Trinity I- Luke 16:31

 This Sunday's Gospel from Luke 16:19-31 contains the Parable of the Rich Man and the Beggar Lazarus.  (The rich man is sometimes called "Dives" from the Latin for "rich.") This passage brings us several themes, including the importance of compassion and the nature of the afterlife. In rereading the passage this week, another theme was noticeable. In Luke 16:31, the Gospel concludes, "And he said unto him, If they hear not Moses and the prophets, neither will they be persuaded, though one rose from the dead." 

This statement highlights the basic human spiritual and moral problem. God has created human beings to be spiritually and morally responsible. He expects them to love Him and their neighbors. In His mercy, God has provided and still provides revelations of His expectations. In nature, in the Mosaic Law, and in the prophets, the divine expectations are clear for those willing to see and hear. In the life, death, and resurrection of Jesus Christ, God has revealed His expectations even more clearly. Moreover, He has revealed the possibility of repentance, faith, pardon, and renewal after human failure. God offers redeeming grace. 

Unfortunately, human beings are often like the rich man in the parable. They ignore both divine expectations and divine grace. They persist in hardness of heart. They continue in their selfish sinfulness. Not only are they immoral, but they are also unspiritual. Their attitude is the central problem. They are not open to divine holiness, love, or grace. They have no transcendent faith. Their confidence is in themselves and their earthly status or possessions. And such hardened attitudes have eternal consequences.

Fortunately, such a sad state can be remedied. Sinful and selfish human beings are offered grace. In His mercy, God can change them and soften hardened hearts. With God, all things are possible. People can turn from sin, and faith can arise in unexpected ways. All humans (even a poor Lazarus) are sinners who can develop humble and faithful attitudes through the divine grace revealed in Jesus Christ. May we have eyes to see, ears to hear, and hearts to believe this good news!

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.

Trinity Sunday- John 3: 1-16

Observing Trinity Sunday on the Sunday after Pentecost is fitting because the powerful descent of the Holy Spirit disciples marks a final point of the Trinitarian revelation. The doctrine of the Holy Trinity tells us about the nature of God and summarizes the whole Biblical message. Although this doctrine is a high mystery that transcends natural human understanding, it also has practical implications for Christian faith and practice.

There are numerous New Testament texts (such as Matthew 3:16-17, Matthew 28:19, John 3: 1-16, Ephesians 2:18, 2 Corinthians 13: 14, and 1 Peter 1:2) which show a Trinitarian understanding of God's revelation to humanity.  For example, there is today's Gospel from John 3: 1-16 where Jesus discusses the nature of redemption with Nicodemus. In these verses, we see an affirmation of the love of God the Father, the sending of Jesus Christ, God the Son, to save humanity, and the work of the Holy Spirit in giving a new spiritual birth to those who believe in Christ.

A belief in the Holy Trinity was expressed in ancient Christian baptismal questions about God the Father, God the Son, and God the Holy Spirit. These questions and answers became the basis for creeds such as the Apostles' Creed and the Nicene Creed. So even though the Trinity can be discussed using complicated philosophical and theological concepts, Christians affirm or confess this basic doctrine for reasons of living faith. The doctrine of the Trinity is a biblical Christian belief that is deeply rooted in the experience of redemption and in Christian worship and prayer. The God we worship and pray to is Triune. The Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit share one divine essence and work together in perfect love to redeem poor sinful human beings. The doctrine of the Trinity is really at the heart of the Gospel!

Glory to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit, both now and forever and to the ages of ages. Amen.

Easter IV- John 16:5-15

 The Gospel for this Fourth Sunday after Easter is John 16:5-15. Like some other selections during this season, these verses are from our Lord's Farewell Discourses to the Twelve on the evening of Maundy Thursday. In these discourses, our Lord addresses some of the misunderstandings and worries of the disciples. He is about to go away (first through His Passion and Death, later through His Ascension). He strengthens and encourages His followers by speaking of the Comforter, the Holy Spirit. In John 16:13, Jesus says, "when he, the Spirit of truth is come, he will guide you into all truth..." (KJV). Then in John 16:15, Christ asserts, “All things that the Father hath are mine: therefore said I, that he [the Holy Spirit] shall take of mine, and shall shew it unto you.”

