Epiphany – Be Surprised

Unlike last year, we will have to wait another month before we begin the season of Lent. We are still in the season of Epiphany as we journey thru February. A textbook definition of Epiphany is a moment when you suddenly feel that you understand. In other words, it is that “aha” moment, a moment that catches you by surprise when you least expect it. In scripture, it is that moment when the Divine breaks into spaces where the ordinary (people) dwell. Epiphany is not a New Testament concept. It happens all through the Old Testament beginning with Abraham encountering the three visitors under the trees of Mamre in Genesis 18. It also happens with Moses when he encounters God in the burning bush. These are theophanic moments when God comes to meet us.

The church’s liturgical calendar starts with the season of Advent (the 4 Sundays before Christmas) followed by Christmas and now we are in the season of Epiphany. Epiphany also known as “Theophany” in Eastern Christian tradition, is a Christian feast day commemorating the visit of the Magi, the baptism of Jesus and the Wedding at Cana.

The gospel writers, tell us about the epiphanies of God in their unique way. In Matthew, it is the story of the Magi’s visit to see the “toddler” Jesus in the house where they live. The coming of the Magi on the Sunday after New Year is to alert us that God’s revelation of His grand plan of salvation is for ALL the world and not just the few. In Mark, it is the healing of the man who is possessed by demons and him confessing that Jesus is God while the whole congregation of devout followers of YHWH completely missing it.

In Luke, it is the miraculous catch of fish on the shores of Galilee. The miracle turns into a call for missions. This is a true epiphany story, where Peter encounters the living God and in true fashion of theophany, Peter falls prostrate as he recognizes Jesus to be the Savior of the world. He is ready to take the next step of following Jesus leaving everything behind – his profession and family. Finally, in John, it is the wedding at Cana. This is another miracle story but does not lead to discipleship. The interesting aspect of that story is that the poor and meek servants at the party who recognize Jesus miraculous power. It is still an epiphany story because God reveals Himself to the most unlikely – the servants at the wedding party.

So, you see, Epiphany is about God showing up in unlikely places, among unlikely people and in the least expected ways. We worship that same God even in this time and space. So, this is what I have in mind for you as you journey thru this season:

First, pray for God’s sightings as you journey thru February. God sighting is an exercise that we do with the Sunday school children where we ask them this simple question: where did you see God this week? Their answers have often surprised us. God is still in the act of showing up in ordinary places often in our places of work and leisure. Second, be open to the element of surprise. When you come to church, come with anticipation that God will meet you in worship. When you read scripture wait in holy anticipation for God to speak to you. And, finally, don’t limit to what God can do in your life. The wedding at Cana is a powerful reminder that God can change crisis situations into moments of praise. I pray that this epiphany season will be a blessing to you.

Thank you for being a church that watches out for epiphanic moments as you move thru this month. May we be a church that is sensitive to God’s call and responds with bold faith and abundant generosity. It is an honor to serve alongside you as we seek to embody Christ’s love in our community and beyond.

Rev. Kamalesh Stephen

FROM THE PASTOR’S DESK

I thank my God every time I remember you. 4 In all my prayers for all of you, I always pray with joy 5 because of your partnership in the gospel from the first day until now…(NIV)

Philippians 1: 3-5

Dear Family of AICC:

I was intrigued by this phrase “partnership in the gospel” as I read my morning devotion one morning. This phrase beautifully describes us as I reflected on things that we did as a congregation during 2024. I am writing this note to commend you for your “partnership in the gospel”.

Partnership for the Apostle meant working together or keeping each other accountable in matters relating to faith. It also meant working together in spreading the good news of Jesus Christ – his life, death, resurrection and His coming again. Partnership is a key term and is often repeated in all his epistles. He firmly believed that faith, ministry and mission is a communal effort and requires all of us to do our share.

