Introduction to Joshua[1]
Hail the conquering hero! Beowulf, Alexander the Great, Xerxes, Romulans, Marcus Aurelius, Hannibal, Caesar the Ape... okay, we'll stop here. Needless to say (but you know we're going to anyway), the world is full of conquering heroes. Did you know the Bible has one, too? His name is Joshua. Written in Hebrew during the late 7th century BCE, the Book of Joshua is the first recorded text of the Bible and kicks off what is known as the Historical Books. This doesn't mean that everything is to be taken literally (like our jokes). History was originally meant to teach a community about how to be good citizens and way less concerned with historical accuracy. The Book of Joshua, which reads like a game of Risk, tells the tale of a man named Joshua (didn't see that one coming) and his conquest of the land of Canaan with the Israelite army. Joshua was Moses's replacement to lead the Israelites into the Promised Land. The problem? People already lived there. Joshua had the unfortunate job of clearing out the wandering tribes of Canaan so the Israelites could have a home. We think of this like when you go to play in the ball pit, but it's already filled with kids so you kick them all out because it's your turn. Of course that's all hypothetical. We don't do that anymore. We're proud to say we haven't kicked a child out of a ball pit since last week. Like Exodus, the Book of Joshua is about a nation discovering its identity and home in a foreign land, but it's also a very personal story about an ambitious patriot who sees it as his duty to sacrifice everything for his people and God. If that doesn't scream a rockin' good time, we're not sure what does. Maybe if this all took place in a ball pit.
Look, we're going to be
honest with you. This book is filled with a lot of bloody battles, human
conflict, and pump your fist in the air moments. But that's not why you should
care. The Book of Joshua is your history; a story about a foreigner in a
strange land with a special talent. To us, that screams freshman year of high
school. And college. And work. And the retirement home. It's a tale as old a
time, one of those moments where the Bible speaks to some experiences we
all share, no matter where we fall on the religious spectrum. Being the new guy
is never easy. Or new girl for that matter. The Book of Joshua teaches us
about family, commitment, loyalty, and faith—all things we need to survive, to
make new histories. Give it a read. We dare you.
With Indians and Hindus
celebrating Holi, a spring festival of colors, today, Bishop Thomas Dabre of
Poona has encouraged the faithful to participate in the celebration, which is
meant to promote spiritual and social harmony. Holi is celebrated with everyone
throwing brightly dyed powders on each other. It marks the setting aside of
differences and grudges in a spirit of reconciliation. Observing the collective
celebratory spirit of Holi which integrates joy, enthusiasm and freedom, Bishop
Dabre said the day “gives a message of joy and happiness.”
Nevertheless, Bishop Dabre cautioned that “Holi must live the holy joy, and the joy a religion should spread is not without norms or principles but must be coupled with the observance of commandments.” The true joy that emanates from religion must respect the freedom of others; not impose our likes and dislikes on others,” he reflected. Hindus begin the celebration with a Holika bonfire the evening prior to Holi, which relates to the myth upon which the festival is based. However, the throwing of color and water which all Indians participate in is a manifestation of joy and friendship across religious lines. Bishop Dabre also noted that “religion must be experienced as a liberating experience of freedom, and this is very significant in the context of religious terrorism and extremism in different parts of the world, and in India.”
He lamented the rise of such groups as the Taliban, Boko Haram, and Islamic State, saying that in these cases, “religion has become a cause of fear, terror, injustice and oppression.” In the light of recent persecution and discrimination against Christians in India, Bishop Dabre lamented that “even in our country, in the name of religion unreasonable restriction are imposed on the people; force and pressure is employed to reconvert people and to ban the adoption of a religion of one’s choice … also gruesome crimes are committed against women and people of the so-called low caste. Thus, religion has become a matter of grievous concern. “However, “in such a situation Holi gives an important lesson that religion must spread true joy and freedom,” he added.
International Day of Forests[9]
International Day of Forests seeks to celebrate forests while providing a platform to raise awareness of the importance of trees. The day also raises awareness of rapid deforestation and educates about the vital role that forests and trees play in sustaining and protecting humans by supplying us with freshwater and oxygen. In fact, forested watersheds and wetlands provide the world with nearly 75% of its accessible freshwater. International Day of Forests was declared in December 2012 by the United Nations General Assembly in an effort to promote the importance of forests to humans and aid in conservation efforts. International Day of Forests is observed annually on March 21st. Since then, International Forest Day has become one of the most influential global events advocating for forest conservation in the world.