The situation of the disciples is changing. Jesus will not be them in the ordinary physical way, but the work of the Holy Spirit will continue Christ’s ministry on earth.  The Holy Spirit is not confined by location, ethnicity, language, or time. The Spirit guides believers into truth. Yet, this truth is not some new message. It is the same eternal truth that has been revealed by God the Father to Israel over the ages. And it is the same truth revealed in the earthly life of Jesus Christ. 

So redemptive truth is Trinitarian. It comes from God the unseen heavenly Father. It has been made known by the divine Word over the ages and finally become incarnate in Jesus. This same eternal truth also works through the Holy Spirit. It will continue to work in the world until the end of history. The Spirit of Truth works in many ways, but chiefly He works through the Scriptures and the sacraments. He works in the church as the community of believers, and He works in the lives of faithful individuals.

Our verses from John 16 proclaim a simple and clear basic point. The work of the Spirit comes from God the Father, and it is consistent with the revelation of Jesus Christ, the eternal Word of God. The work of the Holy Spirit is not a new or separate revelation; it is a series of living applications of the divine truth already revealed, especially revealed in Jesus Christ. This is good news!

Advent III- I Corinthians 4:1-5

For the Third Sunday in Advent, the readings from I Corinthians 4 and Matthew 11 point us to the theme of Christian ministry. This theme is especially appropriate because the traditional Advent Ember Days occur on Wednesday, Friday, and Saturday of this week. For centuries, these days have called Christians to deliberate emphasis on the general ministry and mission of the Church, and especially on the role of the ordained ministry. All Christians share in ministry, and ordained deacons, priests, and bishops have special responsibilities.

The Epistle from I Corinthians 4:1-5 speaks of such Christian ministry. All Christians are called to ministry or service for Christ, but all too often we forget this, at least in practical daily speech and behavior. Every person baptized has been set aside and transformed by grace in the name of the Holy Trinity. This setting aside for service has a special application to the ordained ministry. In a special way, the clergy are called to be "stewards of the mysteries of God" (I Corinthians 4:1).

What are the mysteries of God? The mysteries are the core events of Christ's Gospel- from the Annunciation and Nativity to the Crucifixion, Resurrection, and Ascension. These Scriptural mysteries are summarized in the ancient Creeds. These mysteries are also powerfully expressed in the Sacraments. The Christian Gospel becomes visible and immediate for us in the concrete Sacred Mysteries or Sacraments, in particular Baptism and the Eucharist. Every Christian is called to believe the mysteries of the Gospel and to participate in appropriate and faithful ways in the sacramental expression of these mysteries 

During this Advent, let us prepare for Christmas by contemplating the mysteries of the Gospel and their expression in the Sacraments. Let us be aware of our general calling to be faithful stewards of the Gospel according to our specific vocations. And let us pray that all Christians, especially those who are ordained, may be constantly renewed by divine grace for God's service.

Easter IV- John 16:5-15

The traditional Gospel for this Sunday from John 16:5-15 is one of the rich selections from the "Farewell Discourses." Here our Lord seeks to reassure the disciples by speaking of the Comforter, the Holy Spirit. He says, "I tell you that it is expedient for you that I go away: for if I go not away, the Comforter will not come unto you; but if I depart, I will send him unto you" (16: 7). A little later, He adds, "when he, the Spirit of truth is come, he will guide you into all truth..." (16: 13).

These verses point to the divine plan for Christ's mission. As Jesus' ordinary physical presence on earth draws to a close, His followers experience some natural human anxiety. They do not really understand much that is about to happen, and they certainly do not want to hear of His leaving. But Christ's death, resurrection, and return to heaven are good for His followers. In heaven, He will intercede for them and prepare a place for them. Furthermore, through a new outpouring of the Holy Spirit, the Comforter, Christ will continue to work among His followers in ways transcending His earthly ministry. The Spirit will guide them into truth. This truth is not some new, secret or unheard of truth, but it is the same truth already manifested in the person of Christ.

The essential point of Jesus' teaching should be clear to Christians. He teaches us that the work of the Holy Spirit must not be separated from the revelation in Jesus Christ, the eternal Word of God. The work of the Spirit among Christians is a series of living applications of the truth already revealed in Christ and His Gospel. So as the Easter season winds down, and we look forward to Ascension and Pentecost, we should appreciate the unity of divine truth. The basic work of redemption in Jesus Christ was a unique time in history, but the same Christ continues to be be present and guide Christians through the work of the Holy Spirit in the Church.

