Next year, Lutheran churches throughout the world will mark the five hundredth anniversary of the Reformation. The anniversary remembers 1517, when Martin Luther posted his Ninety-five Theses on the door of the Castle Church in Wittenberg. That action sparked a series of reforms in theological understanding of grace, liturgical practice, accessibility of scripture in the common language, and much more. But the sixteenth-century Reformation was not a one-time event. Reformation is ongoing. The church of Christ always stands in need of reform. As in Luther’s age, so in ours: God’s word is alive, speaks truth, and surprises with grace. Ancient texts speak to contemporary contexts to enliven our faith. Jeremiah’s vision of God’s new covenant is seen this day at the table when the cup is raised. Paul’s declaration of justification by faith is shared this day at the font. Christ’s truth sets us free for mission and ministry in Jesus’ name.

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