Proclaiming Jesus Matters More Than Personal Status

Happy Reformation Day! (Or as our Roman Catholic friends in the 1520’s would say–“Friday.”)

On October 31, 1517, Martin Luther, a Catholic monk, delivered the ultimate Trick or Treat greeting by nailing 95 Theses (arguments/contentions) to a church door listing practices/beliefs that he felt needed reforming within the Catholic church. The church door would act as a sort of communal bulletin board & probably also included ads for free polka lessons, knockwurst recipes, & slightly used lederhosen for sale. (This might need verification – Editor.)

For years, Luther had struggled with feelings of unworthiness & practiced his faith with the idea that, somehow, he could do enough good works to merit God’s grace. Martin’s conversion moment came when, meditating on Romans 1:17, he finally comprehended that grace is a gift from God & that we are saved by faith alone. (Recall that Methodist founder John Wesley’s own Holy Spirit moment at Aldersgate occurred while discussing Martin Luther’s Preface to the Book of Romans.) (That’s absolutely verified – Editor.)

Luther’s contentions against the church focused on the church’s emphasis that one could feasibly earn their way into heaven. He was particularly irked by the church’s practice of selling indulgences, which implied that a donation to the church would garner a certificate that would guarantee the salvation of your soul or a loved one’s soul. (There was even a jingle: “As soon as the coin in the coffer rings, a soul from purgatory springs.” * Not exactly, “Where’s the beef?” but still rather effective.)

Luther posted his theses on the door of the Castle Church in Wittenberg, Germany, inviting scholars & religious leaders to debate these ideas. He deliberately chose October 31 because it was the night before All Saints Day, a feast day for the Church. The church would display its collection of holy relics & pilgrims would come from all over to revere them, pray for the deceased, & enjoy a pumpkin spice latte. (That last point also needs verification – Editor.)

Thanks to the recent invention of the printing press, Luther’s list of grievances was translated from Latin into other languages & went viral throughout Europe in a matter of months. (Trivia: One of those original presses was nicknamed the “Christmas Press” because it had no “L.”) (Um–that definitely needs verification – Editor.)

So, what might Luther’s bold invitation to debate mean for us as we celebrate Reformation Day & Halloween 508 years later?

First, as we consider this week’s theme to lead courageously, we can take inspiration from Martin Luther fearlessly calling his church on the carpet to civilly discuss/debate important issues of faith, and by doing so changing the world we live in.

Secondly, even as the 33^rd kid comes to the door dressed as Patrick Mahomes, we should joyfully celebrate Halloween & cheer on their scary costumes, because, thanks to Jesus, we don’t need to fear death anymore. (However, a costume displaying the graphic for a “check engine light” is still something that’ll strike fear in any adult’s heart.)

Finally, we should pay particular attention to the jack-o-lantern. When we first pick up the pumpkin it is a mess, covered in dirt & slime, & sitting on the counter unevenly. But when the Master Carver gently washes the grime off the pumpkin, scoops out the gunk inside, & carefully prepares a place for a light inside the pumpkin to brightly shine for all the world to see, suddenly the night isn’t quite so scary.

Now if you’ll excuse me. I need to put on my Martin Luther costume & get ready to hand out my “Reese’s Theses” to the neighborhood kids. (Reese’s Pieces + a slip of paper with one of Luther’s 95 arguments for reformation!) Once the word gets out, you won’t need to turn off your porch light to discourage Trick or Treaters – Editor.

* In the Beginning: The Story of the King James Bible, by Alister McGrath.