Trinity Sunday

 Among the great commemorations on the church calendar, Trinity Sunday is rather new.  It did not become a general feast on the Western calendar until a papal decree in 1334. The origins of the observance can be traced back to the 900's in what is now Belgium, and it became widespread in northwest Europe. As the Archbishop of Canterbury, Thomas à Becket required the commemoration throughout England. In medieval English liturgical traditions, this Sunday was so important that it gave its name to the remaining Sundays of the church year. This way of naming Sundays during the summer and autumn continues in the traditional Books of Common Prayer. 

 Certainly, the Christian doctrine of the Trinity is based on many passages in the Scriptures, and it is expressed in the decrees of the ancient Ecumenical Councils. It is the first of the Anglican Thirty-Nine Articles of Religion: I. Of Faith in the Holy Trinity.  Anglicans have also affirmed the Trinity through the Apostles', Nicene, and Athanasian Creeds. Such creedal affirmations are very important. They deserve more attention in our Christian instruction and devotion than they often receive. They are safeguards against much of the shallow theology that tends to permeate contemporary religious bodies. 

At first glance, the Gospel from John 3:1-15 may not seem closely related to high theological reflections on the theme of the Trinity. Nevertheless, the theme of being born again does have Trinitarian associations. For most Christians, a practical devotional approach to the doctrine of the Trinity is often more meaningful than theological abstractions, regardless of their truth or profundity. In John 3, we see the mystery of the Trinity at work in the context of personal salvation. Those who are born again through Christian Baptism and Faith are adopted as children of God, the heavenly Father. We look to Jesus, the only begotten Son of God, as the source of new and eternal life. And God the Holy Spirit grafts us into the Body of Christ, enables us to call God "Father," and continually gives us new life.

Pentecost (also known as Whitsunday)- John 14:26

 Pentecost is a great Christian celebration based on Scriptural accounts of the descent of the Holy Spirit (Acts 2). The name comes from the Greek word "fifty." This title was first applied to the Jewish "Feast of Weeks" that occurs fifty days after Passover. Later, the Church applied the name to the fiftieth day after Easter. (Another English name for this day is "Whitsunday," and it comes from the northern European custom of administering Baptism to white-robed candidates at this time.) 

The Gospel for Pentecost Sunday contains the verse John 14:26:"But the Comforter, which is the Holy Ghost, whom the Father will send in my name, he shall teach you all things, and bring all things to your remembrance, whatsover I have said unto you." This verse provides important guidance for Christ's followers about the work of the Holy Spirit. The verse can be summarized in three points. 

1) The Holy Ghost comes from the Father in Christ's name: The work of the Spirit is inseparable from the saving work of the Father and the Son. Although distinct, the redemptive work of the three persons of the Holy Trinity must not be separated. The Holy Spirit comes to enliven the eternal truth already contained in Scripture.

2) Although the work of the Holy Spirit often touches human emotions, it is not primarily emotional. Our verse indicates that the work of the Spirit is primarily instructional; that is, the Spirit mainly comes to teach Christ's disciples. The true teaching of the Holy Spirit among Christians is not separated from previous divine revelation. It continues to witness to and apply Scriptural truth.

3) As the Holy Spirit teaches Christians, it does not bring a new message. Instead, the Spirit brings to remembrance what has already been revealed in the words of Jesus. Thus, if Christians "feel" that the Holy Spirit is telling them something, they need to examine their feelings in light of the truth of the whole Biblical revelation, especially in light of Christ's words in the Gospels. In other words, anything that is truly spiritual must be consistent with what Scripture already teaches us about the Father and the Son.

Sunday after the Ascension- John 15

 The Sunday after the Ascension of our Lord Jesus Christ is related to several Christian beliefs and themes. It is a basic expression of the broader Christian message. This time, let us focus on the opening words of this Sunday's Gospel. John 15:26-27 says, "When the Comforter is come, whom I will send unto you from the Father, even the Spirit of truth, which proceedeth from the Father, he shall testify of me: and ye also shall bear witness..."

Note the Trinitarian theme related to the Ascension. The Gospel speaks of the Spirit who comes from God the Father and testifies of the Son. This is a beautiful summary of the Christian perspective on revelation and redemption. Christ's Ascension prepares the way for Pentecost. The risen Lord's physical departure from ordinary earthly contact with His followers allows the Comforter, the Spirit of truth, to come in a new and more powerful way. 

