Good Morning,
Welcome to your online worship from St. Mark’s for Trinity Sunday, May 26, 2024.
In my sermon for Trinity Sunday, I invite us to explore the encounter between Jesus and Nicodemus in John 3:1-17, reflecting on the transformative power of spiritual rebirth through the Holy Trinity. Through Nicodemus’ inquiry and Jesus’ teachings, we discover the depth of God’s love, the role of each person of the Trinity in our salvation, and the invitation to embrace ongoing transformation in our lives.
Today’s Opening Sentence
Holy, holy, holy is the Lord of hosts; the whole earth is full of his glory. – Isaiah 6.3
Today’s Reading – John 3:1–17
Now there was a Pharisee named Nicodemus, a leader of the Jews. He came to Jesus by night and said to him, “Rabbi, we know that you are a teacher who has come from God; for no one can do these signs that you do apart from the presence of God.” Jesus answered him, “Very truly, I tell you, no one can see the kingdom of God without being born from above.” Nicodemus said to him, “How can anyone be born after having grown old? Can one enter a second time into the mother’s womb and be born?” Jesus answered, “Very truly, I tell you, no one can enter the kingdom of God without being born of water and Spirit. What is born of the flesh is flesh, and what is born of the Spirit is spirit. Do not be astonished that I said to you, ‘You must be born from above.’ The wind blows where it chooses, and you hear the sound of it, but you do not know where it comes from or where it goes. So it is with everyone who is born of the Spirit.” Nicodemus said to him, “How can these things be?” Jesus answered him, “Are you a teacher of Israel, and yet you do not understand these things?
“Very truly, I tell you, we speak of what we know and testify to what we have seen; yet you do not receive our testimony. If I have told you about earthly things and you do not believe, how can you believe if I tell you about heavenly things? No one has ascended into heaven except the one who descended from heaven, the Son of Man. And just as Moses lifted up the serpent in the wilderness, so must the Son of Man be lifted up, that whoever believes in him may have eternal life.
“For God so loved the world that he gave his only Son, so that everyone who believes in him may not perish but may have eternal life. Indeed, God did not send the Son into the world to condemn the world, but in order that the world might be saved through him.”1
Your Online Message and Prayers
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Reflection questions for the week:
- In what areas of your life do you feel the need for a spiritual rebirth or renewal? How can you invite the Holy Spirit to bring about this transformation?
- Reflect on John 3:16. How does understanding the depth of God’s love for you change the way you live your daily life and interact with others?
- Consider Nicodemus’ gradual journey of faith. Are there moments in your own spiritual journey where you have experienced gradual transformation? How can you remain open to ongoing change?
- How does the relationship between the Creator, Redeemer, and Sanctifier inspire you to live a life of service and praise? What practical steps can you take to reflect the Trinity’s love and unity in your daily actions?
A continued reminder that if you are at all uncomfortable being in-person for worship, or if you are not feeling well, please join us here online.
Thank you again for joining with your parish family in our online worship today.
Find out how you can support our ministry and good work in the community here.
God Bless you and have a blessed week. Be well!
Peace,
The Rev’d Canon Rob Park
- Scripture quotation is from the New Revised Standard Version Bible, copyright © 1989 National Council of the Churches of Christ in the United States of America. Used by permission. All rights reserved worldwide.