We are rejoicing today, my wife and I with our children, that our youngest—living in the womb—appears to be healthy and whole, growing and developing in all the ways to be expected. The ultrasound technician was also "99% sure" that the little one is a girl. This delighted my daughters, Monica and Oly'anna, who went with their Mom to share the ultrasound experience. Evidently, their very little sister was waving to them from the womb, and, yeah, that was pretty thrilling to them. I was doing my paternal duty in taking Justinian and Frederick to the dentist, so I didn't have the joy of seeing my baby, yet, though I am delighted by the pictures LaRena brought home. The excitement of my daughters when they burst through the door to announce the news was worth it.
Anyway, we've had the name "Katharina" in mind for a baby girl during the previous three pregnancies. Now it looks like we'll finally have our Katie. I've told a few people the middle names we have in mind, but I don't think I'll post those quite so publicly as my blog just yet.
I'm glad to be able to refer to my youngest child with feminine pronouns, and even to call her by the name we intend for her. I simply cannot bring myself to identify a child in the womb as "it." Saying "he or she" all the time becomes awkward, however, so knowing that she's a girl is great. There was definitely some wishful thinking going on, which has now been happily satisfied.
Oly'anna assures me that she'll be okay having a younger sister take her place as my "baby girl." Oly'll still be my girl, but she's hardly a baby anymore, anyway. Indeed, she seems very grown-up already at eight years old, and she's consistently one of the best helpers around the house. I hope I'll be as close to Katharina as I've always been to Oly. Each child is different, with a unique personality and individual gifts, aptitudes, interests, passions, strengths and weaknesses. That remains one of my favorite aspects of fatherhood, not only observing such differences but getting to know my children as individuals and growing in my relationship with each and all of them. I can't wait to meet Katharina, to hold her and look at her and love her. But of course, I do have to wait for several months, watching to prayer and daily commending her to the grace of God in Christ. That is what faith and love do in such a case.
After having three boys in a row born to us, I'll be content with a little less testosterone per capita around the house. I love my boys, and even their rambunctiousness is the promise of zeal for the truth and steadfast, faithful service in whatever stations their Lord shall someday assign them. Girls are a handful in their own right, too, and sometimes their emotions befuddle me, but I enjoy their feminine perspectives and more graceful approach to life. There is a picture of the Church and of the posture of faith in every little lady. What a privilege it is to be a father of daughters. God grant me to be worthy of my post, and to care for my Katharina after the example of her dear Father in heaven.
02 October 2008
01 October 2008
With Angels and Archangels
Monday, the 29th, was a great day. Tuesday was also a great day. I almost have to pinch myself at times like these, to verify that I'm not floating along in dreamland. But, no, it's all been real, and simply grand.
I left the house before 6:00 a.m. on Monday, with my son Nicholai along, and we picked up a couple more of our Emmaus "tall boys" to come with us to the St. Michael's Liturgical Conference at Redeemer in Fort Wayne. Nicholai and his two comrades, Erik and Matthew, assisted with acolyte duties at the conference, and the three of them were proud to do so. I was proud, too, and glad for those young men to have that good learning experience in another parish.
The conference was superb. The several services were excellent, of course, in particular the Divine Service celebrating the Feast of St. Michael and All Angels. The preaching was outstanding, which was not only edifying but most appropriate to the emphases of the conference. The three presentations that I heard, by Rev. Karl Fabrizius, Rev. Todd Peperkorn and Rev. Burnell Eckardt, were wonderful expositions of pastoral wisdom and experience, each of them dealing with the task of preaching. Unable to be in two places at once, I did not get to hear Pastor Petersen's presentation, nor Dr. Reuning's, but from what I understand they were also superlative (as was to be expected). It was simply a wonderful and worthwhile gathering.
I'm sorry there weren't more pastors and students able to attend the conference and benefit from it. I was honestly surprised not to see more of the local clergy on hand, but I know well enough that the demands upon a pastor's time are legion. I was grateful for the opportunity to attend, myself, and would happily have driven twice the distance to be there. Learning from my brothers in office concerning those things, such as preaching, so definitive of our vocation, is a blessing beyond price.
The chance, then, also to visit with colleagues at length at the end of the day was a tremendous treat, as well. I'm not sure where the hours went, but they disappeared too quickly. Among the greatest joys in my life are such occasions, when I can banter and debate with brothers in Christ. I'm especially appreciative of such brothers with whom I can even disagree without any rancor or ire between us. Rigorous theological discussion is not simply an enjoyable sport, but a precious opportunity for mutual growth and understanding. Cheers to those dear friends who made my Monday afternoon and evening such a rewarding time well spent.
But that was not yet the end of it. I went from the St. Michael's Conference to visit Jason and Emily and their little John, always one of my favorite things to do. We enjoyed several episodes of "Sports Night" on DVD, and then Jason and I talked theology and church practice until way too late. I was glad for the conversation, even though I felt badly about keeping the poor man up until after midnight, when he had to be up and on his way to work by 7:00 a.m. the next day.
My own Tuesday began in a more timely fashion than I feared it might, and I was consequently able to get in a solid block of time working on my book at the seminary library. That felt good, to be sure. Still, the highlight of the day for me was taking my Beanie out for lunch and getting to visit with her. I had been pleased to see both her and Sam at the St. Michael's Conference the day before, but hadn't really been able to visit much then. On Tuesday, though, I had such a good time chatting with my daughter. Aside from the obvious fact that she will always be so near and dear to my heart, she's just a wonderfully fun person to share time and company with. She's perky, good-natured, optimistic, confident in a comfortable, easy-going way, and always gracious. What is more, she's got that special glow that comes from carrying my first grandchild. Well, what can I say? I'm a proud papa.
And I'm very grateful to be surrounded with such a great cloud of witnesses; not only the angels and archangels, but brothers in arms, family and friends, people who enrich my life with their presence and care. It never ceases to amaze me, but I am all the more glad for reminders like that of the St. Michael's Conference. Enjoying the good company of colleagues and comrades there, helps me to be more aware and appreciative of my many loved ones here in South Bend.
I left the house before 6:00 a.m. on Monday, with my son Nicholai along, and we picked up a couple more of our Emmaus "tall boys" to come with us to the St. Michael's Liturgical Conference at Redeemer in Fort Wayne. Nicholai and his two comrades, Erik and Matthew, assisted with acolyte duties at the conference, and the three of them were proud to do so. I was proud, too, and glad for those young men to have that good learning experience in another parish.
The conference was superb. The several services were excellent, of course, in particular the Divine Service celebrating the Feast of St. Michael and All Angels. The preaching was outstanding, which was not only edifying but most appropriate to the emphases of the conference. The three presentations that I heard, by Rev. Karl Fabrizius, Rev. Todd Peperkorn and Rev. Burnell Eckardt, were wonderful expositions of pastoral wisdom and experience, each of them dealing with the task of preaching. Unable to be in two places at once, I did not get to hear Pastor Petersen's presentation, nor Dr. Reuning's, but from what I understand they were also superlative (as was to be expected). It was simply a wonderful and worthwhile gathering.
