Trinity Sunday (year A) - Matthew 28

The Gospel for Trinity Sunday this year is Matthew 28: 16-20. This familiar passage 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  as church history illustrates, it can be quite complicated in practice

At the heart of Christian discipleship is Baptism in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. Trinitarian Baptism marks us as belonging to God, as members of Christ's Church. Besides being an external sign of belonging to the church, Baptism is a true means of grace that begins and continues to nourish 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 continues to offer us renewing and sanctifying grace amidst the ups and downs of earthly life. 

Although theological speculations and definitions of the Trinity are necessary and meaningful, the essential importance of the doctrine of the Trinity for believers is practical, devotional, and spiritual. The doctrine concerns redemption or salvation. It summarizes the way God works throughout the Bible. 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 in His presence.

Pentecost (year A)- Acts 2

What is the observance of Christian Pentecost about? A quick answer is that Pentecost celebrates the coming of the Holy Spirit among the first disciples. While that answer is true, it does not include the main result of the descent of the Spirit. In Acts 2:11, we read the reaction of the crowd, "we do hear them speak in our tongues the wonderful works of God." The core message that the Apostles proclaim is not about the Holy Spirit; the heart of their proclamation is the Gospel of Jesus Christ. A few verses later, Peter makes this clear. In Acts 2:22-24, he preaches about Jesus of Nazareth, a man who performed miracles, wonders, and signs before being crucified and raised from the dead. 

So, although the Holy Spirit is very important, the uniqueness of the Christian message does not center on the Spirit. Christian preaching is motivated and empowered by the Holy Spirit, but the heart of the Gospel is Christ-centered. The benefits of the Spirit are enormous for faithful individuals and the church, but the whole point of Pentecost is not about the mechanics of inspiration. The work of the Holy Spirit must not be separated from the work of Jesus Christ. The point is that the Holy Spirit testifies about and for the crucified and risen Jesus Christ. The Spirit of Truth enables Christ's followers to be faithful witnesses to and proclaimers of the Gospel of salvation. The presence of the Holy Spirit brings faith in and witness to the saving work of Jesus Christ, the divine Word, God the Son

Ascension Day- Acts 1; Luke 24

 Today is the fortieth day after Easter, the day of commemoration of Christ's Ascension. The Ascension is a teaching from Scripture (Luke 24; Acts 1; Matthew 28; Mark 16; John 20; Ephesians 1 & 4), and it is included as a basic belief in the ancient creeds. Unfortunately, in our time, this core New Testament event and doctrine is often overlooked. Even if there is no service available to us, we should remember and give thanks for Christ's Ascension.

The Ascension of Christ has deep significance for believers, and it is related to other Christian beliefs. In particular, Christ's Ascension means that His followers have a heavenly mediator and intercessor at the right hand of the Father. From heaven, our Lord Jesus Christ watches over us in all places and at all times. He intercedes for our physical, mental, and spiritual well-being and for our eternal salvation. Thanks be to our gracious Lord!

Easter 6 (year A)- John 14:15-21

 On this Sixth Sunday of Easter, the Sunday before Ascension Day, the Gospel from John 14:15-21 brings up a number of important theological topics. It looks forward to the coming of the Holy Spirit among the disciples in a great new way after Jesus' departure. This new outpouring of the Spirit will continue Christ's work among His followers. It will empower them to continue living as His disciples.

This passage from John 14 also points to the enduring dynamic of salvation. Human beings do not begin the process by their own efforts; God's love and grace are the beginning. God reaches out in love and grace while we are still sinners estranged from Him. The loving and merciful God calls us to have faith, and He offers us the grace that we need to respond to Him. By grace and the working of the Word and the Holy Spirit, He creates faith in our hearts and minds. And when we stop resisting His justifying grace, He offers us further grace, sanctifying grace. Through His gracious assistance, He allows us to bear fruit the fruits befitting love and obedience.

Easter 5 (year A)- John 14:1-14

The Gospel selection for this Sunday is from the part of John's Gospel often called the "Farewell Discourses" (John, chapters 14-17). In these chapters, Christ summarizes key teachings and prepares His followers for coming events: His death, resurrection, ascension, and a new outpouring of the Holy Spirit. Today's selection from John 14: 1-14 may be familiar to many people, especially from readings at Christian funerals. These hope-filled words of our Lord apply to the whole Christian understanding of life and death, and it is very fitting to see our selection in the Easter context of Christ's resurrection.

In John 14, Jesus uses the ordinary imagery of a hospitable home to describe the kingdom of heaven. There will be an appropriate place prepared for all the faithful. The disciples are troubled and anxious about many matters. They realize that their relationship with Jesus is changing. Their little group physically gathered around Jesus will no longer be the same. The dramatic events of Christ's death, resurrection, and ascension will separate them from His worldly presence.

In these uncertain circumstances, Christ offers His followers strengthening words. He points to God the Father's care for them and to His continuing unity with the heavenly Father. Regardless of changing earthly circumstances, disciples must trust in the Father and in Christ. He is the way, and the truth, and the life (John 14:6). 

Through faith in Jesus, we receive grace and strength to look beyond all the uncertainties, trials, and dangers of earthly life. We look toward true life in our heavenly Father's house. In light of Christ's resurrection, our faith and hope should grow ever stronger. And motivated by faith, we should do the kinds of good things He did as well as live lives of constant prayer.