Calvin Synod Herald, 1987 (87. évfolyam, 1-5. szám)

1987 / 3. szám

CALVIN SYNOD HERALD

REFORMÁTUSOK LAIMA

Sermonette

Scripture reading: 2 Corinthians 12:1-10. Text: “Then Jesus told His disciples, ‘If man would come after me, let him deny himself and take up his cross and follow

me." Matthew 16:24.

As we start this new year I hope that the message will touch your heart, not because of its uniqueness or newness, but by dealing with one of man’s agelong desires, to obtain, wield and enjoy power.

MAN S UNQUENCHABLE THIRST FOR POWER

The chief priests and the elders defiantly asked Jesus, "By what authority are you doing these signs, and who gave you this authority?” Matthew 21:23

If you check any reference book which deals with quotations, you will find so many remarks and observations about power. For instance: “Power tends to corrupt; absolute power corrupts absolutely.” Lord Acton; “The greater the powers, the more dangerous the abuse." Edmund Burke; “Power is sweet; it is the drug, the desire for which increases with the habit.” Bertrand Russel; "Power is always right, weakness always wrong. Power is always insolent and despotic.” Noah Webster; “Lust of power is the most flagrant of all the passions.” Tacitus: Annals; “Power invariably means both responsibilitys and danger.” Theodore Roosevelt . "Power will intoxicate the best hearts, as wine the strongest heads. No man is wise enough, nor good enough to be trusted with unlimited power.” Charles C. Colton: “The attempt to combine wisdom and power has only rarely been successful and only for a short time." Albert Einstein

LIMITATION - HANDICAP - CROSS

It is well known that anything without limitation is unfavorable. Eating or dieting, courage or caution, abundance or frugality are dangerous when carried to extremes. Stopping at the limit is one of the greatest wisdoms.

Our Lord using the symbols of His time said: “Come to me. all who labor and are heavy laden and I will give

i

i

j

i

i

Í

Í

i

Í

I

i

i

I

JL

vou rest. Take my yoke upon you, and learn from me; for I am gentile and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yolk is easy and my burden is light." Matthew 11:28.

It shall also be obvious that legislation cannot set up the proper limitations for every person and for each case. There must be some guidelines, basic concept, and common sense which will tell us where does too much begin.

Most of us are handicapped in one way or another.

Very few can boast with a perfect body, attractive appearance and gifted mind. If nothing else, then age will take its toll sooner or later.

If you think that is is unfair to be handicapped, that is to be disadvantaged, then remember what apostle Paul wrote: ‘‘...a thorn was given me in the flesh...Three times I besought the Lord about this, that is should leave me, but He said to me, 'My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness." 2 Corinthians 12:7-9.

How many of us have to put up with and endure a "thorn in the flesh" or tolerate humiliation? If you suffer from a physical problem or your peace of mind is under pressure, please remember, you are not alone and probably a nice smile is nothing else but a camouflage for a bleeding heart.

Only in the spiritual life is the cross known. Limitations are given by life. You could have been born with a handicap but it is your free will to take up your cross. In this our Lord set the best example. He carried His cross physically as well as mentally and spiritually.

What is specifically your cross I cannot tell you, but you will know it if you care enough to find out!

As we start the new year there are two opposite directions. One is forgetting the cross, fighting the handicap (thorn), and eliminating the limitations (volk) and when everybody succeeded doing so you will see the result! Or we can go the way the Bible teaches us - respect the limitations t yolk), tolerate being handicapped (thorn', and take up your cross and at the end of the year we will have reasons to be thankful. j

ALEXANDERJALSO

CALVIN UNITED PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH

Civil disobedience

Two Ohio ministers and 30 other UCC members were required by a Superior Court judge to pay into a “Victims of Crime Fund” as a result of an act deemed civil disobedience.

In early April, Dr. Thomas Dipko, Ohio Conference Minister, and Naida Sutch, Minister for Social and Educational Concerns, and 30 other UCC members, were arrested in the Capitol in Washington, D.C. on the charge of civil disobedience. The group was holding a prayer service in the Capitol’s rotunda as part of a Lenten Witness for Justice and Peace in Central America. They were kneeling and praying, said

Dipko, “in memory of the men, women and children who have died as a result of our government’s support of the contra guerillas.”

In late April, the group appeared before a judge of the Superior Court of the District of Columbia. He told them their actions constituted “obstructing and demonstrating” in an illegal matter.

The Judge required each person to pay $10 into the crime fund. Each person was placed on probation for six months, but without the requirement of supervision. He also imposed a sentence of 20 days in prison, suspended in its entirety. united church news

■ MEDICAL COSTS for AIDS victims are soaring, according to a recent issue of USA Today. The newspaper reports that the number of AIDS victims and the cost of their medical care is expected to increase tremendously by 1991.

The average victim spends $75,000 on medical care, and the bills can total as much as $200,000. Presently there are 30,839 cases of AIDS. It has been predicted by the Centers for Disease Control that by 1991 approximately 270,000 cases will be reported.

Few insurers want to spend the amount of money required to handle the cases, so victims of the disease are finding it almost impossible to buy coverage. fraternal monitor