I'm sorry there weren't more pastors and students able to attend the conference and benefit from it. I was honestly surprised not to see more of the local clergy on hand, but I know well enough that the demands upon a pastor's time are legion. I was grateful for the opportunity to attend, myself, and would happily have driven twice the distance to be there. Learning from my brothers in office concerning those things, such as preaching, so definitive of our vocation, is a blessing beyond price.
The chance, then, also to visit with colleagues at length at the end of the day was a tremendous treat, as well. I'm not sure where the hours went, but they disappeared too quickly. Among the greatest joys in my life are such occasions, when I can banter and debate with brothers in Christ. I'm especially appreciative of such brothers with whom I can even disagree without any rancor or ire between us. Rigorous theological discussion is not simply an enjoyable sport, but a precious opportunity for mutual growth and understanding. Cheers to those dear friends who made my Monday afternoon and evening such a rewarding time well spent.
But that was not yet the end of it. I went from the St. Michael's Conference to visit Jason and Emily and their little John, always one of my favorite things to do. We enjoyed several episodes of "Sports Night" on DVD, and then Jason and I talked theology and church practice until way too late. I was glad for the conversation, even though I felt badly about keeping the poor man up until after midnight, when he had to be up and on his way to work by 7:00 a.m. the next day.
My own Tuesday began in a more timely fashion than I feared it might, and I was consequently able to get in a solid block of time working on my book at the seminary library. That felt good, to be sure. Still, the highlight of the day for me was taking my Beanie out for lunch and getting to visit with her. I had been pleased to see both her and Sam at the St. Michael's Conference the day before, but hadn't really been able to visit much then. On Tuesday, though, I had such a good time chatting with my daughter. Aside from the obvious fact that she will always be so near and dear to my heart, she's just a wonderfully fun person to share time and company with. She's perky, good-natured, optimistic, confident in a comfortable, easy-going way, and always gracious. What is more, she's got that special glow that comes from carrying my first grandchild. Well, what can I say? I'm a proud papa.
And I'm very grateful to be surrounded with such a great cloud of witnesses; not only the angels and archangels, but brothers in arms, family and friends, people who enrich my life with their presence and care. It never ceases to amaze me, but I am all the more glad for reminders like that of the St. Michael's Conference. Enjoying the good company of colleagues and comrades there, helps me to be more aware and appreciative of my many loved ones here in South Bend.
27 September 2008
Lex Orandi, Lex Credendi
It's become something of a commonplace, this shorthand version of an ancient Latin aphorism: Lex orandi, lex credendi. Simply translated, in this form it says: "The law of praying [is] the law of believing."
But what does this mean?
The phrase has been bandied about quite a bit since the 1960s, also among Lutherans here and there, as among Roman Catholics and pretty much anyone else interested in liturgical practice over the past half a century. From time to time it seems to be popping up all over the place, and then it recedes more quietly into the background again. Having long since become something of a cliché, the phrase rarely prompts or propels a discussion, but it's tossed into conversation along the way to mark a point that most everyone acknowledges to one degree or another. The fact that it's usually cited in Latin lends it a certain mystique that defies objection or argument.
The way that "lex orandi, lex credendi" is usually used and understood is simply a truism. That is, the way (and the what) that one prays is intimately and reciprocally related to the way (and the what) that one believes. "Prayer" here refers broadly to the full scope of liturgical practices. In short, doctrine informs practice, but practice in turn shapes doctrine. What the church does, and how she does it, not only confesses but in time also determines what she believes and teaches. The practice of prayer is a way of teaching; indeed, it is a primary means of catechesis, which forms thinking and believing.
This observation is interesting, and it bears consideration. It belies the misleading but all too common notion that one can separate the "style" of worship from the "substance" of the faith. If a church's practice is not faithfully in harmony with sound doctrine, then its teaching, believing and confessing will follow its practice into heterodoxy. Indeed, a false practice is already a false teaching and a false confession in its own right, a pseudo creed that catechizes its participants, whether witting or unwitting, in its false faith and false life.
Conversely, faithful practice — that is to say, a liturgical context in harmony with the right preaching of the Gospel and the right administration of the Sacraments — powerfully catechizes its participants, both young and old, pastors and laity, elders and neophytes, infants and the whole glad throng, in the true faith and life of Christ our Lord.
So we are rightly concerned with "prayer," broadly speaking, as a teaching and confessing of belief. Right praying serves, supports and substantiates right believing, in much the same way that heterodox praying is both indicative and precipitant of heterodox believing. That's basically the affirmation and the warning implicit in "lex orandi, lex credendi," as it is typically summoned to duty.
The aphorism is traced especially to St. Prosper of Aquitaine (fifth century). I'm working from memory here, but here's the gist of it. Prosper was an Augustinian theologian, as we might say, defending the necessity of divine grace for conversion and salvation. It was in that context that he wrote, "ut legem credendi lex statuat supplicandi." Here, "supplicandi" is synonymous with "orandi." No problem there. The original is not quite so short and sweet as the shorthand, "lex orandi, lex credendi," but it basically says that the "law of praying" establishes the "law of believing."
What, then, is the "law of praying"? Prosper actually had a quite particular "law" or "rule" in mind, namely, the admonition of St. Paul in his first epistle to St. Timothy: "First of all, I urge that entreaties and prayers, petitions and thanksgivings, be made on behalf of all men," because "God our Savior desires all men to be saved and to come to the knowledge of the truth" (1 Timothy 2:1-4). Prosper could then point to the actual practice of bishops all over the world, who interceded for the conversion and salvation of Jews, pagans, heretics and so forth, in the prayers of the Church; which practice was determined by this "law of praying," commanded by the holy Apostle in the name of the Lord. As it is necessary to pray for the conversion and salvation of "all men," it is established that the grace of God is necessary for anyone to be saved.
In other words, it is not simply the Church's tradition or practice of prayer, but the Church's obedience in praying according to the divinely-given "law of praying," which attests to and confirms her faith. The Church prays as she has been commanded to pray (by the One who promises to hear), and that lex supplicandi defines the Church's creed, her teaching and confession: the lex credendi. For St. Prosper of Aquitaine, in the case at hand, the Lord's command to pray "for all men" establishes the Church's confession of divine grace.
Lutherans have argued similarly with respect to infant Baptism. As the Lord Jesus commands His Apostles to make disciples of "all nations" by baptizing and teaching them, it follows that all people, including infants, should be baptized (and taught). Accordingly, Luther could also point to the Church's practice in this regard as one of his arguments against the anabaptists; for the Church had been doing what the Lord commanded, and her practice was honored by Him in the regeneration and faithful witness of those who were baptized as infants.
Luther likewise argues from the fifth petition, "forgive us our trespasses," that forgiveness is a gracious gift of God, which even Christians require on a daily basis throughout their life on earth. The Lord's command that we should pray in this way, and His promise to hear us, is a teaching and confession of our need and God's gift of forgiveness. By the same token, the fact that we are taught to pray at all demonstrates that we must look to Him in faith and rely upon Him for every good thing, for all that we need in both body and soul. In this way, too, the "law of praying" serves, supports and substantiates the "law of believing." It belongs not only to the Lord's teaching of the Our Father (St. Matt. 6:9-13; St. Luke 11:1-4), but also to the other fundamental lex orandi of the New Testament: "Pray without ceasing" (1 Thess. 5:17; also St. Luke 18:1).