Aids
in Battle[10]
When in the battle
In the moments when you are tempted to be careless or halfhearted in the struggle, let these exhortations stir you to a renewed valor in battle and provide you with strategies to follow.
Hail the conquering hero! Beowulf, Alexander the Great, Xerxes, Romulans, Marcus Aurelius, Hannibal, Caesar the Ape... okay, we'll stop here. Needless to say (but you know we're going to anyway), the world is full of conquering heroes. Did you know the Bible has one, too? His name is Joshua. Written in Hebrew during the late 7th century BCE, the Book of Joshua is the first recorded text of the Bible and kicks off what is known as the Historical Books. This doesn't mean that everything is to be taken literally (like our jokes). History was originally meant to teach a community about how to be good citizens and way less concerned with historical accuracy. The Book of Joshua, which reads like a game of Risk, tells the tale of a man named Joshua (didn't see that one coming) and his conquest of the land of Canaan with the Israelite army. Joshua was Moses's replacement to lead the Israelites into the Promised Land. The problem? People already lived there. Joshua had the unfortunate job of clearing out the wandering tribes of Canaan so the Israelites could have a home. We think of this like when you go to play in the ball pit, but it's already filled with kids so you kick them all out because it's your turn. Of course that's all hypothetical. We don't do that anymore. We're proud to say we haven't kicked a child out of a ball pit since last week. Like Exodus, the Book of Joshua is about a nation discovering its identity and home in a foreign land, but it's also a very personal story about an ambitious patriot who sees it as his duty to sacrifice everything for his people and God. If that doesn't scream a rockin' good time, we're not sure what does. Maybe if this all took place in a ball pit.
Why
Should I Care?
march 21 Thursday In the Second Week of Lent
PURIM-HOLI-INTERNATIONAL DAY OF FORESTS
I command you:
be strong and steadfast! Do not fear
nor be dismayed, for the LORD, your God, is with you wherever you go.
The
Lord is patient and kind, yet He is also just. He will right the evil of man.
When man goes too far God intervenes. Is another intervention coming? Is there
a breach in the lines of defense against the forces of darkness? Have we become
fat and gross and gorged with secularism? Have we forsaken the God who made us
and scorned Him? Have we sacrificed to demons, to “no-gods”?
Good
men heed the message of St. Faustina and seek the Divine Mercy of God while
there is still time and then join the battle of God coming into the breach.
Read the online message of the Bishop of Phoenix and be prepared to fight and
defend our church.[2]
Shortly before the outbreak of World War
II, a simple, uneducated, young Polish nun receives a special call. Jesus tells
her, "I am sending you with My mercy to the people of the whole world. I
do not want to punish mankind, but I desire to heal it, pressing it to My
merciful Heart." These words of Jesus are found in the Diary of
St. Maria Faustina Kowalska, which chronicles Sr. Faustina's great experience
of Divine Mercy in her soul and her mission to share that mercy with the
world.
Though she died in obscurity in 1938,
Sr. Faustina was hailed by Pope John Paul II as "the great apostle of
Divine Mercy in our time." On April 30, 2000, the Pope canonized her as
St. Faustina, saying that the message of Divine Mercy she shared is urgently
needed at the dawn of the new millennium.[3]
Prayer. GRANT us, we
beseech Thee, O Lord, the help of Thy grace, that we, dutifully engaged in
fasting and prayer, may be freed from all enemies of body and soul.
EPISTLE.
Jer. xvii. 5-10.
Thus,
saith the Lord God: Cursed be the man that trusteth in man, and maketh flesh
his arm, and whose heart departeth from the Lord. For he shall be like tamaric
in the desert, and he shall not see when good shall come but he shall dwell in dryness
in the desert in a salt land, and not inhabited. Blessed be the man that
trusteth in the Lord, and the Lord shall be his confidence. And he shall be as
a tree that is planted by the waters, that spreadeth out its roots towards
moisture: and it shall not fear when the heat corneth. And the leaf thereof
shall be green, and in the time of drought it shall not be solicitous, neither
shall it cease at any time to bring forth fruit. The heart is perverse above
all things, and unsearchable, who can know it?