Here are some ways you exemplified your partnership in the Gospel:

  • The morning prayer at 6AM is a principal example of this partnership. The Apostle was all about the partnership in prayer. He would often urge his church to pray for him as he prays for them. You gathered to offer prayers without compulsion or coercion. God, during 2024, has done great things in answer to pray and will continue as we diligently seek Him in 2025.
  • We saw this “partnership” in full display as you took the time to prepare and pass on the faith to our children in Sunday school, preteens, and teens. We must seek new and creative ways to conduct Christian education in the new year for all age groups (including adults).
  • The media, praise and worship, scripture readers, and those who helped with setting the altar all worked in tandem (working in conjunction with each other) for meaningful worship every Sunday morning.
  • The Apostle Paul was all about ministry and mission (to the poor and marginalized) when he mentions about partnership. Jesus and the early church were all about seeking the poor and the disadvantaged. I am grateful to the missions’ team for identifying new avenues to serve the poor and the disadvantaged.
  • Partnership says a lot about who we are in relationship to one another. It means that when one of us is hurting it is the obligation of Christian love for all of us to share that hurt. You walked alongside the families especially the ones who were hurting with grace and resolve.
  • God helped us this year to forge a new partnership with the student ministry at a local college. It is my prayer that this will blossom into a lasting relationship.

Partnership is never easy but is the most commendable thing to do. Partnership is a wonderful gift of grace and the source of our unity. For some of us it comes naturally and for others it is a stretch. If we continue to show faithfulness in this partnership, God will offer us more ways to serve Him in 2025. Hear what Paul reminds us in his letter to the Ephesians: “There is one body and one Spirit–just as you were called to the one hope that belongs to your call–one Lord, one faith, one Baptism, one God and Father of all, who is over all and through all and in all” (Ephesians 4:4-6). May we engage in a God honoring partnership in 2025 and may God use our gifts and talents for the extension of His kingdom.

Rev. Kamalesh Stephen

MAKING ROOM THIS ADVENT

I have heard so many of you say, especially families who are buying new homes and moving out of their apartments, “we can’t believe how much we have accumulated over the years that we have been living in this apartment.” I don’t know about you, but I am natural hoarder. Accumulating “stuff” comes naturally to us. So, it has become a practice in our home to clean up our storage closets and basement space to look for things that we have not been using for over a year and give it away to local charity or to a family who needs that item.This has often created some space or made some room in our home. Remember, this “making the space” is not in preparation to buy more things. This is our way of decluttering our home. Decluttering the tangible things around the house can be so freeing. This works the same way when it comes to matters of the heart or the spiritual aspects of our life. This thought of decluttering or making room led to me to think about the season of Advent.

The season of Advent, which begins after Thanksgiving, are the four weeks of preparation that leads to Christmas. Advent is a time of looking back and looking forward to the time when we will meet the Risen Christ face to face. Advent simply means the coming (of the Lord) or the Parousia (coming of the Messiah a second time). The first Advent was ushered with the birth of Jesus and the second Advent is “yet to come.” The church at this present time is occupying this “in-between” space amid the first and second Advent. This is probably the reason that we hear sermons on the theme of “anticipation, waiting, be alert, watch out, and make room.”

The text that we will read during one of our Sundays in Advent is the call of John, the Baptist, who echoing the call of Isaiah, is asking us to make room for the Messiah who is coming. “Every valley shall be lifted up, and every mountain and hill be made low; the uneven ground shall become level, and the rough places a plain.

Then the glory of the Lord shall be revealed, and all people shall see it together, for the mouth of the Lord has spoken.’ (Isaiah 40:4-5). This was Isaiah’s call to the people to prepare, to make room for the coming of the Messiah. Therefore, “making room” or “creating spaces” is so central to the season of Advent.

Ask yourself, what areas of my life require decluttering? If we are honest with ourselves, all areas of our life. The catholic monk, St. Ignatius, is famous for asking this question about decluttering our lives and making room for Jesus. St. Ignatius “taught his followers to ask in a consistent and disciplined manner: Is there anything getting in the way of my relationship with God? Are there any inordinate attachments cluttering up my heart or soul that might impede my spiritual progress?” 2 This is something that you need to decide.

