Wednesday, November 16, 2016

Acts, Chapter 26, Verse 5-7 #hope

⁵ They have known about me from the start, if they are willing to testify, that I have lived my life as a Pharisee, the strictest party of our religion. ⁶ But now I am standing trial because of my hope in the promise made by God to our ancestors. ⁷ Our twelve tribes hope to attain to that promise as they fervently worship God day and night; and on account of this hope I am accused by Jews, O king.

Paul clearly explains that his entire life was in preparation for the hope of Israel, Christ Jesus, who Israel did not recognize as the son of God. Paul states that the prophets and Moses had foretold that the Christ would suffer, and as first to be raised from the dead, he would proclaim light to both God’s people and the Gentiles. The resurrection is God’s promise to Israel. Paul like Christ ultimately was a victim of intolerance.[1]

International Day for Tolerance[2] #respect

The International Day of Tolerance seeks to promote tolerance, respect, appreciation and cooperation amongst the world's different cultures. Tolerance refers to the recognition and acceptance of looks, opinions, beliefs and practices that differ from one's own. Tolerance is considered the backbone of human rights and fundamental freedoms as people are naturally different. Tolerance allows mixed communities to thrive and ensures that all humans are equally important. The International Day of Tolerance was designated by the United Nations General Assembly in 1996. It has since been celebrated annually on November 16 by those who strive to unite the world through mutual understanding and respect.

International Day for Tolerance Facts & Quotes

·         You can counter intolerance in 5 ways:

with law
with education
with access to information
by individual awareness
with local solutions

·         Xenophobia is the fear or hatred of strangers. It is another word for intolerance.

·         There are an estimated 939 active hate groups in the United States alone. Some of the biggest is the Ku Klux Klan and the Neo-Nazis.

·         Intolerances originated early in history during the slave trade where differences in race were not tolerated. One of the most recent and most well-known examples of intolerance was the Holocaust during World War II, where religion was not tolerated.

·         In the practice of tolerance, one's enemy is the best teacher. – Dalai Lama, Important monk from the Gelug School.

International Day for Tolerance Top Events and Things to Do

·         Spread awareness of social media by using the hashtags  #InternationalDayforTolerance, #ToleranceDay and #LoveNotHateTolerate.

·         Organize a sporting event in your community. Sports have shown to be a universal remedy for tolerance issues. Organizing a sporting event in your community, something as simple as a basketball or baseball game, can bring your community closer together and make everyone a little more tolerant.

·         Watch a movie about tolerance. Some suggestions are: Schindler’s List (1993), Invictus (2009), Selma (2014), and Hotel Rwanda (2004).

·         Assess the impact of tolerance on your society, its policies and your life. How does this compare to other societies? Do a bit of research to see how different types of governments and policies impact tolerance in a society.

·         Read a book about tolerance. Some suggestions are: The Intolerance of Tolerance, Just a Drop of Water and Goblinheart.

COURAGE FOR THE MODERN WORLD 2017

Authored by Mr. Richard H. Havermale Jr.This book is the continuation of my first book based on more than 365 references in the Bible to fear, dread, and that in fact our God encourages us to "BE NOT AFRAID". To do this we must be in the presence of our Lord and talk to Him. I recommend you develop the habit of spending 10-15 minutes a day with our Lord in the Blessed Sacrament Chapel or if that is not available some other quiet place where you can be in the presence of our Lord. Read the daily entry and reflect on it asking our Lord and His mother to talk to your heart and reveal to you the will of the Father and then Do it. The layout of this book is to list and reflect on the books of the bible Sirach through Revelations. In the early part of September my search of the verses dealing with fear and being afraid was completed; so I asked the Lord what do I, do now. After some reflection I realize that the fruit of fear in the Lord is the Theological virtues of Faith, Hope and Love  which ultimately results in Peace of the Lord. As a consequence the month of September will deal with Peace, October with Love and the month of November will be reflections on Faith and Hope. After Thanksgiving for the season of Advent and Christmas this work uses a multitude of references that reflect the Christmas season. There are many theologians who state that the eighth deadly sin is fear itself. It is fear and its natural animal reaction to fight or flight that is the root cause of our failings to create a Kingdom of God on earth. Saint John Paul II in his writings and talks also tells us to BE NOT AFRAID. In fear or anger we walk away from God. Our Lord, Jesus Christ taught us how to walk back toward God in His sermon on the mount through the Beatitudes. Each of the beatitudes is the antidote for the opposite deadly sins.

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[1]The Collegeville Bible Commentary

[2]http://www.wincalendar.com/International-Day-for-Tolerance