Easter Even- I Peter 31:17-22; Matthew 27: 57-66

 Traditional Books of Common Prayer call this Saturday "Easter Even", while modern calendars  may use the title "Holy Saturday." Following the ancient Church, traditional Anglicans keep the day very low-key. For centuries most churches have not celebrated the Lord's Supper during this day. The Easter Vigil Eucharist is a relatively recent attempt to renew an ancient practice, but it is technically a celebration of  Easter Day, and in ancient times, the consecration took place after midnight. 

Personally, I prefer the more traditional Prayer Book practice of simply reading Morning and Evening Prayer. If a parish wants to add something more, one can use the propers for Ante-Communion or the Liturgy of the Word. The collect for the day has the main themes of Christ's death and resurrection related to Christian Baptism. 

The Epistle from First Peter 3: 17-22 has two main themes: 1) the importance of Christ's death for our salvation, and 2) the relationship between Christ's death and Christian Baptism. The Gospel from Matthew 27: 57-66 is the account of Jesus' burial in the tomb of Joseph of Arimathaea and the authorities sending guards to watch.

These readings drive home the reality of Christ's death and anticipate His resurrection. They also remind us that Christian Baptism unites us to both His death and His resurrection. We die to sin and rise to new life in Christ. This dying and rising takes place at our Baptisms and throughout the life of faith. Such themes make this a good day for quiet reflection. We can give thanks for Christ's redemptive work quietly as we look forward to the joy of new life with and through Him.

Lent I- Matthew 4

The Gospel this Sunday is the familiar story of Christ’s great fast and temptation from St. Mathew 4:1-11. After Jesus’ Baptism, He withdrew to the Judean wilderness for a period of devotion. At the close of His days of prayer and fasting, the Tempter sought to catch him in a moment of weakness. Satan used appealing lures and even tried to confuse matters by quoting Scripture.

Of course, Jesus of Nazareth rejected the temptations of the devil. He knew that it was wrong to serve Satan for any reason. Jesus chose to live on the earth in the ways His heavenly Father wished. He would not turn away from those principles despite attacks or misunderstandings. He would remain steadfast even when it meant rejection by the crowds and death on the Cross. In certain respects, the Temptation of Christ was unique. No one else has ever been so innocent and resisted temptation so completely. He defeated Satan's temptations on our behalf.

Yet, although Christ is unique, in certain respects, His temptations are similar to those of every other human being. So the story of His basic temptations applies to all of us. Temptations are rooted in the needs of human life. All human beings seek some degree of physical or material comfort. All human beings have some natural desire for approval from other people. All of us want some control over our surroundings.

The problem is that these natural needs and desires can draw us away from God and His intentions for human life. So we must be vigilant and disciplined. We must struggle to remain loyal to divine principles in all areas of life.  And we can only remain faithful through the grace and assistance of Jesus Christ each day. Through the Word, Sacrament, and prayer. He can strengthen us in our weaknesses and in our temptations. And although we stumble, He helps the faithful to repent, arise, and keep walking with Him by faith.

The First Day of Lent, commonly called Ash Wednesday- Matthew 6

The keys to observing Ash Wednesday and the season of Lent are found in the Scripture lessons for the day. These lessons stress the spiritual aspects of fasting and repentance. The Gospel from St. Matthew 6 makes it clear that a disciple's attitude is key. Our Lord assumes that His followers will fast. However, they are not to be hypocritical or ostentatious. Therefore, as we think of this Lenten season, let us focus on devotion to almighty God. External acts of devotion can be useful, but the main point is laying up treasure in heaven through faith in Christ.

So as we begin Lent, let us focus on our devotion to God and our understanding of Christ’s journey toward the Cross. We do need some outward disciplines.. Increasing our prayer time and Bible study is important. Giving up or decreasing some food, drink, entertainment, or purchases can be useful reminders. Giving more money or time to charity is valuable. These and other practices can be expressions of faith and renewal. But the most important thing about Lent is our attitude. In all we think, say, and do, let us humbly repent, focus on our Lord Jesus Christ, and respond to Him with living faith.

Pre-Lent: Septuagesima- Matthew 20

Contemporary Anglicans follow two or three different calendars in the weeks leading up to Lent. Some recent calendars have a longer Epiphany Season ending on the Sunday before Ash Wednesday with Transfiguration Sunday. Traditional Books of Common Prayer preserve the long-standing custom of a pre-Lenten season. 

