大象传媒

Good morning.
The Diet of Worms reached a critical point this week in 1521. This is not the latest fad in weight loss, but refers to the questioning of a young Monk. A Diet was a formal gathering to deliberate and pronounce upon matters relating to the Holy Roman Empire; Worms was the place in Germany where this took place, and the monk in question was called Martin Luther.
Luther鈥檚 various publications, including the famous 95 Theses, were placed on a table and he was asked to revoke the heresies they were said to contain. He asked for time to reflect and on April 18th reappeared before the court where the same question was put to him: will you recant?
His response 鈥� sometimes rendered 鈥淗ere I stand, I can do no other鈥� is one of the great speeches of history. 鈥淯nless I am convinced by the testimony of the Scriptures or by clear reason鈥� he said, 鈥淚 am bound by the Scriptures I have quoted and my conscience is captive to the Word of God. I cannot and will not recant anything, since it is neither safe nor right to go against conscience. May God help me.鈥�
Yet Luther was, for all his courage and greatness, one who suffered from mental illnesses, clinging to God and to faith in depths and darknesses. Here is one of his prayers.
Behold, Lord, an empty vessel that needs to be filled. My Lord, fill it.
I am weak in the faith; strengthen me.
I am cold in love; warm me and make me fervent, that my love may go out to my neighbor.
I do not have a strong faith; at times I doubt.
O Lord, help me. Strengthen my faith and trust in you.
With me, there is an abundance of sin; in you is the fullness of righteousness.
Therefore I will strive to remain with you. Amen.