Calvin Synod Herald, 2011 (112. évfolyam, 3-12. szám)
2011-05-01 / 5-6. szám
CALVIN SYNOD HERALD 5 United At The Lord’s Table The first Pentecost was a monumental day in the life of Christ’s people and his Church. But for all of that, it concluded on a very ordinary note for all the folks who gathered around the fired up speakers. In Acts 2:42 it says, "And they devoted themselves to the apostles' teaching and fellowship, to the breaking of bread and the prayers. ” Many families are closely tied by their bonds of blood and marriage, and are always there if one needs help, either with trouble or a happy event that needs a lot of celebration. Sometimes people make other close connections in school classrooms and become lifelong friends. Military units bring about close ties that grow firmer after retirement, and reunions of shipmates or foxhole buddies, squads or squadrons, cement old ties. We huddle up before games, sing our alma maters, pay last respects, and salute our flag - yes, of our nation. The Holy Family Usually a famous artist’s painting will show Jesus with Mary and Joseph, and underneath the title may read, ‘The Holy Family.” Now, we know that Jesus was not the kind of person to be disrespectful, especially of his beloved mother Mary or his own brothers and sisters. But he commented, “My mother and my brothers are those who hear the word of God and do it. ” Later, the Last Supper was planned by him for his closest disciples, the twelve he chose several years ago, the Apostles on whose witness he would build his holy Church. He asked them to do this again and again, and in doing so to remember him. This was special, and only for insiders, his family who hear the word and do it. In this he gathers time and again those close to him - and to be close to each other in breaking bread and prayers. The Mystery of Bread and Wine At marriages today usually two wedding rings are given, as the outward symbols for each to wear, that the two have become one - the unbroken circle surrounding them who have entered into this godly union. It’s true that a union can be faked, mere outward acts without true love. But to those who enter into the covenant and vows sincerely, it becomes the joyous entw ining of two lives. The rings of mere metal from the depths of earth are ever present reminders that renew old feelings when love was new and memories shared had just begin. The Lord’s Supper brings forth the elements for the breaking of bread and pouring of wine, which to insiders are more than what we eat or drink. In the mystery of our communion with all the Church we recognize the presence of Christ among his family, happily including us. As the husband and wife look across the table at each other at every meal, they reaffirm their oneness. As the children join them, or relatives,, they are reminded that they are of a beloved family that enriches their lives. Blessed Be the Ties That Bind Those first followers who listened to the apostles became their friends and friends with each other. These days we hear the minister bring our attention to Jesus’ words as we gather around him at the Lord’s Table. But we are not alone with Christ and the apostles, for here with us is the rest of the Church. There are those who sit beside us, those who always sit in the last row or front, and those who are infirm and received the communion at home or hospital. And we are surrounded by the saints who have gone on before and look for us to join them with Christ in Paradise. The voice of Jesus echoed by the apostles rang true in their ears on Pentecost, and so they gathered. It is our time to gather for hearing of the apostles’ teaching, in the reading of the scriptures and in the preaching of the word, to bind ourselves with one another for witness and that, building up one another in faith, we may do it.. COMMUNION WITH THE LORD Jesus invites his saints to meet around his board; Here pardon ’d rebels sit, and hold Communion with their Lord. For food he gives his flesh; He bids us drink his blood; Amazing favour! Matchless grace of our descending God. The sacred elements remain mere wine and bread; But signify and seal, the love, of Christ our cov ’nant head, A PRAYER OF CONFESSION Holy Scripture witnesses that Baptism saves us, not as a removal of dirt from the body but as an appeal to God for a clear conscience, through the resurrection of Jesus. Father of us all, in our baptisms you cleansed us of human sins, and by the blood of our Savior we have died with him and been raised to newness of life. Yet we have done the things we did not want to do, and have not done the things we should have done. As we observe the gifts of the Holy Spirit, and recall today our Baptism and Confirmation, grant us again the inner presence of Jesus’ cleansing power and our purification. May our sins of scarlet be as white as snow in your sight as we strive to live godly lives; to our holy and merciful God. Amen. Rev. Albert W. Kovács Pastor CT SCANNER for Beregszász! Rev. Dr. Edwin Elliott Memorial Fund Make a difference in the lives of our brothers and sisters! Please send your donation to: First Hungarian Reformed Church of Pittsburgh 221 Johnston Avenue, Pittsburgh, PA 15207 Please write “CT Scan for Beregszász” in memo.