From the sixth century until the 1960s, calendars in the Western Church called the third Sunday before Lent "Septuagesima," the Latin for "seventy." The traditional names for this Sunday and the following two seem to be based on a rough approximation of the number of days before Easter. Septuagesima is actually 63 days before Easter, Sexagesima (Latin "sixty") is 56 days before Easter, and Quinquagesima (Latin "fifty") is 49 days before Easter.

Whatever the origin of this practice, Pre-Lent might be called called "semi-penitential." These Sundays are not quite like Lent, but traditionally they have used somber-colored vestments and have omitted certain joyful praises such as the GLORIA IN EXCELSIS. In such ways, worshippers are reminded of a shift in emphasis, of a transition from the glorious celebrations of Christmas and Epiphany to serious reflections during Lent. In other words, this mini-season can help prepare for more serious devotional practices during Lent.

In looking over the BCP Epistle and Gospel for this day, one may be struck by a certain unexpected contrast. The Epistle from I Corinthians 9:24-27 stresses the need for self-discipline and moral effort; the Gospel from St. Matthew 20:1-16 stresses divine choice and free grace. There is a certain irony in these selections because many people associate themes of self-discipline and moral effort with the Synoptic Gospels while attributing the themes of divine choice and free grace to the epistles of St. Paul. Of course, in reality, the Scriptures as a whole teach both self-discipline and free grace.

In the Parable of the Workers from St. Matthew 20, our Lord warns us that the kingdom of heaven is not centered on our human efforts or accomplishments. All believers should acknowledge that Almighty God is sovereign, exalted above human understanding, free to do as He chooses, and gracious beyond measure. Any reward from Him is really a gift that is not earned, and He is free to bestow His gifts as He pleases. He does not owe us anything, not even an accounting of what He gives us or our fellow laborers.

As we enter into the season of Pre-Lent, we are called to be in spiritual training. We are asked to strive and work harder in divine service. Yet, even while we are expected to work, we must keep in mind that we remain dependent on grace. We must always be ready to accept with a thankful and humble attitude whatever God graciously offers us.

Epiphany - 6 January- Matthew 2

The Feast of Epiphany on 6 January is one of the oldest Christian observances, and yet in our time even among practicing Christians, it is often a neglected commemoration. The word "epiphany" means "manifestation," and the feast and its season remind us of the various ways that God manifested Himself in Jesus Christ. In the Eastern Churches, where the feast originated, the emphasis has been on the manifestation at Christ's Baptism. The Western Churches (including the Anglican tradition) have focused on the manifestation of the Christ Child to the Gentile Magi or Wise Men (Matthew 2:1-11).

As Christmastide comes to a conclusion, let us continue to focus on the manifestation of the Incarnate Word in the Christ Child. The Magi remind us that the light of God has shone in Jesus Christ for all peoples. Like the Wise Men, most of us are Gentiles drawn to His holy light. So let us take time to rejoice in that light, and let us also seek to let His light shine forth in our lives!

Trinity VIII- False Leaders- Matthew 7:15

The Gospel for the Eighth Sunday after Trinity contains this warning from our Lord: "Beware of false prophets, which come to you in sheep's clothing, but inwardly they are ravening wolves" (Matthew 7:15). False prophets and other corrupt leaders were a problem for ancient Israel, during Christ's time, and for the Christian Church at many times in history.

Although corruption is an ongoing human problem, corrupt leadership seems even more of an issue in our time. Such corruption is particularly disheartening when it becomes obvious among leaders who pretend to be Christians of one kind or another. Some corrupt leaders are secular officials, and even sadder, there are many corrupt ministers and church officials who do not seem to have a minimal appreciation of the doctrines and morals found in Holy Scripture. There are many bishops, priests, and pastors from varied backgrounds who are really wolves that mislead and devour Christ's flock.

Thus, we must beware, but we must not despair. Jesus Christ is still our great and good shepherd who watches over us from heaven and assists us with His Word and the Holy Spirit. And although corrupt leaders do cause much damage, they do not endure forever. God limits the rule of evil, and He continues to raise up good leaders among the faithful remnant of His people. So let us persevere in faith and in hope!

