Category Archives: liturgy

May 31, 2023 · 12:01 am

First Sunday after Pentecost: Trinity Sunday

God in Three Persons

Today is Trinity Sunday. We celebrate the glorious manifestation of God through his three persons: God the Father, God the Son, and God the Holy Spirit. These are not simply three names of God. Each one is a person of God and has a distinct purpose. We see this in the Book of Genesis:

And God said, “Let the earth bring forth living creatures of every kind: cattle and creeping things and wild animals of the earth of every kind.” And it was so. God made the wild animals of the earth of every kind, and the cattle of every kind, and everything that creeps upon the ground of every kind. And God saw that it was good.

Then God said, “Let us make humankind in our image, according to our likeness; and let them have dominion over the fish of the sea, and over the birds of the air, and over the cattle, and over all the wild animals of the earth, and over every creeping thing that creeps upon the earth.”

God the Father is speaking about his creation of all life, and especially that of humankind. But he did not do this alone. God said: “Let us.” He is using a Hebrew word—ē’nu—which is unmistakably plural. To whom is God speaking?

We read in the prologue of John’s Gospel:

In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. He was in the beginning with God. All things came into being through him, and without him not one thing came into being. What has come into being in him was life, and the life was the light of all people.   (John 1:1-4)

The Father is clearly speaking to his Son because his Son is described in John as an agent of creation. But he was also speaking to someone else. Let us go back again to the beginning:

In the beginning God created the heavens and the earth. The earth was without form, and void; and darkness was on the face of the deep. And the Spirit of God was hovering over the face of the waters.

Then God said, “Let there be light”; and there was light.   (Genesis 1:1-3)

We see that the Holy Spirit is waiting to hear the Word from God the Father: “Let there be light.” And then he sprang into action. The Father spoke the Word. Jesus, who has been described as the Word made flesh, again, was the agent of creation.

All three Persons of God were active in creation, but each One has a special and unique ministry as well. Jesus’ farewell address to his disciples frames to work of each One quite:

The eleven disciples went to Galilee, to the mountain to which Jesus had directed them. When they saw him, they worshiped him; but some doubted. And Jesus came and said to them, “All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything that I have commanded you. And remember, I am with you always, to the end of the age.”   (Matthew 28:16-20)

Notice that Jesus says that he has all authority. That gift comes from God the Father. He is the final and supreme authority in all things. The Father has delegated his authority to his Son because Jesus was obedient to him, even to death on a cross.

Then Jesus tells his disciples to evangelize the whole world. That is the work of the Son:

For God so loved the world that he gave his only Son, so that everyone who believes in him may not perish but may have eternal life.

Indeed, God did not send the Son into the world to condemn the world but in order that the world might be saved through him.   (John 3:16-17)

Notice that Jesus mentions the Holy Spirit as part of our baptism. The Spirit is mentioned last, but he is batting cleanup. His work is to sanctify us that we become like Jesus. We read in the Gospel of John:

When the Spirit of truth comes, he will guide you into all the truth, for he will not speak on his own but will speak whatever he hears, and he will declare to you the things that are to come. He will glorify me because he will take what is mine and declare it to you. All that the Father has is mine. For this reason I said that he will take what is mine and declare it to you.   (John 16:13-15)

Now let us take a look at the Apostle Paul’s farewell address to the Corinthians, so to speak:

Finally, brothers and sisters, farewell. Put things in order, listen to my appeal, agree with one another, live in peace; and the God of love and peace will be with you.

Notice Paul writes: “put things in order.” It is the Holy Spirit of God that helps us puts things in order. He is not disorderly as some people would believe. The fellowship of the Spirit does not lead to chaos, division, or disorganization. The fellowship of the Spirit leads to unity, love, order, and peace. That is why the Spirit can work with all churches: Evangelistic, Pentecostal, as well as Liturgical. No one church has a lock on him.

Lastly, in one sentence, Paul summarizes the complete work of the Trinity:

The grace of the Lord Jesus Christ, the love of God, and the
communion of the Holy Spirit be with all of you.   (2 Corinthians 13:11-13)
The love of the Father is proven by the gift of grace through his Son so that we may all be joined together in the Spirit. Today, let us celebrate and embrace the full Person and ministry of God.
The grace of the Lord Jesus Christ and the love of God and the fellowship of the Holy Spirit be with you all (2 Corinthians 13:14).

