Luc. 2, 33-40.
And his father and mother marveled at the things spoken of him. And Simeon blessed them, and said unto Mary his mother, Behold, this man is set for a fall and a rising of many in Israel, and for a sign to be contradicted. (And a sword shall pierce through your soul) that the thoughts of many hearts may be made manifest. And there was a prophetess, Hannah, the daughter of Phanuel, of the family of Asher, who was well bedded, and would have lived seven years with her husband, after her virginity, and was now a widow of eighty-four years, who never came out of the temple, serving God with fasting and prayer day and night. She also came at that hour and praised the Lord and spoke of Him to all who were waiting for redemption in Jerusalem. And when they had finished all things according to the law of the Lord, they returned into Galilee to their city Nazareth. But the child grew and became strong in spirit, full of wisdom, and God's grace was with him.
The most important thing in this gospel is that Simeon prophesies about Christ and his kingdom, how it first existed among the Jews and the people.
*) Held publicly, 1531.
and then among the Gentiles, so that, as we heard on the third Sunday of Advent, most of them will be offended and angry. But yet many shall also be corrected by it.
And be erected. Besides this/ which is the most distinguished, there are also other points that we want to run over after the brevity.
This history took place when the infant Jesus was six weeks old and was carried in the temple, according to the custom of the Jews, to be presented to the Lord, and a sacrifice was made for him, Deut. 12, Luc. 2; as your love will hear at the feast of the sacrifice of the infant in the temple. Then old Simeon, prompted by the Holy Spirit, takes the infant Jesus in his arms and preaches about him that he is to be the Savior and light, which not only shines in Judaism as in a lantern, but is also to be a public light for all the Gentiles.
(3) The evangelist in today's Gospel says that Simeon's preaching to the child amazed his father and mother.
(4) And because he is called Joseph the father of the Lord Christ, he speaks of him as other men spoke of him. But he has made a strong enough statement above, saying that he was conceived by the Holy Spirit and born of the Virgin Mary. This should be noted so that no one is offended by the fact that Lucas here and the Scriptures in other places sometimes speak of a thing in the same way as other people. For it was a secret work of God that the Virgin Mary was with child, which Joseph himself had to believe after the angel had revealed it to him in a dream.
(5) When the old man Simeon, who could hardly see because of his age, came along and praised the child so highly, many who heard it would have despised it as a fool's speech and thought that Simeon was talking like a mad old man.
006 But it was such a sermon, saith the evangelist, that his mother and father marvelled at it. For this thing, that he should be the light of the Gentiles, they had not heard from the angel himself as loudly as Simeon speaks it.
7 Therefore, this should not be interpreted because it says here: "His father and mother were amazed", as if they had not heard such a thing.
It is a sign and indication of great faith and high understanding. For this is the true nature of faith: the more firmly a man believes a thing, the more he marvels at it and is glad. But where he does not believe, he does not accept it and has neither joy nor pleasure in it. So we have heard these days about the birth of Christ, that this infant is our flesh and blood, and also our Savior, who is to save us from eternal death, sins and the devil's kingdom. If you believe this from the bottom of your heart, don't you think you would be so astonished that you could not see this child enough for yourself, nor think enough about him?
(8) With these words Lucas praises both the mother's and the father's faith, that the mother was happy and of good cheer, and that she could not have wondered enough that this child should be a light to enlighten the Gentiles; whereas all other kings and princes are a noisy dark night, even in sin and death, not to mention that they should help others out of it.
(9) We should also have such wonder at the gospel that we would be hopeful and joyful about it, and boast: I am a Christian and have been baptized; I have no doubt that through the Lord Jesus I shall be and remain ruler over sin and death, that heaven and all creatures shall serve me for my good. If a prince would give me a tunic or a village, that would make me happy. But what is it against this? Yes, even if I had the crown of the Turkish emperor, it is nothing against this, that I have a share in the inheritance of Christ and should live with him for eternity.
(10) But where can you find one who truly believes and takes it to heart? All of us, at least, can believe it and know it: but that we do not believe it, we are soon to be convicted, for we are not surprised. If such knowledge of history is called faith, it is truly a cold and half-dead faith; otherwise we would not only be happy, but also hopeful. For a Christian is a hopeful, happy man.
A man who does not ask about the devil or about all misfortune, because he knows that through Christ he is master over all these things.