This original definitiion of the "lex orandi" is instructive. It begins with the understanding that the Church's practice of prayer is not a self-authenticating enterprise. Faithful praying takes its stand upon, and take its cues from, the Word and promises of God. Which is not to say that every rubric, rite and ceremony must have an explicit command. That we should pray "for all men" and "without ceasing" requires a good ordering of life and practice, which need not be the same at all times and in all places. As preaching properly divides the Word of truth, proclaiming the Law and the Gospel in many and various ways, so does faithful praying proceed according to various patterns of sound words. Yet, faithful preaching and praying alike derive their authority from the Holy Scriptures, from the doctrine of the blessed Apostles. Nothing dare undermine, contradict, or compete with that regula fidei (the rule of faith). But the Church, in the freedom of the Gospel, regulates her practice according to and in harmony with the Lord's "lex orandi," in order that her faith in Him may be rightly and clearly confessed. In this way, the Church's liturgical practice establishes an orthodox "lex credendi."
But what does this mean?
The phrase has been bandied about quite a bit since the 1960s, also among Lutherans here and there, as among Roman Catholics and pretty much anyone else interested in liturgical practice over the past half a century. From time to time it seems to be popping up all over the place, and then it recedes more quietly into the background again. Having long since become something of a cliché, the phrase rarely prompts or propels a discussion, but it's tossed into conversation along the way to mark a point that most everyone acknowledges to one degree or another. The fact that it's usually cited in Latin lends it a certain mystique that defies objection or argument.
The way that "lex orandi, lex credendi" is usually used and understood is simply a truism. That is, the way (and the what) that one prays is intimately and reciprocally related to the way (and the what) that one believes. "Prayer" here refers broadly to the full scope of liturgical practices. In short, doctrine informs practice, but practice in turn shapes doctrine. What the church does, and how she does it, not only confesses but in time also determines what she believes and teaches. The practice of prayer is a way of teaching; indeed, it is a primary means of catechesis, which forms thinking and believing.
This observation is interesting, and it bears consideration. It belies the misleading but all too common notion that one can separate the "style" of worship from the "substance" of the faith. If a church's practice is not faithfully in harmony with sound doctrine, then its teaching, believing and confessing will follow its practice into heterodoxy. Indeed, a false practice is already a false teaching and a false confession in its own right, a pseudo creed that catechizes its participants, whether witting or unwitting, in its false faith and false life.
Conversely, faithful practice — that is to say, a liturgical context in harmony with the right preaching of the Gospel and the right administration of the Sacraments — powerfully catechizes its participants, both young and old, pastors and laity, elders and neophytes, infants and the whole glad throng, in the true faith and life of Christ our Lord.
So we are rightly concerned with "prayer," broadly speaking, as a teaching and confessing of belief. Right praying serves, supports and substantiates right believing, in much the same way that heterodox praying is both indicative and precipitant of heterodox believing. That's basically the affirmation and the warning implicit in "lex orandi, lex credendi," as it is typically summoned to duty.
The aphorism is traced especially to St. Prosper of Aquitaine (fifth century). I'm working from memory here, but here's the gist of it. Prosper was an Augustinian theologian, as we might say, defending the necessity of divine grace for conversion and salvation. It was in that context that he wrote, "ut legem credendi lex statuat supplicandi." Here, "supplicandi" is synonymous with "orandi." No problem there. The original is not quite so short and sweet as the shorthand, "lex orandi, lex credendi," but it basically says that the "law of praying" establishes the "law of believing."
What, then, is the "law of praying"? Prosper actually had a quite particular "law" or "rule" in mind, namely, the admonition of St. Paul in his first epistle to St. Timothy: "First of all, I urge that entreaties and prayers, petitions and thanksgivings, be made on behalf of all men," because "God our Savior desires all men to be saved and to come to the knowledge of the truth" (1 Timothy 2:1-4). Prosper could then point to the actual practice of bishops all over the world, who interceded for the conversion and salvation of Jews, pagans, heretics and so forth, in the prayers of the Church; which practice was determined by this "law of praying," commanded by the holy Apostle in the name of the Lord. As it is necessary to pray for the conversion and salvation of "all men," it is established that the grace of God is necessary for anyone to be saved.
In other words, it is not simply the Church's tradition or practice of prayer, but the Church's obedience in praying according to the divinely-given "law of praying," which attests to and confirms her faith. The Church prays as she has been commanded to pray (by the One who promises to hear), and that lex supplicandi defines the Church's creed, her teaching and confession: the lex credendi. For St. Prosper of Aquitaine, in the case at hand, the Lord's command to pray "for all men" establishes the Church's confession of divine grace.
Lutherans have argued similarly with respect to infant Baptism. As the Lord Jesus commands His Apostles to make disciples of "all nations" by baptizing and teaching them, it follows that all people, including infants, should be baptized (and taught). Accordingly, Luther could also point to the Church's practice in this regard as one of his arguments against the anabaptists; for the Church had been doing what the Lord commanded, and her practice was honored by Him in the regeneration and faithful witness of those who were baptized as infants.
Luther likewise argues from the fifth petition, "forgive us our trespasses," that forgiveness is a gracious gift of God, which even Christians require on a daily basis throughout their life on earth. The Lord's command that we should pray in this way, and His promise to hear us, is a teaching and confession of our need and God's gift of forgiveness. By the same token, the fact that we are taught to pray at all demonstrates that we must look to Him in faith and rely upon Him for every good thing, for all that we need in both body and soul. In this way, too, the "law of praying" serves, supports and substantiates the "law of believing." It belongs not only to the Lord's teaching of the Our Father (St. Matt. 6:9-13; St. Luke 11:1-4), but also to the other fundamental lex orandi of the New Testament: "Pray without ceasing" (1 Thess. 5:17; also St. Luke 18:1).
This original definitiion of the "lex orandi" is instructive. It begins with the understanding that the Church's practice of prayer is not a self-authenticating enterprise. Faithful praying takes its stand upon, and take its cues from, the Word and promises of God. Which is not to say that every rubric, rite and ceremony must have an explicit command. That we should pray "for all men" and "without ceasing" requires a good ordering of life and practice, which need not be the same at all times and in all places. As preaching properly divides the Word of truth, proclaiming the Law and the Gospel in many and various ways, so does faithful praying proceed according to various patterns of sound words. Yet, faithful preaching and praying alike derive their authority from the Holy Scriptures, from the doctrine of the blessed Apostles. Nothing dare undermine, contradict, or compete with that regula fidei (the rule of faith). But the Church, in the freedom of the Gospel, regulates her practice according to and in harmony with the Lord's "lex orandi," in order that her faith in Him may be rightly and clearly confessed. In this way, the Church's liturgical practice establishes an orthodox "lex credendi."