Decluttering or “letting go” is never an easy process. It can be painful; however, it is often freeing. This act of letting go must be intentional on your part. Also, this is the only time that you make space to fill it with something else. When you free up your time in the morning, fill it up with devotion and prayer. When you free up sometime in the evening, spend it with your family. When you make space at your table, invite someone to share a meal. Remember, I didn’t say, IF you will make sometime instead, WHEN. “If” is an option but “when” is an invitation or to push the limit, it can be a command.

In the end, we make space or declutter our lives so that we can invite the King of Glory to be a part of our lives. Advent ends on Christmas Day, when we celebrate the birth of Christ, who is the King of Glory. Jesus came so that He can become part of our lives and restore a relationship that was broken in the Garden.

Growing up we sang this song, not necessarily during Christmas but other times as well. This is a song inviting the Lord Jesus into the spaces we have decluttered. But the second verse of this song (this is my first time noticing) is even more telling. May be this Advent as you make room and invite the Lord Jesus, also, pray for courage and resolve to make Christ know to others, not only during Advent but also in 2025.

Into my heart, into my heart,

Come into my heart, Lord Jesus;

Come in today, come in to stay;

Come into my heart, Lord Jesus.

Out of my heart, out of my heart,

Shine out of my heart, Lord Jesus;

Shine out today, shine out alway;

Shine out of my heart, Lord Jesus.

Blessings on your Advent journey,

Rev. Kamalesh Stephen

1 There is an article with the similar title, and this led me to ponder on this theme of “making room.”

2 https://www.ignatianspirituality.com/making-room-this-advent/

PAUSE, REMEMBER AND GIVE THANKS

While browsing the internet, I landed on a site that informed me of special days during the month of November to remember and celebrate someone special or some significant event. I am not going to list or highlight all of them in this newsletter but somethings that are relevant for us as a church.

On November 2, the church worldwide will celebrate “All Saints Day.” This is a day to remember the “great cloud of witnesses,” who kept and passed on the faith for future generations. This is the text that is often read on All Saints Day. 

“Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles. And let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us.” (Hebrews 12:1) This verse is right after the author tells us of the great heroes of faith. Not all of them were gifted with special abilities but these are ones who remained faithful until their life’s end. Moreover, as I have often pointed out that saints are not necessarily people with extraordinary gifts instead ordinary folks like you and me who have set themselves apart for the work of God. I think it is something extraordinary to be considered as saints of God. 

It is Martin Luther, the early church reformer, who called every Christian both a sinner and a saint. Luther used this Latin phrase to describe every Christian’s identity – “Simul Iustus et Peccator.” (Simultaneously Justified and Sinful) “The Christian is, at the same time, wholly (totus) a sinner, who deserves God’s temporal and eternal punishment, and wholly (totus) righteous* before God on account of Jesus.” On November 2, we are reminded of our brokenness and at the same time be thankful for God’s redemptive grace. 

The week of November 4 through 8 is remembered as Stress Awareness Week. It is time that the church addresses the issues related to stress. Not only are adults faced with stressful situations but many of our young adults and even our young children in schools are faced with enormous amount of stress. Stress can be both external and internal. I believe the scripture rightly states to offer our stress and anxious moments to a God who deeply cares. Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. 7 And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus. (Philippians 4:6-7) This is also a time to remind ourselves about proper “self-care.” Since creation, God’s institution of Sabbath is a way to lose control of our lives to a God who is always in control. Sabbath was not just a suggestion but a divine command to self-care. I believe we are called to pray for people who work in highly stressful environments and offer them to God.

November 13 is marked as World Kindness Day. On this day, remember or tell a story of how one act of kindness that you received from someone impacted you. It also can be an act of kindness that you extended to someone and that made all the difference in their life. I know many of you do these Acts of Random Kindness (ARK) daily.