(11) Therefore, in this amazement, the Virgin Mary will undoubtedly have had a special good and holy pride and hope, which was not based on her, but on God's grace and mercy and on the infant Jesus; as Lucas finely indicates with these words: "They were amazed, not because she was a mother of the child, but "because of what was said of him". As all Christians do: they do not look at what they are, but at what has been given to them; therefore they do not boast about themselves, but about Him who has given and given them everything by grace.
(12) We do not lack the fact that God gives us, but we lack the fact that we do not want to see or recognize it properly. Otherwise faith would bring the fruit, so that we would also marvel and rejoice at the great grace and blessing that has come to us through this little child. For the fact that we poor sinners have been placed in eternal life and righteousness should at least be felt with a little spark, and give us courage, so that we would not be so despondent in temptation and persecution, but would defy both the devil and the world, and say, "What if you take away my life right away? Because only this child remains to me, take away the shells and husks; I have little loss compared to this core and treasure, that through Christ I am freed from sins and have escaped eternal death and the wrath of God.
So we should also be surprised. But, as I said, it happens to few. Yet there must be some among whom it happens, who marvel at all that they hear of Christ. To them this preaching is an eternal food, which they can never be satisfied with; as Peter says, that even the angels desire to see it.
14 Now let us also consider the prophecy of Simeoni, which, as reported before, is primarily about Judaism, that among the people of Israel, as he reports, many are offended and angry with the Lord Jesus Christ, again.
Some will also be corrected in him. Now this is the title of the Child, our dear Lord Christ, so that he may be held in the world, so that many may run and fall against him, and so that many may hold on to him and rise up against him.
15 Therefore, whoever wants to be a Christian must act accordingly. For no one is to be forced here. God has commanded the princes, mayors, and executioners to compel and force all those who do not want to refrain from stealing, murdering, lying, deceiving, and other misfortunes. But here in the kingdom of Christ there is nothing like this; if you do not want to believe, you can leave it; we do not want to drag you or force you with your hair. But another will force you in his time, when you will no longer be able to defend yourself.
(16) Yes, they say, if I have so long a time, there is no need. Well, that is decided, if you want to be saved, you must accept this king, who (as Simeon says here) is an angry king in the world. But let no one doubt him, for there will always be those who will mend their ways and not be angry.
(17) This is a very necessary lesson, that we should not look only at the great heap that is falling: we must let this happen. In the world it will never be otherwise; where this King is with his word and kingdom, most of the people will be angry and fall. You must be accustomed to this and let it go, if you want to remain a Christian in any other way; and besides this, look at the little group and keep to it, which does not fall, but holds fast to this king and looks like him. If then it happens that people often tumble and fall, let it go; for this is how it goes, as Simeon says here.
18. the papists blaspheme our doctrine atrociously, and oppose it vehemently; not that they are offended by it, for most of them know very well that it is the truth; but do it out of sheer wickedness and courage, to maintain their position and splendor, not inquiring much about Christ and his
Word. For the belly is their god. Therefore, let us not count them here among the heap that is angry.
(19) But those who are angry, who are not public enemies and persecutors of the doctrine, but hearers, also confess and believe that this little child is the Savior of the world. But they will not accept that our work and everything we do to praise and honor God should be nothing. Should all those be damned who have lived according to the old doctrine and faith for so many hundred years? I do not believe that anymore etc.
20. when thou seest it go thus, say, It goeth aright, as it ought: for the young child which the virgin Mary bare is set to fall, not unto them that know not of God; but unto "many in Israel," that is, they that are God's people, having His word etc. It is to them that this little child is set for a stumblingblock, over which the worldly wise and the saints run, and fall and break their necks. Therefore, if they do not want to accept the child, we must let it go, close our eyes and ears, and pretend that we do not see this case.
21) It was the same with the disciples*) who were exceedingly angry when Christ disputed with them, saying, John 8:21, "You will die in your sins." Then they thought: What says the fool? We have the prophets and Moses. We know what is right and what God wants from us. Shall all this be nothing, nor help us? Shall we let this servant teach us how to be saved? They went there, crushed their heads against Christ, and fell.
