“For there is no distinction, since all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God they are now justified by his grace as a gift, through the redemption of Christ Jesus.”
– Romans 3:22-24 –
October is the month in which Reformation Day falls, which is a day we celebrate the reform of the church. It is that day when Martin Luther posted a list of “inconsistencies” he found between what the Bible was telling him and what he was hearing from the church authorities.
The Bible was printed only in Latin in those days and so the average person was not able to read it for themselves. But Martin Luther had received some higher education which opened the scriptures for him, but what he was reading did not match up with what the church leaders were telling the people. And so, he posted the list (95 Theses) on the Wittenberg Church doors to encourage a debate with the authorities. And that is how the reform of the church began.
God calls us to be formed and reformed daily in our faith journey, shedding the old self and breathing in new life, living into our new identity as Child of God.
God also invites us to ponder on how God might
be inviting us into grace. In Paul’s words to the Romans, we learn that grace is a gift of God. We cannot earn it … nor do we ever deserve it, but it is given freely to us. It embodies the gifts of life and salvation which are pure gifts as well.
We cultivate love throughout the month of October by Cultivating Grace through reconciliation and continued community connections. As we remember the reforming of the church, let us listen for God’s invitation for us to “be” church in a changing world.
So let me leave you with a question to ponder on. In what ways have you seen and experienced God’s grace made real for you?
Pray with me … Dear God, prepare our hearts to be a sanctuary for your word and love. And let us cultivate your love in our families, in our communities and in your world. Amen.
– Pastor Patti