Reflections on the Trinity. With the lead-up to Pentecost in the last couple of weeks, we have subconsciously had a fair degree of Trinity focus. The reading for this week has Jesus emphasize this further by again speaking of the other two partners in the trio in the same paragraph of John 16. Even though the Trinity is not a biblical term, the concept (doctrine?) developed by the Christian church is clearly well supported by scripture. Historically the early church also put a lot of effort into clarifying the Trinity - hence our ecumenical creeds. So let's leave all that there.
I want to progress to the question ... what shape is the Trinity in our Lutheran Schools? Often the perfect equilateral triangle has been used to visually represent the Trinity. Three equal sides. three equal angles, three equal partners, ONE triangle.
For years I have thought that our Trinity balance in Lutheran Schools is not quite right. Martin Luther has left us with a substantial legacy that has made sure we pay strong attention to the Son. Sometimes I think though, that this is to the detriment of the two other players. I strongly believe that the God of creation, God the Father needs to be brought into greater prominence. For young people starting out on a faith journey, the hurdle of seeing God as creator of the universe in a secular world where science and reason rule is problematic. This points to the need of having to spend more time helping young people see and experience God in creation.
The shape and prominence I have given to the Spirit in the diagram below is probably no surprise. The poor cousin of the trio much of the time? Post Ascension and Pentecost, it is vital that we help unfold the view of a "new" form of God, a God that is now with us in a special way, closer than ever before.
Perhaps there is a touch of irony in the out-of-balance diagram above. The sharp, pointy end of the triangle representing the Spirit. The thin end of the wedge? May that thin end of the wedge of the Spirit be driven firmly into prominence as an equal and integral player in our faith journey and as an essential partner in our work of bringing the hope and healing of Jesus to those in our communities.
Nev
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