22) So now even the pope's clergy (I am talking about the best, because the majority of them, as I said, are belly servants), call our doctrine devil's lies and heresy; say: We pray, fast so much, let it get so sour; shall all this be nothing? Shall it not please God? Well then, let us eat, drink and fornicate, and thus please God, and
*) Wittenberg editions and Nuremberg edition of 1544: "Juden. Cf. Erl. A. 1, 97. ed.
will enter the kingdom of heaven, because Christ alone saves sinners, not the righteous (as the Lutherans preach). The latter are also offended by the infant Jesus and fall down so that they never get up again.
23 If then thou wilt be a Christian, send thyself into it, and only be sure that thy Lord Christ, thou, thy doctrine, and all that thou doest will not please men. For here you hear that your Lord Christ himself is a stumbling block and a rock of trouble to those who are God's people, and that all who want to be great, wise and holy resent it, push against it and run over it. If you want to be considered a fool, a heretic and a deceiver by them and their followers (for nothing else will come of it), then accept this Lord and King; if not, then you may walk idly. So that all those who want to be Christians and be saved must be an offence to their Lord Christ and a cause of trouble to others, and be considered heretics and seducers. That is one part of this prophecy.
(24) But besides this, the gospel, which is well to be remembered, saith, that he is not only set for the fall, but also for the resurrection of many in Israel. They are the ones who accept this king, endure him, and lay down their lives and limb for his sake, if need be. They know that they cannot help themselves. But if they are to be helped, it must be done by him alone, whom the angels call a Savior, and Simeon here prophesies of him: "Many will rise up against him. Therefore they recognize and consider themselves poor and miserable sinners who have fallen hard and low; for this reason they stretch out their hands and hold on to this noble foundation and cornerstone with joy, straighten themselves up on it, believe in it and will never again be put to shame, 1 Petr. 2, 6.
025 But the other fools, who think that they stand firm, and have no need of grace or help, run headlong against him, blaspheming and cursing him confidently. If it goes like this, do not let it challenge you, act as if you do not see it; it will not go out with this child in any other way than Simeon prophesies here. Meanwhile, look at the other, albeit small, crowd that is coming up to him.
This little child makes them holy and righteous; it makes wise those who recognize that they have lived in error and ignorance; it helps and makes blessed those who are lost and corrupt. Learn to take comfort in this, and do not let this child turn you away.
(26) For many years I have diligently considered the matter, how I might preach of the Lord Christ in such a way that it would please everyone, and no one would offend or be offended by it; but it will not be. Therefore we may be accustomed to it, and learn here how we should answer those who speak: In the papacy everything had been quiet, there had been no heresy or disagreement; but after this teaching had come to an end, everything had turned out badly, so that little or nothing good had come of it. You may answer such clever ones from this gospel and St. Simeon's prophecy, that wherever the pure doctrine of Christ goes, it will certainly follow that some will fall and cause all misfortune. But nevertheless the teaching shall also produce the fruit again, that some will hold on to Christ and rise up in him. These are, as I said, the poor afflicted consciences who find comfort and joy in this teaching.
27 Our adversaries will not consider such things, but look only to the fall and the trouble, which cannot be avoided: not because of the doctrine, which is pure, right, and good; but because of men, who are not right, and will not follow. But consider the matter rightly, and freely confess it: Would it not have been better in the papacy if the trouble and fall had continued as it is now, because everything was going on so quietly and peacefully as it seemed, and yet the devil ruled in all places with idolatry and false doctrine, and drove everything to hell with heaps? Who would not rather suffer a temporal damage than an eternal one? For it was an unfortunate, even eternal pity that no true preaching, knowledge of God, nor worship was to be found in the papacy.
28 For many years now we have often experienced that this was discussed at many kingdom meetings, and would have liked to have it preached in such a way that it would be pleasing to everyone and annoying to no one. But it is certain: if you take away the trouble and the fall, Christ is already lost. For where the man comes and lets himself be seen, there soon arises a tumult and a fall. He came to us, the dear Lord Christ, through his gospel, before we were aware of him, just as he came to the Jews. We should have accepted this with great gratitude and thanked God heartily for this unspeakable grace. But what has happened? The pope and the bishops are indignant about it, think that he should have asked them about it beforehand, and that if they had given their will to it, he should then have started with this teaching and made a change in the church. There the trouble goes with power. For Christ will not cease his preaching; so the pope and bishops will not suffer the same. So the dance is lifted up, and this prophecy of Simeonis remains for and for, that this child is set for the fall of many in Israel.
