“Character building begins in our infancy and continues until death.” – Eleanor Roosevelt
Character has been on my mind this week, stirred by Paul’s words in Romans for Trinity Sunday. The word immediately brings my mother, Cathy, to mind. Let me explain. For 60 years, I have immersed myself in athletics, either as a competitor or a coach. This particular photo—one of the few I have from my athletic days—captures a moment in 1974. My parents stood on the sidelines, enduring brutal weather to watch me compete in a Cross Country race during my senior year at West Fargo High School. Cathy never missed a chance to cheer me on, but beneath her unwavering support ran a fierce competitive streak. If she sensed I wasn’t pushing hard enough or thought I had slipped into self-pity, she wasted no time in setting me straight — she pushed me to persevere. My coaches appreciated her enthusiasm, I have no doubt! She would have wholeheartedly agreed with Eleanor Roosevelt, as she prepared me to face a challenging world. And, incidentally, wisdom often appears in Scripture as a personified woman—this week’s passage from Proverbs is an example. That image, much like the concept of character itself, reminds me of my mother. As part of my reflections this week, I’ll delve into how Paul frames character and how this applies to our lives as Christians.
As always, thanks for your continued interest in exploring the scriptures! And, a shout-out this week to all the fathers or father-figures in our lives. Thanks for everything that you do! We are now beyond the half-year of seasons (Advent, Christmas, Epiphany, Lent, and Easter) and are on the front end of the long season of Pentecost with this question guiding our reading: What does it mean to live out Jesus’ teachings in our chaotic and turmoil-filled world? The blog this week includes some thoughts on the Holy Trinity, Luther’s Trinitarian Prayer, and a joyful organ selection of a Trinity-inspired hymn. And one note: I sprinkle in a few hyperlinks throughout the blog if you care to do further reading — there are italicized and bolded.
The readings for Holy Trinity Sunday emphasize God’s wisdom, majesty, and relational nature. Proverbs 8 presents wisdom as an eternal presence with God, rejoicing in creation and calling humanity to understanding. Psalm 8 marvels at God’s grandeur, questioning humanity’s place in the cosmos while affirming human dignity as stewards of creation. Romans 5 highlights the transformative power of faith, where suffering leads to hope through the love of God poured out by the Holy Spirit. John 16 reveals the Spirit’s role in guiding believers into truth, glorifying Christ, and deepening the connection between the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit.
Romans 5: 1-5 5 Therefore, since we have been justified through faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ, 2 through whom we have gained access by faith into this grace in which we now stand. And we boast in the hope of the glory of God. 3 Not only so, but we also glory in our sufferings, because we know that suffering produces perseverance; 4 perseverance, character; and character, hope.5 And hope does not put us to shame, because God’s love has been poured out into our hearts through the Holy Spirit, who has been given to us.
Check out this introductory segment on Romans for background on this week’s passage. This comes from our friends at the Bible Project. There is a segment on Romans 5-16 as well, if you’re interested. You can find that here, along with many other guides.
TRY LUTHER’S METHOD OF BIBLE READING
A Revision of the Lectio Divina, a method he learned in his Augustinian training (Three Steps)
Oratio (Prayer): This is the starting point, where one humbly prays for the Holy Spirit’s guidance to understand God’s Word. Luther emphasized that prayer prepares the heart and mind to receive divine wisdom.
Meditatio (Meditation): This involves deeply engaging with Scripture, not just reading it but reflecting on it repeatedly. Luther encouraged believers to “chew on” the Word, allowing its meaning to sink in and shape their thoughts and actions.
Tentatio (Struggle): Often translated as “trial” or “temptation,” this refers to the challenges and spiritual battles that arise as one seeks to live according to God’s Word. Luther saw these struggles as a way God refines faith, making it more resilient and authentic.
Luther’s Seal
Reflections (Part 1): “The Holy Trinity”
Almighty Creator and ever-living God: we worship your glory, eternal Three-in-One, and we praise your power, majestic One-in-Three. Keep us steadfast in this faith, defend us in all adversity, and bring us at last into your presence, where you live in endless joy and love, Father, Son, and Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever. Amen.
Here are a few things to think about this week regarding the Holy Trinity. Many Christian traditions follow a structured liturgy, shaping worship through prayers and rituals passed down over generations. Some parts of the liturgy, known as Propers, change based on the calendar, aligning with the Revised Common Lectionary and marking special observances like Epiphany or Pentecost. The Prayer of the Day for Holy Trinity Sunday (above), found on page 37 of the ELW(Evangelical Lutheran Worship hymnal), continues a tradition that traces back to the 16th-century Book of Common Prayer. I included this prayer to encourage reflection on the Holy Trinity, often called “the central mystery of the Christian faith and life.”
