Last week, we began to explore the concept of culture.  We identified two major types of culture—the macro culture and the micro culture.  As we think of the faith we find ourselves in, it is important that we immerse ourselves in the scriptures which have formed and shaped the culture of faith that speaks to our time and space.  Along with those scriptures, we are a product of our traditions that have been passed through the generations.

Our macro culture is Christianity.  Simply put, Christianity is a faith rooted in a Trinitarian perspective of God, in which God reveals the self through three persons, while remaining one being.  We have God the creator/father; God the Redeemer/Son; God the Spirit/Sustainer.  Throughout the Christian traditions, this remains the bedrock of our belief.

Often we struggle to get our mind wrapped around this notion of God coexisting at all times within the confines of oneness.  To help, imagine the H₂0—water.  The molecule of this substance remains the same makeup, but is revealed in three unique ways—ice, liquid and gas/steam.  The essence remains the same, while being unique in its expression.  Or, another way to think of it, did you see those widget spinners?  They are three sided connected at the center.  While still, they are clearly unique in a static state.  But, if you flick the spinner and they start spinning, it appears as one.

Why this Trinitarian theology lesson?  Simply put, God exists within community within God’s self and, in God’s immensity of love, births the cosmos into being and invites us into this intertwined relationship.  The vastness of God allows space for welcoming the creation God has spoken into being…mind blowing!! As God is in union with self, so too God extends that union to you, me, your neighbor, enemy, stranger…you get the point.  God welcomes us to participation in life and in love.  This week, we’ll see this extravagant welcome played out in Jesus’ story.