I thank God for each one of you and I know many of you extend yourself to help others and that have made their life a whole lot easier. Jesus was very particular about these acts of kindness that we do to the least of these. 40 “The King will reply, ‘Truly I tell you, whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers and sisters of mine, you did for me.’ (Matthew 25:40)

And finally, of course, on Thanksgiving Day,remember and give thanks for the gifts that you have received but most importantly the Giver. Remember to give thanks for the people who have enriched your life by their sheer presence and their active and engaged listening to all the painful and joyful stories that you shared. Here is what the psalmist says about our thanks to the Giver: Give thanks to the Lord, for he is good. His love endures forever. (Psalm 136:1). It is not just His love, rather His steadfast (Hesed) and fierce love. The verse that I really like in this psalm is this: He remembered us in our low estate, His love endures forever. (v 23). God did not love us when we “got our act together,” rather while we were still sinners that Christ died for us. 

So, take the time to mark your calendars and remember to do something for someone as we journey through the month of November. I am truly grateful for your partnership in the gospel, and I pray and commit your families as we make this journey to Thanksgiving Day and beyond. 

1 h t t p s : / / w w w . m a i l e r l i t e . c o m / b l o g / n o v e m b e r – n e w s l e t t e r – i d e a s

2 h t t p s : / / w w w . 1 5 1 7 . o r g / a r t i c l e s / s i m u l t a n e o u s l y – r i g h t e o u s – a n d – s i n n e r – a n – i n t r o d u c t i o n # : ~ : t e x t = L u t h e r % 2 0 p u t % 2 0 i t % 2 0 t h i s % 2 0 w a y , i . e . % 2 C % 2 0 t h e y % 2 0 w i l l % 2 0 b e c o m e % 2 0 h e a l t h y

Rev. Kamalesh Stephen

JOURNEYING THROUGH THE MINOR PROPHETS

Timothy Keller in his book Counterfeit Gods: The Empty Promises of Money, Sex, andPower, and the Only Hope that Matters describes idols this way: “An idol is anything more important to you than God. Anything that absorbs your heart and imagination more than God. Anything you seek to give you what only God can give. Anything that isso central and essential to your life, that should you lose it, your life would feel hardly worth living.”[1] He goes on to say that even the best things in life can become our idols.While discussing the Lord’s Prayer in our recent sermon series, the one thing that stood out for me is that idols are when “the good things of our lives become the ultimate”.Money, jobs, power, and a whole lot of other things are good that God has graciously provided for us to enjoy; however, when we make these good the ultimate then they become our idols. The Lord’s Prayer teaches us to resist this temptation daily.10We are not left without any recourse about how to free ourselves from the idols that control our lives. Keller says,“The only way to free ourselves from the destructive influence of counterfeit gods is to turn back to the True One, the living God, …He’s the only one who if you find Him, can truly fulfill you, and if you fail Him, can truly forgive you.”[2] This is Good-News indeed!

The role of the Minor Prophets in scriptures, at least most of them, is to remind us of our tendencies to lean onthings other than God. In a sense, the idols of our lives. Along the same lines, the role of the minor prophets was toremind the people of their relationship with God and calling them to reevaluate and renew it. The adjective Minorhas nothing to with the import or implication of their role in the life of the nation of Israel and Judah. In fact, all ofthem did some breakthrough prophecies in the lives of the kings who ruled during that time. Minor has to do withthe length of their prophecies recorded in scripture.

There are 12 books in the Hebrew Bible (Old Testament) known as the Minor Prophets. These books are known bythe titles of Hosea, Joel, Amos, Obadiah, Jonah, Micah, Nahum, Habakkuk, Zephaniah, Haggai, Zechariah, andMalachi. Some were written with the Northern Kingdom (Israel) in mind and others with Judah, the SouthernKingdom, in focus. Their context and ours will never be the same; however, they are “filled with rich and redemptivethemes that should convict, equip, and encourage us today.”[3]

Beginning this month (September) and going forward, I would like to engage the congregation in reading with me the Minor Prophets. I will remind you via WhatsApp to read one chapter every other day during the week and provide you with a question to ponder and reflect. And on Sunday, I plan to use the readings from the week as my sermon text.

