O God, whose justice continually challenges thy Church to live according to its calling: Grant us who now remember the work of John Wyclif contrition for the wounds which our sins inflict on thy Church, and such love for Christ that we may seek to heal the divisions which afflict his Body; through the same Jesus Christ, who livest and reignest with thee in the unity of the Holy Spirit, one God, now and for ever. Amen.
Wyclif was highly influential in his own day – a prominent diplomat, royal councillor and theologian. But that pales compared to his influence after his death.
He inspired the lollard movement, and historians now recognise that Lollardy was far more widespread and long-lived in England than previously believed. It extended to the highest levels of society. This continued right up to the protestant reformation and laid the groundwork for its success in England.
And Wyclif’s influence on John Huss in Bohemia, Martin Luther and other reformers was also significant.