Easter Even or Holy Saturday- Matthew 27:57-66

This Saturday before Easter, called Easter Even in the Book of Common Prayer, has traditionally been a quiet day for Anglicans, a time of reflection and preparation. This fact is reflected in the Gospel for the day, Matthew 27:57-66. Jesus has been buried and descended to the dead. The disciples mourn. Wicked human beings are still plotting to contain the crucified Christ in the tomb by sending armed guards to watch. In the meantime, God is preparing to bring about an amazing victory over sin and death!

Palm Sunday- What Kind of King? Matthew 27, Isaiah 53

 In the twentieth-century, many churches began observing an autumn Sunday in honor of Christ the King. The intention may be good, but it sometimes seems a redundant afterthought. The Christian Church has long had another, older, and more directly biblical Sunday with the theme of Christ as King. That is, the last Sunday in Lent, commonly called Palm Sunday. This Sunday already highlights the Messianic kingship of Jesus.

The Scriptures often read on this Sunday reference Jesus as king in different ways. The Old Testament prophecy from Isaiah 53 shows the Suffering Servant who becomes ruler of God's people. Zechariah 9 prophesies the peaceful arrival of God's king to reign over Israel. The Epistle from Philippians 2 refers to Jesus Christ as the great ruler to whom every knee must bend. The four Gospel accounts of Jesus' triumphal entry into Jerusalem show Him being honored as the Davidic king. 

The Passion narratives from the Gospels also contain references to the kingship of Jesus. For example, consider the traditional Gospel for the Sunday from Matthew 27. Jesus and Pilate discuss kingship. The Roman soldiers in their hall cruelly ridicule Jesus as a Jewish king. At Golgotha, the crowds, the Jewish leaders, the Roman soldiers, and the impenitent thief all taunt Jesus for being a humiliated king. Roman officials mock Jesus and the Jews by attaching the official accusation "King of the Jews" to the cross. Although His enemies and even His disciples fail to understand the spiritual nature of His kingdom, He suffers and dies because He is king of God's people.

It should be clear that Palm Sunday and Holy Week concern Jesus as the divinely anointed King. The question is what kind of king He is. Many people in the first century were looking for a king, and some hoped that Jesus might be the One, but He did not meet their expectations. They wanted a king who offered external worldly power and material benefits. They did not want a king who humbly offered spiritual and moral benefits. Unfortunately, many people, even many who claim to be Christians, still have similar worldly expectations. However, Jesus transforms the idea of king, and in humility, He offers us a different way. Let us use this Holy Week to reflect on Him, cast off our false hopes, and turn to Him as true king of our minds, hearts, and souls!

Lent II- Humble and Persistent Faith- Matthew 15:21-28

The Gospel for the Second Sunday in Lent is the striking story of the Canaanite woman from Matthew 15: 21-28. In this encounter, a Gentile from a despised pagan background seeks healing for her daughter. After testing both the woman and His disciples by a delay, Jesus recognizes the woman's faith and heals the daughter. 

Besides highlighting the importance of faith in Christ, this event points us toward two virtues that complement faith. The woman is both humble and persistent. She does not claim great things for herself; she simply appeals to Christ's grace and mercy. And she does not give up despite Jesus' hesitation or the disciples' opposition. Her humble and persistent faith allows Christ to work in an unexpected way among unexpected people. Such is the good news at the end of the story.

The dynamics of this story apply to us. Our faith in Christ also needs to be humble and persistent, and Lent should be a special reminder of these characteristics. We are all sinners who have no right to demand things from God or to set a timetable for His responses. We are all lowly petitioners seeking divine favor. So let us trust that He is merciful even to the least worthy, and let us continue to seek His blessings!

Lent I- Temptations of the Flesh, the World, and the Devil- Matthew 4

The Gospel for the First Sunday in Lent is from St. Matthew 4:1-11, the story of Christ's Temptation. There are several ways to approach our Lord's Temptation, but one way to see this Gospel is in terms of the three temptations of the flesh, the world, and the devil. Of course, the devil is at work in all the temptations to sin, but the directness of evil varies. 

