Nougat 6

For many, the Trinity refers to Father, Son and Holy Spirit; as in God, Jesus and God’s Spirit and only in that order. When we consider our own situations, our experience might be slightly different. In today’s Holy Nougat we receive the Trinitarian formula with God as the Second Person. This is noteworthy for me as I wondered at the placement.

“The grace of the Lord Yeshua the Messiah and the love of God and the fellowship of the Ruach ha-Kodesh be with you all. Amen.” 2 Corinthians‬ ‭13:13‬ ‭TLV‬‬

Initial research has provided no theory behind the order. Most critics are impacted by the reference to the Trinity, and so that leaves me to present my own theory. And it is simple

I propose that God’s Love is Central to our individual and collective existence. That Love permeates every book, every page, every chapter of the Bible; from cover to cover. It IS the air we breathe to keep alive as it is God’s breath that animated our lifeless created forms.

From before the beginning, God has loved us. Yes we disappoint God. Yes, we receive the consequences of our actions from time to time. Yes, God sometimes seems distant. But let us not lose sight of the fact that we each are loved with an everlasting, never-ending, forever kind of Love.

A love that sought Adam and Eve out after they had sinned; and provided them with covering for their nakedness. Then, even when they were obliged to leave Eden, a measure of Grace was provided. It’s a love that marked Cain as God’s anointed despite his act of murder. A love that kept Hagar, Esther and the bleeding woman going in the face of difficulty and danger. The Love that keeps you and me going when we falter; even today.

Further I believe Paul introduces God’s Love secondly for us to follow. When someone does us wrong (and people will), it is Grace that effects Forgiveness. That first step is very important. It is Love that will restore relationship. Not just for God to do For us but also for God to do With us for others.

So although we tend to think God, Christ, Spirit … let us also remember that at the center of our Gospel story, at the center of our spiritual journey is God’s Love

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May all we seek be found in Christ