Reformation – Within Earshot

Luther, at the dawn of the Reformation, still struggling with monastic guilt, confused humility with self-depreciation, but he already sensed the secret of the mirifica commutatio, the so-called “miraculous exchange”, so prominent in the later works of the Reformers. This process is also evident in his letters, for in the synaesthetic ensemble of perception, the recognition of the certainty of his own knowledge of the sonship of God leading to a high self-esteem prepares the theological way that leads to a beautiful and crystal-clear vision of theologia crucis – the potential of renewal, of reformation, is brought as it were “within earshot”. Faith is of hearing, and hearing is of the Word of God – understanding this Pauline dictum, he recognizes that in the miraculous exchange of God’s ear we can replace our own uncertain hearing, so that in return we can finally hear and receive not only him but also each other.