A Unity of Purpose
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Grace and peace to you from God our Father and our Lord Jesus Christ.
Today, we celebrate the Holy Trinity, a special Sunday in the church year. On this day, we read the Athanasian Creed, which is quite long and can be a bit confusing, but it helps us express our faith in the mystery of the Holy Trinity. The first part of the Creed explains how the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit relate to each other.
The second part is equally important, as it talks about the two natures of Christ—how He is both true God and true man. This connection is highlighted in our readings today from the Old Testament and the Gospel, where we learn about Jesus as the second person of the Holy Trinity.
In Proverbs 8, we hear the voice of wisdom calling out. Wisdom personified speaks to us, inviting us to listen and learn. Here we see a glimpse of the divine counsel that existed before creation, emphasizing the unity and harmony within the Trinity. “The Lord possessed me at the beginning of His work,” wisdom declares. This passage reminds us that the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit are not separate entities but one God in perfect unity, working together in the act of creation and throughout history.
In Acts 2, we witness Peter proclaiming the resurrection of Jesus. He boldly declares that Jesus is both Lord and Christ, affirming His divine nature and His unity with the Father. Peter emphasizes that Jesus was attested by God through miracles and wonders, and now He sits at the right hand of the Father. This unity of purpose and mission shows us that Christ is the fulfillment of God’s redemptive plan for humanity. The resurrection is not just an event; it is the confirmation of Jesus’ divine identity and His oneness with the Father.
Turning to John 8, we see a confrontation between Jesus and the Jewish leaders. When they question His authority, He responds with a profound statement: “Before Abraham was, I am.” With these words, Jesus identifies Himself as the eternal God, affirming His unity with the Father. This declaration is significant—Jesus is not just a prophet or a good teacher; He is God incarnate, fully divine and fully human. His words reveal the profound mystery of the Trinity, where the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit exist in perfect relationship, sharing the same divine essence.
The Athanasian Creed beautifully encapsulates this mystery, declaring the equality and unity of the three persons of the Trinity. It reminds us that while the Father is not the Son, and the Son is not the Holy Spirit, they are all one God, co-equal and co-eternal. This foundational truth shapes our faith and informs our worship.
So, what does this mean for us today? In a world filled with division and confusion, the unity of the Trinity offers us a model for our relationships. Just as the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit exist in perfect harmony, we too are called to live in unity with one another. Our unity as believers reflects the nature of God Himself. Let me remind you of Jesus words from our previous Sunday together where He Say: John 17:20-21
20 “I do not ask for these only, but also for those who will believe in me through their word,
21 that they may all be one, just as you, Father, are in me, and I in you, that they also may be in us, so that the world may believe that you have sent me.
In our families, communities, and churches, we are reminded to seek reconciliation and understanding, to be patient and loving, just as the Trinity exemplifies. The world often divides us by ideology, race, and personal differences, but our identity in Christ calls us to rise above these divisions. That is that unity that we see in the Book of Acts before the disciples received the Holy Spirit: Acts 2:42
42 And they devoted themselves to the apostles’ teaching and the fellowship, to the breaking of bread and the prayers.
44 And all who believed were together and had all things in common.
46 And day by day, attending the temple together and breaking bread in their homes, they received their food with glad and generous hearts,
47 praising God and having favor with all the people. And the Lord added to their number day by day those who were being saved.
Illustration - During a community cleanup event, we all gathered with our tools. Some brought rakes, others brought garbage bags, and a few even brought refreshments to keep us energized. At first, it was a bit chaotic, but once we started working together, our combined efforts transformed the whole park! In the same way, when we serve in unity, our diverse contributions can significantly impact our community for Jesus!
21 The eye cannot say to the hand, “I have no need of you,” nor again the head to the feet, “I have no need of you.”
26 If one member suffers, all suffer together; if one member is honored, all rejoice together.
27 Now you are the body of Christ and individually members of it.
Moreover, the unity of the Trinity assures us of God's presence in our lives. The Father created us, the Son redeemed us, and the Holy Spirit sanctifies us. We are never alone in our struggles; God walks with us in His fullness. When we pray, we address the Father, through the Son, in the power of the Holy Spirit, fully confident that our triune God hears and responds.
As we reflect on this unity, let us remember that our faith is not merely an abstract concept but a living relationship with the God who is three in one. Embrace the mystery of the Trinity, and let it transform your understanding of who God is and who we are called to be in Him.
In closing, may we strive for unity in our lives, reflecting the love and harmony of the Trinity. Let us hold fast to the truth of our faith as we confess together the Athanasian Creed, affirming that we believe in one God, who is Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. Amen. LET US PRAY
Dear Heavenly Father,
Thank You for the gift of Your Word and the mystery of the Holy Trinity. We praise You for the unity shared among the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. Help us to understand and appreciate how they work together in perfect harmony.
Lord Jesus, we thank You for revealing Yourself to us as the great "I AM." Your eternal presence gives us hope and assurance. Help us to hold onto Your words and to live in a way that reflects Your love and truth.
Holy Spirit, guide us in our daily lives. Teach us to seek unity with one another, just as You are united in the Trinity. Help us to share Your wisdom and love with those around us.
As we reflect on the beauty of the Trinity, may we grow in faith and understanding, drawing closer to You each day.
In Your holy name, we pray. Amen.
