95 Days with the 95 Theses (Day 8)

The 500th Anniversary of the Reformation is being celebrated this year, 2017.  Why? Because historians acknowledge and date the beginning of the Reformation to October 31, 1517, the day Martin Luther posted his 95 Theses on the door of the Castle Church in Wittenberg, Germany. 

Over the next couple of months, each day, I will offer a single theses for rumination and consideration.  To be sure, some will be less invigorating that others. Still, if you follow along, you will cover each of them over the next 95 days.

Please note that I will be using Timothy Wengert's "95 Theses with Introduction, Commentary, and Study Guide." If you don't have a copy, pick one up, it is an excellent resource.

[The Ninety-Five Theses or] Disputation for Clarifying the Power of Indulgences

Out of love and zeal for bringing truth to light, what is written below will be debated in Wittenberg with the Reverend Father Martin Luther, Master of Arts and Sacred Theology and regularly appointed lecturer on these subjects at that place, presiding.  Therefore, he requests that those who cannot be present to discuss orally with us will in their absence do so by letter. In the name of our Lord Jesus Christ. Amen.

5. The pope neither desires nor is able to remit any penalties except those imposed by his own discretion or that of the canons.

6. The pope cannot remit any guilt except by declaring, and confirming, its remission by God or, of course, by remitting guilt in [legal] cases reserved to himself.  In showing contempt regarding such cases, the guilt would certainly remain. 

7. God remits guilt of absolutely no one unless at the same time God subjects in all things the one humbled to God's vicar, the priest.

8. The penitential canons were imposed only on the living, and, according to the canons themselves, nothing should be imposed on those about to die.

These "canons" were used to reconcile flagrant sinners to the church.  There is always a place for these in such situations and as a part of one's piety.  Luther will be arguing however that they do not and can not have any relevance to one's eternal salvation.  

What are the acts of penitence that you have done in your life? How have they brought you closer to Jesus?

Lord, we do acts of penance so as to be reminded ultimately of your amazing grace. Amen.