The reformation reminded the church who we really are in Christ. During Martin Luther’s life, the church was teaching that our identity depended on what we did (make penance, buy indulgences). This caused people incredible anxiety and rightly so. If our faith identity depends on our response to God then we are in trouble. Luther studied the Bible and proclaimed that we are forgiven in Christ starting at our baptism. That forgiveness is complete and full. We are no longer defined as sinners but as children of God. The Lutheran church is always here to remind people who they really are in Christ.
Today, I led a burial for Al and Joan Winkler, longtime members, at St. Lucas cemetery on Denny Road. In the rain, I gave a message based on Psalm 16. “Preserve me, O God, for in you I take refuge.” Al died three years ago. Joan died this summer. During Joan’s last years she suffered severe dementia.
Whenever I visited her at Bethesda on Big Bend, she would look at me like she should remember me. Then she would inquire, “Do I know you?” I would assure her, “Yes, I’m your pastor from Glendale Lutheran.” She would smile and we would get to know each other all over again.
Joan’s faith was not dependent on her mental status. Her identity was not dependent on her memory. She was in Christ who preserved all that. She couldn’t do the things she wanted to do. She couldn’t go to church, recite Bible verses or sustain a prayer. But the Holy Spirit was with her. The reformation continues to remind us that our faith depends on Christ alone. Years from now you or I could suffer from dementia. But God will still be good, in control, and keeping us in the faith.