I am
the Lord that search the heart and prove the reins: Who give to everyone
according to his way, and according to the fruit of his devices, saith the Lord
Almighty.
GOSPEL.
Luke xvi. 19-31.
At that time Jesus said to the Pharisees:
There was a certain rich man, who was clothed in purple and fine linen: and
feasted sumptuously every day. And there was a certain beggar named Lazarus,
who lay at his gate, full of sores, desiring to be filled with the crumbs that
fell from the rich man s table, and no one did give him: moreover, the dogs
came and licked his sores. And it came to pass that the beggar died and was carried
by the angels into Abraham’s bosom. And the rich man also died: and he was
buried in hell. And lifting up his eyes when he was in torments, he saw Abraham
afar off, and Lazarus in his bosom: and he cried, and said: Father Abraham,
have mercy on me, and send Lazarus that he may dip the tip of his finger in
water, to cool my tongue, for I am tormented in this flame. And Abraham said to
him: Son, remember that thou didst receive good things in thy lifetime, and
likewise Lazarus evil things: but now lie is comforted, and thou art tormented.
And besides all this, between us and you there is fixed a great chaos: so that
they who would pass from hence to you cannot, nor from thence come hither. And
he said: Then, father, I beseech thee that thou wouldst send him to my father’s
house; for I have five brethren; that he may testify unto them, lest they also
come into this place of torments. And Abraham said to him: They have Moses and
the prophets; let them hear them. But he said: No, Father Abraham, but if one
went to them from the dead, they will do penance. And he said to him: If they
hear not Moses and the prophets, neither will they believe if one rise again
from the dead.
Lenten
Calendar[5]
Read:
Yesterday,
we read about the corporal works of mercy, and today we will focus on the spiritual
works of mercy, which have long been a part of the Christian
tradition, appearing in the works of theologians and spiritual writers
throughout history.
Reflect:
Forgiving
others is difficult at times because we do not have God's limitless mercy and
compassion. But Jesus teaches us that we should forgive as God forgives,
relying on him to help us show others the mercy of God. Are there grudges you
are holding on to that you should let go of?
Pray:
the
Chaplet of
Divine Mercy today. Also today is World Downs
Syndrome day. Pray for an end to the murder of these inocents in the newest
laws in Virginia and New York.
Act:
In
practicing one of the spiritual works of mercy, forgiving others, make an
effort to go to Confession before Easter.
A Jewish Holiday which commemorates
Jewish people being saved from extermination in Persia. The story of
Purim comes from the Biblical book of Esther. In it, Haman a high-ranking
advisor to King Ahasuerus sought to kill all Jews in ancient Persia. He is motivated
by an incident in which Mordechai, a Jewish leader, defied the king's orders
and refused to bow to Haman. Haman is stopped through the actions of Mordechai
and his niece Esther, a beautiful and courageous Jewish woman. Esther initially
disguises her Jewish Identity and eventually becomes Queen. Through their
actions the King becomes aware of Haman's plot and is persuaded to have him
hanged.
Purim Facts &
Quotes
·
Purim
is considered to be a joyous Holiday often accompanied by celebrations, plays, festive
food and costume parties.
·
Purim
holiday is often preceded by fast, referred to as the Fast of Esther.
This fast commemorates Esther's three days of fasting in preparation for
her meeting with the king. The fast is observed from dawn until dusk on
the eve of Purim.
·
The
story of Purim is told in the book of Esther, which is also known as "the
Scroll" (Megillah in Hebrew).
·
If
I have found favor with you, O king, and if it pleases your majesty, grant me
my life - this is my petition, and the life of my people - this is my request.
(Esther 7:3)
Purim Top Events
and Things to Do
·
Make
a Mishloach Manot (also known as mishloach manos or shalach manos). This
is a gift of at least two kinds of food that are ready to eat. Give them
out to neighbors, friends and associates.
·
Make
Hamantaschen cookies. These are pocket triangle shaped cookies that are
often made with fruit, poppy seed or cheese filling.
·
Attend
a Purim Carnival or Festival. Some of the more popular ones are the
Carnival at Mamilla (Jerusalem) and Cirque Du Purim in Minneapolis.