29 For this reason there must be perplexities, as Paul also says in another place, "There must be mobs and heresies; the word must be persecuted. But nevertheless Christ shall remain, and some shall rise up in him, and be saved. But the others must fail, who would gladly make Christ different from what God the Father has ordained and set him, namely, that he, like a stone in the way, should stand in the way, that one should lean on it and stand up. But because most of them are so mad and foolish, they do not want to hold on to such a stone, but run against it with their heads and bump into it: this is not the fault of the stone, but of such foolish, blind people, who fall on it, and also break it to pieces, even though it was placed there by God, as it is written in Isaiah 28, that they should believe in it, stand up on it and be saved through it.
(30) Therefore, do not consider the gospel to be such a doctrine that causes nothing but strife and dissension in the world;
96 L. i, ivi-in3. On the Sunday before the new year's day. W. xm, ssi. 97
as the pope and bishops reproach them, as if they were pure, had never made any water turbid, nor given cause for all kinds of punishment and misfortune through their sin and idolatry. If they would let this doctrine go and be made free, such disunity and other plagues would also remain behind. But now, because they resist the teaching and do not want to let it go their own way, what wonder is it that God does not do with them as they would like?
31) The Jews were also angry with Christ, but he gave them no cause. Yes, he would have liked to see it well, had come also therefore, that they should believe in him and become blessed. But because they would not, the fault was not his. For they should have judged themselves according to him, as according to their Lord, who had promised them and had now come, and not have been offended at his small stature. So we should not allow ourselves to be led astray by the great distresses at this time, but should judge ourselves according to the gospel. But he that will not do it, though he be offended, let him thank his troubled head and unbelieving heart, and lay not the blame on the gospel. This is the first part of this prophecy of Simeoni.
32.**) But that Simeon speaks further and especially to the mother: "And a sword shall pierce through your soul, that the thoughts of many hearts may be revealed"; this rhymes very badly with that which the evangelist says, that Simeon blessed her. For it reads harshly, and sounds very unkindly, that he says, "A sword shall pierce through thy soul." But it is not written for the sake of the Virgin Mary alone, or for the sake of the Lord Christ, who have no need of it; but it is written for our learning, that we also should be guided by it.
(33) For not only I, but also no apostle, could have thought or believed that such great wickedness would be in the world if the gospel had not come and revealed it and brought it to light. For before this time there were many excellent and pious people.
**) Held publicly, 1535.
in the papacy, who have kept themselves finely respectable and chaste. There have been many wiser, more reasonable people, since one could have sworn that they meant heartily well. So that the world, as long as the gospel is not there, shines most beautifully because of its art, wisdom, discipline and respectability.
34 After that, it can be seen even more beautifully in the spiritual appearance, that it has devised and made a lot of worship; as we have also experienced in the papacy, that whoever saw it, had to say that it was a holy, godly being. For all reason is caught up in such appearances, both with worldly virtues and spiritual nature, so that if it should remain like this, and the gospel does not expose the unrighteousness, hypocrisy and idolatry that is underneath, they would all go to the devil, and still keep the appearance that they were pious, wise, holy and humble.
35. But when the gospel comes, and the preaching of this little child begins, who, as Simeon prophesies, is set for the fall and rising of many, and for a sign to be contradicted; Then it is found that those whom all the world before thought to be living saints are the greatest sinners, the wisest the greatest fools, the quiet and gentle hearts the most bloodthirsty murderers, and certainly the gospel has no worse enemies than what high, sensible, wise, virtuous, holy people are in the sight of the world. The more highly they are adorned with such virtues, the more bitterly they rage against the gospel. As you can see, the more a monk is devoted to his rule and order, the more he has prayed, the more strictly he has fasted; the more he rages against the gospel when it comes up. This is a great plague and an exceedingly horrible thing.
This is what Simeon says here. O, he says, the world goes about in both spiritual and worldly regimes in the most beautiful honors; it leads a virtuous life, and lets itself become angry that everyone thinks that they are pure angels and children of God, before great holiness and wisdom. No one can and will believe that under such a pretense there is such great vice and harmful poison; all people become fools about it.
ren. There is no art in the wide world that could see or judge such things, except this preaching of Christ and the holy gospel, which stirs up such poisonous swarms that everyone sees what filth and harmful poison is behind it. For as soon as such preaching is heard in the world, it enrages its people; then the beautiful saints glitter in such a way that they burst out, and let themselves be seen before all the world, that it is basically vain glitter and evil with them.
