The Bethlen Home Messenger, 2000-2001 (1-4. szám)

2001-02-01 / 2. szám

from tïje beök of 3&eb. J&ícfjolaő iBotmk

A NEW CENTURY- OR JUST A RE-RUN OF THE LAST?

Jesus said to the eleven disciples: "All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. Go therefore, and make disciples of all nations...teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you; and Io, I am with you always, to the end of time."

(Matthew 28:18-20)

Stephen Hawking, the noted British scientist, predicts that someone will successfully design an improved human race by the next millennium. He said humans should improve their mental and physical capabilities. Evidently, the process of natural selection "- as observed by Darwin some 150 years ago is not working fast enough to ensure the survival of the fittest", and Mother Nature can use a helping hand to make the new century a time of real progress.

We wish the good scientists well in their benevolent endeavors, even if we do not hope to see the endresult ourselves. Perhaps our grandchildren will.

Our task, our program, was clearly stated by the Lord Jesus Christ, which is primarily spiritual. For we perceive the new century as yet another extension of God's mercy for all mankind. We do appreciate all efforts that work for a healthier body and a more capable mind, as Jesus himself was tireless in his healing ministry. But, all these will remain meaningless unless, through penitence and gratitude, they help us to gain a new heart of faith and love.

"Go, and make disciples of all nations" - these are the words of the Great Commission of the church. Actually, this was not the first time when Jesus gave this mission to his followers. On one occasion, the 12 apostles, and another time, the 70 disciples - "were sent out to proclaim" the Gospel, to heal the sick by the power of His name and win hearts for the Kingdom of God. What is new in this statement at the conclusion of Matthews' Gospel are the scope and dimension. The very words must have surprised, - if not stunned the little band of Galilean fishermen. The Risen Lord, who conquered the last and greatest enemy, Death itself - now indeed has ALL the power and authority in heaven and on earth. The very dimensions of this claim surpass our comprehension. And rightly so, because the outer limits of the mission field equal the ends of the world! That is where ALL the nations live.

Yet Jesus is not expecting us to shoulder and accomplish the impossible. In the Book of Acts we read: "You shall be my witnesses - in Jerusalem in Judea and Samaria, - and (then) - in all the world". Translated into our time and place, this means: (1) the community where we live, and (2) the nation to which we belong. And, vitally important, the private lives of our families, the public image of the political arena, the brazen exploitation of a captive clientele by the oil and gas companies, the drug manufacturers, the insurance peddlers and the dismal state of the educational system - all "need something to be done" - What an understatement! What a sheepish, puerile lamentation! "Something..."

In all humility before the Throne of God, and without any apology to any man - we happen to know the name of that certain "something" that can save this generation from the needless tragedy of a total bankruptcy. "All that I have commanded you" - said Jesus. "Teach them" - after you have learned to practice them yourselves". Principles. Moral principles, like fairness and honesty. Like discipline, beginning with self-discipline, not by coercion, but voluntarily, as it becomes of men so proud of their hard-earned freedoms. Even regulation, if need be, but no regimentation, please... The use of plain common sense ~ fast becoming a rare commodity. Put the cynical atheist philosopher Nietzsche to shame, who wrote: "Christians should be more redeemed before I believe in their Redeemer".

I know that reading all this in the newsletter of a nursing home may sound to some people unusual. - What can our wheel-chaired resident do about such a mountain of an agenda? Prayers cannot move mountains! But, God can. - who hears and answers their prayers! A new century, or just a re-run of the last one?