10242020 – John 8. 31-36
As Lutherans, we know “a little something-something” about Martin Luther. And of course, some of us know “more than others…”
Luther’s father Hans, prospered in “the local copper-refining business” and was a councilor for the town of Mansfeld, Germany.
We know Luther was very smart and highly intelligent…and excelled in all of his studies.
He was fortunate enough to attend the University of Erfurt, U OF E, (at that time) one of the most influential and distinguished universities in all of Germany.
We know further that he followed a LIBERAL ARTS degree and received his BACHELORS and quickly followed that up with a MASTER’S degree.
Having graduated from the ARTS faculty, Luther was then eligible to pursue GRADUATE study in one of the three “higher disciplines” LAW, MEDICINE or THEOLOGY. That was it. You had three choices!
There were no other…NONE!
In accordance with the wishes and desires of “DADDY,” he immediately entered the School of Law.
Records actually show that he WAS NOT ELIGIBLE for any financial aid or assistance because his parents were TOO WELL OFF…
Six weeks into his studies, he CHANGED DIRECTION and entered into the monastery in Erfurt. It was to be an Augustinian order.
His parents were furious!
“DUDE, how many times can you CHANGE your major?” You can’t be a college student for life! And what’s up NOW with being a monk?
His explanation for his “ABRUPY change of heart” was that a VIOLENT ELECTRICAL THUNDERSTORM near the village of Stotternheim had TERRIFIED him to such a degree — that he INVOLUNTARILY vowed to become a monk IF HE SURVIVED IT! (Which of course, he did.) He even prayed to St. Anne, the mother of the Virgin Mary to intercede on his behalf.
Because his VOW was clearly made “under a great amount of DURESS,” he could easily have easily IGNORED IT. BECAUSE that’s what people did then, and still do today. Sorry, God, I was just kidding…LOL
The fact that he DID NOT, indicated that the “thunderstorm experience” was only a catalyst for – much deeper motivations.
Luther’s father was “understandably ANGRY” with him for abandoning a “PRESTIGIOUS and LUCRATIVE career in law” in favor of the monastery.
Especially when he found out that all the school tuition fees, book fees, and meal fees were non-refundable…just kidding…(I added that part)
Being a MONK was not enough, he was ordained a priest. Being a PRIEST was not enough, he went on for his DOCTORATE in Theology…and ultimately received and achieved the “Theological Chair at Wittenberg University” – where he taught Biblical Studies.
In the fall of 1517 an “OSTENSIBLY INNOCULOUS EVENT” quickly made Luther’s NAME a household word in all of Germany.
Completely IRRITATED by a guy by the name of Johann Tetzel, a Dominican Friar…who was reported to have preached frequently about “INDULGENCES,” Luther decided to do something about it.
Indulgences then were like your “get out of purgatory free card.” It lessened the time in purgatory and assured a “b-line for great beyond.” But it came at a cost. A HUGE COST for people living then.
Luther wanted an academic DEBATE on the subject at the University…and that’s when all – holy – heck – broke out…
MARTY said, “It was made up doctrine so that St. Peter’s in Rome could get a new face lift…pure and simple.” The faithful were being DUPED…and that ain’t right! It’s sick. And not in a good way.
Luther actually said, with an outside voice… “Why doesn’t the pope, whose wealth today is greater than the wealth of the richest Crassus, build the basilica of St. Peter with HIS OWN MONEY — rather than with the money of poor believers?” (End quote)
OH BOY, and that started the wheels a turning…and REFORM was in the air…
And as a result, there was a new breath of freedom that started to blow through the churches…and in the hearts and the minds of the faithful…
Windows and doors were opened…
People began to think for themselves…
People began to question…(including questioning authority)…and a movement began…
It was the Gospel.
It was “Good News…”
It was faith…active and alive…
It was Salvation as a gift.
Forgiveness as a gift…
Love as something that was unconditional…
The FREE GIFT of God for the people of God…
And for 500 years since, the world has never been the same. The truth WILL ALWAYS SET YOU FREE.
Amen.