Thoughts on Sunday’s Lessons for May 27, 2018
Christus onderwijst Nicodemus (Christ talking with Nicodemus at night), 1640. Oil on panel by Crijn Hendricksz Volmarijn (c.1601-1645). Private collection, Sotheby’s, London. (Click image to enlarge.)
Last Sunday, on Pentecost, the Holy Spirit came in wind and fire. Now as we celebrate Trinity Sunday, we reflect on the relationship among Creator, Redeemer and Advocate. In our first reading, Isaiah sees a vision calling him to be God’s prophet, an image that brings him woe, not joy, for he does not believe that is worthy to see God. He confesses that he is a man of unclean lips among a people of unclean lips, whereupon a seraph cleanses and purifies him with holy fire, touching a coal to the prophet’s lips. Then, hearing God’s call again, Isaiah steps up, no longer held back by feelings of unworthiness.
We sang this Psalm just a few months ago, on the first Sunday after the Epiphany; and we sing it again now, on the first Sunday after Pentecost. On both occasions, immediately following the celebration of a bold manifestation of the divine, it seems appropriate to “Ascribe due honor to God’s holy name.” The powerful metaphor of a majestic storm offers us insight into the Holy Spirit as a powerful wind. A storm strong enough to break and spin mighty oaks and cedars, shoot flames, and shake the wilderness might send us running for shelter. But it also has potential to lure us outside to feel the rain and the wind on our faces as the storm rolls by.
Alternative to the Psalm: Canticle 13
Canticles, “little songs,” are scripture passages similar in style to Psalms, chosen for use in worship in the Book of Common Prayer. Canticle 13 offers a short portion of the “Song of the Three Young Men” who were thrown into a fiery furnace by angry King Nebuchadnezzar of Babylon in the book of Daniel and the apocryphal Song of Azariah. Safe under God’s protection, they survived this ordeal, not only walking unharmed through a raging fire but joyfully singing this hymn of glory to God, promising to praise and highly exalt God forever.
Second Reading: Romans 8:12-17
We turn back a page in Romans this week to hear these verses that come just before last week’s reading about Christians groaning in the pain and expectancy of a mother in labor as they wait for salvation. Now we see Paul building toward that image as he describes the great gift that awaits Christians: When we accept a life led by the Spirit, we become children of God, just as Jesus is the Son of God. Like Jesus we become heirs of God. Inspired by the Spirit, we recognize that suffering with Jesus opens us up to being glorified with Jesus.
Gospel: John 3:1-17
Sunday’s Gospel provides us the context to John 3:16 that a simple sign held up in a sports stadium can’t give. Nicodemus, a Pharisee, comes to talk with Jesus by night, hoping no one will see him visiting the controversial rabbi. Nicodemus is curious but bewildered by Jesus’ mysterious language. What does it mean to be “born from above,” or, in some translations, “born again”? Nicodemus just can’t grasp the distinction between being literally born of flesh as an infant and being born of the Holy Spirit in faith. Through the Son, from the Creator, inspired by the Spirit’s restless wind, we come to the Kingdom through a spiritual rebirth in faith and belief.