25 September 2008
Hymns for Historic Trinity 25-27
Twenty-Fifth Sunday after Trinity
Exodus 32:1–20 (or Job 14:1–6)
1 Thessalonians 4:13–18
Matthew 24:15–28 (or Luke 17:20–30)
Hymn of Invocation
Lord, keep us steadfast in Your Word (LSB 655)
Hymn of the Day / Catechetical Hymn of the Week
Preserve Your Word, O Savior (LSB 658)
Hymns for the Distribution of the Holy Communion
Wide open stand the gates (LSB 639)
O Lord, how shall I meet You (LSB 334)
Lord Jesus Christ, with us abide (LSB 585)
Sing with all the saints in glory (LSB 671)
Hymn of Departure
Lord of our life and God of our salvation (LSB 659)
Alternative Hymns
At the name of Jesus (LSB 512)
Creator of the stars of night (LSB 351)
Evening and morning (LSB 726)
I know that my Redeemer lives (LSB 461)
I walk in danger all the way (LSB 716)
If God Himself be for me (LSB 724)
If thou but trust in God to guide thee (LSB 750)
In the very midst of life (LSB 755)
Jerusalem, O city fair and high (LSB 674)
Jerusalem the golden (LSB 672)
Jesus lives! The vict’ry’s won (LSB 490)
Lo! He comes with clouds descending (LSB 336)
My soul, now praise your maker (LSB 820)
O Savior, rend the heavens wide (LSB 355)
Oh, how blest are they whose toils are ended (LSB 679)
Oh, what their joy and their glory must be (LSB 675)
The clouds of judgment gather (LSB 513)
The day is surely drawing near (LSB 508)
The Law of God is good and wise (LSB 579)
To Thee, omniscient Lord of all (LSB 613)
Twenty-Sixth Sunday after Trinity
Daniel 7:9–14
2 Peter 3:3–14
Matthew 25:31–46
Hymn of Invocation
Lo! He comes with clouds descending (LSB 336)
Hymn of the Day / Catechetical Hymn of the Week
The day is surely drawing near (LSB 508)
Hymns for the Distribution of the Holy Communion
Let all mortal flesh keep silence (LSB 621)
At the name of Jesus (LSB 512)
Behold a host, arrayed in white (LSB 676)
Jesus, Thy boundless love to me (LSB 683)
Hymn of Departure
For all the saints who from their labors rest (LSB 677)
Alternative Hymns
Abide, O dearest Jesus (LSB 919)
All glory be to God on high (LSB 947)
Christ sits at God’s right hand (LSB 564)
Come, Thou bright and Morning Star (LSB 872)
Come, Thou precious Ransom, come (LSB 350)
Creator of the stars of night (LSB 351)
Crown Him with many crowns (LSB 525)
I leave all things to God’s direction (LSB 719)
Jerusalem, my happy home (LSB 673)
Look, ye saints, the sight is glorious (LSB 495)
Lord, enthroned in heav’nly splendor (LSB 534)
Lord of glory, You have bought us (LSB 851)
Lord, whose love through humble service (LSB 848)
O God, forsake me not (LSB 731)
O Savior, rend the heavens wide (LSB 355)
Savior of the nations, come (LSB 332)
Since our great High Priest, Christ Jesus (LSB 529)
Sing with all the saints in glory (LSB 671)
The clouds of judgment gather (LSB 513)
The Head that once was crowned with thorns (LSB 532)
Twenty-Seventh Sunday after Trinity
Last Sunday of the Church Year
Isaiah 65:17–25
1 Thessalonians 5:1–11
Matthew 25:1–13
Processional Hymn / Hymn of Invocation
The Bridegroom soon will call us (LSB 514)
Hymn of the Day / Catechetical Hymn of the Week
Wake, awake, for night is flying (LSB 516)
Hymns for the Distribution of the Holy Communion
Rise, my soul, to watch and pray (LSB 663)
Wide open stand the gates (LSB 639)
O Morning Star, how fair and bright (LSB 395)
The Church’s one foundation (LSB 644)
Processional Out / Hymn of Departure
Lord, Thee I love with all my heart (LSB 708)
Alternative Hymns
A multitude comes from the east and the west (LSB 510)
All Christians who have been baptized (LSB 596)
At the name of Jesus (LSB 512)
Behold a host, arrayed in white (LSB 676)
Come, Thou almighty King (LSB 905)
Come, Thou bright and Morning Star (LSB 872)
Father, we praise Thee (LSB 875)
From God can nothing move me (LSB 713)
Hear us, Father, when we pray (LSB 773)
Jerusalem, my happy home (LSB 673)
Jerusalem, O city fair and high (LSB 674)
Jerusalem the golden (LSB 672)
Jesus comes today with healing (LSB 620)
Now that the daylight fills the sky (LSB 870)
O Lord, how shall I meet You (LSB 334)
Rejoice, rejoice, believers (LSB 515)
The day is surely drawing near (LSB 508)
The night will soon be ending (LSB 337)
Thine the amen, Thine the praise (LSB 680)
Who trusts in God a strong abode (LSB 714)
Exodus 32:1–20 (or Job 14:1–6)
1 Thessalonians 4:13–18
Matthew 24:15–28 (or Luke 17:20–30)
Hymn of Invocation
Lord, keep us steadfast in Your Word (LSB 655)
Hymn of the Day / Catechetical Hymn of the Week
Preserve Your Word, O Savior (LSB 658)
Hymns for the Distribution of the Holy Communion
Wide open stand the gates (LSB 639)
O Lord, how shall I meet You (LSB 334)
Lord Jesus Christ, with us abide (LSB 585)
Sing with all the saints in glory (LSB 671)
Hymn of Departure
Lord of our life and God of our salvation (LSB 659)
Alternative Hymns
At the name of Jesus (LSB 512)
Creator of the stars of night (LSB 351)
Evening and morning (LSB 726)
I know that my Redeemer lives (LSB 461)
I walk in danger all the way (LSB 716)
If God Himself be for me (LSB 724)
If thou but trust in God to guide thee (LSB 750)
In the very midst of life (LSB 755)
Jerusalem, O city fair and high (LSB 674)
Jerusalem the golden (LSB 672)
Jesus lives! The vict’ry’s won (LSB 490)
Lo! He comes with clouds descending (LSB 336)
My soul, now praise your maker (LSB 820)
O Savior, rend the heavens wide (LSB 355)
Oh, how blest are they whose toils are ended (LSB 679)
Oh, what their joy and their glory must be (LSB 675)
The clouds of judgment gather (LSB 513)
The day is surely drawing near (LSB 508)
The Law of God is good and wise (LSB 579)
To Thee, omniscient Lord of all (LSB 613)
Twenty-Sixth Sunday after Trinity
Daniel 7:9–14
2 Peter 3:3–14
Matthew 25:31–46
Hymn of Invocation
Lo! He comes with clouds descending (LSB 336)
Hymn of the Day / Catechetical Hymn of the Week
The day is surely drawing near (LSB 508)
Hymns for the Distribution of the Holy Communion
Let all mortal flesh keep silence (LSB 621)
At the name of Jesus (LSB 512)
Behold a host, arrayed in white (LSB 676)
Jesus, Thy boundless love to me (LSB 683)
Hymn of Departure