Martin Marty (1928-2025)
Many volumes explore the Trinity, but words alone struggle to capture its full meaning. Still, as theologian Martin Marty suggests, the Trinity teaches us about relationship—not just between God and humanity, but in how we interact with each other. He writes: “The Trinity is the model of the relational life, and invoking the Trinity draws us into thinking and experiencing divine-human relations that we can then carry into human-to-human relations . . . God. Father. Creator. Son. Redeemer. Savior. Spirit. Advocate. Comforter . . . the Trinity opens the door of imagination and the focusing power of prayer to much more than if we do not invoke the Trinity” (Lutheran Questions, Lutheran Answers, p. 42).
The discussion around the Trinity isn’t just a relic of history. I learned this week, for example, that The Lutheran World Federation (LWF), which includes our church, continues theological dialogues with Roman Catholic and Orthodox traditions, working toward greater understanding and unity. Decades of conversation with the Catholic Church led to the Joint Declaration on the Doctrine of Justification, a major step in bridging doctrinal differences. Likewise, dialogues with Orthodox churches have addressed topics such as the Holy Spirit, the nature of the Church, and historical disputes like the Filioque controversy. These ongoing conversations remind us that the doctrine of the Trinity remains deeply relevant in shaping faith today. Check out this joint statement from June 2025.
Reflections (Part 2): “Character Forged in Faith”
Like many passages in Romans, this week’s second reading packs a punch. Paul proclaims a bold truth: through faith, we stand justified and reconciled with God. Christ grants us access to grace, and we rejoice in the hope of His glory. But our confidence is not limited to moments of triumph—we find glory even in suffering, knowing it refines us. Hardships build endurance, endurance shapes character, and character fuels unwavering hope. This hope never fails us because God has poured His love into our hearts through the Holy Spirit, His gift to us. We are strengthened, sustained, and assured by the power of divine love.
Seminary Professor Chrystal Halloffers a compelling interpretation of this passage, highlighting how Paul grapples with integrating vastly different peoples—Gentiles and Jews—into the church despite their cultural, legal, and religious differences. Even in 2025, unity remains a challenge for the Christian community. Hall also emphasizes the Trinity’s presence in this passage, showing how its three Persons intertwine in relationship. Followers of the Anointed One experience God’s peace through Jesus and receive God’s love through the Holy Spirit, who pours that love into their hearts. This interdependence reflects our own relationship with one another and with God—a model suggested by Martin Marty (note Part 1 of my Reflections).
Finally, as alluded to in my blog introduction this week, I’ve always been struck by the language in verses 3-4: “suffering produces perseverance; perseverance, character; and character, hope.” The Greek word for “endurance” conveys resilient perseverance, while “character” implies steadfast reliability, especially in God’s eyes. These words resonate deeply in 2025, reminding us to remain strong as we navigate a challenging world. May the Holy Spirit inscribe them on our hearts!
Soli Deo Gloria!
Prayer Reflection: “Trinitarian Prayer and Blessing” (Martin Luther)
O God the Father, graciously give us all that we need for body and soul.
O Son of God, deliver us from sin, be gracious to us, and give us your Spirit.
O God, Holy Spirit, heal, comfort and strengthen us against the devil, and give us endless victory and resurrection from death. Amen.
Martin Luther (1483-1546)
A Musical Offering: “Come, Join the Dance of Trinity” (412, ELW)
Come, Join the Dance of Trinity
Come, join the dance of Trinity, before all worlds begun– the interweaving of the Three, the Father, Spirit, Son. The universe of space and time did not arise by chance, but as the Three, in love and hope, made room within their dance.
Come, see the face of Trinity, newborn in Bethlehem; then bloodied by a crown of thorns outside Jerusalem. The dance of Trinity is meant for human flesh and bone; when fear confines the dance in death, God rolls away the stone.
Come, speak aloud of Trinity, as wind and tongues of flame set people free at Pentecost to tell the Savior’s name. We know the yoke of sin and death, our necks have worn it smooth; go tell the world of weight and woe that we are free to move!
Within the dance of Trinity, before all worlds begun, we sing the praises of the Three, the Father, Spirit, Son. Let voices rise and interweave, by love and hope set free, to shape in song this joy, this life: the dance of Trinity.
