We remember Katie Luther not only as Martin’s wife and the mother of their six children, but also as the energetic and effective manager of all that went on at Lutherhaus – its flocks and fields, its brewery and its boarding house – and as a bold, thoughtful, faithful woman.
Katie became a nun at the age of 16, no doubt expecting to live out her days in the convent’s peaceful routine of prayer and contemplation. But years later Katie and some of her sisters learned about a new movement in the church and realized that they had to change their lives. Martin and his friends – under great risk – smuggled the women away in the wee hours of Easter morning, 1523.
Katie Luther stood for the courage of her convictions, even in the face of the sternest opposition. That’s an inspiration to all of us. And her wise management of the Luther family’s resources is another inspiration. What other parts of Katie’s personality and life story do you find especially inspiring? How can we be more like her?
This message is excerpted from “How does Katie Luther inspire you?” by Audrey Novak Riley from the May 1, 2017, blog of the Women of the ELCA. Today we commemorate Katharina von Bora (“Katie”) Luther, renewer of the church, 1552.
Learn more about the Katharina von Bora Luther Endowment Fund of Women of the ELCA. Make it possible for modern day Katies to live a bold life of faith by making a gift to Katie’s Fund. Go to https://community.elca.org/welca and select “Katie’s Fund” from the drop down menu.
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