·
Donate
to the poor. It is customary and part of tradition to give at least two
gifts to two poor people on Purim.
·
Visit
a Jewish Museum. Many put on special activities for kids such as plays,
performances, and costume parties
Holi
is the ancient Hindu Festival of Love and also known as the Festival of Colors.
The origins of Holi lie in ancient Hindu traditions where Holi was
celebrated to mark the arrival of spring. Holi is also related to the
legend of Holika, the evil sister of demon king Hiranyakashipu, who tried to
burn Hiranyakashipu's son Prahlada. Prahlada had maintained faith in god
(Vishnu), while Hiranyakashipu contended that he was god. Wearing a cloak
that guarded her from fire, Holika lured Prahlada into a fire but the cloak
that was guarding Holika flew and protected Prahlada instead. Because of
this Holi also celebrates the triumph of good over evil, knowledge over
ignorance, and love over hate.
Holi
Facts & Quotes
·
The
name Holi stems from Holiya, who was the evil sister of a demon god that tried
to burn her nephew. According to ancient Sanskrit scriptures, Holiya died
in the fire while her nephew was unharmed. Since then, on the eve of
Holi, a bonfire named Holiya is lit to signify the triumph of good over evil.
·
Central
to most Holi festivals are bright colors that are often thrown, sprayed or
painted on. For this reason, Holi is often refered to as the Festival of
Colors.
·
Traditionally
colors were achieved through dyes that were made from turmeric, sandalwood,
flower and leaf extracts, and beetroots. In recent times Synthetic Color
dyes are often used during Holi festivals. These dyes are often toxic or
cause allergic reactions. It's a good idea to rub coconut oil into your
skin before hand, to prevent toxic color dyes from absorbing.
·
Bhang,
tea made from cannabis leaves, is frequently served at some Holi celebrations
in India and Nepal. Bhang also contains milk, butter and spicies (cinnamon or
nutmeg).
·
Holi
is the day to express love with colors. It is a time to show affection. All the
colors that are on you are of love. – Anonymous
Holi
Top Events and Things to Do
·
Light
a Holika bonfire the night before Holi. Read the legend associated with
it about Holika, the demoness in Hindu Vedic scriptures that was burnt with the
help of God Vishnu.
·
Decorate
your home with colorful ribbons and adornments to recognize the holi festival.
Marigold flowers are traditionally hung-over balconies, railings and staircases.
Sofa cushions are often covered with bold, bright colors. Walls are
traditionally covered with colorful fabric patchwork.
·
Attend
a Holi Festival. Festivals are held across cities in the United States,
especially where there is a large Hindu or Yoga
community. Festivals often includes yoga demonstrations, Bollywood
music, color dye toss, and Indian Food.
·
Watch
the Bollywood movie Mohabbatein (2000). It includes scenes where a
song called Soni Soni is played during a holi festival celebration in
India.
·
Eat
at an Indian restaurant on this day to enjoy some Holi specialty sweet dishes such
as shakarpara (sweet crispy bread), gujjias (sweet fried dumplings), kheer
(rice pudding) and malpua (pancakes).
Nevertheless, Bishop Dabre cautioned that “Holi must live the holy joy, and the joy a religion should spread is not without norms or principles but must be coupled with the observance of commandments.” The true joy that emanates from religion must respect the freedom of others; not impose our likes and dislikes on others,” he reflected. Hindus begin the celebration with a Holika bonfire the evening prior to Holi, which relates to the myth upon which the festival is based. However, the throwing of color and water which all Indians participate in is a manifestation of joy and friendship across religious lines. Bishop Dabre also noted that “religion must be experienced as a liberating experience of freedom, and this is very significant in the context of religious terrorism and extremism in different parts of the world, and in India.”
He lamented the rise of such groups as the Taliban, Boko Haram, and Islamic State, saying that in these cases, “religion has become a cause of fear, terror, injustice and oppression.” In the light of recent persecution and discrimination against Christians in India, Bishop Dabre lamented that “even in our country, in the name of religion unreasonable restriction are imposed on the people; force and pressure is employed to reconvert people and to ban the adoption of a religion of one’s choice … also gruesome crimes are committed against women and people of the so-called low caste. Thus, religion has become a matter of grievous concern. “However, “in such a situation Holi gives an important lesson that religion must spread true joy and freedom,” he added.
