95 Days with the 95 Theses (Days 41-46)

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.

(Since I will be in Europe for a Reformation 500 trip with others from Bethel, I will be sharing Theses 24- 40 here in one space. For the previous theses, see this same blog. As previously mentioned, I am using Martin Luther's 95 Theses with Introduction, Commentary, and Study Guide by Timothy Wengert.)

41. Apostolic indulgences are to be preached with caution, so that the people do not mistakenly think that they are to be preferred to other good works of love.

42. Christians are to be taught that the pope does not intend the acquiring of indulgences to be compared in any way with the works of mercy.

43. Christians are to be taught that the one who gives to the poor person or lends to the needy does a better deed than if a person acquires an indulgence ... 

44. ... because love grows through works of love and a person is made better; but through indulgences one is not made better but only freer from penalty (for sin).

45. Christians are to be taught that anyone who sees a destitute person and, while passing such a one by, gives money for indulgences does not buy [gracious] indulgences of the pope but God's wrath.

46. Christians are to be taught that, unless they have more than they need, they must set aside enough for their household and by no means squander it on indulgences.

In the above theses, Luther continues his argument that indulgences are not in any way to be preferred over acts of mercy, love, and grace to both neighbor and within one's household. In particular, I find that the theses that begin with the words, "Christians are to be taught ..." to be a succinct accounting of his worldview in relationship to indulgences. One can see that Luther puts emphasis actions of the believer toward their neighbor. This, for Luther, was paramount for our discipleship and growth in faith.  For in loving our neighbor, we grow closer to Christ and become more like Christ.

Jesus, help us to love our neighbor as you love us all. Amen.