Magyar Egyház, 1983 (62. évfolyam, 1-5. szám)
1983-11-01 / 5. szám
MAGYAR EGYHÁZ 7. oldal then I completely forgot about them. Until a week or so later when one morning I heard the servants whispering among themselves about a wonderful baby. I was tired from work, I tell you it was the busiest time of our lives, silver and gold was pouring in like water and I was mad at the servants idly chattering about a wonderful baby. Eventually I found out the whole fantastic story what I, of course, did not believe. But then they told about the visit of three noble travellers who never asked for rooms but went straight to the stable and allegedly kneeled before the baby and laid out beautiful gifts. The servants told about a heap of gold and bejewelled boxes of incense and myrrh. I did not believe a word of it. One of the servants arrogantly challenged me to go and see it for myself. All right, I thought. So I went down to the stable — there were only animals quietly ruminating. No people, no baby, no noble visitors, no gold. I was mad at the servants and called them stupid fools who were taken in. I would have forgotten the whole thing if it hadn’t been for that horrible massacre of all little boys under two in Bethlehem ordered by that madman tyrant Herod. It was terrible, I tell you. I had a son of that age myself and we could hardly manage to hide him and save him: by fast camels I sent him to Egypt. I had to stay, the business, you know. Well, Herod’s soldiers knew about my son and when they could not find him they beat me up so I have never been able to walk ever since. You know, I heard the story of that baby, the claims about being the Messiah, and I hated him — after all it was on account of him I had been made a cripple. What a savior!” — The old man sank back on his bed. But as Andrew did not say a word, he continued: “Well, not much happened after that. I sold the Bethlehem inn, we bought this one here in Galilee, my son grew up a healthy fine man and he is the innkeeper now; I have nice grandchildren, too. I could have forgotten the whole thing if it weren’t for my crippled legs and back. I could not think of that baby but with hatred. Then I heard about your Master how he was going around in the land speaking wonderful words and working wonders, too. They say the blind see and the lame walk and those obsessed by evil spirits are made whole again. Is that true? Tell me, is that true?!” — Andrew’s answer came slowly but firmly: “Yes, that is true.” — “You just have to touch his garment?” — “Yes, that also happened many times.” — The old man leaned forward and again grabbed Andrew by his cloak: “Do you think he could make me walk again?” — Andrew looked at the old man, his eyes were piercing through the old man’s heart: “He could. Yes, he could make you walk again.” “All right. You bring your Master here and then, only then, you can get your food. And you don’t have to pay.” — Andrew smiled: “Oh, it isn’t that simple. It is not what we will have to pay but what you must pay my Master.” — The old man flared up: “I see. You must have a big business going.” — Then he suddenly calmed down and continued in a tired, pleading voice: “I don’t care. If he can make me walk again I will give him anything he wants. Anything, you understand? What is your rate?” — Andrew was still smiling: “My Master does not want your gold. What you must give is your faith. That you believe he can heal you. And you must also feel truly sorry for your greed at that time in Bethlehem. You must feel truly sorry that you missed the chance to love that wonderful baby.” — With both hands before his eyes the old man sobbed: “Oh, I do, I do believe and I do feel sorry. So terribly, terribly sorry. ..” Then he looked up to Andrew: “But will he come? Can you make him come? To me? After all I have done to him?” — “Of course, he will come. I don’t have to make him come. I tell you, he is already on his way to you.” Andrew turned to leave: “Just one more word: don’t forget what your name means, Lael: Lael — ‘belonging to God.’ You cannot get lost. You belong to God. Peace be with you, Lael!” And the man who first missed the wonderful baby of Bethlehem was about to find his Savior at last. PROTESTANT BALL The 24th Annual Hungarian Protestant Ball was held on Friday, November 11, at Wayne Manor, Wayne, NJ. The Ball was established by clergy and laymen in order to provide scholarships to Hungarian students already enrolled in a college or university and provide assistance to further their studies. The Scholarship Award Committee consists of the following: Rev. Stefan M. Török, President, Miss Priscilla Hunyady, Co-Ordinator, Rev. Imre Bertalan, Rev. Gábor Csordás, László Eszenyi, István Gróf-Tisza, Dr. Ottó Hámos, Rév. László Hunyady, Rév. Gábor G. Nitsch, Rév. Barnabás Rőczey, Joseph F. Tegze, Árved Teleki, Dr. Balázs Somogyi, Rev. Dr. Francis Vitéz. The Award Comittee asked Rev. Zoltán Király to serve from this moment on. The evening started with a delicious home style dinner served to everyone’s satisfaction. Following the dinner permission was granted to open the Ball, and the following debutantes were presented: Elizabeth Dudásh escorted by Mark L. Hevessy, Zsuzsánna Király escorted by George Dózsa, II, and Karen Harkel escorted by Christian Varga. Following the opening ceremonies the Award Committee met to evaluate the applications received. After a close examination of the scholarship applications, we found that 4 applicants were from Hight School students who were not eligible for scholarship after the practice of the Ball. Four applications received from students already enrolled in colleges were recommended by the Committee for scholarships. The presentation was made during a special time to the following: Elizabeth Dudás of South Norwalk, Conn., Stephen Lipoczky of New Brunswick, NJ, Helen Jenkins of Perth Amboy, NJ and Ilona Vitéz, formerly of Perth Amboy, now living with her parents in Santa Barbara, CA. A special entertainment segment was offered for everyone’s enjoyment by the Vadrózsa Dance Ensemble, and music was provided by the Hungária Orchestra. Attendance at the affair was very good, however, participation was only from a few churches and other organizations. All attending had a wonderful time. I encourage all area churches to make every effort to make our 25th Anniversary Hungarian Protestant Ball the most successful ever. Plans include relocating the Hungarian Ball to a more prestigious place and inviting all former debutantes and scholarship recipients. I hope that this worthwhile cause and affair will grow and will continue to serve the good of our young people. I bid farewell to you until next time. On behalf of the Organizing Committee: Rev. Stefan M. Török, President