“Come, Join the Dance of Trinity” is a hymn written by Richard Leach, known for his ability to craft texts that are both biblically grounded and theologically rich. The hymn draws on the ancient concept of perichoresis, an early theological term describing the interrelationship of the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit—often likened to a divine dance. The hymn’s four stanzas explore the Trinity’s role in creation, redemption, and the Spirit’s ongoing work, culminating in an invitation for believers to join in the dance of faith. It is commonly set to the KINGSFOLD tune, a melody with medieval roots that has been adapted for various hymns. The organist you’re hearing is Jeffrey Dexter of Zion Lutheran Church in Ohio. The visuals are interesting throughout the song.
Zion is a congregation of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America (ELCA), part of the Northeastern Ohio Synod of the ELCA, founded in 1840 and located in downtown Wooster.
Update on “Faithful Conversations”
Our regular gatherings for discussing the weekly lectionary are on a pause. Summer worship at ELC is at 8:30 in town and 10:15 at Hatfield by the lake. The 8:30 service will be streamed. Please stay in touch!
Recent News Regarding the Lutheran Study Bible!
This is something you may be interested to know. In 2009, the Lutheran Study Bible was published by Augsburg Fortress. It featured the New Revised Standard Version (NRSV) translation and included introductions, notes, and articles written by ELCA Lutheran pastors and theologians. It provided historical and cultural context, theological insights, and faith reflection prompts to help readers engage deeply with Scripture. I have used if for a number of years. A second edition, featuring the NRSV Updated Edition (NRSVue), is set to release in July 2025, expanding on the original with contributions from over seventy Lutheran scholars. If you’re looking for a Bible that connects well with the ELCA, check it out.
Augsburg Fortress is the publishing branch of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America (ELCA). It creates resources for worship, music, faith education, and church life, including hymnals, theological books, and study materials. It also runs Fortress Press, which publishes academic and theological works for pastors, educators, and general readers. Over the years, Augsburg Fortress has shaped Lutheran teaching and provided essential materials for churches.
“They call it Christianity. I call it consciousness.” (Ralph Waldo Emerson)
Recent surveys indicate that nearly one in five Americans identify as, “spiritual, but not religious” (SBNR) — nearly 70 million people. I recall first hearing this expression in my college days in the mid-1970s, and while it is impossible to judge what’s in a person’s heart, my sense is that people who assert this position have found institutional religion wanting for one reason or another. Any number of people in my life have made the argument to me, for example, that religion has been the cause of great pain, violence, persecution, and war in history and therefore is a net negative. It is hard to argue against that — much has been done in the name of religion that is appalling. And we know that millions of people have walked away from organized religion in recent decades decrying its formalism, dogma, rootedness in miracles, and perceived exclusivity.
Ralph W. Emerson
It is tempting to think of this as a recent phenomenon, but I suspect SBNR has been around for a long, long time. Consider the high-profile case of Ralph Waldo Emerson (1803-1882). Ordained as a Unitarian minister, he ultimately walked away from organized religion entirely by 1838. Later in life, he helped establish the Free Religious Association (FRA), a movement promoting free inquiry into religious matters and advocating for a rational, progressive approach to spirituality. The FRA welcomed diverse religious perspectives, including those from Jewish, Spiritualist, and Eastern traditions, aiming to foster a broader, more inclusive spiritual dialogue.
Why is this on my mind this week? How should we respond to those who embrace the SBNR label? Simply this: Pentecost calls Christians to remember the outpouring of the Holy Spirit—the divine force (outside of ourselves) that unites, empowers, and commissions the Church. Further, Pentecost demands reflection on the vital role of the Church in shaping spiritual identity. Emerson’s rejection of religious institutions, for example, reveals the lingering question: Can spirituality thrive without community, tradition, and theological grounding? The Spirit did not descend in isolation but ignited a gathered people, sending them forth with a shared mission. That’s us and we need to offer a strong and positive face for the church in our world!
Thanks for visiting this space again this week! The Easter season is now behind us, and Pentecost reminds us of our deep Judeo-Christian roots. In Jewish tradition, it denoted the Festival of Weeks, celebrated 50 days after Passover (penta means “50” in Greek). It marked the spring wheat harvest and God’s gift of the Torah to Moses (Exodus 24). For Christians, Pentecost in Acts 2 signals the moment the Holy Spirit came upon Jesus’ followers, empowering them to spread the Gospel. The first believers, shaped by Jewish traditions, met the risen Christ and received the Spirit, launching the Church in 33 CE. By the Second Century, Christians recognized Pentecost as a holy day. Keep this history in mind as you dive into this week’s readings. My commentary will focus on the reading from Acts with a reference to John’s Gospel. I will also offer a prayer reflection inspired by Luther’s explanation of the Third Article of the Apostle’s Creed, along with a favorite new song from the jazz world.
