Commemoration July 6
Jan Hus, Martyr, d. 1415
Reflection
Jan Hus (anglicized as John Huss) was a Bohemian
priest who spoke against abuses in the church of his day in many of the same
ways Martin Luther would a century later. He insisted on preaching in the
vernacular in worship and railed against the luxury of the church hierarchy. He
spoke against the withholding of the wine at the Lord’s Supper, and because of
this stance was excommunicated, not for heresy but for insubordination toward
his archbishop. He preached against the selling of indulgences and was
particularly incensed by the indulgence trade of two rival claimants to the
papacy who were raising money for war against each other. He was found guilty
of heresy by the Council of Constance
and burned at the stake. The earth from around the spot where he was burned was
dug up and removed so his ashes could not be gathered and preserved as relics
by his followers, who were known as the Czech Brethren and eventually continued as the Moravian Church.
Prayer
Lord God, We give you thanks for the life and
witness of your servant, Jan Hus. Where your Church is in error, correct it.
Where it is floundering, lead and guide it. Empower us to be bold witnesses of
your love for the world. In Jesus’ name. Amen.
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