“I am a very busy person. Four persons are dependent on me, and each of them demands my time for himself. Four times a week I preach in public, twice a week I lecture, and in addition I hear cases, write letters, and am working on a book for publication.”*
BAG13642 Portrait of Martin Luther, 1525 (oil on panel) by Cranach, Lucas, the Elder (1472-1553); 40×26.6 cm; © Bristol City Museum and Art Gallery, UK; (add.info.: Luther (1483-1546) German religious reformer;); German, out of copyright
Many pastors (or theology professors) and likely every history professor probably smiles a bit when reading Martin Luther’s complaint here. Luther laments the demands on his time while he is seeking to publish a new book. He mentions his familial obligations first then turned toward his professional duties: preaching, lectures, writing letters, and hearing marriage dispute cases. One can imagine today committee meetings, teaching, and emails while trying to finish an important publication. Luther concludes with a commendation of his wife, Katharina, for her taking care of the household duties.
*Martin Luther, Table Talk no. 154, Luther’s Works, volume 54, pp. 22-23.
