Fourth Sunday after Pentecost (year A)- Matthew 10:34-39

The Gospel from Matthew 10:34-39 is one that many Christians might wish to ignore. In it our Lord warns of the lack of worldly peace, the reality of interpersonal conflict, and the necessity of taking up the cross. Of course, there are also many passages about peace, and we like to emphasize those. Yet, we should notice the special nature of biblical ideas of peace.

In the New Testament, true peace is mainly about restoring sinful human beings to a right relationship with God through the saving work of Jesus Christ. As a result of such peace, we may at times also experience some peace with other human beings, especially those who share living faith in Christ. However, apart from grace and faith, peace does not characterize most human relationships in this world. Although Christians seek to live peaceably, Christ warns us that peace is often hard to find in worldly contexts. Since all human beings are tainted by sin, even close relationships such as those among family, friends, or even fellow believers, may not be entirely or truly peaceful.

As Christians, we should repent and confess our own contribution to the lack of peace. Let us seek to contribute to the spread of true peace based on faith in Christ. At the same time, let us accept a certain lack of peace with a fallen world as the calling of Jesus' disciples. Through His grace, let us take up our crosses and follow Him in faith for following Him is the way to true peace.

Trinity Sunday (year A)- Matthew 28: 16-20

The Gospel for Trinity Sunday this year is Matthew 28: 16-20. This passage is short and familiar. It contains the risen Christ's basic commission to His apostles and through them to all Christians. They are to make disciples, baptize them in the name of the Holy Trinity, and teach them to observe Christ's teaching. All this sounds simple, but it is really quite complicated to put into practice. It is really what church history, the existence of every congregation, and the life of every Christian is about. And at the heart of it all is Baptism in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit.

Baptism in the name of the Trinity marks us as belonging to God, as members of Christ's Church. In addition, Baptism is a true means of grace to begin and continue a Christian life. Whatever our challenges or accomplishments in this life, the most important thing about us is that almighty God, the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit, has claimed us as His own. He has offered us redeeming grace, and He keeps offering us renewing and sanctifying grace amidst the ups and downs of earthly life. Although theological speculations and definitions have their place, the essential importance of the doctrine of the Trinity is practical, devotional, and spiritual. It is about one God, Father, Son, and Holy Spirit, working on our souls to save us from sin and death and offer us eternal life.