Day 84: The Sun Stands Still

Joshua 10:12-14 Joshua’s order that the sun stand still stems from the ancient belief that the sun, stars, and moon revolve around the earth. That, however, does NOT change the essence of the MIRACLE. (CCC 159)


Ch 11:1-23 Joshua-with God’s help-led Israel to victory over the northern kingdoms, completing their struggle to secure the Promised Land. (CCC 268-271)


Psalm 128 Psalm 127 closes with the assertion that children are a blessing from God, and this psalm continues that thought: A man’s wife will be “like a fruitful vine,” and his children “like olive shoots around your table,” and these are the blessings of a man who “fears the Lord.” Along with this comes a wish for a long life so that “you see your children’s children.” Unity with God and keeping his Commandments results in a harmonious and happy family. (CCC 2373)

(*The Didache Bible RSV-CE Ignatius Edition, 2006)

Key Event 33: Southern Campaign (Joshua 9-10)
Upon entering the central part of the Promised Land from the east, Joshua takes control of the southern part of the country (Josh 10:40), including territory from Kadesh-barnea to Gaza on the Mediterranean coast.  The people are successful because the Lord "fought for Israel" (Josh 10:42).

Key Event 34: Northern Campaign (Joshua 11)
After the southern campaign, Joshua moves north, where Hazor is "the head of all those kingdoms" (Josh 11:10).  The Lord tells Joshua, "Do not be afraid of them" (Josh 11:6), and the Lord again gives his people victory (Josh 11:8).


And the Land Had Rest 

(*Walking With God: A Journey Through The Bible by Tim Gray and Jeff Caviins)


Now, Fr. Mike is going to address all this violence and battles that happen in the Old Testament


Prayer by Fr. Mike: “Father in Heaven, we know that you have revealed yourself to us and so we thank you. We know that what you revealed is that you desire justice, you desire peace. You are the God of peace. In fact, you reveal to us fully that yourself revealed fully in the revelation of Jesus is that he is the Prince of Peace. And yet, when we hear so many stories of war and of battle and of violence, it can cause us to question. So we ask you, Lord, to please give us interior peace. Give us a sense of understanding of what it is that you want to teach us today, and what it is that you want us to receive today. We make this prayer in the name of the Prince of Peace, in the name of Jesus Christ, Our Lord. Amen.”