A REFLECTION ON THE AUGUST 13 MORAVIAN EXPERIENCE

August 13, is a significant festival day for the Moravian Church which is celebrated in throughout the Unity.

This is a short reflection on the events that day and what led up to it.

After the death of John Huss, his followers united in a movement known as the Hussites. They soon separated from the Roman church and as a result, faced great of persecution. They later called themselves a Unity of Brethren, now commonly known as the Moravian Church.

Because of persecution, they were forced to seek refuge on the Estate of Count Zinzendorf where they lived and practiced their faith relatively safely.

When word of got around about the settlement, others soon joined them. Among whom were people who were unhappy with their own situations and even those who were not even being persecuted? Some of these new comers raised questions arose about the faith of the Moravians; there were disagreements and other conflicts that adversely impacted the community, creating a risk of its destruction.

Zinzendorf intervened with the determination that the community would not be destroyed. After much discussion, he drew up a set of rules, insisting that everybody should sign on to them to signify their agreement to live by them.

Following that intervention, Zinzendorf took the time to meet and talk with families, engage in prayer for and with each family and learning more about their religious views, at the same time impressing upon them the need to love each other. The situation gradually improved as conversations continued. On July 2 over a thousand people from the communities of Herrnhut, Berthelsdof and other nearby communities gathered at the Lutheran church where one pastor, Schwedler preached to those in the building and another pastor, Rothe preach to those who had to remain outside.

Zinzendorf came across and read a work by Jan Amos Comenius, Ratio Disciplinae. As he read, he came to realize that the the faith of the Brethren and his own beliefs were not very different. He also understood better two statements that were often repeated by the settlers:

1. God has brought us here so that he might restore our church.

2. If there is no help from man, there will be help from God.

These events led up to August 13 spiritual renewal. Pastor Rother invited the residents of Herrnhut to a celebration of the Holy Communion at the Berthelsdorf church. On their way to the church, reconciliation began to take place.

The service began with the hymn: Unbind me, O my God, from all my bonds and fetters” and included the prayer hymn “My soul before thee prostrate lies”, was obviously very touching.

On that day, those who had been at odds with each other were moved to tears as they embraced each other, opening up in confession under the inspiration of the Holy Spirit.

It was the Moravian Pentecost experience. It was the birth of the Renewed Moravian Church.

As we recount these events let us reflect on the Old Testament Reading appointed for the August 13 observance.

Joshua had gathered all the tribes of Israel at Shechem. He challenged them to set aside their differences, recounting for them how God had led them on their very eventful journey to that point. He challenged them to put away other gods their fathers served and instead, turn to the Lord. In response to the challenged and his declaration that he and his house would serve the Lord, the people responded: We will serve the Lord.

Today, we too must recognize how God has led us on life’s journey as Moravians a part of the wider faith community as well as a part of the national and world communities. There are still differences on some issues across the Moravian Unity. There are differences between denominations. In national life there are serious differences and conflicts touching race, ethnicity, political persuasions even on matters of policy as it relates to the health and wellbeing of human beings in the current pandemic.

While differences of opinion and ideas can be good when dealt with in a spirit of love, many of them have led to division and conflict. Too many have allowed differences take control of life, becoming in a sense, gods.

What we need today is a spirit of tolerance and forgiveness. What we need today is a spirit of love as Jesus teaches us to love our neighbors as we love ourselves. What we need today is for people to listen to and understand each other.

What is needed today is a turning from the ways of the world (which in large measure is seeking to satisfy our own egos).

Let us in unity and under the guidance and inspiration of the Holy Spirit put away those things that divide and separate us from each other and from God, and as we face the challenges of our day, affirm – We will serve the Lord!

Amen

Bibliography: Through five Hundred years and Beyond A Popular History of the Moravian Church
Allen W. Schattschneider and Albert Frank