Yet, this sublime truth is not all; the message of the Ascension is not just abstract and heavenly. There is also a specific implication about the way Christ's followers are to live in the world. Our Lord tells His disciples that they shall bear witness. If we who follow Christ know something of heavenly truth, we are not to hide it. We are to share it in word and deed. Yes, Christ's Resurrection, His Ascension, and the Descent of the Holy Ghost are great events in salvation history. But we are not merely to bask in glorious reflection. We are called to active mission in the world.

Ascension Day

 This year, Thursday, May 14,  is Ascension Day, the fortieth day after Easter. While it may be understandable that many working people cannot make it to a church service on a weekday, it is not excusable when professing Christians do not even know what day it is. Clergy and teachers need to do a better job of instruction. Believers should be familiar with passages such as Acts 1:1- 11 and Luke 24: 49-53. Christ's Ascension into heaven is a basic New Testament teaching, and it is a central affirmation of the Apostles' and Nicene Creeds. In addition, thinking of the Ascension of Christ to the Father's right hand helps us better appreciate the Incarnation, Death, and Resurrection of our Lord. Christ's ministry continues from heaven. Our crucified and risen Lord has taken His perfect human nature into heaven, and from there, He watches over us and intercedes for us.

The Collect of the Day:
Grant, we beseech thee, Almighty God, that like as we do believe thy only-begotten Son our Lord Jesus Christ to have ascended into the heavens; so we may also in heart and mind thither ascend, and with him continually dwell, who liveth and reigneth with thee and the Holy Ghost, one God, world without end. Amen.
     [It is fitting that the 1928 BCP rubrics direct this Collect to be said daily throughout the Octave.]

Rogation Monday, Tuesday, and Wednesday

 Yesterday was the Fifth Sunday after Easter, commonly called Rogation Sunday in the Anglican tradition. The Monday, Tuesday, and Wednesday before Ascension Day have been called Rogation Days. These days seem to date from the sixth century at Rome where Christian prayers for crops were appointed. Early processional litanies were associated with this observance, and other prayers of supplication were included during times of disaster. At the time of the English Reformation, the Rogation Days continued to be observed. In 1544, Thomas Cranmer first published the English Litany (based on Medieval and Lutheran sources). Although the Litany was originally said weekly, the Rogation Days were notable occasions for saying or singing the Litany in procession.

Books of Common Prayer from 1549 onward continued to include the Litany petition "that it may please thee to give and preserve to our use the kindly fruits of the earth so that in due time we may enjoy them." There were also other prayers related to nature and weather, and the American Prayer Book has incorporated a collect, epistle, and gospel on this theme (see !928 BCP, pp. 261-263).

Although many modern people are far removed from the agricultural cycle of life, we should continue to be aware of and pray for the natural cycle that provides food and sustains earthly life. Furthermore, as we  approach Ascension Day on Thursday, it is also appropriate that we be especially aware of Christ as our heavenly Intercessor and Mediator. So on these days and every day, let us pray for both natural and spiritual needs in Christ's name, in His spirit, and for His purposes.

Easter V- Rogation Sunday- John 16:23-33

On traditional Anglican calendars, the common name for the Fifth Sunday after Easter is Rogation Sunday. The term "rogation" comes from the Latin verb rogo, rogare. This is one Latin term for asking or praying. It is used in the Latin version of John 16:26, "that I will pray" (rogabo). Rogation Days go back to the early centuries of the Italian church, and this Sunday and following week days became times to emphasize prayer, especially Christian prayers for good crops.

The traditional Gospel appointed for this Sunday (John 16:23-33) is also appropriate for the Sunday before the Ascension. The theme is in the words, "Whatever ye shall ask the Father in my name, he will give it you" (16:33b). This bold claim has sometimes been misunderstood as an automatic guarantee of desired results. Using Christ's name in Christian prayer is an ancient and laudable practice, but the verse is not a simple liturgical formula. Christian prayer must never be seen as some sort of magical manipulation of divine power. Rather, we truly pray in Christ's name when we approach the Father in a Christlike attitude. This is the attitude of Christ in Gethsemane: "nevertheless not what I will but what thou wilt" (Mark 14:36b). What the Father gives us is through our union with Christ and in accordance with His great purposes of redemption. When we pray with a humble, faithful, and spiritual attitude, God does greater things for us than we limited human beings can imagine or comprehend.

