The Bethlen Home Messenger, 1991-1992 (1-4. szám)
1992-03-01 / 2. szám
complete love Spring is that long awaited season that somehow makes the winter months seem worthwhile. We also think of Spring as a time to renew ourselves in our faith, especially during the Easter Season. Many times we tend to forget the true meaning of Easter and why Christ died for us. Listed below are several poems that remind us of the true meaning of the Easter Season. TWO MOTHERS Two mothers sat 'neath an olive tree discussing their sons very earnestly. One woman said, and her head was held proud. “Our sons are both handsome; they stand out in a crowd.” The other assented and said with a sigh. “How they have grown as years hasten by. 1 can recall when my son was a lad. he strayed from our group, far from me and his dad. “We feared we had lost him and traced our steps once again; We discovered him questioning some very learned men. We scolded him sharply and told him that we were frantic and worried, complaining that he must stay with his friends, not stray and forget. His answer ama/ed us; he had no regret. He spoke like a ‘father’, not a son of our own; I'll always remember even though he is grown.” A smile, oh. so slight, crossed the face of the other. “1 do understand; it’s so hard for a mother. My Judas is clever, alert and quite bright, he handles his money with shrewdest insight. He's also successful in practising skills of being a leader; he bends people's wills; dynamic, magnetic, ambitious is he. he strengthens the pride of his father and me.” The first woman shaded her eyes with her shawl. “My son isn't interested in money at all! He’d rather be sailing the rough Galilee or gathering the children round about on his knee. Although he is gentle, he's very brave, too; he has steadfastness, firmness, a purpose to do. He says what he means, and he quotes only truth, to rich men and beggars, the old and youth.” The sun bla/ed on hotter, and both women thought they had better bring back the water they sought. So each mother lifted a jug to her head and smiled with affection. Then one of them said, “It was nice to have met you, since our boys are good friends." The other smiled sadly, “Sometimes 1 wonder how it all ends.” On top of a hill lay a rough hewn cross. The man had helped bring it there; He’s been convicted in an angry court in a trial that just wasn’t fair. A leather whip with metal tips had been used, and His back was torn; Blood trickled from wounds on His head from a crown of thorns that was worn. His face was swollen and bleeding. His lips were all bruised and dry; The people jeered, the soldiers pushed. All shouted,“Today He must die.” They shoved Him roughly against the cross, pounded nails through His hands and feet; A sign was added, KING OF THE JEWS, the words could be seen from the street. He clenched His teeth in agony when the cross was dropped in its holes; The length of His aching body seemed to shiver as if very cold. He gazed at the people beneath Him and cried out to His Father above; He asked that they might be forgiven because of His mercy and love. There was a cross on either side, on each hung a common thief; “We should be here, but not Him," said one who was filled with grief. "Remember me in Your kingdom," said the same thief, now w ith regret; “Today you will be in paradise,” The Lord replied as their eyes met. He hung there suspended for hours, enduring the intense pain of the cross; He could have been freed by angels, but He knew mankind would suffer the loss. “It is finished,” Jesus sighed as He drew in His last, labored breath; The bonds of sin were loosened from the world at the moment of His death. A soldier thrust a spear in His side, as scripture proclaimed from the start; Blood and water flowed from the wound, showing proof of His broken heart. Yes. Jesus bore the sins of the world on a cross some folks call a tree; And died to give us eternal life, because He loves both vou and me. EASTER BLESSINGS by Mamie Ozhurn Odum May this Easter message bring All the beauty of the spring. May every Easter wish come true And beauty of the old renew. May wonders of this Eastertide Fill hearts with hope, and peace abide. May Easter seasons grow more dear With faith and trust throughout the year. And may this coming Easter find Love in the heart of all Mankind.
