Trinity Sunday – 19th June 2011

Why is it that we struggle to accept as truth, anything that we do not understand? Soon after we learn to talk we start to ask “Why?” and “How”, wanting to pin down and explain the “why’s” and “wherefores” of our existence in the hope that such knowledge will bring us control of that which is now understood…but some things defy easy explanations.  Today we celebrate the Feast of Trinity… one of the most difficult of doctrines emanating from the pages of Scripture.

While the word “trinity” is not found within the Bible, we cannot deny that the portrait of one God existing as three persons is present. We know those as God-the Father, Jesus Christ -the Son, and the Holy Spirit. We recognize the mystery of God being One, yet Three. We don’t necessarily understand how this is so. At best, we simply accept and believe. But, for some, the conundrum is too unfathomable to be accepted; with the result that such a God is rejected. Others, possibly the majority of believers, wrestle with the Mystery.

Christian history is littered with theologians who experimented with new conceptions of the Trinity. All they got for their efforts was the title of heretic and, often, expulsion from the church. To be fair, the Bible does not provide a finished formulation of the doctrine. It took a succession of ecumenical councils over the course of centuries to finally articulate the biblical view of the Trinity. Each Sunday we use one or other of these creeds which seek to encapsulate in a few words, the enormity (or awesomeness) of God.

Try unpacking what you understand of the Nicene Creed, or consider the meaning of the last verse of a favorite old hymn “Christ is Made the Sure Foundation” or the older “Blessed city, heavenly Salem,”

Laud and honor to the Father,

laud and honor to the Son,

laud and honor to the Spirit,

ever Three, and ever One,

consubstantial, coeternal,

while unending ages run.

In the end, all we can know is that God is God… Father, Son and Holy Spirit! Human and Divine, Truth and most wonderful Mystery!

Love and Blessings

Rev Shan.