Friday in Easter Week- Revelation 1

The New Testament reading for Morning Prayer in the 1928 American BCP (1945 lectionary) is from Revelation 1:4-18. This selection provides a meaningful way for us to look back at the last week. On Good Friday, it is appropriate for us to focus on the details of our Lord's Passion and Death. On Easter, it is appropriate to emphasize the power, mystery, awe, and joy of Jesus' Resurrection. Now it is easier to see His Death and Resurrection together. As Revelation 1:5 indicates, we recognize Jesus Christ as "the first begotten of the dead." Jesus' Resurrection is unique. His return to life is more than a temporary restoration of an ordinary person; His Resurrection is a lasting victory with eternal significance. This is made even clearer in Revelation 1:18, "And he laid his right hand upon me, saying unto me, Fear not; I am the first and the last: I am he that liveth, and was dead; and, behold, I am alive for evermore, Amen; and have the keys of hell and of death." This is a forceful proclamation of Christ's role as the crucified and risen Saviour. And it shows that Jesus Christ is not merely some historical hero. He is the everliving Lord over life, death, and life beyond death! He is Lord of our lives now and evermore! Alleluia!

Trinity Sunday- John 3

Emphasizing the doctrine of the Holy Trinity on the Sunday after Pentecost is fitting because Pentecost marks a fulfillment of the revelation of God in Three Persons. Although not defined in one particular place in Scripture, the doctrine of the Trinity is supported by many passages and summarizes the entire message of the Bible. The Trinitarian emphasis continued in the Christian Church as Scriptural teachings about God were summarized in the ancient creeds such as the Latin Apostles’ Creed and the Greek Nicene Creed.

Although a great mystery and although the history of discussions about the Trinity can be complicated, the basic concern of the doctrine is really simple. The doctrine of the Trinity teaches us about God, His nature, His love, and His grace. The doctrine proclaims His redeeming purposes. It is at the heart of Christian theology, life, and devotion. Even for believers who are not into abstract theology, the doctrine of the Holy Trinity is at the center of the Christian experience of God. It is the great mystery which calls us to living faith. We need to see and appreciate the doctrine of the Trinity in the context of an ongoing Christian life and devotion- in contexts such as Christian morality and Christian prayer. The triune God, the Father, and the Son, and the Holy Spirit is always with us!

Pentecost (sometimes called Whitsunday)- John 14: 16-17

To start, let us consider the early Christian name for this day, Pentecost. The name comes from the Greek word "fifty." Among Greek-speaking Jews, this title was already applied to the Jewish "Feast of Weeks" which began fifty days after Passover. At this feast, weeks after Jesus's Resurrection, the Holy Spirit descended upon the hesitant disciples and transformed them into the living Church (Acts 2:1-21). This makes Pentecost one of the ancient and great feasts of the Church based on Scripture.  Later, as Christians developed a calendar, the Church set this commemoration for the fiftieth day after Easter. 

We know that the world is filled with many confused and confusing opinions on the Holy Spirit and spiritual matters. And the best way to avoid unsound teachings is to focus on the teachings of Jesus Christ about the Holy Spirit. In today's gospel from John 14:16-17 Jesus says, "And I will pray the Father, and he shall give you another Comforter, that he may abide with you for ever; even the Spirit of truth; whom the world cannot receive, because it seeth him not, neither knoweth him: but ye know him; for he dwelleth with you, and shall be in you." (KJV)

In these words of our Lord, we are reminded of the origins of the Spirit's work among believers. The Holy Spirit comes among Christ's followers as a gift from God the Father at the intercession of Jesus Christ. Although Scripture speaks of many functions and gift of the Spirit, here our Lord stresses two chief characteristics. The Holy Spirit is our comforter, helper, and guide in appreciating and applying divine truth. And the Holy Spirit comes from the Father and the Son. The Holy Spirit shares the holy nature of the Father and the Son, and He must be distinguished from the spirits of the surrounding world.

The Holy Spirit comes from the Father in Christ's name. His work is inseparable from the saving work of the Father and the Son. As the Holy Spirit guides us, He does not bring a new revelation. Instead, the Spirit helps us apply what has already been revealed in the words of Jesus. So Christians must be prudent in their spirituality. The true guidance of the Holy Spirit will always be consistent with the truth of the whole Biblical revelation, especially with Christ's words in the Gospels.