In sixteenth-century England, the Rogation Days continued to emphasize prayers for agriculture. Although many modern people are far removed from the agricultural cycle of life, we should be aware of and pray for the natural cycle that provides food and sustains earthly life. In addition, as we approach the commemoration of Christ's Ascension, it is good to have a heightened awareness of Christ as our heavenly Intercessor and Mediator. All our prayers should be offered in Christ's name, in His spirit, and for His purposes.

Easter IV- James 1:18; John 16:13-14

The traditional Epistle and Gospel for this Fourth Sunday after Easter are distinctive texts that may seem to be about different topics. James 1 has some very practical everyday advice for faithful living. John 16 contains high theological thoughts about Christ's departure and the coming of the Comforter, the Holy Ghost. Yet, there is a theme in common in these two passages. That theme is "the truth."  

In James 1:18, we are told that as believers, God has begotten "us with the word of truth." In John 16:13-14, Jesus says, "When he, the Spirit of truth, is come, he will guide you into all truth: for he shall not speak of himself; but whatsoever he shall hear, that shall he speak: and he will shew you things to come. He shall glorify me: for he shall receive of mine, and shall shew it unto you."

What is the truth referred to in our readings? It applies to several things. First, the truth is the Bible, God's inspired written document. Secondly, the truth is also a person; it is Jesus Christ, God the Son, the eternal Word made flesh. Thirdly, for us, the truth is the Gospel of salvation through faith in our crucified and risen Lord. The Gospel message is the greatest truth of the universe, and as James 1:21 indicates, when received in humble faith, "the engrafted word" is able to save our souls! Thanks be to God for His living and life-giving truth! Alleluia!

Easter III- John 16:16-22

The traditional Gospel read on this Sunday is from John 16:16-22. In these verses from our Lord's Farewell Discourses, we have another instance of the disciples not understanding what Jesus is talking about. He predicts His suffering, death, resurrection, and ascension. He warns them to expect separation and sorrow while they await His renewed presence. He drives His points home in two verses. In John 16:20, He states, "Verily, verily, I say unto you, That ye shall weep and lament, but the world shall rejoice: and ye shall be sorrowful, but your sorrow shall be turned into joy." He explains this in John 16:22, "And ye now therefore have sorrow: but I will see you again, and your heart shall rejoice, and your joy no man taketh from you" (KJV).

Although they are slow to understand, the disciples eventually learn what Jesus teaches about sorrow and joy. They learn through Christ's cross and resurrection. His sufferings and their separation from Him bring them great sorrow, but His resurrection brings them profound joy. He changes them, and they find new strength in facing all the sorrows and joys of life in this world. The joy of His resurrection is so deep and strong that they learn to follow Him in deeper and stronger ways. They are empowered to serve Him through all the sorrows and joys of this world and remain faithful to the end.

These words about sorrow and joy still apply to Christian believers. We all experience earthly sorrows and joys. But there is one joy that surpasses our circumstances in the world. That great joy comes from knowing the presence of the risen Christ with us. Through His Word in Scripture, through the influence of the Holy Spirit, and through the visible Word in His sacraments, we sense His presence in this life, and we look forward to His presence with us eternally. In Paul's words from Philippians 4:4, "Rejoice in the Lord, alway: and again I say, Rejoice."

Easter II- I Peter 2:19-25; John 10:11-16

On the traditional one-year calendar, the Second Sunday after Easter highlights the theme of Christ the Good Shepherd (the three-year lectionary delays this theme for a week). In the Gospel from John 10, Jesus describes Himself as the Good Shepherd who lays down His life and takes it up again to save His sheep, whatever fold they may be part of.

