02-07-24

ECCLESIOLOGICAL ETCHINGS
February 7, 2024
On this day in 1497, a priest by the name of Savonarola became overly concerned by the growing influence of the Renaissance in Florence, Italy. He gained great power, some even suggesting that he carried more influence than any political leader. Though it had occurred numerous times before, it was on this day in 1497 that the great Bonfire of the Vanities happened. Many items considered to be tempters of sin were burned, including art and books. Later that same year, Savonarola was excommunicated by the church, and then a little later he was executed. Sadly, the pushback against Savonarola was not because of the great loss of human expression but simply because Savonarola was getting too powerful.

In John 15, Jesus makes the bold and counter-intuitive declaration, “No one has greater love than to give up one’s life for one’s friends.” Neither Savonarola nor the church appeared to understand this teaching, choosing as their primary tool something other than love. When unexpected challenges meet our insecurities, it becomes difficult to trust in the one thing Jesus taught us could be trusted—love. 

​Help me, O God of the miraculous, to trust in what Jesus showed us to be the greatest power in the universe—your unconditional and limitless love. Amen.