37. There is many a fine prince who is highly graced with wisdom and understanding, and heartily desires to preside rightly over his people; is not stingy, not a glutton nor a banqueter; wants to know all dealings himself, so that no one may be wronged; is a chaste, chaste husband; In sum, if one should choose a man to govern, one should choose such a lord, since one can boast with truth that he is a reasonable, pious, holy prince, especially if one wants to reckon it according to the old nature and appearance in the papacy, with prayer, fasting, devotion, to endow altars, chapels, churches and new services, which are diligently directed to shut people's mouths with it.
38 But let the gospel come, and you will find that there is nothing but hypocrisy with such pious gentlemen, proving also by deed that an abominable murderer, who sheds much innocent blood, deals in evil practices, and falls from one sin into another over the gospel, like Ahaz, tries everything that he can hinder or curb. That one must say: Who would have always thought that so great sin should be under such a beautiful holy life? No one stabs nor breaks open such filth and unwillingness, but the holy gospel, that such poison comes to light.
I would have thought that if anyone would accept the gospel, it would be the pope and his cardinals, bishops and clergy, who are considered the highest and most pious people in the world. But now it turns out that the gospel has no fiercer or more ferocious enemies than the pope with his clergy, high schools, doctors, monks, and priests, who have
should be promoted with all diligence. This is what Simeon means here when he says to Mary: "The child whose mother you are will make such a noise in the world, will disgrace the people who think that everyone and themselves are living saints.
40 Then the thoughts of the hearts will be revealed, so that it can be said: In this man, who seems so holy in the eyes of the world, who should be commanded to rule the world and given the keys to heaven because of his intellect, virtue, holiness and piety, there is such an unrighteousness, such great blasphemy, idolatry, envy, hatred, murder, ignorance etc. that it is not possible to tell everything. For he cannot hear God's word and the truth, nor tolerate it, defends idolatry, strangles the people over it, yes, if he could drown country and people in blood, he would do it, just so that he would dampen the gospel. This must be a bitter, poisonous heart, which should not be found in any man, let alone in such a man, whom the world considers pious, honorable, gentle, wise and virtuous. Thus, says Simeon, this child will reveal the heart.
(41) I would not have thought, when the good gospel came, that the world should be so wicked; indeed, I thought that everyone should have leaped for joy when they heard that they should be free from the abominations of the pope and the miserable pressures and compulsions of poor consciences, and through Christ by grace have the goods for which they had striven in vain and in vain with so innumerable costs, toil, and labor. And especially I thought, as reported before, that the bishops and high schools should accept it with heart.
But what happens? It is precisely because of such preaching that they trample us underfoot, and no one is more hostile to us than the clergy. We must learn this and get used to it, and for the sake of such naughtiness of the world not celebrate with the gospel, but continue confidently. For it is such a doctrine that teaches and knows the devil and his members rightly, that he is an enemy of God, and the world also, where it is best, most pious and most holy. For I would not have been able to deny that.
I would never have believed that such a great contempt for God and His word should be in the hearts of people who outwardly pretend to be so pious. But the Gospel teaches us that we can see before our eyes that popes, bishops, princes, noblemen, citizens and peasants are full of devils, because they not only do not accept this blessed doctrine, but wantonly despise and persecute it. I did not see this devilish wickedness in people before the Gospel, but thought they were full of the Holy Spirit. But Christ reveals through his word that they are possessed with the devil.
But why does he reveal it? To teach us; then also to comfort us. For instruction, that we should not be frightened when we see that such holy people are such devils, that we should wonder and say: This is such a fine prince, such a fine citizen, such a fine husband, how does he come more and more into blindness and wickedness, that he cannot stand God's word and is so hostile to him? Now this gospel teaches, tells the cause, and says: "Before, the thoughts of the heart were hidden; but now comes he who is called the Revealer of hearts: who, by his word, has kindled such a light in our hearts that we see what thoughts people have, which neither they nor others saw before; they must come to light and be revealed.
