Magyar Egyház, 2002 (81. évfolyam, 1-3. szám)
2002 / 3. szám
8. oldal MAGYAR EGYHÁZ A SHOWER IS COMING Jesus also said to the multitudes: “When you see a cloud rising in the west, you say at once A shower is coming’; and so it happens. And when you see the south wind blowing, you say ‘There will be scorching heat’; and it happens. You hypocrites! You know how to interpret the appearance of earth and sky; but do you not know how to interpret the present time?” (Lk 12.54-56) There was neither a systematic measuring of weather data or any satellite pictures. But even at the time of Jesus people had developed a certain capacity to predict the weather of the next day. Those who were able to read the signs properly were in a position to say what kind of weather the next day would bring. Jesus recognized this ability. But in his eyes the real challenge was elsewhere. What is required is “to read the signs of the time”. What gain is it to be able to predict tomorrow’s weather, if we are unable to understand what is at stake in the present hour for our future? Signs play a decisive role in human life. Again and again we are confronted with the question as to how “signs”, i.e., events that occur in our life, are to be interpreted - an illness, a victory or a defeat, a disappointment, or whatever else we may experience. Ultimately, in everything that we experience is hidden a message from God. As in a mirror we are shown who we are and where we stand. A secret voice addresses us, pointing to the way which we are to choose. Through signs we are given guidance. Signs are opportunities. For years, we have been warned that the climate system will lose its present equilibrium if we are not prepared to reduce drastically our emissions of greenhouse gases. It becomes ever more manifest that we are pursuing a suicidal course. But we continue to ignore the signs. As in Jesus’ time we are satisfied with forecasts for tomorrow’s weather, but close our eyes to the long-term danger. You hypocrites! Why is it so difficult to recognize the signs for what they are really saying? The answer is obvious: because God’s voice is at first sight contrary to the dynamics of human life. God invites us to a life in love, sufficiency and solidarity. This implies a conversion. Is it therefore not a normal first reaction to close one’s eyes? The trouble is that in doing so we close our eyes to God’s gift of life. Through the parable, Jesus urges us to overcome this first reaction and to listen to the secret voice of God’s love. Lukas Vischer THE BETHLEN HOME Celebrating the past and building for the future. On December 19, 1907, an explosion occurred in the Darr Coal Mine of Allegheny County, PA. Killed that day were 239 miners, many of whom were Hungarian immigrants. The disaster widowed some 50 Hungarian women and orphaned over 100 Hungarian children. Deep down in the Darr Mine that day, a Hungarian miner prayed for the family he would never see in this life again. “God, be with them and take care of them after I am gone...” God answered this miner’s prayer, and He answered the prayers of many immigrant families, when, in February of 1921, a house and two acres of land were purchased in Ligonier, PA, and when, on July 4th of that same year, The Bethlen Home was dedicated and opened. Since its dedication, The Bethlen Home has housed and nurtured more than 1600 children. Since the establishment of The Bethlen Home for the Aged in 1931, many more adults from the Ligonier Valley and from points throughout North America, have felt the love of God through the physical, spiritual and emotional care given here. And, since construction of the first cottages some 20 years ago, many have found peaceful, secure retirement here. This year, The Bethlen Home marks the 81st Anniversary of its founding. We thank God for the many blessings He has shared with His people during these 81 years. We thank God for the support of our Hungarian Reformed Churches, pastors and leaders. And, as did our ancestors two generations ago, we pray for the future. The Bethlen Home has embarked upon a major expansion of its facilities and its ministry. On June 1, 2001, The Bethlen Home purchased the Ligonier Gardens, a modern personal care home located in Ligonier Borough. In the near future, we will begin construction of our new nursing home and dementia care facility. Gift funding of $3 million or more will be needed to support this $14 million project. Once the new facility is complete and our residents move in, the old nursing home will become a conference and cultural center, dedicated to God for use by our Hungarian Reformed Churches, the American Hungarian people and the residents of the beautiful Ligonier Valley. We invite you to join us in celebrating the past and in building for the future. Rev. Imre Bertalan, Jr. Executive Director
