Jesus Connects Us to God

We believe in the Holy Trinity which consists of one God: Father, Son, and Holy Spirit (Book of Common Prayer, p. 852). This is one of those foundational mysteries of our faith. The term Trinity means “threefold unity” and was established because of the mystery of the unity-in-diversity of God. “The Trinity is a perfect relationship of love in which neither unity nor distinctness of the divine persons is compromised. God’s life is understood to be dynamic, loving, and available to be shared in relationship with humanity for salvation.” (https://www.episcopalchurch.org/glossary/trinity/)

God, Jesus, and the Holy Spirit are all distinctive beings that are always outpouring support and love for us as God’s children. All divine, all loving, all knowing, and all one God. Faith is a strong belief based on spiritual apprehension rather than proof. If we completely understood and/or had proof of all the wonders in our traditions, it would in fact be history rather than faith.

Jesus provides examples of how to live a life that is pleasing to God. He shows how the love of God can be expressed in human form and calls us to faithfully believe.

John 14:6-11 – Jesus said to him, “I am the way, and the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me. If you know me, you will know my Father also. From now on you do know him and have seen him.” Philip said to him, “Lord, show us the Father, and we will be satisfied.” Jesus said to him, “Have I been with you all this time, Philip, and you still do not know me? Whoever has seen me has seen the Father. How can you say, ‘Show us the Father’? Do you not believe that I am in the Father and the Father is in me? The words that I say to you I do not speak on my own; but the Father who dwells in me does his works. Believe me that I am in the Father and the Father is in me; but if you do not, then believe me because of the works themselves.”

Prayer: Collect for Trinity Sunday

Almighty and everlasting God, you have given to us your servants grace, by the confession of a true faith, to acknowledge the glory of the eternal Trinity, and in the power of your divine Majesty to worship the Unity: Keep us steadfast in this faith and worship, and bring us at last to see you in your one and eternal glory, O Father; who with the Son and the Holy Spirit live and reign, one God, for ever and ever. Amen. 

(Book of Common Prayer, 1979; pg. 228.)

Ponderings…

What does faith mean to you? How might you choose to practice your faith? What can you do to maintain your trust in Jesus when times are difficult? How might you go to God through Jesus?

Illustrations used with permission. Copyright information for print above: Illustration by Elizabeth Wang, T-01136-OL, ‘Jesus urges us to draw closer to the Father and to direct our prayers to Him’, copyright © Radiant Light 2006, <http://www.radiantlight.org.uk/>