A God of tenderness and compassion, slow to anger, rich in kindness and faithfulness

Today we celebrate the mystery of the Trinity: one God in three persons. God is the Lover (Father, Creator), the Beloved (Son, Saviour), and the Love which flows between them (Holy Spirit, Counsellor). Our readings help us see who God is, and what God does for us.

Moses’s obedience and humility are revealed as he calls on God from the top of Mount Sinai (First Reading), pleading for the headstrong people of Israel. In responding, the Lord describes himself as ‘a God of tenderness and compassion, slow to anger, rich in kindness and faithfulness’.

 In the Gospel, Jesus tells Nicodemus of the overwhelming love God has for the world in sending his Son to be its Saviour. Through Jesus’s death and resurrection, we are given the gift of the Holy Spirit. 

Paul’s wish for the discordant Corinthians (Second Reading) is peace, unity, fellowship and love. Paul encourages them (and us) to reveal the qualities of God seen in Jesus, gifted to us through the Holy Spirit, and gifted to others through our behaviour.

The Psalm, taken from the book of Daniel, gives praise and glory to God, exalting him above all forever.

Rublev’s famous icon suggests the love the Holy Trinity has for us in the humility, harmony and mutual love of the three persons. I notice the space at the front of the table inviting me to share in this love and life. In thanksgiving, let’s pray St Paul’s blessing this week, that ‘the grace of the Lord Jesus Christ, the love of God and the fellowship of the Holy Spirit be with us all’.