Did you say the Canonization of Martin Luther? By Hector L. Buldoc
Did you say the Canonization of Martin Luther?
By Hector L. Buldoc
Much
has been made of the fact that Germans, representing the
Lutheran Church, have formally requested that Rome lift the
excommunication of Martin Luther, leader of the Protestant
revolt in Germany. It has also been indicated that the
objective of such an action would be the eventual canonization of the
fifteenth-century heretic. Cardinal Joseph Ratzinger quickly
stated that he opposed such a measure and that he felt that
Luther himself would have opposed it. "It should not be glossed
over," the Cardinal said, "that very essential differences
existed between Luther and the teachings of the Catholic
Church."
It
would seem that in petitioning the Church for a lifting of the
excommunication, the Lutherans are, in fact, acknowledging the
supremacy of the Roman Catholic Church. They obviously, by
their actions, confirm that they lack the power or authority of
effecting temporal and spiritual matters dealing with Christ
and His Church. The Lutherans recognize the Church and the Pope for what
they are, the Church—the One, Holy Roman Catholic and Apostolic Church founded by Jesus Christ.
The
lifting of such an excommunication would be impossible even if
it were desirable, which it isn't! What Luther did is an
historical fact, fully documented. Every shred of evidence
indicates that he died unrepentant. If they did lift the ban of
excommunication and attempted to canonize him, how could they
get him out of hell? Do they now propose to canonize souls in hell? They
need not consider that Luther's place in eternity has already
been assured by his actions on earth.
It
would be interesting to sit in on a commission reviewing the
writings of Martin Luther. I think I am safe in saying that
never has a figure connected with the Church written such
gross, obscene and vulgar epitaphs. The majority of his writings
could never be published as part of them are clearly heretical and the
rest unfit for pious ears.
Why don't the Lutheran's lift his excommunication? Why don't they conduct
their own canonization? Because their sect lacks any power
over such matters and they know it. They have to fall back on
the True Church from which they have separated themselves.
All
is not lost however. If they cannot find anyone to canonize
Martin Luther, I will volunteer my services. I shall be happy
to canonize Martin Luther if they will provide me with a cannon
large enough to stuff him into!