For all the saints who from their labors rest (LSB 677)
Alternative Hymns
Abide, O dearest Jesus (LSB 919)
All glory be to God on high (LSB 947)
Christ sits at God’s right hand (LSB 564)
Come, Thou bright and Morning Star (LSB 872)
Come, Thou precious Ransom, come (LSB 350)
Creator of the stars of night (LSB 351)
Crown Him with many crowns (LSB 525)
I leave all things to God’s direction (LSB 719)
Jerusalem, my happy home (LSB 673)
Look, ye saints, the sight is glorious (LSB 495)
Lord, enthroned in heav’nly splendor (LSB 534)
Lord of glory, You have bought us (LSB 851)
Lord, whose love through humble service (LSB 848)
O God, forsake me not (LSB 731)
O Savior, rend the heavens wide (LSB 355)
Savior of the nations, come (LSB 332)
Since our great High Priest, Christ Jesus (LSB 529)
Sing with all the saints in glory (LSB 671)
The clouds of judgment gather (LSB 513)
The Head that once was crowned with thorns (LSB 532)
Twenty-Seventh Sunday after Trinity
Last Sunday of the Church Year
Isaiah 65:17–25
1 Thessalonians 5:1–11
Matthew 25:1–13
Processional Hymn / Hymn of Invocation
The Bridegroom soon will call us (LSB 514)
Hymn of the Day / Catechetical Hymn of the Week
Wake, awake, for night is flying (LSB 516)
Hymns for the Distribution of the Holy Communion
Rise, my soul, to watch and pray (LSB 663)
Wide open stand the gates (LSB 639)
O Morning Star, how fair and bright (LSB 395)
The Church’s one foundation (LSB 644)
Processional Out / Hymn of Departure
Lord, Thee I love with all my heart (LSB 708)
Alternative Hymns
A multitude comes from the east and the west (LSB 510)
All Christians who have been baptized (LSB 596)
At the name of Jesus (LSB 512)
Behold a host, arrayed in white (LSB 676)
Come, Thou almighty King (LSB 905)
Come, Thou bright and Morning Star (LSB 872)
Father, we praise Thee (LSB 875)
From God can nothing move me (LSB 713)
Hear us, Father, when we pray (LSB 773)
Jerusalem, my happy home (LSB 673)
Jerusalem, O city fair and high (LSB 674)
Jerusalem the golden (LSB 672)
Jesus comes today with healing (LSB 620)
Now that the daylight fills the sky (LSB 870)
O Lord, how shall I meet You (LSB 334)
Rejoice, rejoice, believers (LSB 515)
The day is surely drawing near (LSB 508)
The night will soon be ending (LSB 337)
Thine the amen, Thine the praise (LSB 680)
Who trusts in God a strong abode (LSB 714)
Hymns for Historic Trinity 20-24
Twentieth Sunday after Trinity
Isaiah 55:1–9
Ephesians 5:15–21
Matthew 22:1–14 (or Matthew 21:33–44)
Hymn of Invocation
If Your beloved Son, O God (LSB 568)
Hymn of the Day / Catechetical Hymn of the Week
Jesus Christ, our blessed Savior (LSB 627)
Offertory Hymn
What God ordains is always good (LSB 760)
Hymns for the Distribution of the Holy Communion
The death of Jesus Christ, our Lord (LSB 634)
Jesus, priceless treasure (LSB 743)
Christ Jesus lay in death’s strong bands (LSB 458)
At the Lamb’s high feast we sing (LSB 633)
Hymn of Departure
We are called to stand together (LSB 828)
Alternative Hymns
A multitude comes from the east and the west (LSB 510)
Alleluia! Let praises ring (LSB 822)
Christ is our cornerstone (LSB 912)
Come, Thou Fount of ev’ry blessing (LSB 686)
God loved the world so that He gave (LSB 571)
In the shattered bliss of Eden (LSB 572)
Jerusalem the golden (LSB 672)
Jesus comes today with healing (LSB 620)
Jesus, grant that balm and healing (LSB 421)
Jesus, Thy blood and righteousness (LSB 563)
Lord Jesus Christ, the Church’s head (LSB 647)
May God bestow on us His grace (LSB 823)
My song is love unknown (LSB 430)
Now thank we all our God (LSB 895)
O love, how deep, how broad, how high (LSB 544)
Once in the blest baptismal waters (LSB 598)
Soul, adorn yourself with gladness (LSB 636)
The Bridegroom soon will call us (LSB 514)
The Church’s one foundation (LSB 644)
Ye watchers and ye holy ones (LSB 670)
Twenty-First Sunday after Trinity
Genesis 1:1—2:3
Ephesians 6:10–17
John 4:46–54
Hymn of Invocation
From depths of woe I cry to Thee (LSB 607)
Hymn of the Day / Catechetical Hymn of the Week
Evening and morning (LSB 726)
Hymns for the Distribution of the Holy Communion
Thy strong word did cleave the darkness (LSB 578)
Rejoice, my heart, be glad and sing (LSB 737)
From God can nothing move me (LSB 713)
Praise the Almighty, my soul, adore Him (LSB 797)
Hymn of Departure
Lord, keep us steadfast in Your Word (LSB 655)
Alternative Hymns
A mighty fortress is our God (LSB 656)
At the name of Jesus (LSB 512)
Be strong in the Lord (LSB 665)
Come, Thou almighty King (LSB 905)
Creator Spirit, by whose aid (LSB 500)
I know my faith is founded (LSB 587)
I trust, O Lord, Your holy name (LSB 734)
Jesus Christ, my sure defense (LSB 741)
Jesus has come and brings pleasure eternal (LSB 533)
Lord Jesus Christ, with us abide (LSB 585)
Lord of our life and God of our salvation (LSB 659)
O Christ, our true and only light (LSB 839)
O God, O Lord of heaven and earth (LSB 834)
O little flock, fear not the foe (LSB 666)
Praise the One who breaks the darkness (LSB 849)
Rise! To arms! With prayer employ you (LSB 668)
Sing praise to God, the highest good (LSB 819)
Speak, O Lord, Your servant listens (LSB 589)
When in the hour of deepest need (LSB 615)
Who trusts in God a strong abode (LSB 714)
Twenty-Second Sunday after Trinity
Micah 6:6–8
Philippians 1:3–11
Matthew 18:21–35
Hymn of Invocation / Catechetical Hymn of the Week
"As surely as I live," God said (LSB 614)
Hymn of the Day
Chief of sinners though I be (LSB 611)
Offertory Hymn
Let all mortal flesh keep silence (LSB 621)
Hymns for the Distribution of the Holy Communion
In the shattered bliss of Eden (LSB 572)
All Christians who have been baptized (LSB 596)
Our Father, who from heav’n above (LSB 766)
Where charity and love prevail (LSB 845)
Hymn of Departure
Behold a host, arrayed in white (LSB 676)
Alternative Hymns
Abide, O dearest Jesus (LSB 919)
All praise to Thee, for Thou, O King divine (LSB 815)
Baptismal waters cover me (LSB 616)
Church of God, elect and glorious (LSB 646)
Come down, O Love divine (LSB 501)
Eternal Spirit of the living Christ (LSB 769)
"Forgive our sins as we forgive" (LSB 843)
