Lectionary for Trinity

Lectionary for Trinity Sunday

Holy, holy, holy is the Lord of hosts; the whole earth is full of God’s glory.  Isaiah 6:3

Reading. Isaiah 6:1-8. Isaiah was a prophet who was linked to the temple in Jerusalem. His prophetic ministry began as our reading suggests in the year that king Uzziah died. Isaiah was well connected for he had family links to the kings of Judah at that time. His ministry encompassed 4 kings’ reigns ending with King Manasseh who was so displeased with Isaiah’s pronouncements that he encased him in a tree trunk and had him sawn “asunder”, according to tradition. (Hebrews 11:37 is thought to be a reference to that callus act)

For Isaiah on the day which the reading recalls, it was the glory and the majesty of God that transfixed him. Note the phrase in the first verse, “the hem of his robe filled the temple”. The temple was a huge building; some think it was 20 stories high at its highest point. It was an ever present reminder that God was among them. The temple did not contain God but reminded the people of God’s presence always with them. Maybe for the first time Isaiah grasped how incomprehensible was the presence of God. Isaiah’s vision of God is awe inspiring and it was this revelation that sustained Isaiah’s difficult prophetic ministry. As a result of that revelation Isaiah’s response is to recognise his own failure and unrighteousness: In the presence of absolute holiness all the flaws and inadequacies are revealed: yet at the same time Isaiah’s remembrance also shows that God provides a remedy that allows Isaiah to serve. The call to go and serve comes after the cleansing that is provided. Isaiah was called to serve God; whose power and influence was able to shape world events. His prophetic ministry would not be easy for during his whole life time the kingdom of Judah was under threat from hostile super powers. Despite the dire straits in which the nation found itself Isaiah’s long term prophecy was that God would install a righteous king for the nation, who would bring them peace and prosperity.

Prayer. To the King of the ages, immortal, invisible, the only God, be honour and glory forever and ever. Amen. (1 Timothy 1:17)

Lord, great beyond even our imagining, Merciful, much more than we deserve; we are so often caught up in our own needs and wants that we forget the greater needs of those around us. Even more Lord God we forget that your powerful presence is ever near. Help us to draw close to you in faith and love and find new hope and purpose for each new day. Strengthen our hearts and inform our minds so that the gifts that you give can be used for your faultless plans and purposes, not for our comfort. Help us to use our opportunities to love and serve those in need, even as in Jesus Christ you loved and served us in perfect sacrifice. As your people let us praise and honour you today and always. Amen

Reading. John 3:1-17 As we celebrate Trinity Sunday this week we remind ourselves that though the bible has no direct mention of God as Trinity, yet there are many bible passages and concepts that reinforce three realities of God. Even as I write that sentence I am reminded of an Indian Lecturer in theological college who before one exam regarding the Trinity waggled his finger and advised, “Do not write too much… as most of it will be heretical!” reminding us humorously of how difficult it is to explain the Trinity. Despite the trepidation, this passage does highlight the threefold action of God which opens the way into the Kingdom. To begin with, God as Father sent his Son to be the Redeemer of the world. First and foremost was the redemption of the world, which also included the salvation that humanity needed. Secondly there was the work of God’s Holy Spirit who in creation brought order out of chaos, and gave life to humanity. It is the Holy Spirit who now Jesus describes as bringing the renewed life of God that transforms fallen humanity into a being fitted for the kingdom. Central to that godly action is the action of Jesus to give himself as the sacrifice that proves to be the antidote to the deadly consequences of sin. Thus it is the one God, in an amazing interwoven set of relationships who is at work bringing back the whole of creation from the chaos that has emerged through human disobedience. We know that the whole creation has been groaning in labour pains until now; and not only the creation, but we ourselves, who have the first fruits of the Spirit, groan inwardly while we wait for adoption, the redemption of our bodies. Romans 8:22–23. NRSV

On Trinity Sunday we can struggle with the concept or we can simply be thankful that the God we worship is big enough and powerful enough to gather the whole of creation back to Himself. Once that is finally accomplished then the creation and all that is in it will be at peace and enjoy the obedient harmony that has always been God’s intention.

Prayer. O Lord Jesus Christ, who walked the way of the cross as the obedient servant of God, open our ears we humbly ask and teach us by your Spirit, that we may not rebel but walk in the obedience of true disciples who have learnt from you. Grant that our faith may not be shaken by adversity or daunted by the threat of failure but may we follow with steadfastness along the way that leads to perfect fellowship with him and so with you; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen [C.M. Jacobs; 1875]

Collect. Father, we praise you: through your Word and Holy Spirit you created all things. You reveal your salvation in all the world by sending to us Jesus Christ, the Word made flesh. Through your Holy Spirit you give us a share in your life and love. Fill us with the vision of your glory, that we may always serve and praise you, Father, Son and Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. Amen.

Eternal God, we see your face in Jesus Christ, and your Breath blows among us and all around. May your everlasting arms enfold us as we are brought to birth, and filled with the Spirit of life; in the name of Jesus, the Word made flesh. Amen.