Today we
remember and give thanks to God for Philip Melanchthon, Confessor. Philip Melanchthon (1497-1560) was a
brilliant student of the classics and a humanist scholar. In 1518 he was
appointed to teach along with Martin Luther at the University of
Wittenberg. At Luther's urging, Melanchthon began teaching theology and
Scripture in addition to his courses in classical studies. In April of 1530,
Emperor Charles V called an official meeting between the representative of
Lutheranism and Roman Catholicism, hoping to effect a meeting of minds between
two opposing groups. Since Luther was at that time under papal excommunication
and an imperial ban, Melanchthon was assigned the duty of being the chief Lutheran
representative at this meeting. He is especially remembered and honored as the
author of the Augsburg Confession, which was officially presented by the German
princes to the emperor on June 25, 1530.
It is the defining confessional document of Lutheranism.
Almighty God,
we praise You for the service of Philipp Melanchthon to the one, holy, catholic
and apostolic Church in the renewal of its life in fidelity to Your Word and
promise. Raise up in these gray and
latter days faithful teachers and pastors, inspired by Your Spirit, whose voice
will give strength to Your Church and proclaim the ongoing reality of Your
kingdom; through Your Son, Jesus Christ, our Lord, who lives and reigns with
You and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever.
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