Christ's first temptation to turn stones into bread is primarily a temptation of the flesh. That is, this temptation appeals to the natural physical needs of the earthly condition. Our Lord resists this first level of temptation, but many times, human beings are overwhelmed by such basic temptations. The second temptation is to impress people by jumping from the Temple. This is a temptation of the world. Again our Lord rejects evil, but many human beings do not resist the temptations for human admiration or approval. The third temptation is more directly about serving the devil in order to accomplish high goals. In other words, this third level of temptation involves using evil means for apparently good goals. Christ is not misled. He refuses to cooperate with evil, but human beings often do not share His resolve.

Our Lord's Temptation and triumph over evil applies to His followers in two respects. First, Jesus shares our human condition and provides us with a holy example for resisting the temptations of the flesh, the world, and the devil. He trusts His heavenly Father and relies on the commands and promises of the divine Word. We should do likewise. Secondly, Jesus Christ is more than an example. He has resisted evil for the sake of those who have faith in Him. He has overcome the flesh, the world, and the devil for us. Besides being an example, He offers us His grace in Word and Sacrament. Despite our weakness, through His grace, we can grow in our resistance to temptations. During this season of Lent, may His grace increase our awareness and improve our discipline in resisting temptation!

Ash Wednesday and Lent- Matthew 6:19-21

There are many ways to approach Ash Wednesday, Lent, and our time of preparation for Easter. We often focus on the important disciplines of prayer, fasting, and acts of charity. But this week, some familiar words from the Gospel struck me in a new way. In Matthew 6:19-21(ESV), Jesus says, "Do not lay up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moth and rust destroy and where thieves break in and steal, but lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust destroys and where thieves do not break in and steal. For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also."

These words apply to our lives in many ways. We are generally aware that we Christians should not be overly concerned about earthly treasures. The principle always applies. However, it has particular relevance to us during Lent. This season is a stark reminder to consider where our treasures really are. Lent is about renewing our Christian priorities. So whatever our personal disciplines during this time, let us evaluate our pursuit of heavenly or spiritual treasure. Living by faith in Jesus Christ as our Savior is the greatest treasure!

Septuagesima- Matthew 20, I Corinthians 9

This Sunday is Septuagesima (the Latin word for "Seventy). On the traditional calendar of the Western Church, it is the beginning of the Pre-Lenten season which consists of three Sundays. This semi-penitential season developed in the Middle Ages extends the preparation for Easter.

In the Epistle from I Corinthians 9, St. Paul makes an athletic comparison from ancient Greco-Roman culture that is certainly still appropriate. If people are willing to expend so much effort for physical training, they should not expect less effort in spiritual training. After all, the goal of spiritual training is much higher; it is worth incomparably more than any athletic prize. 

Despite the need for spiritual discipline, in the Parable of the Laborers or Workers from St. Matthew 20, our Lord also teaches us that the kingdom of heaven is not centered on our human efforts. The kingdom is God-centered, and He transcends human understanding. God is free to do as He chooses and is gracious beyond measure. Any reward from Him is really a gift that is not earned, and He is free to bestow His gifts as He pleases. He does not owe us anything but gives generously. So while we should not neglect human training and effort, our focus must always remain on God's call and divine graciousness.

The First Sunday of Epiphany- Baptism of our Lord- Matthew 3:13-17

 This First Sunday after the feast of Epiphany has long been associated with the Baptism of our Lord (Matthew 3:13-17). By coming to John to be baptized, Jesus fulfilled all righteousness. Although sinless, our incarnate Lord expressed His solidarity with sinful human beings who all need cleansing. He also received a special outpouring of the Holy Spirit as He began His public ministry. And the heavenly voice acknowledged Him as the Son of God. This moment is a unique manifestation or epiphany of the divine glory in Christ. It also points to His whole public ministry and work for human salvation.

Because of Christ's uniqueness, there are certainly historical and theological differences between His Baptism by John and the later institution of Christian Baptism. Yet, in part, the Baptism of our Lord is also a model for us. He underwent Baptism to point to the human need for the washing of regeneration. Although He was pure, He identified with us sinners who need to be cleansed. Although He was already in unity with the Spirit, we need to be strengthened by fresh outpourings of the Holy Spirit. While He was eternally the Son of God by nature, we need to be adopted as children of God. We also need to notice that Baptism marks a beginning of ministry. All those who have been baptized into Christ are called to continue the ministry that Christ started in this world.