It has always been my desire to incorporate your reflections from the weekly readings into my preaching task. (I believe this is like “crowd sourcing,” – enlisting the task to a larger group of people.) And so, feel free to send me your “aha” moments separately so that I can incorporate them. Preaching in this case becomes a communal act instead of “pastor’s reflection” on the text. I really appreciate your thoughtful reflection on this journey, and I believe this can be mutually beneficial.

Blessings on your journey through the minor prophets.

Rev. Kamalesh Stephen

[1] In the Introduction to the book, p xix

[2] In the Introduction to the book, p xxvi

[3] https://openthebible.org/article/why-modern-day-christians-need-the-minor-prophets/

From the Pastor’s Desk

28 Come to me, all who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. 29 Take my yoke upon you, and learn from me, for I am gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. 30 For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light.” (Matthew 11:28-30 – ESV)

We read a lovely devotion today, August 27 th during our morning prayer time. The title of that devotion was “Difficult Hill”. The author says that in the mountains of Northern Idaho there stands a Jughandle peak, which is hard to climb, and many want to hike this trail. He says that the hike is strenuous; however, at the base of that peak lies a brook. “It’s a quiet place to drink deeply and prepare for the hard climb ahead.” The gentle brook provides the nourishment for the ambitious hiker before the journey ahead. The devotional goes on to remind us that we need to drink deeply from the well, which is God himself, before we face those difficult times of life. It is not so much that we need to drink of this well instead God himself provides this refreshment knowing that we need this nourishment.

As I heard this devotional read to us, I thought of Summer 2024 coming to an end and the month of
September marking the beginning of a new school year. The days will get shorter and nights longer. We will have lots of things to do with our children and the demands of our daily work. Some days will be good but most of the other days will be difficult and challenging. God has already provided a way out for us. God is always one step ahead of us providing for our needs even before we ask for it.

This is not the first time that God offers his people nourishment before the journey. In Exodus 16 the people are ready to take the journey into the desert and what waits for them is the Promised Land. It is often easy to overlook the small detail in verse 1 of chapter 16. This is what the scripture says, “The whole Israelite community set out from Elim and came to the Desert of Sin, which is between Elim and Sinai, on the fifteenth day of the second month after they had come out of Egypt.” Elim was an oasis where there was plenty for the people to eat and drink before they embarked on their journey. God knew that the journey ahead was going to be hard and brutal. He provides them relief at Elim before their journey into the desert.

In Isaiah 55:3 this is what God says to the people, “Come, all you who are thirsty, come to the waters; and you who have no money, come, buy and eat! Come, buy wine and milk without money and without cost. Why spend money on what is not bread, and your labor on what does not satisfy?” The people then and now seek after things outside of God thinking that it will satisfy their deepest needs. They will satisfy us but only for a very short time because they are fleeting. The things that God offers are eternal and sustains us through all the demands of daily life. The offer is free with no strings attached.

This is my prayer for you and your families as you begin this new school year – make good of the offer from God. Seeking Him on a regular basis not just on Sundays but during the week. God’s faithfulness and His desire to nourish us before the long haul is beyond our understanding and God is able to provide. I pray that you will lean on him both in good and difficult times. Committing you and your families to God’s care and keeping.

