Reformátusok Lapja, 1972 (72. évfolyam, 1-7. szám)

1972-04-01 / 4. szám

REFORMÁTUSOK LAPJA

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converted to gains, liabilities into assets, minuses into pluses and negativism into positivism. Finally, in overcoming and overpowering his deficit, Beethoven could claim masterful victory over the loss sustained, and therewith affirm his triumph and subsequent joy — much like the victor he was amidst the strife in his own life and world.

But above all, we must ever be mindful of that even greater example set for us — that of Jesus and the profound suffering that He experienced; the manner in which He faced each and every moment of His anguish and agony serves us still today to help us live better lives and become better persons in many possible ways, since all those who love the Lord — no matter how much they suffer — will be certain to lead happy lives.

Parallel examples to the theme of suffering and joy can also be noted in other lives, such as in Paul’s, who became a changed person from the way of life he followed prior to his experience on the road to Damascus — that is, from being a former persecutor, to thereafter becoming one who was to be persecuted for his words and beliefs in behalf of Christ. For the converted Paul, the suffering was no burden at all — but simply one of joy, which was now the least he could do in furthering the Lord’s work.

In addition, we can see much the same kinds of qualities in other lives, such as with disciples, reformers and constructivists — among whom merely a few are able to be mentioned herewith, but nevertheless whose courage and tenacity cannot go unheralded at this time; for example: the apostles, Martin Luther, Ulrich Zwingli, John Calvin, George Washington Carver, Albert Schweitzer, Ralph Bunche, Marie Curie, Florence Nightingale, Sojourner Truth, Harriet Tubman and Clara Barton. There are many more who ought to be included in any list of individuals whose lives have been so greatly affected when they had taken suffering and used it as a basis in sublimation and transcendance to joy. Therefore, if this attainment was shown to be possible in the lives of all of these persons, then it can so be true in our very own lives also for each and everyone who will only but try.

So may we then all take heed from the relating of these discourses, possibly gaining some measure of sustenance and hope in order to help us meet the challenges throughout our daily lives, in attempting to overcome the hurdles and obstacles encountered as we progress toward worthy goals for not only the affirmation of joy but also, confirmation of joy!

Now, may our dear Lord grant to us joy and

peace, ever and all ways, Amen.

Madeline Takacs Barboe 1 2

1 “Hymn to Joy,” Ludwig van Beethoven, 1824; Henry van Dyke, 1907; The Hymnal, St. Louis: Eden Publishing House, 1957, p. 21.

2 The Encyclopedia Americana, Vol. Ill, 1962, New York: Americana Corporation, pp. 436-440.

Human Experience Interpreted and Depicted by PaintenSculptor, Eva De Nagy

“The bread symbolizes spiritual as well as material needs,” Eva De Nagy commented.

She was speaking about one of her oil paintings, “Our Daily Bread,” which depicts the act of hands breaking bread with dramatic simplicity, and the silver chalice represents the wine. It reminds us of the sacrament of Holy Communion at the same time that it so beautifully and effectively illustrates the common act of breaking bread. The common and the sacred, demonstrated artistically here as in life, are never far distant one from the other.

In referring to one of her exhibits, “God and Man in Art,” the Hungarian-born artist said, “Through this exhixit I’m aiming to encourage communication between art and the church.” The exhibit, planned in conjunction with Easter, showed with realism the life of Chrst through the Annunciation, His parables, His Triumphs, His sufferings and His Resurrection as interpreted and painted by Eva De Nagy. “I want to bring the full impact of the life of Christ to the viewer of this exhibition,” she said.

The biblical verse, “And Jesus said, ‘Father, forgive them, for they know not what they do,’” (Luke 23:34) inspired Miss De Nagy to create the painting, “On the Cross.”

As a realistic painter, who combines her academic