Today we remember and give thanks for Frederick the Wise, Christian Ruler. Frederick
the Wise, elector of Saxony from 1486 to 1525, was Martin Luther's sovereign in
the early years of the Reformation. Were it not for Frederick, there might not have been a
Lutheran Reformation. Born in Torgau in 1463, he became so well known for his
skill in political diplomacy and his sense of justice and fairness that he was
called "the Wise" by his subjects. Though he never met Luther, Frederick repeatedly
protected and provided for him. In all likelihood he saved the reformer from a
martyr's fate. Frederick refused the pope's
demand to extradite Luther to Rome
for a heresy trial in 1518. When Emperor Charles V declared Luther an outlaw in
1521 at the Diet of Worms, Frederick provided sanctuary for Luther at the
Wartburg castle. On his deathbed, Frederick
received the Lord's Supper in both kinds--a clear confession of the evangelical
faith.
Collect of the Day:
Together with
Fredrick and all your saints who now rest from their labors, we look forward to
your future coming to usher in your new creation--a place free from sin and
death, a place where all our voices will praise You without end for Your great
glory. Until that appointed time, continue to sustain us in this certain hope throughout
all our earthly days; through Jesus Christ, our Lord,
who lives and reigns with You and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever.
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