Blessings on your journey,

Rev. Kamalesh Stephen

THE CELEBRATION OF GOD’S FAITHFULNESS

Give thanks to the Lord, for he is good. His love endures forever… He remembered us in our low estate
His love endures forever. (Psalm 136: 1, 23)

By the time this issue of Triune is released we would have celebrated the church’s 35th anniversary on Sunday July 28th.What are somethings that we can reasonably do to celebrate this milestone in the life of AICC. Here are some of my musings about the church’s anniversary:

The church anniversary can be a time to remember and honor the founders God used to start this church. We commend them for their vision, hard work, persistence, and perseverance to continue the work in the face of mounting pressure to give up. Pastor Kumar and others will have stories to reminisce about how the plan to start was conceived and the people who were instrumental in supporting this vision. The founders will remember every small detail if you probe them a little further. They will mention the names of the few families that gathered the first time they met and even the “first offering” that was
received and consecrated. It is important for us, who are far removed from the days of AICC’s inception, to recollect these stories and record them in the annals of the church’s story so that future generations will be reminded of God’s goodness and faithfulness.

This can be an amazing opportunity to remember our humble beginnings. I am always reminded of the parable of the Mustard Seed, where the small plant grows to unprecedented proportions. The emphasis on the bird of the air making nest in these trees has a very different connotation. As one scholar puts it, the birds refer to the “Gentiles seeking refuge with Israel.” I think a more relatable reference can be about the kingdom being a place for ‘all nations’, which means that the call of the church is to be inviting of people whom God will bring our way. God is slowly but surely bringing in people from all walks of
life and nations into the threshold of this church. We praise God for this amazing opportunity to minister to “all” of God’s people.

I believe this can be a time of “celebrating God’s continuous work.” In Acts, there are references time after time about God adding new people to the church. This adding new people was an act of God more than that of the Apostles – “and the Lord added to the church daily such as should be saved.” (Acts 2:47). As the pastor of the church, I am humbled by the way we have grown these past few years. As God multiplies, we are called to do our share of showing hospitality to people whom God will bring our way. I am energized to see the camaraderie that is exemplified in our congregation as we welcome
newcomers to the church.

There is a lot that we can say as we celebrate the church’s anniversary. Here is my one last thing and that is to Embrace the Future that God has set for us. I do not really know the path that God has set for us but as much as it is uncertain I am called to embrace this uncertainty.A church that is integrated into the
community and serving it’s neighbors without any reservations is the way forward. There is fear and
trepidation as we move forward to embrace the new things that God is doing among us. Our task is to offer our anxieties to the One who calms our fears.

Finally, I for one would like to mark this milestone with inaugurating a ministry that will remind us of our
call to embrace people of “all nations.” Our recent visit to a college campus to observe the ministry
among students of different ethnic backgrounds and religious persuasion gave us something to
think about. I believe this can be something that AICC can partner and forge a new path as we enter
another year of God’s doing. May the Lord guide us as we embark on this journey.
Happy Anniversary AICC,

Rev. Kamalesh Stephen

SUMMER – A GREAT TIME TO GROW IN FAITH

By the time this issue of Triune comes out, you will be vacationing with your family in India or at your favorite beach or theme park or hiking your best-loved trails. I pray that you will have a safe time with your families. I think vacation can also be a time to grow deep in your faith with some simple, day to day spiritual disciplines. I am not going to suggest serious fasting (but if that is something that you’re considering doing, go for it) or long dedicated time praying but there are other things that you can do to grow spiritually. Here is my #1 favorite thing to do while on vacation, to do prayer walks. This is assuming that you are keeping up with your regular exercise regimen even while on vacation.

Prayer walks simply stated is walking and praying. It is often intercessory in nature, meaning that you pray for the people living in the communities where you walk or praying in general for the needs of the world that God brings to your remembrance. Prayer walk can be interesting and rewarding if you choose a friend to walk with you. Remember, there is no need to carry a Bible if you’re doing a prayer walk in the neighborhood. The C.S. Lewis Institute website (you may read it here) offers some interesting insights as to the things you can do when you do a prayer walk.1 The idea is simple and doable, and it can enrich your prayer life as well as see God at work in the neighborhoods that you often walk. I hope you get to do this over the summer vacation.

