Tag: martin-luther

NO WORD TODAY (just planting an apple tree)

HIGH FIVE!

Here is a short story about Martin Luther’s famous response about planting an apple tree if the world were to end tomorrow:

The Reformer’s Tree

The year was 1537, and the looming threat of war hung like a dark cloud over Wittenberg. In those uncertain times, even the boldest of souls could be gripped by fear and despair at the thought of cities being razed and lives lost to the insatiable appetite of conflict.

Yet in the eye of this brewing storm stood Martin Luther, the renowned leader of the Protestant Reformation. His powerful doctrine had sparked a fire that was reshaping Christianity across Europe. But on this day, Luther’s mind was not consumed by thoughts of theological debates or ecclesial upheaval. A curious student had posed a humbling query: “If you knew the world were ending tomorrow, what would you do today?”

Luther paused, his eyes betraying a hint of bemusement at such an existential question. But then, his weathered face crinkled into a warm smile. With the simple wisdom of a man who had glimpsed the fragility of life, he gave a reply that would echo through the ages.

“If I knew the world were ending tomorrow,” Luther declared, “I would plant an apple tree today.”

His response hung in the air, seeding contemplation in the minds of all those present. In those nine words burned an inextinguishable flame of hope – a defiant conviction that even when staring into the abyss of oblivion, there remains purpose in acts of renewal and creation.

For what could be more life-affirming than nurturing a seed? Though the tree’s bounty might never grace Luther’s own table, its fruits would feed generations yet unborn. It was an offering of faith – a resilient belief that no matter how darkness loomed, the human spirit would persevere and flourish anew.

On that day, with a metaphorical seedling clutched to his breast, the Fra stood undiminished against the squalls of history. His apple tree would be planted, a living emblem that when doom’s icy clouds break, life’s warm sun still shines.

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