THE MORNING STAR OF THE REFORMATION

Any sensational and spectacular thing that happens, has a beginning that is, most of the times, insignificant and humble. Same is the case with the Christian Reformation. What broke out with Martin Luther nailing his ninety five questions on the Church door in Wittenburg, Germany in 1517, had its humble beginning with a man who lived about 150 years prior to Luther.

John Wycliffe is called the “THE MORNING STAR OF THE REFORMATION” because he began to question the Church, and firmly believed that the Bible, which is the Word of God, should be the basis of our faith, and not traditions and customs propagated by priests and pastors. He also believed that the Bible be freely made available to the people, and available in the language of the people.

On 19 February 1377 – that is today 645 years back – John Wycliffe stood trial in London’s St. Paul’s Cathedral for his criticism of the church. He opposed and argued against the sale of indulgences, the worship of saints, the veneration of relics, the “emptiness” of some church traditions, and the indolence of clerics. He was never convicted as a heretic, even though five papal bulls ordering his arrest were out.

John Wycliffe believed, “The Bible is for the government of the people, by the people and for the people.” Therefore, Wycliffe translated the first complete translation of the Bible into English language. He firmly believed that everyone should be able to read and understand it personally.

Let us thank God for committed people like John Wycliffe, who disregarded their personal comforts and their safety, for God and His people. How about you and me in 2022?