A few weeks ago, the father of one of my best friends died unexpectedly. At 67, he had no pre-existing conditions, was physically active, and had been enjoying his first few years of retirement traveling around the world. My friend, Will, and his family were devastated. Will is an only child and his dad was the last member of his family. For many people, this would be a time they would be surrounded by a church community to help support them. But Will and his family left an emotionally abusive church years ago and chose not to put down roots anywhere else. Brian, four other friends, and I were the only people outside of Will’s wife and kids to attend his father’s service and burial.
I’m grateful each day for the many ways the Lutheran Church is different from some of the other Christian denominations. There are many churches that manipulate and take advantage of their members, that cover up terrible abuses, or that drive people away for questioning their authority. These are among the issues Martin Luther was trying to address when he sought to reform the Catholic church.
As a musician, I appreciate that one of the most visible (or audible) changes was in the practice of singing together as a congregation. Before the Reformation, most music was performed only by professionals and listened to by the congregation. Singing hymns brings everyone closer together as active worshippers instead of as spectators. It helps to seal us together as a worshipping body as we offer our praise, no matter our level of ability. It is an outward and visible sign of the inward sense of community we share. It is also a necessity, especially in difficult times like a funeral, to share this sense of community in singing our prayers and praises.
502 years later, the changes that grew out of Martin Luther’s theses continue to bring us together as a Christian community. They help us form bonds so that we are supported and can in turn help to support others. We are tied together in words and music, and also in grace and faith. This Sunday, as we hold our yearly celebration of the Reformation, come and sing with us!
In Community,
John Johns