The theme of  Jesus Christ as a faithful Shepherd also occurs in the epistle selection from I Peter 2:19-25. In other recently read preceding passages from 1 Peter 1 and from 1 Peter 2:1-10, the Apostle refers to Christ's Resurrection, faith, hope, and the implications for the lives of believers. Thus, our passage in 1 Peter 2 is based on faith in the risen Lord Jesus. With this in mind, Peter is doing more than offering some practical advice about life. He is teaching that those who believe in Christ's Resurrection should live in accord with what they profess. The tribulations that come in this world should remind us of Christ's own innocent sufferings and His victory over them. He is the Suffering Servant who has triumphed over pain and death. He has risen from the dead, and He offers believers new life. He is the shepherd and overseer of our souls. Because of the death and resurrection of Christ, nothing should destroy our Christian hope.

Easter I- John 20:19-23

The Gospel for the First Sunday after Easter is John 20:19-23. The risen Christ appears to ten of the apostles (Thomas is absent). When He comes, Jesus blesses the disciples with divine peace. Despite reports of the Resurrection, they are still fearful and timid, and troubled by guilt. When the risen Lord comes to where they are locked in, He brings greetings in the common Jewish manner, saying, “Peace be with you."

This Biblical greeting is an implied prayer for God’s peace. Christ's prayer for peace has a special meaning in light of His resurrection. It is a blessing from the risen Lord, who is the embodiment of God’s peace. After all that has happened, the disciples have a special need for His peace and assurance. They need His forgiveness and encouragement.

Christ does not stop with reassuring words. Jesus adds a mission or a call to action. As the heavenly Father has sent Him, likewise Christ sends the apostles (and through them, His whole Church). Jesus brings peace through His resurrection victory over sin and spiritual death, and He asks His disciples to share that peace with others. Jesus the Christ is risen and alive, and His peace is to be spread. His followers are to continue His work in the world. Christians are called to share the peace that comes through faith in the crucified and risen Lord with all people.

Easter Week- Luke 24; John 20

Lent, Holy Week, and Easter Sunday have come and gone. Christian preparation for Good Friday and Easter has passed. Celebration and rejoicing have reached a high point on Easter morning, and we have begun the 50 days of Easter joy.  Unfortunately, for many of us, during the rest of Easter week and even the whole season, it seems we crash. This tendency is understandable. We often exhaust ourselves with preparations and then lack the energy to enjoy the spiritual celebrations on the church calendar.

However, the fact is that Easter Week and the fifty days of Eastertide should be filled with spiritual rejoicing for individual believers and the body of believers. We should be freshly inspired by our Lord's Resurrection. So even if we take a brief pause to catch our breath, let us remain focused on our risen Lord in our thoughts and prayers.

The Traditional Books of Common Prayer offer us help to continue celebrating. The primary collect for Easter Sunday is to be said throughout the week. There are Eucharistic collects and readings for Easter Monday and Tuesday in BCPs from 1549-1962. The Anglican Missal and newer Prayer Books also provide propers for all of Easter Week. Hymnals contain numerous Easter hymns which may be read or sung as prayers of praise and thanksgiving. And as always, there are readings for the Daily Offices. 

So let us be filled with prayers and praises during the Easter Season. Our prayers of thanksgiving and rejoicing for Christ's Resurrection should be as devoted as our prayers of preparation and repentance! Christ is risen! Thanks be to God for His inexpressible gift!

Easter Sunday, the Day of Resurrection- John 20:1-10

The Paschal Feast, the Feast of the Resurrection, or Easter, is the culmination of the biblical message and of the church calendar. Jesus of Nazareth, who accepted terrible physical and spiritual suffering to save us from sin, has risen from the dead; He offers us new life, in this world and the next. Easter is the great dividing point in human history. Among other things, Christ's Resurrection is the seal of divine approval upon the earthly life, ministry, and death of Jesus. In addition, it is the key event that transforms a band of disheartened and defeated disciples into faithful witnesses and ministers of the Good News. The whole New Testament is written from the standpoint of faith in the risen Lord Jesus Christ.

In the traditional Books of Common Prayer, the first Easter Gospel is from St. John 20. 1-10. It proclaims the importance of faith. At first, the women at the empty tomb and the apostles who hear the women's report react with fear and curiosity. When the apostles hear the news from the women, Simon Peter and the other disciple (traditionally identified as John) run to see for themselves. Peter goes in first to see the grave clothes. Then that other disciple enters, "and he saw and believed" (St. John 20:8). Accepting that the empty tomb is a real and important event, but this is only a first step. There must also be a second step.  The reality of the empty tomb calls each person to a personal response: faith in the living Jesus Christ! 