(44) The devil was a liar and a murderer before, just as he is now; but he was too beautifully adorned that he could not be known, but was thought to be an angel of light. But now, because the gospel shines under his eyes, you see what was in him, that it was all lies, deceit and murder ever with him. You can see this in his members, from the highest lord down to the lowest servant; the more pious and holy the people seem, the greater they are, full of poison and blasphemy. So they have been all ways: but they have kept and kept under the left teat. Our Lord God has closed a window through his gospel, as Simeon says here, so that it can be seen, and they can no longer hide it.
45 Secondly, such a revelation of the heart also serves to comfort us: because the world does not want to tolerate nor suffer God's word, and yet it leads such a holy appearance that we are not frightened by it, but rather conclude straight away: Let it appear as pious and holy as it wants, because this unrighteousness is attached to it, that it does not like God's word, but rather persecutes it, that it is the wretched devil, as it stands and walks, and that all virtue and holy life in it is nothing but a cover of shame.
(46) It is not evil in itself to be reasonable, wise and virtuous. But this is the devil, that one should use such beautiful virtue as a cover of shame, and thereby cover the abominable sin, which is called blaspheming God and persecuting his word.
(47) Virginity is highly praised, as it is a peculiar and strange gift. But what would you think of a virgin who had murdered her father and mother? Wouldn't you say, if she were still a virgin, she would be a murderer of her father and mother, and Master Hans would reward her according to her merit, and her virginity would be of no use at all?
(48) It is the same here, and goes as Simeon says. O Mary," he says, "your Son will make many pious people into great scoundrels and murderers, who now go in to be worshipped for holiness, but who in time will prove themselves to be God's worst enemies. Yes, says reason, they are nevertheless honest pious people, not scoundrels and murderers, as you pretend. Now lick yourself, dear kitten, with your smooth bellows and sharp claws; but it shall not last long, praise God. It must not last longer than for Christ to come with his gospel, then you will find that the majority of respectable, pious etc. People in the world are the worst of the boys, murderers and enemies of God, who cannot stand God's word, engage in all kinds of practices and tyranny, if they would muffle it.
They do not like to be called evil. But they cannot excuse themselves before God. For even though a man may be pious in outward appearance
But he has the bad habit of being so mischievous in his heart that he cannot tolerate God's word: how long will he remain pious against people? For it soon happens, when the heart is full of murder, that the tongue, yes, hand also becomes a murderer, if there is time, space and reason. Such naughtiness the gospel exposes; otherwise no one would know it, indeed, no one would be able to believe it.
50. Simeon says to Mary further: "And a sword," he says, "will pierce your soul." For such wickedness of the world she has had to see and experience. And not only she, but the whole Christian church at any time when the light of the Gospel shines. But it is impossible for Christians to see it without pain and especially heartache. As Peter also says of St. Lot, 2 Peter 2:8, that he had to see and hear the vices of the sodomites, who tormented his soul from day to day with their unrighteous works.
(51) This is the sword that pierces the heart of Christians, that is, their heart is wounded by the fact that the world is such a shameful weed that can adorn itself in such a way, and yet practices all kinds of arrogance and tyranny against Christ, blasphemes and condemns his word, persecutes and murders his saints. This is the suffering of Christians, the suffering of the heart, which goes beyond all suffering, and also arouses the heartfelt groaning of sorrowful hearts. When this comes, the punishment will be
not stay back there for long. That was enough of Simeoni's prophecy for this time.
Now, in addition to this prophecy and teaching of Simeoni, there is also a history of the widow Hannah, who also testifies and preaches about Christ from the Holy Spirit. The evangelist reports how she served God by praying and fasting day and night. This is what our adversaries, the papists, say against us, even though we have never denied that one serves God with proper fasting and prayer. For what God has commanded, if one does it, it is called serving God. Since fasting, that is, moderation in eating and drinking, item praying is commanded by God, we let it remain a service of God; for it is a commanded obedience.
(53) But the papists are not satisfied with this, they want to interpret it as that such obedience helps to the forgiveness of sins and eternal life. Then we say no to this, and say with the angel, "Only the infant Jesus, who has the name Jesus or Savior, executes this, that he may absolve his people from their sins.
54 Let us now leave it at that, and ask God for His grace, that He may graciously protect us from all trouble, and help us to stand up in Christ, and never again be offended or offended by Him and His teaching. May our dear Lord Christ grant us this, amen.