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May 31, 2023 · 12:00 am

The Visitation of the Blessed Virgin

Standing on the Promises of God

Mary, the mother of Jesus, visited her cousin Elizabeth who was also with child. When the child in Elizabeth’s womb hears Mary’s voice he leaps for joy. This child is John the Baptist. This moment of celebration brings joy to Mary and she prophesies:

“My soul magnifies the Lord,
    and my spirit rejoices in God my Savior,
for he has looked with favor on the lowliness of his servant.
    Surely, from now on all generations will call me blessed;
for the Mighty One has done great things for me,
    and holy is his name.
His mercy is for those who fear him
    from generation to generation.
He has shown strength with his arm;
    he has scattered the proud in the thoughts of their hearts.
He has brought down the powerful from their thrones,
    and lifted up the lowly;
he has filled the hungry with good things,
    and sent the rich away empty.”   (Luke 1:47-55)

What is remarkable about Mary and Elizabeth is that they believed in the promise of God, even though great miracles of God were required. Mary, a virgin, had conceived a child and Elizabeth, who was well beyond any child bearing age, had also conceived. Nevertheless, these chosen instruments of God were able to believe God as did Abraham before them.

Are we able to believe in the miraculous today? Mary and Elizabeth understood that the promises God made to them were not just about them. Jesus and John the Baptist are children of the promise that God made to Abraham. Their births extended and expanded this promise down through the ages. Today, we are recipients of the promise.

God has made promises to us as well. His plans for us may not be as dramatic as that of Mary or Elizabeth, but they are important to God’s plan. Are we willing to believe in those promises and hold on to them? There may be obstacles in the way of our receiving God’s promise. The Apostle Paul tells us how to overcome these obstacles with this prescription:

Rejoice in hope, be patient in suffering, persevere in prayer.   (Romans 12:12)

In time, the promises of God will come to pass. The blessing is in our believing and perseverance. Too often me take matters in our own hands when we tire of waiting upon God. In this way we thwart God’s plans and purposes for us. Others are depending upon us to make the right choices. In fact, their future blessings depend upon our faithfulness. Let us be willing to see beyond ourselves as the wonders of God’s work unfolds.

God will do great things for us but he requires that we exercise our faith. Are we willing to hear, believe, and stand on the promises of God?

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May 28, 2023 · 12:00 am

Day of Pentecost

The Gathering of the Spirit

Today we celebrate the Day of Pentecost. The importance of Pentecost cannot be overstated. We observe Pentecost as the birth of the Church. It is certainly that. But it also has to do with the birth and rebirth of all humankind.

Let us go back to the beginning. Reading from John’s Gospel:

In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. He was in the beginning with God. All things came into being through him, and without him not one thing came into being. What has come into being in him was life, and the life was the light of all people.   (John 1:1-4)

Our lives began with the Word of God. God spoke us into being. Jesus Christ was and is the incarnation of this Word:

He was in the world, and the world came into being through him, yet the world did not know him. He came to what was his own, and his own people did not accept him. But to all who received him, who believed in his name, he gave power to become children of God, who were born, not of blood or of the will of the flesh or of the will of man, but of God.   ((John 1:10-13

We were created in his very image. We were made like him, but many did not recognize him or accept him as one of us. But those who did, received his breath and power to become more like him. Pentecost is about receiving God’s breath and power. The psalmist wrote:

You hide your face, and they are terrified;
you take away their breath,
and they die and return to their dust.

You send forth your Spirit, and they are created;
and so you renew the face of the earth.   (Psalm 104:30-31)

Pentecost is about rebirth. This rebirth comes only by the power of the Holy Spirit. We need that rebirth to restore our fellowship with God. Jesus, the agent of creation, became the agent of recreation. His sacrifice has purified us for rebirth.

This Church could only be formed by the regenerating power of the Holy Spirit:

When the day of Pentecost had come, the disciples were all together in one place. And suddenly from heaven there came a sound like the rush of a violent wind, and it filled the entire house where they were sitting. Divided tongues, as of fire, appeared among them, and a tongue rested on each of them. All of them were filled with the Holy Spirit and began to speak in other languages, as the Spirit gave them ability.   (Acts 2:1-4)

God calls us to gather in his name. He calls us to anticipate his presence and power. He refines us and prepares us as we offer him our prayers and praise. Then he pours out his power and establishes a taste of his Kingdom on the earth:

Now there were devout Jews from every nation under heaven living in Jerusalem. And at this sound the crowd gathered and was bewildered, because each one heard them speaking in the native language of each. Amazed and astonished, they asked, “Are not all these who are speaking Galileans? And how is it that we hear, each of us, in our own native language? Parthians, Medes, Elamites, and residents of Mesopotamia, Judea and Cappadocia, Pontus and Asia, Phrygia and Pamphylia, Egypt and the parts of Libya belonging to Cyrene, and visitors from Rome, both Jews and proselytes, Cretans and Arabs– in our own languages we hear them speaking about God’s deeds of power.” All were amazed and perplexed, saying to one another, “What does this mean?”   (Acts 2:5-12)

The witness of the Church began at Pentecost. A powerful community was being built. It attracted people from all corners of the earth. Are we still building upon the outpouring of God’s power? What is our witness today? Do we just celebrate the birth of the Church on the Day of Pentecost? Or do we seek rebirth through the power of the Holy Spirit.

