Fraternity-Testvériség, 2005 (83. évfolyam, 1-4. szám)
2005-01-01 / 1. szám
Page 4 Fraternity- Testvériség ragyogása. Az Ige ajánlása, hogy a Krisztust követő keresztyének Filippiben és mindenütt figyeljenek az Ige tanítására. Probléma csak akkor keletkezik, amikor a „Jé- zusi indulat” helyébe önző emberi szándék lép. Azután nem kell csodálkozni a megtorpanáson, amit a keserű kiábrándulás követ. Csak Krisztussal, a feltámadott Urunkkal!- és csendesbékés lesz otthonunk. A különböző életstílust követők jobban egymásra találnak, széttagoltságában a Szentegyház, mint Krisztus teste egységes lesz. Gyülekezeteink Amerikában és Kanadában a nagy távolság ellenére is mindjobban összefognak. Az erősnek több alkalma nyílik az erőtlen megsegítésére, és nem lesz érthetetlen és távoli hangnak tűnő: „Egymás terhét hordozzátok és úgy töltsétek be a Krisztus törvényét". Egyre többen leszünk örömszerzők, gond és bánat aratók. Többet beszélünk a jóról és egymásért szüntelenül imádkozunk. Húsvétkor és az esztendő minden vasárnapján megtelnek templomaink bizonyságtevő lelkekkel és szívvel-lélekkel hálát adván örömteljes szívvel dicsérjük megváltó és oltalmazó Istenünket. Soha ne feledjük el: „...az az indulat legyen bennetek, mely volt a Jézus Krisztusban is... ” Szeretetteljes tisztelettel köszöntjük az Amerikai Magyar Refotmátus Egyesület vezetőségét és tagságát. Boldog húsvéti ünnepeket kívánunk. Testvéretek az Úr Jézus Krisztusban: Demeter Andor, püspök és Beke C. Antal, főgondnok Easter Greeting “He is not here; for He has risen.” Matthew records these astonishing words heard by Mary Magdalene and “the other Mary” on Easter morning. Now these two women, in their undying devotion, had been present at the crucifixion of Christ, they had witnessed His death on the cross, and they were also present and witnessed his entombment. These words were totally unexpected. The two women then departed with “fear and great joy,” and were met by Jesus, who reassured them: “Do not be afraid; go and tell my brethren...” Luke, however, tells us that they “...told this to the apostles, but these words seem to them an idle tale, and they did not believe them.” How sad that the greatest news of their lives was met with skepticism, not joy. The disciples, who had professed their allegiance to Jesus during their time with Him had almost immediately forgotten not only that “profession of faith,” but also His promise of being with them. It was those who showed their devotion to their Lord throughout His ordeal, those who stayed by His side, who had the faith to believe the “unbelievable” - “He is risen!” - and for them, it was a moment of tremendous JOY! We now celebrate this wonderful event at Easter. In our culture, the event is surrounded by many customs and celebrations which began with “Mardi Gras” and “Fat Tuesday,” and then the more sedate “Ash Wednesday” observances. In our Reformed tradition, “The First Sunday in Lent” is the occasion of one of our six yearly meetings at the Lord’s Table for the Sacrament of Holy Communion, when we remember this sacred gift Christ gave to us. For the next six weeks, we are reminded of Jesus’ life, His work, His teachings, and then the great day of His arrival in Jerusalem on Palm Sunday when the multitudes of Jerusalem greeted Him with anticipation and joy. But often we treat these reminders as if they were bits of history sprinkled in our cultural and religious observances, not as opportunities for renewing our relationship with our Lord who brings us together. But the opportunity to renew a relationship with Christ is the reason for the preparation, and when our preparation brings us closer to our Lord not just in thought and word but also in deed, then the Easter Morning celebration will bring new meaning to our lives. The disciples “loved the Lord” in their own way, but the active love and caring of Mary Magdalene and the other Mary made the difference in how they greeted the resurrected Lord Jesus Christ with their lives. Let us emulate those who stayed with Him in all that they did. As a community of Christians, that is our commitment, and by following our commitment to Him, our Easter Celebration will be a Celebration of newness of life with the living presence of the Risen Christ himself! Rí. Rev. Koloman Karl Ludwig, Bishop, Calvin Synod /fmeiiátii "TKaytpvi TRefrmndtud SyqedäCet 'pötidytvidelöi éd mcutáatáidvU 'Keílemed "ítyúdvéti TimiefieJxt éwátmaÁ Of éd (íanátfMúÁ. Ttütioml Őpicéid., ^omd 'Di’iecto-id. 'ífyome Office SwfrÍMfeed, SkmcA 'JKvuuzqcu eutd /tywtd t&e 'ífyutupziúiK “i^efrimed '^edevztiou fímetica coidA a Sajtéi fo itd mem&end euid (pimeU.
