Daily Meditation for April 9, 2025

Eighty years ago today, on April 9, 1945, Lutheran pastor and theologian Dietrich Bonhoeffer was hanged in a Nazi concentration camp. He was just 39 years old. In a matter of days, his POW camp would be liberated by American troops. Bonhoeffer’s faith-filled life and heartbreaking death continue to inspire and challenge people of all faiths. What could we possibly do that would honor this holy man on the anniversary of his entrance into eternal life? Quite simply, we could practice what Bonhoeffer called “the ministry of helpfulness.” Notice others you cross paths with today. See Christ in them. See their hurt, their need. And help where help is needed. As Bonhoeffer said: “We must be ready to allow ourselves to be interrupted by God”, “Only where hands are not too good for deeds of love and mercy in everyday helpfulness can the mouth joyfully and convincingly proclaim the message of God’s love and mercy.”

By Mary Stommes, OblSB