The second-best thing that you can do over your vacation time is to commit certain portions of scriptures to your memory. This is one sure way to grow in the faith. The Psalmist says it better than anyone else about the benefits of committing scripture to memory. Your word I have treasured and stored in my heart, That I may not sin against You – Psalm 119:11. I like the reason the Psalmist gives for us to hide God’s word in our heart, and it is simple but often necessary – that we may not sin against God. The Guidepost has a nice article on the 10 Bible Verses to Commit to Memory. 2

I have mentioned this several times over the course of my preaching at the church about how my father will find a church to worship on Sunday even while vacationing. The Apostle Paul would often encourage the believers to not disregard the gathering of God’s people. This is my challenge to you to make every effort to attend public worship. And let us not neglect our meeting together, as some people do, but encourage one another, especially now that the day of his return is drawing near (Hebrews 10:25). There is a nice article by the Ligonier Ministries on the importance of public worship. 3 Apart from hearing the Word preached to us, public worship builds community with other believers in the faith. I would encourage you, as much as you are able, to find a place to worship while vacationing.

We are called to grow in the faith both in and out of season. I believe simple disciplines kept and embraced can help us grow in our walk with God. Remember this one truth that God is interested in your walk of faith more than you are. God’s promise is to nurture and grow us so that we may reflect the image of the One who created us for His glory. I pray that even as you enjoy vacation with the family, you may also find time for God and His kingdom.

Blessings on your vacation and as you grow in the faith,

Rev. Kamalesh Stephen

THE TRIUNE GOD – IN A RELATIONSHIP, COMMUNITY, AND HOSPITALITY

The Sunday after Pentecost (May 19, 2024) is celebrated as Trinity Sunday. Trinity is a hard concept to wrap your head around but one that is central to the Christian faith. Trinity is not about three gods, but One God personified in three persons. God the creator is depicted as the Father who sends the Son to redeem the world and the Son leaves the Spirit to complete what has been started by the Son. The three persons are in perfect unity. There is no hierarchy in that relationship just absolute unity, community, and fellowship.

Perichoresis is a Greek term, which refers to the relationship of the three persons of the Triune God. Peri, which refers to the circumference or the periphery and Choresis, refers to the choreography or dance or movement between the three persons of the Triune God. One of them holds the center stage at some point while the other two are in the periphery. No one holds the center stage all the time, which means that there is absolute fluidity to their roles. It is easy to get caught up with trying to explain Trinity as some have tried to do. For example, Trinity is simplified or explained by the three parts of the clover leaf. It is easy to understand but oversimplifies the complex and mysterious aspect of Trinity. Another way we have tried to explain is by telling the three forms of water – ice, water, and steam. Again, a great way to explain but one that does not live into the mystery of the concept. It is better for us to live into the mystery of the Trinity than to explain it away. My favorite scholar and teacher, Henri Nouwen calls Christians to meditate looking at the icon of the early church on Trinity.


The famous painting by the Russian artist, Andrei Rublev, offers a glimpse at Trinity. The three figures are seated at a table with a cup in the middle and surrounded by trees and mountain in the background. Their place around the table reminds us that no one holds center stage all the time. The person seated on the left is depicted as God, the Father with the translucent blue garment signifying the role of the creator. Both figures, one in the middle and the one on the right is looking tenderly at the Father. The one in the center is obviously Jesus and the one on the right is the Holy Spirit. It is interesting that some scholars have suggested that both figures point to the cup in the middle. In Holy Communion that we do on Sunday, it is Jesus who institutes with the Holy Spirit being fully present in the event of the Breaking of the Bread. We can talk a lot more about this icon but we can keep this for another time.

Here are a few things to take away as we meditate on the theme of Trinity and as we journey thru the month of June. First, it is about the relationship between the three persons of the Triune God. The church is prompted to think about the relationship between the three persons of the Triune God, our relationship to this holy God, who came to be with us in three persons and our relationship with each other. From the beginning of time, we were created for relationship with God, with each other and with the whole of creation. This is the primary reasons that we are to cherish the relationship we have with each other and, be good stewards of God’s creation.