International Day of Forests[9]
International Day of Forests seeks to celebrate forests while providing a platform to raise awareness of the importance of trees. The day also raises awareness of rapid deforestation and educates about the vital role that forests and trees play in sustaining and protecting humans by supplying us with freshwater and oxygen. In fact, forested watersheds and wetlands provide the world with nearly 75% of its accessible freshwater. International Day of Forests was declared in December 2012 by the United Nations General Assembly in an effort to promote the importance of forests to humans and aid in conservation efforts. International Day of Forests is observed annually on March 21st. Since then, International Forest Day has become one of the most influential global events advocating for forest conservation in the world.
International Day of Forests Facts
& Quotes
·
According
to the UN, forests cover one third of the Earth’s land mass
·
Nearly
one-third of the world's largest cities get their drinking water
directly from protected forest areas. Forests act as natural filters for water
by removing particles from it such as metals and nitrogen.
·
According
to the UN, approximately 1.6 billion people worldwide depend on forests for
their livelihood.
·
The
development of civilization and industry in general has always shown itself so
active in the destruction of forests that everything that has been done for
their conservation and production is completely insignificant in comparison. –
Karl Marx
International Day of Forests Top
Events and Things to Do
·
Join
the celebration of the International Day of Forests and World Water Day in the
Economic and Social Council Chamber of the UN. Every year they host a meet and
greet style event in the chamber that the public can join in on.
·
Watch
a movie that advocates for the protection of forests or showcases their rich
biological diversity. Some of our favorites are Planet Earth, FernGully:
The Last Rainforest, and Wild.
·
Spread
awareness on social media by using the hashtags #InternationalDayofForests,
#SavetheForests or #IntForestDay.
·
Share
your favorite photo of a forest or plant with the Food and Agriculture
Organization of the UN by emailing it to idf@fao.org. The UN will add it to a
combined gallery of everyone’s pictures around the world!
·
Read
a book that is advocating forest conservation. Some of our favorites are: The
Sibley Guide to Trees, The Wild Trees: A Story of Passion and Daring,
and Forest Ecology.
In the moments when you are tempted to be careless or halfhearted in the struggle, let these exhortations stir you to a renewed valor in battle and provide you with strategies to follow.
·
The
life of man upon the earth is a warfare. Tob 12: 13 DOUAY-RHEIMS
·
God
has not destined us to wrath, but to gain
·
Fight
the good fight, having faith and a good conscience. 1 Tim 1: 19
·
lay
hold of the life eternal, to which you have been called
·
Conduct
yourself in work as a good soldier of Christ Jesus.
·
Do
not be overcome by evil but overcome evil with good. Rom 12: 21 RSVCE
·
The
unceasing prayer of a just man has great effectiveness.
"Read
these counsels slowly. Pause to meditate on these thoughts. They are things
that I whisper in your ear-confiding them-as a friend, as a brother, as a
father. And they are being heard by God. I won't tell you anything new. I will
only stir your memory, so that some thought will arise and strike you; and so
you will better your life and set out along ways of prayer and of Love. And in
the end you will be a more worthy soul."
That
is a painful wound. But it is well on its way to being healed. Stick to your
resolutions. And the pain will soon turn into Joyful peace.
Daily Devotions
[1]
Shmoop Editorial Team, "Book of Joshua," Shmoop University, Inc.,
Last modified November 11, 2008, https://www.shmoop.com/book-of-joshua/.
[3]http://www.lighthousecatholicmedia.org/store/title/the-diary-of-st-faustina?utm_source=Lighthouse+Catholic+Media&utm_campaign=77ff8641ef-Faustina_Feast_Day_Fr_Gaitley_Segment_1&utm_medium=email&utm_term=0_cb00b554f5-77ff8641ef-292834361&goal=0_cb00b554f5-77ff8641ef-292834361&mc_cid=77ff8641ef&mc_eid=15e7808aac
[4]
Goffine’s Devout Instructions, 1896
[5]http://www.usccb.org/prayer-and-worship/liturgical-year/lent/march-21.cfm
[6]https://www.wincalendar.com/Purim
[10]Thigpen,
Paul. Manual for Spiritual Warfare. TAN Books.
[11]http://www.escrivaworks.org/book/the_way-point-1.htm
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