Pentecost, commonly called Whitsunday- John 14: 15-31

Pentecost is one of the great feasts of the Church based on Scriptural accounts of the descent of the Holy Spirit. The name comes from the Greek word "fifty." This title was applied to the Jewish "Feast of Weeks" which is the fiftieth day after Passover. Later, the Church assigned the commemoration to the fiftieth day after Easter. (The other English name for this day means "White Sunday," and it comes from the northern European custom of administering Baptism to white-robed candidates on this feast.) 

The Gospel for Pentecost (St. John 14: 15-31) continues the series of selections from Christ's Farewell Discourses. A key verse in the selection is 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.". In view of  the diverse opinions that some Christians have about the Spirit over the centuries, this verse provides important guidance. 

This guidance 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 persons of the Holy Trinity must not be separated.

2) While 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 is a continuation of the teaching of Jesus Christ, the incarnate Word.

3) As the Holy Spirit teaches, it does not bring a separate new revelation. 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 teaches us about Jesus Christ.

Fourth Sunday after Easter-The Spirit of Truth- John 16: 5-15

The Gospel for Easter IV (St. John 16:5-15) is another in a series of selections from the "Farewell Discourses." The verses for today actually precede the selection for last Sunday. Our Lord addresses the worries of the disciples that He will go away. He says, "I tell you that it is expedient for you that I go away: for if I go not away, the Comforter will not come unto you; but if I depart, I will send him unto you" (16: 7). A little later, He adds, "when he, the Spirit of truth is come, he will guide you into all truth..." (16: 13) 

As the time of Christ's ordinary physical presence on earth draws to a close, His disciples are anxious about the change.  Nevertheless, He teaches them that those days had to end, and such a change is both necessary in the divine plan and good for believers. A new chapter in Christ's work was soon to begin through a new outpouring of the Holy Spirit, the Comforter. In this way, Christ continues to work among His followers through the Spirit. The Spirit is a guide into truth; not some new, secret, or unheard-of truth, but the truth already revealed in the person of Jesus Christ. 

Like those first disciples, modern Christians are often uncertain and confused. Sometimes, we still view the days of Christ's earthly ministry with a certain nostalgia. We like to imagine that we would be better disciples if He were still walking among us bodily. We like to imagine that we would have deeper faith, more enthusiastic commitments, and holier life-styles. Of course, in reality, we probably wouldn't be much different. The weaknesses of human nature and the availability of divine grace are still the same.

Another issue is that Christians have often gone to extremes and wild tangents when talking about the Holy Spirit. Such problems existed in apostolic times (for example, in the Corinthian church) and have appeared down through Christian history. Some people tend to ignore the work of the Spirit while others attribute all kinds of strange things to the Spirit.  Extremists get caught up in emotional sensations, in exaggerated or distorted doctrines, or in excuses for unruly and immoral behavior. However, we need to exercise caution. The truth into which the Spirit guides us must always be based on, be an application of, the truth already revealed in the life, teachings, and redeeming work of Jesus Christ. As we look back to Jesus' life, death and resurrection and look forward to Pentecost, we must keep the work of Christ and the work of the Holy Spirit connected. The basic truth was revealed in Christ, and that truth remains valid for all time; now the Holy Spirit keeps guiding us as we apply that truth in each of our lives.

Advent II- Scriptural Authority- Romans 15: 4

(This week's post is a revision of a post first published in 2011.)

This Second Sunday in Advent has often been called "Bible Sunday" among Anglicans and other English-speaking Christians. The collect and lessons for the day were developed by Archbishop Cranmer for the 1549 BCP. They all refer in differing ways to the importance of Scripture and reflect the Reformation's influence on Anglican foundations.

We also see this theme in the Thirty-nine Articles of Religion. Article VI is titled Of the Sufficiency of the Holy Scriptures for Salvation, and it says: Holy Scripture containeth all things necessary to salvation: so that whatsoever is not read therein, nor may be proved thereby, is not to be required of any man, that it should be believed as an article of the Faith, or be thought requisite or necessary to salvation. In the name of the Holy Scripture we do understand those canonical Books of the Old and New Testament, of whose authority was never any doubt in the Church.

Thus, authentic Anglicanism believes in the supremacy of the Holy Scriptures. There may be other things in life that are good, useful, or beautiful, but Scripture reigns supreme in matters of  doctrine and in matters of salvation. Church tradition and human logic and experience guided by the Holy Spirit have their places in Christian life and thought, but they must always be in harmony with God's revelation contained in the long-accepted canon of Holy Scripture. There is no surer foundation in this world, and consciences must not be burdened by those who would impose other standards.

