Trinity Sunday, June 11, 2006

BCP: Exodus 3:1-6; Psalm 93 or Canticle 2 or Canticle 13; Rom. 8:12-17; John 3:1-16.

RCL: Isaiah 6:1-8; Psalm 29 or Canticle 2 or Canticle 13; Rom. 8:12-17; John 3:1-17.

If the preacher on this Sunday is inclined to attempt a theological exposition of the doctrine of the Trinity, it may be wise to focus on the text of the Nicene Creed rather than on any of the lessons from either lectionary. But for one committed to biblical preaching, the lessons provide an opportunity to proclaim that the mystery which transcends our unaided comprehension is part of the encounter of the faithful with the true God we come to know in worship and praise — Father, Son, and Holy Spirit.

Both the passage from Exodus and the one from Isaiah’s prophecy speak of encounters with the divine that evoke awe. The first tells of the appearance to Moses in the bush that burns but is not consumed. The God of the patriarchs speaks, and the one who will faithfully lead God’s people “hid his face” in fear. The story of the calling of Isaiah begins with the prophet’s bold declaration, “I saw the Lord.” But the strange appearance of the seraphim, the proclamation of God’s holiness, and the filling of the house with smoke, combine to produce such wonder that he cries out, “Woe is me!”

The verses from the Epistle to the Romans speak of the mystery of dying in order to live, of the death of “the deeds of the body,” so that “by the Spirit” we may have life. Then, in wondrous language we hear, in terms that are incomprehensible without faith, of God’s own Spirit “bearing witness with our spirit.” Thus we call on the God who is spiritually known by faith intimately, “Abba! Father!”

In the gospel reading we are reminded of the story of Nicodemus’ encounter with Jesus. Our Lord speaks of being “born anew,” of being “born of water and the Spirit,” mysterious terms that are incomprehensible but by faith. Even a recognized “teacher of Israel” is unable to understand and marvels in wonder. But we who have been born again in the waters of baptism “in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit” respond to this mystery with the understanding that is grounded in belief.

Believing in God, the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, in the power of the Holy Spirit, we encounter the mystery of the divine in awe and wonder. But while we may experience the dread of holy fear or be incapable of purely rational explanation of the Trinity, our faith leads us into a confident knowledge of our God. Thus we come to speak the language of worship, the language of mystery, the language of love; so that as Jesus said to marveling Nicodemus, “we speak of what we know, and bear witness to what we have seen.” “Blessed art thou, O Father, Son, and Holy Spirit.”

Look It Up

Read or sing the text of your favorite hymn under the heading of “The Holy Trinity” (362-371 in The Hymnal 1982).

Think About It

Religious language for Christians is both doctrinal and personal. How does each way of speaking compliment or inform the other?

Next Sunday

Second Sunday of Pentecost, June 18, 2006 (Proper 6, Year B)

BCP: Ezek. 31:1-6, 10-14; Psalm 92 or 92: 1-4, 11-14; 2 Cor. 5:1-10; Mark 4:26-34.

RCL: 1 Sam. 15:34-16:13 or Ezek. 17:22-24; Psalm 20; 2 Cor. 5: 6-10, (11-13), 14-17; Mark 4:26-34.