Reflection 10

It seems like it was very difficult to live during the Middle Ages. There was so much turmoil, sickness, and destruction all across Europe. The rich became richer as the poor became poorer, and the economy was a wreck. It must have been very difficult for most of the population, who were peasants, to live. They were starving, angry, and rebellious. After learning about the Middle Ages, I'm glad I didn't live during that time period. To actually be John Wycliffe would be a nightmare. I would live in constant fear of being arrested or assassinated. It would also be frustrating to be John, since even though he had followers little was being done about his cause. Often times it seemed as though his message was not received well, and he had many enemies. John Wycliffe had a very difficult life, but there is a lot to be learned from him. He is a living example of the fact that everyone should stand up for what they believe in, and know to be right. He never lost hope in his cause, and worked hard throughout his life to spread his message. John also teaches the importance of helping others. He was constantly asking the church to give money to the starving peasants, and he rewrote the entire Bible in English and made it available to the public, so peasants could have a personal relationship with God.

After learning all about John Wycliffe, I came to really like him and respect all that he did. I loved the way that John always stood up for what he believed in and was not afraid to express his opinions. Even though the Church was continually working to have him arrested or assassinated he didn't back down.. He continued to preach and spread his message. I thought that John Wycliffe did make good decisions, since he always did what was right. Even though it was a risk to his life, he spoke out against the Church and called for Parliament to help fix it. He also made the Bible available to common people in English, which was a great decision on his part. Common people deserve to be able to read the Word of God any time they want to.

I'm not sure I would have had the courage to do the same things that John Wycliffe did. I don't think I would be brave enough to put my life a stake just to express my opinions and try to reform the Church. I think all that John Wycliffe did was extremely impressive, and his actions will be admired and respected forever. But I hope and I pray that God will use my life to become a blessing to other people and when people will see me, they will glorify and praise the Father above because my life becomes a light to them.