Purim (began sundown yesterday and will end sundown tomorrow) is not a Catholic holiday, but I do have Jewish reletives, so I wish a Happy Purim to my Jewish friends and relatives! This holiday has to do with the story of Queen Esther, as told in the Old Testament Book of Esther.
In a nutshell (from the http://www.usccb.org/nab/bible/esther/intro.htm):
It tells the story of the plot of Haman the Agagite, jealous and powerful vizier of King Xerxes (Ahasuerus) of Persia (485-464 B.C.), to destroy in a single day all the Jews living in the Persian Empire...She [Esther] averts the pogrom planned against her people and has the royal decree of extermination reversed against Haman and the enemies of the Jews.
More on the story and holiday from a Jewish perspective here: http://www.jewfaq.org/holiday9.html. A recently released movie called One Night with the King tells Esther's story in a romanticized way.
Catholics observing Lent can reflect on this story. A passage from Esther was read at Mass on Thursday. Read the Book of Esther this weekend, paying special attention to Esther's penitence and prayer, and visit the Vultus Christi blog for more.
Comments