Comfort is something we all like. We like to be nice and comfortable at home, and prefer that at work too. We want to be comfortable with everything we do and not be exposed to anything that will take us out of our “comfort zone.” It’s uncomfortable to think things can change at any moment. . . .

If you ask people what they like about being American, what will they say? I’d be shocked if they didn’t say: “Freedom!” We like our freedom, our liberty. We like to do what we want, when we want, and nobody better tell us otherwise. . . .

We live in a country of laws. The Constitution of these United States of America is the highest law of the land; Pennsylvania’s Constitution is the highest law of our Commonwealth. Beneath them are all sorts of codes and laws and regulations, far more than I can imagine, enough to make future lawyers study for years and judges to have assistants. But which law is the greatest? . . .

What was the Reformation all about? We’re about to celebrate the 500th Anniversary of Luther nailing 95 Theses on the door of Wittenberg’s Castle Church. What was he planning when he nailed those statements to the university bulletin board? Was he planning to change the world? Was he planning to start a rebellion? Was he hoping to get rich and famous? . . .

It’s been 500 years now. 500 years ago today Dr. Luther was surely writing his 95 Theses. He was preparing to nail a copy to the university bulletin board known as the doors of the Castle Church and to mail a copy to his archbishop. He had no idea what would happen afterwards. He had no plans to call people Lutheran, let alone of such people celebrating something called Reformation Day. Why, he wasn’t even clear yet on what is “the everlasting Gospel.” . . .