The fear of the LORD is pure, enduring forever. The statutes of the LORD are true, all of them just; more desirable than gold, than a hoard of purest gold, sweeter also than honey
or drippings from the comb.
Genesis, Chapter 31,
Verse 53
May the God of Abraham and the God of
Nahor, the God of their father, judge between us!” Jacob took the oath by the Fear of his father Isaac.
Laban and Jacob both
take oaths here not to war with each other. Nahor[1]
was the brother of Abraham and an idol worshiper who used several God’s as a
type of insurance policy. Laban here is doing the same mentioning His gods but
Jacob wanted to ensure Laban that there is only one God which he states was the
Fear of Isaac. Laban sets up a pillar as a border line for the two to prevent
trespassing which leads often to war. War and the taking of life by one another
have been with us since Cain slew Abel. Christ the promise of God came to stop
the cycle of revenge to change the law of an eye for an eye. Yet, there are
times when one must take up the sword
and not stand by to let the evil defile the weak. We are not to tolerate
bullies or murderers. God was not pleased with our Nation when we idly watched
the slaughter that took place neither in Rwanda nor at our silence while our
courts allow the murder of children by abortion and the selling of their body
parts.
Fortitude[2]
Ways to live out the
gift of fortitude in your life, bestowed upon you by the Holy Spirit at your
Confirmation.
1. Speak
out against evil wherever you find it.
2. Take
the job in which you can do the most good for the spiritual welfare of others.
3. Be
cheerful at your work; practice the apostolate of smiling; it will cost an
effort at times.
4. Have
a loving solicitude for all with whom you come in contact, especially for those
who are friendless.
5. Fight
down your own evil passions daily with renewed energy.
6. Be
ready to defend your Faith in word, deed, and association.
7. Bring
happiness where there is strife.
8. Live
your Faith; join organizations that promote Catholic Action.
9. Advise
others what to do in a spiritual difficulty; make sure the advice is correct.
10. Stay
informed on Catholic news; it will help when explaining the Faith to those
outside of the Church.
11. Forsake the
job rather than Christian principles.
Orthodox New Year[3]
·
Russian Orthodox churches in the United States
hold church services often with festive dinner and dancing to celebrate the
holiday. The traditional dishes include meat dumplings, beet salad,
pickled mushrooms, tomatoes, and cucumbers along with vodka.
·
Orthodox Serbians also celebrate Old New Year,
which is sometimes called the Serbian New Year. Many Serbians Orthodox
churches hold services, followed by dinner, and dancing.
·
Although the Old New Year is a popular holiday
for many practicing the Orthodox faith, it isn't an official holiday.
·
Macedonians, including those living in the
United States, also celebrate Old New Year's with traditional food, folk music,
and visiting friends and family.
·
Many Russians enjoy extending the holiday season
by including Orthodox New Year in it.
Orthodox New Year Top Events and
Things to Do
·
Enjoy a dinner dance at Orthodox Church with
native cuisine folk music.
·
Learn to cook some Russian or Eastern European
dishes. One of the most important Russian dishes during the holiday
season is kutya, a porridge made of grain, honey and poppy seeds. It
symbolizes hope, happiness, and success.
·
Rent a movie Dr. Zhivago (1965). It
depicts some of the lavish parties held during the holidays right before the
Russian Revolution. The film is based on the 1957 novel by Boris
Pasternak.
Comments
Post a Comment