This post begins a series that I'm dedicating to Jesus' Beatitudes. The first offering in this series is The Uncreated Light. This miracle is an annual event that announces the Risen Christ EVERY EASTER! This unconsuming flame has appeared without ceasing every year to encourage the faithful that The Trinity has not abandoned them in this valley of tears. Both Eastern and Western traditions incorporate new flame and the lighting of candles in a darkened church to commemorate and celebrate this beloved Kiss From God that he bestows on his bride's expectant face each Pascha (Easter).
Iconography of The Transfiguration always
has this stylized light. Could this painting be
more realistic than previously thought?
The Uncreated Light, the Flame that Does Not Consume, the Bright Light that blinded the apostles on Mount Tabor and appeared above their heads at Pentacost, is a sure sign of God's Love.
Friends, it is only from The Crucifixion that we have The Resurrection. It is only through becoming lost that we are found. It is only by losing our life that we gain life eternal. The Uncreated Light of God that we see on earth each Pascha (Easter) is a glimpse of Heaven. Note that most people who are surrounded by the flame are completely unaware of its presence. We all ignore blessings and squander opportunities to encounter the divine. God is continually forgiving us these oversights (but we should still confess them.) We should never lose hope but know that God will continue to reach out to us without fail, even as we take our last breath. Enjoy these films.
When famine, earthquake, or other disaster struck, this group of people fled to their neighbor, the richest, most powerful nation on earth. There, they worked, lived, loved, and learned from their powerful neighbors. Cultures merged as new ideas were brought to both sides.
Germans dealing with Turks?
French dealing with North African and Middle Eastern immigrants?
Americans dealing with Mexicans?
No
Ancient Egyptians and the Jewish people.
The Jews and the Egyptians have a history with one another going back to at least 1000 before the birth of Tutankhamen. After the death of Joseph, a Pharoh, who was unfamiliar with Joseph and his story, enslaved the Jews, subjecting them to great cruelty.
Donny Osmond as Joseph
and his coat of
many colors
Several generations later, another Pharoh did not like the high birthrate of the Jewish people. This Pharoh saw Jews as vermin who were taking over Egypt. He decided to control their population and demoralize them by murdering their first-born sons. God intervened to save His chosen people. God saw to it that Moses was saved by Pharoh's daughter. He then saved them via a series of plagues, and finally, His Passover.
Today's connection to the papacy is through Jesus' family, the Jews. There's lots of video in this one. Let's get started!
5 Degrees
King Tutankhamun with 3000 pounds of gold make-up
Fifth Degree: King Tutankhamun
King Tutankhamun without his 3000 pounds of make-up
Fourth Degree: Amenhotep II
Amenhotep II, the most likely candidate for the pharoh of the Exodus
The Great-Great Granpa (and uncle) of King Tut
Third Degree: Moses
Although he is not a direct ancestor of Jesus, Moses and Jesus have a common ancestor, Abraham. The Jewish people have brought many wonderful things to the world. Besides the Messiah, they have given us a wonderful sense of humor.
Second Degree: Abraham, Joseph, Mary, and Jesus Christ
For a full genealogy of Jesus' foster father click here. You can also see Exodus 2:1-2 and Matthew 1:1-17.
Since Abraham is father of all Jewish people, he would be a common ancestor for both Mary and Joseph.
First Degree: Saint Peter
Saint Peter was Pope #1. John Paul II was Pope #265
Dr. Zahi Hawass has figured prominently in all the Tut reckonings. Here he is discussing the restoration of a Jewish Temple in Egypts history. To deny the history of all the people of a region is to deny history itself. For my post about anti-semetism click here. Enjoy!
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