Some people claim that the Scriptures are not clear, but the general teachings of the Bible are clear and have been agreed upon by sensible and honest Christian readers for two millennia. Although there are legitimate debates about how to understand some particular passages, there are clear teachings about the basics. These basics are the kinds of things that have been summarized in the Apostles' and Nicene Creeds, in the Ten Commandments, in the Two Great Commandments, and in the Catechism. Such clear teachings permeate the whole canon of Scripture, and any verses that seem obscure should be understood in ways that are consistent with the clearer passages.

Accepting the principle of divine revelation as recorded in the ancient canon of Holy Scripture is a basic Christian supposition.  Like other basic points (such as the existence of God or the centrality of Jesus Christ), either we accept Holy Scripture as a basic foundation of Christianity or we refuse to accept the Christian message.

Christians believe that God's Spirit inspired human beings to write down various stories, histories, poems, and prophecies, that the same Holy Spirit has guided the community of faith to accept these writings rather than some others and that God continues to speak to believers through the words of Scripture applied through the guidance of the Holy Spirit.

If we accept Christianity and its Scriptures as given by God, then we see the purposes of Scripture. The Bible was "written for our learning" (Romans 15:4). Apart from Scripture, we know very little about God. We might philosophize about a creator. We might even theorize about some sort of moral order in the universe. Yet, such philosophy is rather vague and does not do much to satisfy human souls. And apart from Scripture, we would not know about Jesus Christ. From general history, we might believe that there was some Jewish teacher by that name from Galilee who impressed some ancient people. However, apart from the canonical Scriptures, we would not know much about His person, teachings, or deeds. And apart from Scripture, we certainly would not know Him as the living Word and Son of God who laid down His life and took it up again to save our very souls.

The Bible also helps us deal with real life, with our situation as imperfect believers within an imperfect world. And despite our own frailties and the corruptions we see in the world around us, Christians are characterized by hope. We have true and lasting hope. We have hope for the grace to be faithful in this world and hope to dwell with God eternally after our time in this world.

Advent is a season characterized by hope, but Christian hope must not be nebulous. From ancient Israel, through the New Testament period and down through Christian history, true hope depends upon divine revelation in the Holy Scriptures. In particular, our hope depends upon Jesus Christ, the living Word to whom all Scripture bears witness. He is the One who was to come, who has come, who keeps coming into our lives, and who will come again. "O come, O come, Emmanuel."

Second Sunday in Advent- Scripture

The Second Sunday in Advent has often been called "Bible Sunday," and the Collect, Epistle, and Gospel for this Sunday all stress the importance of Holy Scripture. As Anglicans, we should always remember that God’s revelation is basic. All that is necessary for salvation is found in Scripture. Yet, Scripture is closely connected with Christ's Church. Scripture and the Church have always been intertwined. Scripture reveals divine truth. It is the foundation of faith. It guides and corrects the Church, but the Church also serves as God’s instrument to preserve and interpret Scripture.

Personal acceptance and applications of Scripture are necessary, and individual opinions about Scripture can be valuable, but corporate understandings of Scripture are a safeguard. While 1 Peter 2:9 assures us that all believers are priests in a general sense, 2 Peter 1:20 warns, “no prophecy of scripture is of a private interpretation.” Properly understanding Scripture depends upon the work of the Holy Spirit within the Body of Christ, the universal Church. Great thinkers and even pious believers can make mistakes about some biblical ideas and texts. Even large Christian organizations and denominations have erred on some points. At times in history, many Christians have accepted poor explanations on some points of faith or morals.

Yet, God's Word remains forever (1 Peter 1:25), and Christ promises that the gates of hell shall not prevail against His universal Church (Matt. 16:18). Divine truth and faithful believers will continue till the end. So we look to the understanding of Scripture that has survived in the Church through the centuries. We look to the catholic or universal faith of the ancient Church, “what has been believed everywhere, always, by all” (St. Vincent of Lerins). These are the beliefs reflected in the church fathers and summarized in the ancient creeds. They are found among the Reformers and in the Prayer Book Catechism. They are expressed in the historic liturgies. There may be differences about interpreting some details, but the core of Scripture is clear. And that core of Scripture centered on Christ the eternal Word of God calls for our faithful response. May Advent be a time for us to renew our commitment to an orthodox Christian understanding of Scripture!