Reformation 500

If you are a Lutheran, you’d have to be asleep to not notice that 2017 is 500th anniversary of the Reformation.  Very specifically, on October 31, 500 years ago, Martin Luther nailed his 95 Theses on how to reform the church, on the church door in Wittenberg. 

It seems to me that we love to celebrate our past. We love to celebrate the thing that makes us different, that great moment in history in which we have a part. History is grand, and it does remind us where we came from, and it helps us to see this story as part of our story. In my opinion, though, history only helps us if we can learn from it and move forward into the future with insight and wisdom.   

For a few years now the ELCIC has been emphasizing the theme of Liberated by God’s Grace. Another way to phrase this is “set free by the grace of God.” But I ask you, in true Lutheran style, what does this mean?  What are we set free to do? To be? How does God’s grace free us to live?   At the national convention this summer in Winnipeg, National Bishop Susan Johnson, in her report to the delegates said this: “We are not just a church… that looks back to the events of our founding, we are a church that God is calling into a challenging uncertain future, but with the promise that God’s hand is leading us and God’s spirit is guiding us.”  

Taking the advice of our National Bishop, it would appear that we are free to do… anything! That’s not very comforting to me.  However, with God’s hand guiding us, and God’s grace in our hearts and lives, it’s only reasonable to believe that God’s grace will spill onto our hands and we will then be inspired to offer God’s goodness to those we meet.  

Our denomination is commemorating an act, that 500 years ago was trying to enhance and enrich the church to better follow the generosity of God’s grace. As a church that shares the name of Martin Luther, we must also keep reforming, growing and learning what God offers us and the world.  

Peace and Blessings,

Pastor Nadine