May 4, 2015 – “L” is for Luther

Here is a passage of a sermon preached by Martin Luther on Easter Sunday in 1538:

“The second point, that is more important and necessary, and on account of which the narrative has been recorded and is preached, is the power, benefit and comfort of the joyous resurrection of the Lord; and the use we are to make of the same faith. Concerning this Paul and all the apostles and the entire Scriptures teach and preach gloriously and richly; but most gloriously of all did Christ the Lord himself preach, when he manifested himself first of all to the women. Therefore, in order that we too may hear and gather something useful from it, let us consider the words Christ spoke unto Mary Magdalene, as recorded in the Gospel according to John 20:17: “Touch me not; for I am not yet ascended unto the Father; but go unto my brethren, and say to them, I ascend unto my Father and your Father, and my God and your God.”

This is the first sermon our Lord delivered after his resurrection and, without doubt, also the most comforting; although in words very brief, but exceedingly kind and tender, and spoken first of all to his beloved Mary Magdalene, and through her also to his disciples after their deep woe, grief and sorrow, caused by his departure and death, that he might comfort and gladden them by his resurrection. And since this Mary is far more deeply and tenderly concerned about the Lord than the others, and is first at the grave to anoint the body of Christ with costly spices; and especially because, when she fails to find him, she is frightened and bewildered, deeply troubled and in tears, supposing him to have been taken away; therefore, he permits her to enjoy this evidence of his love, in that he appears first of all to her, comforting her in her fears, and preaching this beautiful sermon, which we will now consider.” (A beautiful Easter sermon delivered in the presence of the Elector of Saxony. Dr. Martin Luther, Wittenberg, 1538)

Martin Luther lived from 1483 – 1546. He is well-known for a number of writings and actions. He nailed the 95 theses on the door of the church in Wittenberg; 95 complaints with the Catholic Church – the church that Martin loved. He wrote the Small and Large Catechism – teaching tools for families and pastors alike. He, along with Calvin and Melanchthon were considered major participants in the reformation. Luther did not hope to have a church named in his honor, he just wanted to reform the church he loved and had served for so many years.

Early in the Reformation, on April 4, 1523 (the day before Easter that year and six years after the 95 These were circulated) twelve Cistercian nuns escaped from their cloister at Nimbschen. With the help of Leonard Kopp, a citizen of Torgau, they made their way to Wittenberg in three days. The twelve nuns simply rode inside a covered wagon hidden from the watchful eyes of the cloister’s guardian monks. Once they reached Wittenberg, the nuns came under the protection of Martin Luther, the leader of the Reform movement in Germany. He agreed to help them, even though the penalty for aiding runaway nuns was death under both Canon and Civil Law. Soon, some of the women rejoined their families, some became governesses, and some married. One of the women was a bit of a problem – Katherine von Bora was past the normal age for marriage. She still managed to attract a suitor, Jerome Baumgartner, whom she also loved, but the match never came to pass because the man’s family objected to his marriage to a renegade nun. Late in 1524 efforts began to find Katherine another suitor, efforts that she firmly resisted. Then she stated her willingness to marry either Luther or his associate, Nicholas von Amsdorf. A confirmed bachelor, Luther agreed that at the age of forty-two, the time was right for him to wed. So on June 13, 1525, the ex-monk and the ex-nun wed. Their marriage did blossom into a relationship which was equally beneficial – Luther the theologian and teacher – Katie the cook and brewer – students would come to their table to be fed physically, spiritually, and intellectually.

Take some time this week to consider Martin Luther, or read something written by Luther – maybe even return to the Small Catechism — which many of you have not read since your own confirmation.

Pastor Dave