While observing the service which I believe was Luther’s German Mass I was struck by the knowledge that this was what Martin Luther had in mind when he nailed "The 95 Theses" to the Castle Church door in Wittenberg, Germany. That the Gospel of Christ should be proclaimed to all people and all nations in the own tongue.

During the service I came to the actual realization that I am part of a world community of believers in Christ and that not all of those communities including here in India are a majority or a supposed majority in their countries as in the west. The other theological thought that popped into my head during the service was the contrast between the Reformation day commemoration going on inside the church and the Hindu Festival of Divali, celebrated with fireworks, going on in the streets outside. In commemorating the day the Protestant reformation started you are told about an Augustinian monk who wanted to dialogue with the leaders of the Church and believed that "The true treasure of the Church is the Holy Gospel of the glory and grace of God" (Theses 62) ,While in Divali the Hindu’s celebrate the End of the harvest season, the killing of an evil demon and the coming of light.

After thinking of these contrasts between an unassuming monk proclaiming grace through faith in Christ and the killing of the legend of the killing of a demon. The congregation sang " A Mighty Fortress is our God" in Telegu. I have never heard it sung in such a melodic language and at such an appropriate time for me.

I thank God that he had his spirit lead me to that service that night because it was one of growth in faith for me and strengthened me in my belief in Jesus Christ as my savior and true light of the world.

In Christ’s Service

Rich Hahn