Epiphany 2023- Matthew 2, Ephesians 3

The sixth day of January is the Epiphany, one of the oldest observances on the Christian calendar. Although this commemoration has been associated with several manifestations or epiphanies of Christ, among western Christians including Anglicans, the emphasis has usually been on the manifestation of the Christ Child to the Magi or Wise Men, sometimes also called kings. 

This event is based on the Gospel from Matthew 2:1-12.  The key verses are Matthew 2:1-2, "Now when Jesus was born in Bethlehem of Judaea in the days of Herod the king, behold, there came wise men from the east to Jerusalem, saying, Where is he that is born King of the Jews? for we have seen his star in the east, and are come to worship him."  

Since the Wise Men are Gentiles or non-Jews, Epiphany has often been associated with the theme of the universal appeal of the gospel to all peoples. The theme of the universality of the gospel is emphasized in the epistle reading from Ephesians 3:1-12. In these verses, the Apostle Paul emphasizes his calling to be a minister of the gospel among the Gentiles. In the first nine verses, Paul uses the word Gentiles or "nations" three times, along with the phrase "all men" (3:1,6,8,9). The goal of the apostolic ministry and mission is "that the Gentiles should be fellow heirs, and of the same body, and partakers of his promise in Christ by the gospel" (Ephesians 3:6). The light of Christ, the truth of the gospel, is for all peoples. The Christian message extends the hope of fellowship with God to the ends of the earth. Like St. Paul, may we continue to witness that the gospel message of salvation is intended for all people!

Advent III- Matthew 11:2-15

The Gospel for the Third Sunday in Advent is from Matthew 11:2-15 (by the way, this year, the three-year lectionary has the same selection as the traditional lectionary). This passage shows John the Baptist in prison   He sends two of his followers to Jesus, and they ask if Jesus is the expected Messiah. We are not told why John asks. Perhaps he needs personal reassurance, and he probably also wants his disciples to encounter Jesus. 

In any case, Jesus replies with a two-fold proclamation. First, He points to the redemptive acts taking place in His own ministry, works that fulfill the Messianic prophecies. Secondly, He points to the purpose and value of the prophetic work of John the Baptist as the forerunner. Then, our Lord concludes with an exhortation to His hearers. Those who have ears should hear;  that is, they should be sensitive and perceptive about events. They should realize what God is doing in the ministry of John the Baptist and in the mystery of Jesus the Christ. May we also be sensitive and perceptive regarding God's redemptive work!

Thanksgiving Day- Matthew 6:25ff

The giving of thanks to Almighty God is a deep and perennial aspect of the Judeo-Christian heritage. Thanksgiving is a recurring theme and practice in the Old and New Testaments, and various autumnal thanksgivings developed in Christianized Europe.  In the Anglo-American colonies, there were early services of thanksgiving at Berkeley Hundred in Virginia in 1619 and at Plymouth, Massachusetts in 1621. Over the year various observances arose, but the core religious element was emphasized in American Books of Common Prayer, 

In the Epistle for the day, James 1:17 reminds us that "Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above, and cometh down from the Father of lights..." Since God is the giver of every good gift, a thankful response is always appropriate for believers.

In the Gospel from Matthew 6:25 ff, Jesus exhorts us not to be anxious about basic material needs. In general, divine providence watches over and supplies the natural needs of even the birds and the flowers. Certainly, His care for human beings, especially those seeking His kingdom, is even greater, So believers should not be overwhelmed by anxiety; we should trust in God and gratefully seek His will.

With such a Scriptural background in mind, we can sincerely pray-

O most merciful Father, who hast blessed the labours of the husbandman in the returns of the fruits of the earth; We give thee humble and hearty thanks for this thy bounty; beseeching thee to continue thy loving-kindness to us, that our land may still yield her increase, to thy glory and our comfort; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

Trinity XIX- Matthew 9: 1-8

The Gospel for the Nineteenth Sunday after Trinity is from Matthew 9 and tells of Jesus healing a paralyzed man by first forgiving his sins. The scribes or scholars of the law are scandalized because they think that only God can forgive sins. In one way, the scribes are correct. Ultimately, forgiveness or pardon comes from God, and Jesus can forgive sins because He is God the Son incarnate. Yet, with Christ's incarnation, a new era has begun. The Gospel is fully proclaimed by Jesus and later by His disciples, His Church. So the Apostles and other disciples as the living Body of Christ in the world have continued to proclaim forgiveness in Word and sacrament.

