Magyar Egyház, 1970 (49. évfolyam, 1-12. szám)
1970-05-01 / 5. szám
12 MAGYAR EGYHÁZ Nor did he teach against the contemporary world authority:—the Roman Empire. In fact, to those who turned to him in debate, he most emphatically said to render unto Caesar the things which belong to Caesar. He recognized the need and purpose within the social life of men, for the order of the priests. Knowing what the law required from the healed leper, Jesus directed him to present himself before the priests. The administrators of justice, desired to obtain his reputation and sought his wisdom. But he sent them away saying— “Who made me a judge or divider over you?” Though his teachings were not aggressive or offensive, with respect to the outside world, in fact he spoke of a peaceful love, still he could foresee that he would have enemies. So that this should not come as a complete surprise, he foretold of it to his followers. He said that because of his teachings there would be strife even in man’s immediate environment. And he said if conflict could arise in the family, it would be even greater in the world. Jesus never promised an undisturbed earthly life to his followers. Those who desired to follow him, must take up their cross. According to the teachings of Jesus, when man is beset by persecution he must know that in the face of this world, force gives no protection, for upon the great will come even the greater. Consequently, in the conflict with the world we must learn to endure indignity, as he said: “Resist not the evil.” Passionate anger and the perpetuation of pride infuriates the opposition, but gentle humility destroys it. Concerning all mankind, Jesus’ universal command is to love. “Love one another.” This commandment includes all men, it even includes love for our enemies. His formula for the practice of brotherly love is this: The way in which you would desire all men to act toward you, is exactly the way in which you must act toward them. This rule can be applied in a negative and positive form. Its negative form concerns the judgements we make. Judge not, that you he not judged. But if one must make a judgement, let it be preceeded by a severe self-criticism. Take the beam out of your own eye and after that think of taking the splinter out of your brother’s eye. Concerning this very problem, there occurred the most unforgettable event. According to the story recorded for us, when those appeared who were so quick to judge, Jesus in his masterful way reminded them, “The one among you that is without sin, let him cast the stone first.” The positive form of this rule means that everyone who has stepped into this world, has entered it as a debtor, owing toward his society. He must pay back with interest, what he has received. No one can live irresponsibly and at the same time intelligently within this world. For it is the responsibility of all to do all that he can for his fellowman, with the understanding that after having done his duty, he should not expect a thank you. To whom a great deal is given, a great deal is expected in return. To whom much has been entrusted, more is required. With the keeping of these teachings, one stands in the midst of society,—like the salt of the earth, preserving it from decay; —like a shining candle, giving light to those in the household; —like the good shepherd, who is willing to give his life for his sheep. However, if the wealthy and intellectual leaders forget their indebtedness, by not accepting their positions as servants, these will occur in that society, a catastrophe. “Woe unto you that are rich, for ye have received your consolation.” “Woe unto you that are full, for ye shall hunger.” “Woe unto you that laugh now, for ye shall morn and weep.” This complete turmoil will not occur in that society where the heart speaks out of the mouth in complete honesty. For everyone’s soul is open before his fellowmen, because there is not such a secret that shall not be revealed. We must reveal the truth. We must bring ourselves to the light. We must see within truth, the power to build. From that truth we must not shrink back, even if death is the result. We must not fear those who can kill the body, but who cannot touch the soul. For death and for all of life, strength is received through prayer. It was to this that the man Jesus insistantly directed his disciples. In fact he even taught them the most beautiful prayer. The happiness of life in a society is based upon the purity of its morals, which in the individuals’ life, begins with a pure outlook on life. If your eye is clean, your whole body shall be full of light. But if a man looks through evil desires at others, then he sees them simply as objects that can satisfy his desire. Then his heart is contaminated and infected and such a heart is the breeding place of sin. How difficult it is for the contaminated heart, ever to become pure. Man does the most harm unto himself through his evil desires. This is why one of the most impor-
