Hungarian Church Press, 1950 (2. évfolyam, 4-13. szám)

1950-04-01 / 6. szám

Hungarian ^hurch Pr«ss

old generation should learn from Elijah that, while putting onefs self wholly at disposal, and being ready to pause and listen, one should ask the new generation: "What shall I do for thee". There are grand occasions in human life when, in the service of great causes, one should stand ready to do everything, - to give one's life, if necessary, or, to keep quiet and stand still? if necessary. He that really loves, must be ready for giving everything, - and also for not being able to give anything. If it is true what, I have said of the generations' succession to-day, i.e,, that it entailed a much sharper change than any before, then it is also true that parents and teachers have never been given tasks requiring more humility and love than ever before.

And now let us speak about the new generation. Elisha's answer was this: "I pray thee, let the double portion of thy spirit be upon me", This answer actually says, by implication; "You want to do something for me. Really, there is nothing you could do for me. You want to help me.

But there is just one thing that I really need, and you cannot give me this. The double portion of your spirit, that is what I need. And, as a matter of fact, that is not yours; it is God's Spirit which was given to you. You cannot do anything for me. Your advices, your experiences, your culture, your wisdom will be of no avail on the road that winds before me, I shall need the spirit which enabled you to make the journey which was too great for you, the spirit which gave strength to survive the three years' drought, the spirit by the power of which you saved, from famine, the poor widow of Zarephath, the spirit by which you defeated Baal's prophets. This is what I need". This answer involves a sentence and a request.

A sentence for it implies that man - even Elijah - is unable to give what Elisha roally needs. Yet it is still a request.

Will this be the answer of the new generation?

On looking at us, the rising generation will certa.inly be able say that part of this answer which is a sentence. A hard but just sentence* A hard one, for it says that all we could give you from ourselves would be useless on your journey. You do not need us. How could it be anything but hard and painful when it is pronounced by Elisha over Elijah, by the child over the parents, by the pupil over the teacher. Harder than any sentence v/e ever received before. It is a hard sentence to realize that wc were sifted by the war, it is a still harder sentence to see, the sprouting new life,after the war, is a refutation of much of what we held to be true and right before, but these are nothing in comparison to the sentence of having to confess to our own children: We were wrong! But it is a just sentence! Por while you are looking back to us from the threshold of the new age - we are running out of breath trying to kee'p up with you, while knowing, at the same time that wo shall never overtake you, the distance