The Gospel tastes best to those who lie in the straits of death or whom an evil conscience oppresses; for in that case “hunger is a good cook” as we say, one who makes the food taste good. For when they feel their misery, the heart and conscience can hear nothing more soothing than the Gospel; for this they long, on this they are eager to feed, nor can they get too much of it. So Mary speaks in the Magnificat: “He hath filled the hungry with good things” (Luke 1:53). But that hardened class who live in their own holiness, build on their own works, and feel not their sin and misery, do not taste this food. Whoever sits at a table and is hungry relishes all; however, he who is sated relishes nothing but is filled with loathing at the most excellent food. (Martin Luther, 1522, Exposition of 1Peter 2:2-3 in What Luther Said, 563)