Trinity VIII- Ravening Wolves- Matthew 7:15

This week, I am taking some time to travel, but I was struck by the relevance of the Gospel for the Eighth Sunday after Trinity. In St. Matthew 7:15, our Lord warns, "Beware of false prophets, which come to you in sheep's clothing, but inwardly they are ravening wolves." Of course, false and corrupt religious leaders have been a perennial problem in history, and Christ's Church has been afflicted by bad leadership in many periods, including ancient Gnostics, fourth-century Arians, and worldly medieval prelates. 

However, such false prophets seem even more rampant in the 21st century. Besides the usual human foibles that afflict individual leaders, our time sees so much institutional corruption in theology and moral teaching (or the lack thereof). No church body or Christian tradition seems exempt. There are many who seem determined to mislead and devour Christ's flock, and they can be found among all sorts of theological denominational backgrounds.

In light of such dangers, we must beware. We must be vigilant and strive to remain faithful. None of us is perfect or infallible. None is immune from some temptation. So we all must constantly repent, confess our sins, and seek divine grace. With God's help, we are empowered to resist the corruptions of the age spread by many religious leaders. In the words of Hebrews 12:1, "...  let us run with patience the race that is set before us, looking unto Jesus the author and finisher of our faith."

Trinity VII- Mark 8:1-9

 The Gospel for the Seventh Sunday after Trinity is from St. Mark 8:1-9. This is one of several gospel accounts of feeding the multitudes (there is similar account in St. Mark 6). In addition to the miracle itself which is a manifestation of Christ's divine power over nature, the story of Christ feeding the 4000 shows us several things about our Lord's earthly mission.  It shows Christ's compassion toward the physical hunger of crowds (8:2). In addition, the setting of this particular feeding is in a Gentile area near Galilee. This fact implies that Christ's compassion extends to all sorts and conditions of humanity.

Furthermore, the context shows that our Lord has a deep concern for spiritual hunger. The people that He feeds physically are those who hunger for His words, His spiritual nourishment. They are people who have followed Jesus out into the countryside and listened to His teachings for three days. They are physically hungry because in the words of the Sermon on the Mount, they "hunger and thirst after righteousness" (Matthew 5:6). So here we see Christ's special mercy for those who seek to follow Him.

Besides telling us about Christ's earthly ministry, our Gospel also teaches us about the continuing mission of the Church.  1) Like our Lord, we should manifest compassion for the basic physical needs of human beings, such as hunger. 2) Christian concern for both physical and spiritual needs is universal. That is, compassion extends to all people. Although compassion is most often expressed in our everyday human contacts, it must extend to anyone that we meet who has a physical or spiritual need.

3) This compassion for human hunger also has spiritual dimensions. Indeed, while it may be less obvious, spiritual hunger is a deeper need. Human beings are designed for fellowship with God. Even when people are not aware of its existence, there is a spiritual hunger in every soul which can only be supplied by Jesus Christ. As Christians, we are all called to point others to Christ who continues to nourish human souls through His Word and His Sacraments.

Trinity Sunday- Matthew 3:16-17, John 3: 5-16, Ephesians 2:18, I Peter 1:2

Much has been and can be said about the Christian doctrine of the Holy Trinity.  It is appropriate that we focus on the doctrine of the Holy Trinity one week after celebrating the descent of the Holy Spirit upon the Church. Although human beings can use both reason and poetic language to talk about the nature of the Triune God, our personal appreciation of this unique Christian teaching depends on the divine grace which the Holy Spirit pours into our hearts and minds. In other words, perceiving, confessing, and appreciating the doctrine of the Trinity is not a natural human ability but a gift of divine grace. 

There are numerous Scriptural passages that both maintain divine oneness and unity and refer to all three divine Persons.  There are New Testament texts such as Matthew 3:16-17, John 3: 5-16, Ephesians 2:18, 2 Corinthians 13: 14, and 1 Peter 1:2 that express a Trinitarian understanding of God's self-disclosure to humanity. In particular, the Gospel for this day from John 3 alludes to the work of all three divine Persons in being born anew by water and the Spirit. These biblical teachings are also summarized and explained in the three ancient Creeds, the ancient church fathers, and statements in numerous Christian sources. In other words, the doctrine of the Trinity embodies and expresses core Christian beliefs about creation, redemption, and sanctification.