Happy Reformation Sunday! In
honor of Martin Luther, here are some thoughts on his most famous hymn, as
translated by Frederick Hedge:
A mighty fortress is our God,
a bulwark never failing;
our helper he amid the
flood
of mortal ills prevaling.
For still our ancient foe
doth seek to work us woe;
his craft and power are great,
and armed with cruel hate,
on earth is not his equal.
We need God. We need God's
love, we need God's grace, and we need God's protection. On our own we are not
enough. We cannot walk on this path around which "the world, the flesh,
and Satan dwell" ("Be Thou My Guardian and My Guide," Isaac
Williams) without God's guidance and help. God is our high ground that does not
wash away. God is our fortress that will never fail, for the darkness has never
overcome the light.
