December 30, 2022 – Christmas +5 Days

John Wycliffe, Priest

“Six days later, Jesus took with him Peter and James and John, and led them up a high mountain apart, by themselves. And he was transfigured before them, and his clothes became dazzling white, such as no one on earth could bleach them. And there appeared to them Elijah with Moses, who were talking with Jesus. Then Peter said to Jesus, “Rabbi, it is good for us to be here; let us make three dwellings, one for you, one for Moses, and one for Elijah.” He did not know what to say, for they were terrified. Then a cloud overshadowed them, and from the cloud there came a voice, “This is my Son, the Beloved; listen to him!” Suddenly when they looked around, they saw no one with them any more, but only Jesus.” Mark 9:2-8

On this day, December 30, 1384 John Wycliffe was dying from a stroke, and so many clerics, even those who were his enemies gathered around his death bed to hear one last word – possibly he might recant. But there would be no recanting – he could not speak as a result of his stroke. But even if he could speak, it is doubtful that he would recant. And why did they hope he would recant? What had he done?

Well, John Wycliffe produced the first hand-written English language bible manuscripts in the 14th century. With the help of assistants, Wycliffe produced dozens of these English language manuscripts of the bible. They were translated out of the Latin Vulgate (a late fourth-century Latin translation of the Bible that became the Catholic Church’s official Latin version of the Bible) which is the only source text he had. The Pope was so infuriated by his translation of the Bible into English, that 44 years after Wycliffe had died, he ordered the bones to be dug-up, crushed, and scattered in the river! Even in death people may hold us in contempt for our faith – but even in death, Christ has won the victory for all believers.

Let us pray: thank you for those witnesses who were willing to share the bible, even if it meant their own deaths. Help me to treasure your word every day. Amen.

Pastor Dave