Calvin Synod Herald, 2008 (109. évfolyam, 1-10. szám)
2008-07-01 / 7-8. szám
CALV IN SYNOD HERALD 5 The Pride and Price of Patriotism Scripture reading: Luke 7:1-10. Text: “When Jesus had finished saying all this in the hearing of the people, he entered Capernaum. There a centurion’s servant, whom his master valued highly, was sick and about to die. The centurion heard of Jesus and sent some elders of the Jews to him, asking him to come and heal his servant. When they came to Jesus, they pleaded earnestly with him, ‘This man deserves to have you do this, because HE LOVES OUR NATION and has built our synagogue.”’ Luke 7:1-5. As we are making preparation to celebrate Independence Day we wish to do more than attending a parade, participate in a picnic, display our national flag, and agree with the patriotic articles published in our local news paper. I would not dare to claim that I know more about Independence Day and what it symbolizes than you do, however, I humbly ask you, please come along and let us unfold together what are involved in our freedom, liberty, independence, and democracy. Independence - Liberty - Freedom - Democracy These four concepts are inseparable, and if just one of them is denied or taken away the other three will be severely curtailed. How can we have a democratic government where there is no free election and a dictator rules mercilessly? When we lose our independence we also lose our privilege and right to govern ourselves, we are simply told what to do. Those who disobey will be ruthlessly punished. Freedom is not “totally free” because for our liberty and independence our forefathers have made the utmost sacrifice. We cannot have freedom without unceasing vigilance, talented leaders, brave soldiers, courageous heroes, and enthusiastic, supporting citizens. The Jewish leaders had testified before Jesus about the Roman centurion: “he loves our nation.” Is it sufficient for us that we only “love our own nation” and do not care about what it means to be patriotic; that is to be tax-paying, law-abiding, nationdefending, government-supporting, leaders-following citizens? Not from the viewpoint of political science or sociology but for our own information let us try to answer these questions as best as we can. To start, some ideas are quoted and provided. • What is the NATION? Webster New World College Dictionary: “A stable historically developed community of people with a territory, economic life, distinctive culture, and language in common.” • What is the STATE? From Webster Dictionary, among other definitions: “The political organization constituting the basis of civil government.” • What is the GOVERNMENT? From Webster Dictionary: “The exercise of authority over a state, district, organization, institution, etc.; direction, control, management.” Also: “The right, functions, or power of governing.” • What is the SOCIETY? From Webster Dictionary: “A group of persons regarded as forming a single community, especially as forming a distinct social or economic class.” Also: “The system or condition of living together as a community in such a group.” • Who are the CITIZENS? Our own definition: the constituting persons who are individually parts of - and integrated into - the nation, state, and society. As a citizen of the U.S.A. do you willingly recite the pledge of allegiance and pay taxes? • What is PATRIOTISM? Our obligations, responsibilities, and our commitments we should possess, practice, and offer toward our country. Just to display the flag of our nation is insufficient. How do we feel when our sons, brothers, or fathers are asked to serve our country as soldiers far away, even risking their lives by following orders? • What does our HERITAGE teach us? What we have received from our forefathers as a precious legacy we should keep and save, as well as to pass on to the next generation. • Our PRIVILEGES and OBLIGATIONS concerning our country. Our nation cannot prosper if we wish only to RECEIVE and have nothing to offer in RETURN. These two should be in balance. Whoever has received MORE from our country should give back ACCORDINGLY. What assistance could the church offer to help the faithfuls (and other people, as much as possible) become good, loyal, and law-abiding citizens of our country? “Blessed is the nation whose God is the LORD, the people he chose for his inheritance.” Psalm 33:12. Rev. Alexander Jalso First Hungarian Reformed Church of Homestead Munhall, Pennsylvania Rev. Kovács’ Retirement Announcement Dear Friends in Christ: I have tendered my resignation to retire from the churches Woodbridge and Perth Amboy, NJ, effective 31 July 2008. The former concludes 18 years of ministry, with 2 years as the pastor of the latter congregation. The Bishop has been notified of the impending pulpit vacancies. Theresa and I have been making arrangements to move to the Bethlen Cottages at Ligonier, PA, and so to stay in touch with our Hungarian Reformed churches and colleagues. As we witness to the grace and power of our Lord daily, I pray that the power of the living word may be manifested through you, that His people might be built up unto salvation to the glory of God. Rev. Albert W. Kovács Hungarian Reformed Church Woodbridge, New Jersey □ □□
