May 19, 2016

The Feast of Dunstan of Canterbury

Beloved,

I have experienced many occasions over the last few years when folks complained about the prominence of the creed in our liturgy. The complaint is usually that it is formulaic and unrelated to our daily lives. Last month, I had the opportunity to participate in the ordination and consecration of the bishop of Eastern Oregon. I was reminded at that the ordinand is invited with these words to begin the Nicene Creed: "We therefore call upon you, chosen to be a guardian of the Church's faith, to lead us in confessing that faith."

I am so grateful for the chance to remember this part of my own ordination and consecration. It is notable that the creed is professed just after the examination and just before being made a bishop through the laying on of hands. This should be at the heart of what I profess and guard -- this creed, this belief in the Trinitarian God: Father, Son and Holy Spirit.

And so, I offer to you that this Trinity Sunday is an opportunity to share our experience and belief in this God. I am reminded of the late Marcus Borg's observation that credo, "I believe," is probably better rendered, "I give my heart to." Everything we say in the Nicene Creed is about giving our heart to God who we experience in this three-fold and yet unitive way. It is a God who is endlessly creative, self-giving, and empowering. It is a God who does not leave us comfortless.

My encouragement is for us as the community of the clergy to struggle with the Trinity and celebrate our creed on this Trinity Sunday. We will be blessed in our own striving and assuredly strengthen our own pastoral ministry. Returning to the ancients, I think the words of Gregory of Nazianzus, fourth century Cappadocian father, in his fifth Theological Oration are apt:

"There was the true light, which enlightens everyone who comes into the world" (John 1:9)-the Father. "There was the true light, which enlightens everyone who comes into the world" -the Son. "There was the true light, which enlightens everyone who comes into the world" -the other Paraclete (John 14:16, 26). "Was" and "was" and "was," but one thing was; "light" and "light" and "light," but one light and one God. This is what David too imagined long ago when he said, "In your light we shall see light" (Psalm 35.10 136.9]). And now we have both seen and proclaimed the concise and simple theology of the Trinity: out of light (the Father) we comprehend light (the Son) in light (the Spirit).*

Within these words are pearls of wisdom to deepen our own discernment of the Trinity and plumb the depths of our creed. I simply share them with you as we pray, discern, and labor with the lectionary for this Trinity Sunday. May what we offer ourselves and the people of God deepen our understanding of the Trinity and with confidence lead God's people in the faith once delivered as we join voices around the planet in multiple voices saying, Credo!

Peace be with you,

The Rt. Rev. James R. Mathes
Bishop

*From Leading God's People: Wisdom from the Early Church for Today by Christopher A. Beeley