This Sunday's Gospel Text
Less Than Satisfactory
If you want a description of the Trinity, this is as good as it gets.
by Danielle Shroyer
Gospel Reading: John 14:8-17, 25-27
For Sunday, May 19, 2013: Year C—Pentecost
Have you got questions about the Trinity? You’re not alone. The disciples are right there with you.
If you’ve spent any time at all in a religion class discussing the Trinity, you already know the scriptural verses to “back it up” so to speak are few and far between. It’s a mystery, and mysteries aren’t spelled out in chapter and verse. But if you’re looking, this is one of the better examples of a relational Trinity you’ll find. That doesn’t mean it’s not confusing…
This Sunday's New Testament Text
You Don’t Take Pentecost Seriously
No, really. You don’t. But you should.
by Danielle Shroyer
New Testament Reading: Acts 2:1-21
For Sunday, May 19, 2013: Year C—Pentecost
I’ll be straight with you: Pentecost is my favorite Christian day. So please excuse me while I hop up on my Pentecost soapbox for a moment.
[Clearing throat with gravitas.]
Pentecost is a radically important day. It’s the rightful conclusion to the story of resurrection. The dismantling that begins in Holy Week isn’t completed until Pentecost. Yes, we are all rightfully dazzled by the surprising turn of events at Easter. But then Jesus leaves on Ascension, and the Spirit comes at Pentecost. Then and only then is the work of Holy Week finished. So unless you want to have a really slim view of salvation (and really, who wants to skimp out on something as important as salvation?), you’ve got to hold all of these mysteries together to get the fullest picture of this new creation. Otherwise, you are going to MISS OUT.