From depths of woe I cry to Thee (LSB 607)
Hope of the world, Thou Christ of great compassion (LSB 690)
How can I thank You, Lord (LSB 703)
If thou but trust in God to guide thee (LSB 750)
In God, my faithful God (LSB 745)
Kyrie! God, Father in heav’n above (LSB 942)
Lord Jesus Christ, the Church’s head (LSB 647)
Lord of glory, You have bought us (LSB 851)
Lord, to You I make confession (LSB 608)
Oh, how great is Your compassion (LSB 559)
The day is surely drawing near (LSB 508)
Thee will I love, my strength, my tower (LSB 694)
Who trusts in God a strong abode (LSB 714)
Twenty-Third Sunday after Trinity
Proverbs 8:11–22
Philippians 3:17–21
Matthew 22:15–22
Hymn of Invocation
All people that on earth do dwell (LSB 791)
Hymn of the Day / Catechetical Hymn of the Week
Who trusts in God a strong abode (LSB 714)
Offertory Hymn
On my heart imprint Your image (LSB 422)
Hymns for the Distribution of the Holy Communion
What is the world to me (LSB 730)
Entrust your days and burdens (LSB 754)
Son of God, eternal Savior (LSB 842)
Holy God, we praise Thy name (LSB 940)
Hymn of Departure
Sing praise to God, the highest good (LSB 819)
Alternative Hymns
Built on the Rock the Church shall stand (LSB 645)
Creator Spirit, by whose aid (LSB 500)
Evening and morning (LSB 726)
God of grace and God of glory (LSB 850)
Grant peace, we pray, in mercy, Lord (LSB 777)
I know my faith is founded (LSB 587)
I trust, O Lord, Your holy name (LSB 734)
Jerusalem, my happy home (LSB 673)
Jerusalem, O city fair and high (LSB 674)
Jesus Christ, my sure defense (LSB 741)
Lord Jesus Christ, with us abide (LSB 585)
Lord of glory, You have bought us (LSB 851)
Lord of our life and God of our salvation (LSB 659)
Praise the Almighty, my soul, adore Him (LSB 797)
Rejoice, my heart, be glad and sing (LSB 737)
Rejoice, O pilgrim throng (LSB 813)
Splendor and honor, majesty and power (LSB 950)
Thanks to Thee, O Christ, victorious (LSB 548)
The day is surely drawing near (LSB 508)
Thy strong word did cleave the darkness (LSB 578)
Twenty-Fourth Sunday after Trinity
Isaiah 51:9–16
Colossians 1:9–14
Matthew 9:18–26
Hymn of Invocation
O Jesus, King most wonderful (LSB 554)
Hymn of the Day / Catechetical Hymn of the Week
In the very midst of life (LSB 755)
Hymns for the Distribution of the Holy Communion
A mighty fortress is our God (LSB 656)
God’s own child, I gladly say it (LSB 594)
From God can nothing move me (LSB 713)
Thanks to Thee, O Christ, victorious (LSB 548)
Hymn of Departure
Abide, O dearest Jesus (LSB 919)
Alternative Hymns
Be still, my soul; the Lord is on your side (LSB 752)
Creator of the stars of night (LSB 351)
Draw us to Thee (LSB 701)
How can I thank You, Lord (LSB 703)
If thou but trust in God to guide thee (LSB 750)
In Thee is gladness (LSB 818)
Jesus Christ, my sure defense (LSB 741)
Jesus has come and brings pleasure eternal (LSB 533)
O day full of grace that now we see (LSB 503)
O Christ, our hope, our hearts’ desire (LSB 553)
O Christ, who shared our mortal life (LSB 552)
Oh, that I had a thousand voices (LSB 811)
Praise the Almighty, my soul, adore Him (LSB 797)
Praise the One who breaks the darkness (LSB 849)
Rise, my soul, to watch and pray (LSB 663)
Son of God, eternal Savior (LSB 842)
What God ordains is always good (LSB 760)
When to our world the Savior came (LSB 551)
Word of God, come down on earth (LSB 545)
Your hand, O Lord, in days of old (LSB 846)
Isaiah 55:1–9
Ephesians 5:15–21
Matthew 22:1–14 (or Matthew 21:33–44)
Hymn of Invocation
If Your beloved Son, O God (LSB 568)
Hymn of the Day / Catechetical Hymn of the Week
Jesus Christ, our blessed Savior (LSB 627)
Offertory Hymn
What God ordains is always good (LSB 760)
Hymns for the Distribution of the Holy Communion
The death of Jesus Christ, our Lord (LSB 634)
Jesus, priceless treasure (LSB 743)
Christ Jesus lay in death’s strong bands (LSB 458)
At the Lamb’s high feast we sing (LSB 633)
Hymn of Departure
We are called to stand together (LSB 828)
Alternative Hymns
A multitude comes from the east and the west (LSB 510)
Alleluia! Let praises ring (LSB 822)
Christ is our cornerstone (LSB 912)
Come, Thou Fount of ev’ry blessing (LSB 686)
God loved the world so that He gave (LSB 571)
In the shattered bliss of Eden (LSB 572)
Jerusalem the golden (LSB 672)
Jesus comes today with healing (LSB 620)
Jesus, grant that balm and healing (LSB 421)
Jesus, Thy blood and righteousness (LSB 563)
Lord Jesus Christ, the Church’s head (LSB 647)
May God bestow on us His grace (LSB 823)
My song is love unknown (LSB 430)
Now thank we all our God (LSB 895)
O love, how deep, how broad, how high (LSB 544)
Once in the blest baptismal waters (LSB 598)
Soul, adorn yourself with gladness (LSB 636)
The Bridegroom soon will call us (LSB 514)
The Church’s one foundation (LSB 644)
Ye watchers and ye holy ones (LSB 670)
Twenty-First Sunday after Trinity
Genesis 1:1—2:3
Ephesians 6:10–17
John 4:46–54
Hymn of Invocation
From depths of woe I cry to Thee (LSB 607)
Hymn of the Day / Catechetical Hymn of the Week
Evening and morning (LSB 726)
Hymns for the Distribution of the Holy Communion
Thy strong word did cleave the darkness (LSB 578)
Rejoice, my heart, be glad and sing (LSB 737)
From God can nothing move me (LSB 713)
Praise the Almighty, my soul, adore Him (LSB 797)
Hymn of Departure
Lord, keep us steadfast in Your Word (LSB 655)
Alternative Hymns
A mighty fortress is our God (LSB 656)
At the name of Jesus (LSB 512)
Be strong in the Lord (LSB 665)
Come, Thou almighty King (LSB 905)
Creator Spirit, by whose aid (LSB 500)
I know my faith is founded (LSB 587)
I trust, O Lord, Your holy name (LSB 734)
Jesus Christ, my sure defense (LSB 741)
Jesus has come and brings pleasure eternal (LSB 533)
Lord Jesus Christ, with us abide (LSB 585)
Lord of our life and God of our salvation (LSB 659)
O Christ, our true and only light (LSB 839)
O God, O Lord of heaven and earth (LSB 834)
O little flock, fear not the foe (LSB 666)
Praise the One who breaks the darkness (LSB 849)
Rise! To arms! With prayer employ you (LSB 668)
Sing praise to God, the highest good (LSB 819)