So on this Easter, let each of us accept with faith what the empty tomb tells us about Jesus. He is unique. He is not merely someone who has recovered from physical death. He has experienced Resurrection; that is, He has conquered death. He has overcome the forces of evil, destruction, and death for all time, for all who truly believe in Him. He is the Word of God incarnate, God the Son. By overcoming death, He has (in the words of the collect) "opened unto us the gate of everlasting life." Christ lives, and because He lives, we also may truly live in union with Him. Alleluia. The Lord is risen indeed; O come, let us adore him. Alleluia.

Easter Even or Holy Saturday- 1 Peter 3:17-22

Traditional Books of Common Prayer call this Saturday of Holy Week "Easter Even", and following the ancient Church, they keep the day very low key. There is no celebration of the Eucharist during this day (if there is an Easter Vigil Eucharist, it is technically for Easter Day and the consecration should be after nightfall or even after midnight). There are, of course, readings for Morning and Evening Prayer, and there are propers for the Ante-Communion or Liturgy of the Word. This day recalls the time Jesus' body rested in the tomb.

The Epistle from First Peter 3: 17-22 has two main themes: 1) the importance of Christ's death for our salvation, and 2) a relationship between Christ's death and Christian Baptism. This is a good time for us absorb the reality of Christ's death and to give thanks quietly for His atoning work. It is also appropriate to contemplate the ways that Christian Baptism unites us to Christ, His Death, and His Resurrection.

Good Friday- Isaiah 53, John 19

 Good Friday always seems like a time to read, hear, and meditate upon the Passion of our Lord Jesus Christ and to pray quietly and deeply. Let us briefly emphasize two of today's readings. Isaiah 53 is one of several passages which speaks of the Suffering Servant of God. This Messianic figure bears horrible sufferings innocently for the redemption of God's people. In the end, He also overcomes suffering and is honored by the Lord God. Jesus Himself alludes to such prophecies and applies them to Himself and  His work (Luke 24:26-27). Later, the Apostles (I Peter 2:22-25), Evangelists (Matthew 27: 12,29; John 12:38), and Christians down through the centuries have seen these prophecies fulfilled in Jesus Christ.

We see Isaiah's prophecy made personal and concrete in the Passion account from John 19. Jesus is holy and innocent. He deserves all honor, respect, and love. Yet, He humbly and quietly accepts rejection, insults, physical abuse, torture, and an excruciating and slow death to deliver people from sin, death, and the devil. He suffers for our transgressions. He lays down His life for His sheep. Jesus restores balance to a fallen creation. He overcomes the imbalance and disorder caused by sin. He does something that we humans could never do for ourselves. He atones for our sin; He graciously reconciles sinners with divine righteousness. Only through Christ's suffering and His perfect offering on the cross does divine goodness decidedly triumph. Because of His redeeming work, it is "Good Friday" after all. Thanks be to God!

Thursday before Easter, commonly called Maundy Thursday- I Corinthians 11:23ff

The Thursday in Holy Week has a rich history and several liturgical associations. These associations include preparing for baptism or confirmation, the blessing of holy oils, the washing of feet, and the stripping of altars. However, the chief theme of the day is the commemoration of the institution of the Lord's Supper, Holy Communion, or Eucharist. 

The Prayer Book epistle for this day is from I Corinthians 11:23ff and contains St. Paul's version of the words of institution of the Lord's Supper. These simple words are at the heart of Christian worship. Theologians have often discussed and disputed the exact meaning of the words. But although sacramental theology is important, the significance of this holy meal goes beyond our explanations. In other words, obedience and faith are more important than human theories.

Several simple affirmations seem clear. First, Jesus Himself began and commanded His disciples to continue this sacred meal. Secondly, He related it to His self-sacrifice that was about to take place for human salvation. Thirdly, this commemoration of His death also points to His continuing presence as a living Lord and anticipates that He will come again in glory. 

So, as followers of Christ, the main issues are not abstract theories; the most important thing is an attitude of humble faith. The Eucharist is about what Christ has done and is doing for our salvation. Through the blessed bread and wine, our Lord offers us His continuing presence. He offers us His grace to continue the journey in faith.  And our response to His grace should be thanksgiving.