On the Day of Pentecost, Peter preached:

No, this is what was spoken through the prophet Joel:

‘In the last days it will be, God declares,
that I will pour out my Spirit upon all flesh,
    and your sons and your daughters shall prophesy,
and your young men shall see visions,
    and your old men shall dream dreams.
Even upon my slaves, both men and women,
    in those days I will pour out my Spirit,
        and they shall prophesy.’   (Acts 2:16-18)

God is still pouring out his Spirit. Peter makes it clear that Pentecost includes us:

Peter said to them, “Repent and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ so that your sins may be forgiven, and you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit. For the promise is for you, for your children, and for all who are far away, everyone whom the Lord our God calls to him.”   (Acts 2:38-39)

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May 21, 2023 · 12:00 am

Seventh Sunday of Easter

Letting Go and Letting God

The twelve disciples lived with Jesus every day for three years. He had taught them directly from scripture and by example. They had watched his miracles and healing of the sick. They saw him calm the storm and multiply the loaves and fishes. They did not always understand him but they relied on his loving and calming presence. And now he was leaving them. When would he return? Reading from the Book of Acts:

When the apostles had come together, they asked Jesus, “Lord, is this the time when you will restore the kingdom to Israel?” He replied, “It is not for you to know the times or periods that the Father has set by his own authority. But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you; and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem, in all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth.” When he had said this, as they were watching, he was lifted up, and a cloud took him out of their sight. While he was going and they were gazing up toward heaven, suddenly two men in white robes stood by them. They said, “Men of Galilee, why do you stand looking up toward heaven? This Jesus, who has been taken up from you into heaven, will come in the same way as you saw him go into heaven.”   (Acts 1:6-11)

The angles reassured them. Jesus would be returning. Do we have that same assurance today? We are living in chaotic times. Is today’s Church looking for a way out? The rapture perhaps?

God does not want us to be overcome with discouragement. The Apostles were living in difficult times. Jesus told them that they were going to receive power from on high. Then he called them into action. They were going to be his witnesses and change the world.

The psalmist wrote:

Sing to God, O kingdoms of the earth;
sing praises to the Lord.

He rides in the heavens, the ancient heavens;
he sends forth his voice, his mighty voice.

Ascribe power to God;
his majesty is over Israel;
his strength is in the skies.

How wonderful is God in his holy places!
the God of Israel giving strength and power to his people!
Blessed be God!   (Psalm 68:33-36)

They would soon discover that God magnifies power through human weakness. The Apostle Peter wrote:

Humble yourselves therefore under the mighty hand of God, so that he may exalt you in due time. Cast all your anxiety on him, because he cares for you. Discipline yourselves, keep alert. Like a roaring lion your adversary the devil prowls around, looking for someone to devour. Resist him, steadfast in your faith, for you know that your brothers and sisters in all the world are undergoing the same kinds of suffering. And after you have suffered for a little while, the God of all grace, who has called you to his eternal glory in Christ, will himself restore, support, strengthen, and establish you. To him be the power forever and ever. Amen.   (1 Peter: 5:6-11)

We need the same power of the apostles. When Jesus prayed for the twelve he also prayed for those who would follow:

”I have made your name known to those whom you gave me from the world. They were yours, and you gave them to me, and they have kept your word. Now they know that everything you have given me is from you; for the words that you gave to me I have given to them, and they have received them and know in truth that I came from you; and they have believed that you sent me. I am asking on their behalf; I am not asking on behalf of the world, but on behalf of those whom you gave me, because they are yours. All mine are yours, and yours are mine; and I have been glorified in them. And now I am no longer in the world, but they are in the world, and I am coming to you. Holy Father, protect them in your name that you have given me, so that they may be one, as we are one.”   (John 17:6-11)

We are among the chosen ones who have followed. We live in a difficult and challenging world. It is no more difficult than the time of the apostles. Now is.not the time to look for an escape. It is not a time to run and hide. Rather, it is a time for bold action. It is a time of consolidating the kingdom or God on the earth before our Lord’s return. Are we up to it?

That is not the real question. Apart from Jesus we can do nothing. The apostles were just ordinary people. But they waited upon the Lord. They were then clothed with power from on high. What about us? Jesus needs our witness throughout the land, throughout the world. Let us begin in our families. Let us begin in our neighbor hood. Let us begin even in our churches,

People joined the early church because they saw the power of God at work. We need to tap into that same source of power. Does it fit our denomination? It is far too late for those kind of questions. A great revival is needed. A great revival is here. God is pouring out his glory on all who believe, who humble themselves to him. and repent of their sin.

if my people who are called by my name humble themselves, pray, seek my face, and turn from their wicked ways, then I will hear from heaven and will forgive their sin and heal their land.   (2 Chronicles 7:14)

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