, New York.