the holy trinity
the PRAYER. . .
Almighty Creator and ever-living God: we worship your glory, eternal Three-in-One, and we praise your power, majestic One-in-Three. Keep us steadfast in this faith, defend us in all adversity, and bring us at last into your presence, where you live in endless joy and love, Father, Son, and Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever.
the READING. . .
[Jesus said,] “When the Spirit of truth comes, he will guide you into all the truth ….”
the DEVOTION. . .
It’s the eve of Good Friday. The disciples are gathered around the table with Jesus. He’s washed their feet. He’s spoken of love. Talked about betrayal. Sometime after that, he speaks these words … “When the Spirit of truth comes …” And like a magic carpet, they lift us up and carry us away. Over Good Friday … and Easter Sunday … and the seven weeks that follow … and it set us down right in the middle of Pentecost! The rush of wind! Tongues, as of fire! Speaking in other languages! And because of that ride, we miss, entirely, what John’s Jesus was telling us all!
The second chapter of Acts – and the story of the Spirit’s coming with which we’re all familiar – wasn’t written by John. It’s part of the story Luke tells. For John, “pentecost” happens that first Easter. It’s evening, the first day of the week. The doors of the house locked for fear. Jesus comes and stands among the disciples. “Peace be with you.” He shows them his hands and side. “As the Father has sent me, so I send you.” Then, he breathes on them. “Receive the Holy Spirit!” For John, this is “when the Spirit of truth comes!” Even more, this is how the spirit comes! Jesus exhales and, there in the darkness, there in the fear, behind locked doors, we draw our first breath!