Secondly, Trinity reminds us that we are called to be in community. The idea of community in the Christian faith is to walk alongside with others, encourage them in their low moments and help each other to fully live out the purpose for which God has made us. Finally, Trinity reminds us that we are to extend Christian hospitality. This hospitality must be radical in nature. It will mean extending hospitality to people who will look, talk, and behave different from us. This was the experience of the disciples when the Holy Spirit was poured out on the disciples on the day of Pentecost. In Acts, Phillip meets an Ethiopian ruler, shares the Word with him and even baptizes him after he receives the good news. In another instance, Peter will visit the house of Cornelius, a Roman centurion, who becomes the first Gentile convert to the Christian faith and all happens because Peter was willing to extend this radical hospitality. This story continues and must continue even as we meditate on the role of Trinity in the life of our church.

Rev. Kamalesh Stephen

MOTHERING GOD 

All through the month of April, we celebrated the presence of the Risen Christ among us. Jesus comes thru closed doors, appears to his disciples, and offers them words of comfort in their moments of pain, guilt and ‘locked attitudes’ of their own. Few things that really stood out for me as I read the scriptures in preparation for my sermons during this season of Easter. First, nothing will prevent- fear, guilt, disappointment, anger or doubt – Jesus from coming to meet his disciples. This is the most comforting thought that is relevant today for us as disciples of Jesus, who still deal with all these emotions. We are also disappointed when things don’t pan out the way we had planned; we also fear for the countless number of reasons and finally, we also doubt His presence, promise, and power. Despite all of these, Jesus comes and declares peace then and even now.

The other aspect that I found interesting with the Risen Christ is his deep desire to extend God’s kingdom. From the empty tomb to the Mount of Olives where he ascends to be with His Father, Jesus’ one message is to “go and tell”. He tells the women in the synoptic gospels and then to Mary in John’s gospel to “go tell my brothers and Peter” that he will be waiting for them in Galilee. The most emphatic of the commissioning comes in the gospel of John – “As the Father has sent me, so I send you.” As believers and followers of this Risen Christ our task is to “go and tell.” Our excuse about “not being good enough” or “strong enough” to do this task will be met with the words of Jesus “wait until you are clothed with power from on high.” God’s kingdom will march on sometimes with our sincere obedience and other times despite our reluctance.

Two special Sundays falls during the month of May – Mother’s Day and Pentecost. On Pentecost Sunday, we will be reminded of a God who cannot be tethered but is on the loose. God will break boundaries and will charter a new course for the church. The early disciples were sent to places that they did not want to go, meet people that they were reluctant to meet and that is the central message of the season of Pentecost. Pentecost is not an event, but an experience and it is given to all who wait on Him. May we with eager anticipation await the pouring of God’s spirit as we gather on Pentecost Sunday.

On Mother’s Day, we will not only honor mothers in our midst but all women with a heart and a desire to care for all people whom God will bring their way. Most importantly, on Mother’s Day, scriptures will point to a God who personifies the mothering spirit. I was pleasantly surprised as to the countless number of references in the Old Testament and the New about a God who is portrayed as a loving mother. In Deuteronomy 32:11-12 God is described as a mother eagle: “Like the eagle that stirs up its nest, and hovers over its young, God spreads wings to catch you, and carries you on pinions.” In Hosea 13:8 God described as a mother bear: “Like a bear robbed of her cubs, I will attack them and tear them asunder…”. In Isaiah 49:15 God is compared to a nursing mother: “Can a woman forget her nursing child, or show no compassion for the child of her womb? Even these may forget, yet I will not forget you.” [1] It is my prayer that you will experience the beauty of this Mothering God as you journey through the month of May.

Rev. Kamalesh Stephen