The Holy Trinity | Pentecost 1 | Lessons and Meditation
FIRST READING: Genesis 1:1—2:4a [The power of God’s love – in the beginning, God created!]
Genesis is sometimes called the “Book of Beginnings” because so many origins are discussed – including the beginnings of the universe and of humanity, the beginning of sin, and the beginning of God’s work to restore a sinful humanity. This Sunday’s verses do not seek to assert a rational scientific theory of origin, nor do they accept the notion of some sort of accidental, random development. Rather they lift up a faith that existence is created… by one God… on purpose… with love and delight. So God speaks a word or two, creation emerges out of chaos, God delights in what has been created, and there is a sense of order and purpose to it all. Then God speaks another word or two until “the beginning” has been completed. But please note that creation does not stop happening beyond what is in Genesis 1-2 – it continues, over the unfolding of time, by God’s intention, through nature. And please note also that human creatures have a special value and a role in God’s creation – we are “created in the image of God” (the pinnacle of God’s creation!)… we are lovingly blessed by God… and we are commanded to “fill the earth, have dominion, and subdue it” (a responsibility for involved care and stewardship that implies great trust by God!). Sometimes scientific evolution and Biblical creation are presented as “either/or” realities that one must choose between. But we can read and learn what the modern science textbooks say without abandoning the belief that there is a loving CREATOR behind it all regardless of the dates and details… or abandoning the belief that there is a SPECIAL RELATIONSHIP between humans and divine. What does being created in God’s image mean to you? For your relationships with others? How are we doing in our responsibility to this created earth?
THE PSALM: Psalm 8 [The thrill of God’s love – mere humans have been called to manage this world!]
Perhaps many of us have sometime been outside our city or some other civilization, away from urban glow or shadowy smog, in a remote place on a clear night, and we have decided (or were drawn) to look up… and we noticed, on that clear night, the vastness of the skies, stretching from horizon to horizon, ALL THOSE STARS, SO MANY STARS ALL OVER THE SKY, AND ALSO THE MOON (maybe a sliver, maybe the whole round basketball). The author of this psalm is struck by two particular thoughts: (1) a sense of wonder at the awesome glory of God, the great Creator, the great Organizer and Ruler of all, that is reflected in those starry heavens; and (2) a sense of wonder at the awesome concern that God would have for human beings, the bewildering value that God would place on them, the great responsibility that God would entrust to them. Think on God’s goodness and love in your life. How are you feel called to care for the earth God has given us?
SECOND READING: 2 Corinthians 13:11-13 [The tie of God’s love – the Church is shaped by the Trinity!]
This beautiful farewell speech comes at the end of some painful letters to the troubled church at Corinth, a Christian community that Pail helped to begin. The congregation – full of jealousy, striving, arrogance, rivalries, and a tendency to measure one’s worth through comparisons with other persons – has disappointed and frustrated
Paul. And he has also felt personal pain over misunderstanding, rejection, and attack directed at him. Paul has tried to heal divisions and reestablish unity by pointing back to the gospel… and he has been sustained in all his challenges and personal sufferings by his passion for the gospel and his deep love for his churches. In these closing verses he urges these Christians to put things in order and to live in peace; then he offers a Trinitarian benediction that is still used in Christian worship today. Our Christian fellowship should be grounded in the triune harmony of Christ’s grace, God’s love, and the Spirit’s partnership. It can only lead to more peace and greater love!
GOSPEL READING: Matthew 28:16-20 [The mission of God’s love – Christians are sent to teach and to baptize!]
This reading takes us back some. After his resurrection, Jesus summons his remaining disciples to a mountain, then commissions them to baptize and to teach all nations in the name of the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. Our participation in God’s creating, loving, saving activity in this world unfolds as we seek to reach out to others – without discrimination – to invite, to call, to embrace her, him, them, each and all with grace and love and divine fellowship.
A MEDITATION
What love God has for us! What authority and responsibility God gives us! The new creation is in us. The new creation is for us. The new creation comes from us. As the Church still alive today, let us pray that the Holy Spirit would continue to come into our hearts and our deeds, lend fire to our words and strength to our witness. We have a call. Let’s not ignore it. We have an opportunity. Let’s not miss it. This is our day. This is our time. Let’s be and become the Church here, now, all over, and on purpose! With the pandemics of COVID-19, white supremacy, and Trump that are troubling many, this is a time to pass on some good news. What trust God has in our faithfulness to help create new beginnings! Go forth and make disciples for Jesus Christ – not for paper records but for renewed lives. Help fill the world with God’s goodness and love.