David holding aloft
the severed head of Goliath
One additional note: the famous apparition of the Virgin Mary at Fatima,
Portugal in 1917 left us with numerous modern prophecies, many of which have
been (in this writer’s opinion) fulfilled in recent times, as well as a spectacular
miracle of the sun, witnessed by thousands. You should also understand that
Catholics are not required to believe in these types of things.
I do (as does our Pope, John Paul II) because I’ve examined the evidence and
believe it to be sound. You can decide for yourself. Try this internet link:
But remember, many others, especially those of the Protestant persuasion, do
not believe. Some go so far as to claim that these apparitions are Satanic, so
be aware that substantial misinformation exists in cyber space. Always be on
the lookout for fake web sites spouting lies, which masquerade as the real
thing.
We know the crucifixion took place at “Golgotha, the place of the skull” (later,
called Calvary). Did you ever wonder how the place got its’ name?
According to the Bible, David, a young shepherd boy, defeated the giant Goliath
of Gath, champion of the Philistines, with a well-placed sling shot. He then cut
off the giant’s head and took it to Jerusalem. Jewish tradition goes on to tell us
that David hung Goliath’s head on the city wall just outside the gates.
After some decomposition and weathering, only the oversized SKULL
remained. It must have been a ghastly sight to behold (and a memorable one)!
So, Gol-Goth-A is the “place of the skull” where the remains of Goliath of Gath
were displayed. It became a memorial to the defeat of an evil giant and later, a
memorial to the defeat of the Evil One. Here’s the Bible reference:
1Samuel 17:49 - 54 And he put his hand into
his scrip, and took a stone, and cast it with
the sling, and fetching it about, struck the
Philistine in the forehead, and he fell on his
face upon the earth. And David prevailed
over the Philistine, with a sling and a stone,
and he struck, and slew the Philistine. And
as David had no sword in his hand, He ran,
and stood over the Philistine, and took his
sword, and drew it out of the sheath, and
slew him, and cut off his head. And the
Philistines seeing that their champion was
dead, fled away. And the men of Israel and
Juda rising up shouted, and pursued after
the Philistines till they came to the valley
and to the gates of Accaron, and there fell
many wounded of the Philistines in the way
of Saraim, and as far as Geth, and as far as
Accaron.
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