From the viewpoint of the mineralogist, these and allied substances are of particular interest and so he seeks to separate them from the rest of the sand grains. These contain a large proportion of heavy minerals such as magnetite, rutile, and zircon. In geological science, there are also known what are called “heavy sands,” sands which weigh even more than the average sands. Job 6:3 says, “My vexation and calamity would be heavier than the sand of the seas.” Yes, sand packs so closely that a load can become an intolerable burden. The Bible also reminds us that sand is heavy. What an illustration of the power of the Precious Blood of the Lord Jesus to cleanse the multitudes white and clean from their sins if only they will come under redeeming poured-out Life! If red or brown sand is washed in a 50% solution of hydrochloric acid the pigmentation is removed and the quartz grains appear crystal white. The colour, however, is usually secondary and due to a stain of iron salt. Sands are usually colored red or russet brown, though there are a variety of colours known. In fact, the grains of desert sands both small and large are very spherical in form. Desert sands (that is, those which have come under the power of wind) largely are well rounded. The sands from a river bed are somewhat less angular, while sea sand is fairly well-rounded. The sands derived from a glacier are very sharp and angular. Sand grains themselves are worthy of study, for when examined closely they vary tremendously. Thus sand reminds us of the permanence of God’s promises and blessings. Frost, rains, streams, sea, wind, and heat all have an effect in pulverization, reducing hard rocks to mud, clay, and earth, and sand is the residue that endures afterward! The commonest mineral composing sand is quartz, which is so hard that it will scratch a steel knife. The commonest type of sand consists in what remains of the hardest minerals which compose the rocks. Sand does not only signify a multitude, it also signifies permanence and durability. And the uncountable sand is the picture God uses in His Word to convey the extent and quantity of His blessings to His children. Most of us when at the seashore have played with the sand, letting it slip through our fingers, and sometimes we have joined with the children in their sand games yet never have we attempted to count the number of those grains-we know that such a task is impossible save with God Himself. Sand itself is the consequence of the break-up of rocks. For example, in Genesis 22:17, God says to Abraham, “I will multiply thy seed as the sand which is upon the seashore.” Again in chapter 32:12, to Jacob says “I will make thy seed as the sand of the sea.” In the books of Deuteronomy, Judges, Joshua, Samuel, and right on through Scripture sand is used again and again as the picture of uncountable immensity. The most frequent use of the term “sand” is in connection with large numbers. It is very evident that the writers of Holy Scripture knew the kind of illustrations to use when they wished to convey the impression of immense numbers. The blessings He sends to humble hearts are as numberless as the sand of the seashore. John Paul II said it was the song he felt in his heart when he was elected pope in the Sistine Chapel.All nature speaks of the abundance of God’s Grace.

The Polish version of 'Lord, You have come to the Seashore' was played as well. The anthem of World Youth Days, launched by John Paul II was played.

He accompanied him throughout the pontificate.Īt Mass, a choir of nuns sang. Instead he celebrated this Mass, in which the Polish cardinal Konrad Krajewsky participated.Īngelo Gugel, the personal assistant to the Polish Pope, was also there. Pope Francis planned to celebrate a large Mass for the occasion, but had to cancel due to the pandemic. He was close to the great and the small, to those near and far, always close, John Paul II was close. Closeness is one characteristic God has with his people. He traveled the whole world, finding his people, looking for his people, becoming close to them. On the contrary, he went to visit people. He wasn't a man detached from the people. Then, in his homily, Pope Francis highlighted three characteristics in how John Paul II governed the Church: prayer, closeness to people and love of justice. It is John Paul II who appointed him bishop and cardinal. Peter's Basilica for this simple ceremony for the 100th anniversary of John Paul II.īefore starting, the pope has kissed the altar where the remains of Karol Wojtyla lie.

Lord you have come to the seashore