Monday, April 30, 2012

The Jesus Fish

File:Ichthus.svg


"The Jesus Fish" or the "Ichthys" in Greek, is often seen these days in the form of car decals and bracelet charms.  The symbol became associated with Christians when, during the first century, the early Christians would draw one half of the symbol, and if a stranger completed the fish, he was a Christian and a friend, and if he didn't, he was not to be trusted.

But, I never stopped to wonder why they used the fish.  I always assumed that it had something to do with Christ's multiplication of loaves and fishes, but, while talking with one of my former teachers, I learned that there was a greater reason for the fish becoming "the" Christian ID symbol. 

"ΙΧΘΥΣ (Ichthys) is an acronym for "Ἰησοῦς Χριστός, Θεοῦ Υἱός, Σωτήρ", (Iēsous Christos, Theou Yios, Sōtēr), which translates into English as "Jesus Christ, God's Son, Savior".
Iota (i) is the first letter of Iēsous (Ἰησοῦς), Greek for "Jesus".
Chi (ch) is the first letter of Christos (Χριστός), Greek for "anointed".
Theta (th) is the first letter of Theou (Θεοῦ), Greek for "God's", the genitive case of Θεóς, Theos, Greek for "God".
Ypsilon (y) is the first letter of (h)yios[3] (Υἱός), Greek for "Son".
Sigma (s) is the first letter of sōtēr (Σωτήρ), Greek for "Savior"."

So, there's your history, language, and religion lesson for today!  Fascinating, isn't it?

May "Ichthys" bless all of you today! :)


The image and quoted text about the fish are both from Wikipedia.

Monday, April 23, 2012

A Timely Warning

Catholic Under Attack: Glen Beck

Though not a huge fan of Glen Beck, I recommend this video to all Catholics, and all the religious members of the United States of America.  The reasoning behind this video is the same reasoning that compelled me to write my earlier post: "Deep Thoughts for Troubled Times".  I know, this may seem very morbid.  But, if I do not warn my fellow brothers and sisters in Christ about the coming terror, then their sufferings could easily be blamed upon me.  All those who know must inform others, for the waters are rising, the tsunami is forming, and if those who see the approaching wave do not warn the town, many souls will be lost due to lack of knowledge and prayerful preparation.

"Deus, converte nos, et veni, ut salvos facias nos."
"Convert us, O God: and show us they face, and we shall be saved."

Psalms 79:4

Friday, April 6, 2012

Felix Culpa

06_04_326_Lathe_of_heaven_enh_800.jpg


"Oh truly necessary sin of Adam,
 destroyed completely by the Death of Christ!

O happy fault
That earned so great, so glorious a Redeemer!"

Easter Vigil Proclamation