Speak, O Lord, Your servant listens (LSB 589)
When in the hour of deepest need (LSB 615)
Who trusts in God a strong abode (LSB 714)
Twenty-Second Sunday after Trinity
Micah 6:6–8
Philippians 1:3–11
Matthew 18:21–35
Hymn of Invocation / Catechetical Hymn of the Week
"As surely as I live," God said (LSB 614)
Hymn of the Day
Chief of sinners though I be (LSB 611)
Offertory Hymn
Let all mortal flesh keep silence (LSB 621)
Hymns for the Distribution of the Holy Communion
In the shattered bliss of Eden (LSB 572)
All Christians who have been baptized (LSB 596)
Our Father, who from heav’n above (LSB 766)
Where charity and love prevail (LSB 845)
Hymn of Departure
Behold a host, arrayed in white (LSB 676)
Alternative Hymns
Abide, O dearest Jesus (LSB 919)
All praise to Thee, for Thou, O King divine (LSB 815)
Baptismal waters cover me (LSB 616)
Church of God, elect and glorious (LSB 646)
Come down, O Love divine (LSB 501)
Eternal Spirit of the living Christ (LSB 769)
"Forgive our sins as we forgive" (LSB 843)
From depths of woe I cry to Thee (LSB 607)
Hope of the world, Thou Christ of great compassion (LSB 690)
How can I thank You, Lord (LSB 703)
If thou but trust in God to guide thee (LSB 750)
In God, my faithful God (LSB 745)
Kyrie! God, Father in heav’n above (LSB 942)
Lord Jesus Christ, the Church’s head (LSB 647)
Lord of glory, You have bought us (LSB 851)
Lord, to You I make confession (LSB 608)
Oh, how great is Your compassion (LSB 559)
The day is surely drawing near (LSB 508)
Thee will I love, my strength, my tower (LSB 694)
Who trusts in God a strong abode (LSB 714)
Twenty-Third Sunday after Trinity
Proverbs 8:11–22
Philippians 3:17–21
Matthew 22:15–22
Hymn of Invocation
All people that on earth do dwell (LSB 791)
Hymn of the Day / Catechetical Hymn of the Week
Who trusts in God a strong abode (LSB 714)
Offertory Hymn
On my heart imprint Your image (LSB 422)
Hymns for the Distribution of the Holy Communion
What is the world to me (LSB 730)
Entrust your days and burdens (LSB 754)
Son of God, eternal Savior (LSB 842)
Holy God, we praise Thy name (LSB 940)
Hymn of Departure
Sing praise to God, the highest good (LSB 819)
Alternative Hymns
Built on the Rock the Church shall stand (LSB 645)
Creator Spirit, by whose aid (LSB 500)
Evening and morning (LSB 726)
God of grace and God of glory (LSB 850)
Grant peace, we pray, in mercy, Lord (LSB 777)
I know my faith is founded (LSB 587)
I trust, O Lord, Your holy name (LSB 734)
Jerusalem, my happy home (LSB 673)
Jerusalem, O city fair and high (LSB 674)
Jesus Christ, my sure defense (LSB 741)
Lord Jesus Christ, with us abide (LSB 585)
Lord of glory, You have bought us (LSB 851)
Lord of our life and God of our salvation (LSB 659)
Praise the Almighty, my soul, adore Him (LSB 797)
Rejoice, my heart, be glad and sing (LSB 737)
Rejoice, O pilgrim throng (LSB 813)
Splendor and honor, majesty and power (LSB 950)
Thanks to Thee, O Christ, victorious (LSB 548)
The day is surely drawing near (LSB 508)
Thy strong word did cleave the darkness (LSB 578)
Twenty-Fourth Sunday after Trinity
Isaiah 51:9–16
Colossians 1:9–14
Matthew 9:18–26
Hymn of Invocation
O Jesus, King most wonderful (LSB 554)
Hymn of the Day / Catechetical Hymn of the Week
In the very midst of life (LSB 755)
Hymns for the Distribution of the Holy Communion
A mighty fortress is our God (LSB 656)
God’s own child, I gladly say it (LSB 594)
From God can nothing move me (LSB 713)
Thanks to Thee, O Christ, victorious (LSB 548)
Hymn of Departure
Abide, O dearest Jesus (LSB 919)
Alternative Hymns
Be still, my soul; the Lord is on your side (LSB 752)
Creator of the stars of night (LSB 351)
Draw us to Thee (LSB 701)
How can I thank You, Lord (LSB 703)
If thou but trust in God to guide thee (LSB 750)
In Thee is gladness (LSB 818)
Jesus Christ, my sure defense (LSB 741)
Jesus has come and brings pleasure eternal (LSB 533)
O day full of grace that now we see (LSB 503)
O Christ, our hope, our hearts’ desire (LSB 553)
O Christ, who shared our mortal life (LSB 552)
Oh, that I had a thousand voices (LSB 811)
Praise the Almighty, my soul, adore Him (LSB 797)
Praise the One who breaks the darkness (LSB 849)
Rise, my soul, to watch and pray (LSB 663)
Son of God, eternal Savior (LSB 842)
What God ordains is always good (LSB 760)
When to our world the Savior came (LSB 551)
Word of God, come down on earth (LSB 545)
Your hand, O Lord, in days of old (LSB 846)
24 September 2008
Inspiration
My good friend and brother in Christ, Pastor Heinz, has "tagged" me to identify the five people who most inspire my spiritual life. I am humbled to be named among those who "inspire" him, but Christ be praised if He has manifested His mercy in me for the benefit of others.
It was almost exactly a year ago that I blogged about the forty most influential pastors in my life. I had set out to name thirty pastors, and ended up with forty because I had such a hard time limiting the list! So, coming up with only five sounds pretty difficult at first. I could easily name five early church fathers, five of the Reformers, five Lutheran theologians, five of my fathers in Christ, and five of my colleagues in the Holy Ministry, and that would already be five times too many for this assignment. All forty of those pastors I named a year ago have been an inspiration to me in my spiritual life, as in my pastoral office. They have encouraged me by their example, as well as serving me by their preaching and teaching.
In fact, though, taking this term "inspiration" with full seriousness, I have to admit that coming up with only five is rather easier than I would have thought. I have many fathers in Christ, both ancient and modern, and I am deeply grateful for each and all of them. But there are those "giants" who stand out, whose example has honestly moved me to change my thinking and my practice, to do better than I would otherwise have done. When I allow myself simply to scan my heart and mind for those who have truly "inspired" my spiritual life in that way, the top five answers are immediate and relatively obvious.
