Trinity | What's The Good Word?

There is a time for everything, a time for all that life may bring: A time to plant, and time to reap, a time to laugh and time to weep, a time to heal, a time to slay, a time to build where rubble lay, a time to die, a time to mourn, a time for joy and to be born.

A time to hold, then be alone, a time to gather scattered stone, a time to break, a time to mend, a time to search and then to end, a time to keep, then throw away, a time to speak, then nothing say, a time for war till hatreds cease, a time for love, a time for peace.

Eternal Lord, Your wisdom sees and fathoms all life’s tragedies; You know our grief, You hear our sighs–In mercy, dry our tear-stained eyes. From evil times, You bring great good; Beneath the cross, we’ve safely stood. Though dimly now life’s path we trace, one day we shall see face to face.

Before all time had yet begun, You, Father, planned to give Your Son; Lord Jesus Christ, with timeless grace, You have redeemed our time-bound race; O Holy Spirit, Paraclete, Your timely work in us complete; Blest Trinity, Your praise we sing–There is a time for everything! ~Stephen P. Starke

O Lord, whatever this day may bring, we confidently know that it is in Your time. Help us to use the time you’ve given us wisely for Jesus’ sake, we pray, Amen.

Image by Marian Trinidad

“There are different kinds of gifts, but the same Spirit.

There are different kinds of service, but the same Lord.

There are different kinds of working, but the same God

works all of them in all men.”

1 Corinthians 12:4-6

* * * * *

Why did St. Paul need to write this to the Christian Corinthians– a Trinitarian reminder that Father, Son and Spirit gift, serve and work in various ways, but are united–One God?

It’s because they were so divided, hung up on the differences, choosing sides, not seeing themselves as one body of believers with Christ as the Head. They squabbled over which teacher was the best, what spiritual gift ranked highest, and scrambled for the best seat during mealtimes.

What a pathetic image this group of Christians made–they who called themselves Christ followers.

But, ouch!

These words of St. Paul, inspired by the Holy Spirit, have endured and reach their mark in my own heart today. They powerfully drive me to my knees where I cry, “Father, forgive me for my own participation in taking sides, pulling rank, and scrambling for status before men.”

And, thankfully, the same grace extended to the Corinthians is the same grace that God extends to me–“You are forgiven, for Jesus’ sake!”

Lord God, thank you for showing us that even as You are united–Father, Son and Holy Spirit–we believers can be united in the one true faith to serve, work, and gift others with your love and mercy. Help us to always keep our eyes on Jesus–the author and perfecter of our faith. In His name we pray, Amen.