There is a great little children’s song called ‘The Circle Song’ that is very appropriate as we celebrate Trinity Sunday.
Come and join the circle, come and take my hand.
Come and join the circle, come and be my friend.
Gather round and see what the world can be.
Come and join the circle, come and share God’s word with me.
Why do I say its appropriate for Trinity Sunday?
Firstly, the children’s song is invitational, and so is God.
If there is anything we can say with certain about God it is that God wants to engage with us and draw us into the life of the Trinity. All through the scriptures we see God reaching out to heal and reconcile. The stories of creation tell of God searching with Adam and Eve when they hid in the garden. The stories of Abraham tell of God seeking out Abraham to make a covenant, promising him a future. The stories of Moses tell of God hearing the cries of the Hebrew slaves and calling Moses through the burning bush to be their redeemer. When we turn to the Gospels we see the same invitational love in Jesus who welcomes Matthew the tax collector, touches and heals the leper and opens the eyes of blind Bartimaeus. The God we see in Jesus warmly reaches out to draw people into the embrace of God.
Secondly, the children’s circle song is all about being with others in community, and the Holy Trinity is about forming us into a community of compassion and justice.
One of the most creative and ingenious works of art attempting to depict God the Holy Trinity, is Rublev’s famous icon. It’s a painting that depicts three figures around a table and as you gaze at this picture you notice that there the three figures are intimately engaged with each other. There is a powerful sense of harmony and peace about the three of them that points to the central affirmation that God is One – that is God is whole and utterly complete.
However, there is more, always more to God, and so it is with this painting. The figures are gathered around a table on which stands a chalice filled with the wine of the wedding feast, and there is an empty place at the table for us as we view the painting, and it is clear that the three figures are inviting us to join them at the feast, to share their company and enjoy their life together. This icon is a powerful representation not only of God but also of the Christian life. Christianity is about participating in a community of love and justice which has its source in the community of God, Father, Son and Holy Spirit.
At St John’s we are currently undergoing a strategic review in order to prepare a profile to call our next Minister. Trinity Sunday reminds us that the God who forms us in God’s image and likeness, calls us to a life together in community that is welcoming and hospitable. In our life together we are called to live into the vision God has for this world, a vision marked by peace and harmony, justice and generosity where we are always seeking the best in people and offering our best.
Come and join the circle, come and take my hand.
Come and join the circle, come and be my friend.
Gather round and see what the world can be.
Come and join the circle, come and share God’s word with me.
Peter
