Brothers and sisters. This year’s Memorial Day weekend is behind us, and summer schedules are underway. I pray that you will agree that attending church is an essential part of that schedule.
May 31 is Trinity Sunday, a day that many in the Church will be reciting the Athanasian Creed as an attempt to explain the mystery of the Godhead, three Persons in one God.
During the service Sunday we will follow the liturgy of Divine Service Setting Three beginning on page 184 in the LSB hymnal. Hymns chosen for the day are #506 Glory Be to God the Father; #498 Come Holy Ghost, Creator Blest; #597 Water, Blood, and Spirit Crying; and #825 Rise, Shine, You People
Scripture lessons assigned to the day are Psalm 8; Genesis 1:1-2:4; Acts 2:14, 22-36; and Matthew 28:16-20. They will show the work of the
The lesson from Genesis 1 reveals how the world was created at God’s command. If we also consider John 1:1-3, we should recognize that the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit were each involved in creation. Though Scripture does make distinctions between the three Persons, their activities are intimately coordinated.
The lesson from Acts 2 shows the involvement of the Triune God in the salvation of mankind and the formation of the Church. Jesus, God the Son was crucified to redeem us; God the Holy Spirit was poured out on the earth to bring people to faith; God the Father has directed all of this so we would acknowledge and receive Jesus as our Lord. This is good news revealed throughout Scripture, including the words of King David. We are to live as a community created by God, redeemed by Jesus, enlightened and gathered by the Holy Spirit.
In the gospel lesson from Mattthew 28, Jesus is with His apostles before His ascension. The passage might be thought of as the beginning expansion from Jesus’ earthly ministry to the apostles and the Church. Some of them were still doubting the meaning of all Jesus had said and done. Jesus commissions them to spread the gospel, baptizing people and teaching them all He had commanded them. The name of the Triune God, Father, Son, and Holy Spirit is placed on those who are baptized. You are given the opportunity to participate in God’s mission to save people to heaven.
Collect: Almighty and everlasting God, since You have given us grace to acknowledge the glory of the eternal Trinity by the confession of the true faith, and to worship the true Unity in the power of Your divine majesty, keep us also steadfast in true faith and worship, and defend us from all our adversaries, For You, O Father, Son and Holy Spirit, live and reign, one God, one God, now and forever. Amen.
Please let me know if you have any prayer requests or questions about the Scripture lessons. God bless you. Pastor Boster