A couple of caveats, such as Pastor Heinz has also offered. Our Lord Jesus Christ is in a most superlative category all by Himself, and I do not include Him in this list. I have not counted Martin Luther as an exception, but neither do I name him among my top five; notwithstanding the outstanding example and encouragement that his life and confession provide me. My own father, the Reverend Don Stuckwisch, Sr., has surely been an inspiration to me in countless ways, and so much of my own formation was etablished and developed by him, that I can hardly separate his role and contribution from my own life and personal identity. For that reason, I haven't counted him among the five below, but name him here with thanksgiving.
As it finally turns out, I have one early church father, two Lutheran theologians, one professor and one brother pastor on my list, and anyone who knows me will, I think, recognize the truth that these five men have "inspired" my spiritual life. I doubt that anyone else may realize the full extent to which I have been, and continue to be, shaped by their example. These are men whose witness in word and deed is compelling and profound, and I thank God for each of them:
St. Polycarp of Smyrna, Bishop and Martyr (first and second century). His mentor, St. Ignatius, may have been the more profound theologian, but Polycarp is a beautiful model of the pastoral office and of the Christian life. The account of his martyrdom is one of the most powerful pieces of literature ever written; it never fails to move me.
The Reverend Paul Gerhardt (seventeenth century). His endurance under the trials and tribulations of life under the cross, his faithfulness throughout those ordeals, and his soaring confession of the Gospel in some of the most significant hymns ever written, have more than once lifted me up from despair unto faith and joy in Christ.
The Reverend Wilhelm Löhe (nineteenth century). He, too, suffered great personal loss and disappointments, yet accomplished more from his parish in Neuendettelsau than almost any other ten people I can think of. Among other things, his example has taught me and reminded me that confessional faithfulness, a rich liturgical practice, a sacramental life, works of mercy and the evangelical mission of the Gospel are never at odds with each other, but belong together.
The Reverend Dr. David Scaer (Concordia Theological Seminary). His keen insights, his love of the Scriptures, his single-minded focus on Christ, his practical understanding of the Church's life on earth, and his always thought-provoking classroom lectures and numerous books were instrumental to my theological formation and continue to inform my thinking and practice.
The Reverend Peter Bender (Peace Lutheran Church, Sussex, WI). Hands down, there is no other living person who has shaped my understanding and my undertaking of the pastoral office to the extent that Pastor Bender has. In catechesis and pastoral care, certainly, but also in the sense that these very things are indeed central and definitive to the entire office. As often as I count my blessings and give thanks, Pastor Bender's example, his teaching and preaching of the Law and the Gospel, and his friendship are always high on my list.
It was almost exactly a year ago that I blogged about the forty most influential pastors in my life. I had set out to name thirty pastors, and ended up with forty because I had such a hard time limiting the list! So, coming up with only five sounds pretty difficult at first. I could easily name five early church fathers, five of the Reformers, five Lutheran theologians, five of my fathers in Christ, and five of my colleagues in the Holy Ministry, and that would already be five times too many for this assignment. All forty of those pastors I named a year ago have been an inspiration to me in my spiritual life, as in my pastoral office. They have encouraged me by their example, as well as serving me by their preaching and teaching.
In fact, though, taking this term "inspiration" with full seriousness, I have to admit that coming up with only five is rather easier than I would have thought. I have many fathers in Christ, both ancient and modern, and I am deeply grateful for each and all of them. But there are those "giants" who stand out, whose example has honestly moved me to change my thinking and my practice, to do better than I would otherwise have done. When I allow myself simply to scan my heart and mind for those who have truly "inspired" my spiritual life in that way, the top five answers are immediate and relatively obvious.
A couple of caveats, such as Pastor Heinz has also offered. Our Lord Jesus Christ is in a most superlative category all by Himself, and I do not include Him in this list. I have not counted Martin Luther as an exception, but neither do I name him among my top five; notwithstanding the outstanding example and encouragement that his life and confession provide me. My own father, the Reverend Don Stuckwisch, Sr., has surely been an inspiration to me in countless ways, and so much of my own formation was etablished and developed by him, that I can hardly separate his role and contribution from my own life and personal identity. For that reason, I haven't counted him among the five below, but name him here with thanksgiving.
As it finally turns out, I have one early church father, two Lutheran theologians, one professor and one brother pastor on my list, and anyone who knows me will, I think, recognize the truth that these five men have "inspired" my spiritual life. I doubt that anyone else may realize the full extent to which I have been, and continue to be, shaped by their example. These are men whose witness in word and deed is compelling and profound, and I thank God for each of them:
St. Polycarp of Smyrna, Bishop and Martyr (first and second century). His mentor, St. Ignatius, may have been the more profound theologian, but Polycarp is a beautiful model of the pastoral office and of the Christian life. The account of his martyrdom is one of the most powerful pieces of literature ever written; it never fails to move me.
The Reverend Paul Gerhardt (seventeenth century). His endurance under the trials and tribulations of life under the cross, his faithfulness throughout those ordeals, and his soaring confession of the Gospel in some of the most significant hymns ever written, have more than once lifted me up from despair unto faith and joy in Christ.
The Reverend Wilhelm Löhe (nineteenth century). He, too, suffered great personal loss and disappointments, yet accomplished more from his parish in Neuendettelsau than almost any other ten people I can think of. Among other things, his example has taught me and reminded me that confessional faithfulness, a rich liturgical practice, a sacramental life, works of mercy and the evangelical mission of the Gospel are never at odds with each other, but belong together.
The Reverend Dr. David Scaer (Concordia Theological Seminary). His keen insights, his love of the Scriptures, his single-minded focus on Christ, his practical understanding of the Church's life on earth, and his always thought-provoking classroom lectures and numerous books were instrumental to my theological formation and continue to inform my thinking and practice.
The Reverend Peter Bender (Peace Lutheran Church, Sussex, WI). Hands down, there is no other living person who has shaped my understanding and my undertaking of the pastoral office to the extent that Pastor Bender has. In catechesis and pastoral care, certainly, but also in the sense that these very things are indeed central and definitive to the entire office. As often as I count my blessings and give thanks, Pastor Bender's example, his teaching and preaching of the Law and the Gospel, and his friendship are always high on my list.
21 September 2008
Liturgy, Mercy, Preaching, and Prayer
Several audio/video recordings from the Indiana District's Worship & Spiritual Care Workshop are available at the website of Advent Lutheran Church in Zionsville, Indiana, where the workshop was held (follow the links to September resources to find them).
Included are Dr. Just's plenary presentation (on leitourgia and diakonia), as well as my own sectional (on how to listen to preaching) and Rev. Peter Cage's sectional (on daily devotions in the home). I'm sorry that we weren't able to get recordings of the other sectionals, but I'm very grateful to the folks at Advent for making these several recordings and sharing them with any who care to view them.
Included are Dr. Just's plenary presentation (on leitourgia and diakonia), as well as my own sectional (on how to listen to preaching) and Rev. Peter Cage's sectional (on daily devotions in the home). I'm sorry that we weren't able to get recordings of the other sectionals, but I'm very grateful to the folks at Advent for making these several recordings and sharing them with any who care to view them.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)