In many congregations, Reformation Sunday is treated as a sort of “Lutheran heritage” day, a time for singing chorales and remembering the reforms that gave birth to Lutheranism. In other parishes, a greater focus is placed on the church’s need for continual reform. But whatever the focus, every one of them will wear red and pull out all the stops on our Lutheran fight song, “A Mighty Fortress.” Yet, the true center of this day – and that song – is found in the scripture. In Romans, Paul reminds us that we cannot have any hope apart from divine grace. In John, we are reminded that our freedom comes from Christ alone. And in Psalm 46, the basis of “A Mighty Fortress,” we powerfully proclaim that “God is our refuge and strength.” The God we know in the person of Jesus is the one we can turn to in times of crisis, call upon in times of fear, and trust to pour out grace upon us. This Jesus is our solid foundation, and because he is, another part of that psalm can become our daily breath prayer: “Be still and know that I am God.” On Reformation Sunday – as every Sunday – we remember this good news whether we are singing it boisterously or living it in every breath!
Image: “Luther crest, Eisleben, Germany.” Image by Christopher Manke, 2015.