Luther on the Sacrament of the Altar

During the first half of the third year of my Catechism curriculum, I read Luther’s Large Catechism with my students. It allows me to do a few things. First, the young men and women are introduced to additional parts of our Confessions. Second, and more importantly, they hear (in my opinion) some of Luther’s richest words. As we conclude the first half of the year, we read concerning the Sacrament of the Altar. We will finish this section this week. Hear some of the words that they have heard already. It is my opinion that we especially hear these words in these gray and latter days. All quotes come from the Reader’s Edition of the Book of Concord.

[23] “On this account [the Sacrament of the Altar] is called a food of souls, which nourishes and strengthens the new man. For by Baptism we are first born anew [John 3:5]. But, as we said before, there still remains the old vicious nature of flesh and blood in mankind. There are so many hindrances and temptations of the devil and of the world that we often become weary and faint, and sometimes we also stumble [Hebrews 12:3].”

[26] “But [the new life] must suffer much opposition. For the devil is a furious enemy. When he sees that we oppose him and attack the old man, and that he cannot topple us over by force, he prowls and moves about on all sides [I Peter 5:8]. He tries every trick and does not stop until he finally wears us out, so that we either renounce our faith or throw up our hands and put up our feet, becoming indifferent or impatient.”

[27] “Now to this purpose the comfort of the Sacrament is given when the heart feels that the burden is becoming too heavy, so that it may gain here new power and refreshment.”

[39] “In conclusion, since we now have the true understanding and doctrine of the Sacrament, there is also need for some admonition and encouragement. Then people may not let such a great treasure—daily administered and distributed among Christians—pass by unnoticed. So those who want to be Christians may prepare to receive this praiseworthy Sacrament often.”

[40] “For we see that people seem weary and lazy about receiving the Sacrament. A great multitude hears the Gospel. Yet because the nonsense of the pope has been abolished and we are freed from his laws and coercion, they go one, two, three years, or even longer without the Sacrament. They act as though they were such strong Christians that they have no need of it.”

[41] “Some allow themselves to be hindered and held up by the excuse that we have taught that no one should approach the Sacrament except those who feel hunger and thirst, which drive them to it. Some pretend that it is a matter of liberty and not necessary. Thy pretend that it is enough to believe without it. For the most part, they go so far astray that they become quite brutish and finally despise both the Sacrament and God’s Word.”

[42] “Now, it is true, as we have said, that no one should by any means be forced or compelled to go to the Sacrament, best we institute a new murdering of souls. Nevertheless, it must be known that people who deprive themselves of and withdraw from the Sacrament for such a long time are not to be considered Christians. For Christ has not instituted it to be treated as a show. Instead, He has commanded His Christians to eat it, drink it, and remember Him by it.”