The readings for Pentecost reveal the Spirit’s role in empowerment, renewal, divine presence, and guidance, shaping both the Church and individual believers in faith and mission. Acts 2 highlights the Spirit’s transformative power, as the disciples boldly proclaim the Gospel in many languages, breaking barriers of communication and fear. Psalm 104 celebrates the Spirit’s work in creation and sustenance, reminding believers that God’s presence fills the earth and brings life to all things. Romans 8 affirms that through the Spirit, Christians are adopted as children of God, freed from fear and led by divine guidance. In John 14, Jesus assures his followers that the Holy Spirit, the Advocate, will be with them, teaching and reminding them of his truth, ensuring they are never alone.
Acts 2: 1-21 When the day of Pentecost had come, they were all together in one place. 2 And suddenly from heaven there came a sound like the rush of a violent wind, and it filled the entire house where they were sitting. 3 Divided tongues, as of fire, appeared among them, and a tongue rested on each of them. 4 All of them were filled with the Holy Spirit and began to speak in other languages, as the Spirit gave them ability. 5 Now there were devout Jews from every people under heaven living in Jerusalem. 6 And at this sound the crowd gathered and was bewildered, because each one heard them speaking in the native language of each. 7 Amazed and astonished, they asked, “Are not all these who are speaking Galileans? 8 And how is it that we hear, each of us, in our own native language? 9 Parthians, Medes, Elamites, and residents of Mesopotamia, Judea and Cappadocia, Pontus and Asia, 10 Phrygia and Pamphylia, Egypt and the parts of Libya belonging to Cyrene, and visitors from Rome, both Jews and proselytes, 11 Cretans and Arabs—in our own languages we hear them speaking about God’s deeds of power.” 12 All were amazed and perplexed, saying to one another, “What does this mean?” 13 But others sneered and said, “They are filled with new wine.” 14 But Peter, standing with the eleven, raised his voice and addressed them, “Fellow Jews[a] and all who live in Jerusalem, let this be known to you, and listen to what I say. 15 Indeed, these are not drunk, as you suppose, for it is only nine o’clock in the morning. 16 No, this is what was spoken through the prophet Joel: 17 ‘In the last days it will be, God declares, that I will pour out my Spirit upon all flesh, and your sons and your daughters shall prophesy, and your young men shall see visions, and your old men shall dream dreams. 18 Even upon my slaves, both men and women, in those days I will pour out my Spirit, and they shall prophesy. 19 And I will show portents in the heaven above and signs on the earth below, blood, and fire, and smoky mist. 20 The sun shall be turned to darkness and the moon to blood, before the coming of the Lord’s great and glorious day. 21 Then everyone who calls on the name of the Lord shall be saved.’
John 14: 8-17 (25-27) 8 Philip said to him, “Lord, show us the Father, and we will be satisfied.” 9 Jesus said to him, “Have I been with you all this time, Philip, and you still do not know me? Whoever has seen me has seen the Father. How can you say, ‘Show us the Father’? 10 Do you not believe that I am in the Father and the Father is in me? The words that I say to you I do not speak on my own, but the Father who dwells in me does his works. 11 Believe me that I am in the Father and the Father is in me, but if you do not, then believe because of the works themselves. 12 Very truly, I tell you, the one who believes in me will also do the works that I do and, in fact, will do greater works than these, because I am going to the Father. 13 I will do whatever you ask in my name, so that the Father may be glorified in the Son. 14 If in my name you ask me for anything, I will do it. 15 “If you love me, you will keep my commandments. 16 And I will ask the Father, and he will give you another Advocate, to be with you forever. 17 This is the Spirit of truth, whom the world cannot receive because it neither sees him nor knows him. You know him because he abides with you, and he will be in you.
TRY LUTHER’S METHOD OF BIBLE READING
A Revision of the Lectio Divina, a method he learned in his Augustinian training (Three Steps)
Oratio (Prayer): This is the starting point, where one humbly prays for the Holy Spirit’s guidance to understand God’s Word. Luther emphasized that prayer prepares the heart and mind to receive divine wisdom.
Meditatio (Meditation): This involves deeply engaging with Scripture, not just reading it but reflecting on it repeatedly. Luther encouraged believers to “chew on” the Word, allowing its meaning to sink in and shape their thoughts and actions.
Tentatio (Struggle): Often translated as “trial” or “temptation,” this refers to the challenges and spiritual battles that arise as one seeks to live according to God’s Word. Luther saw these struggles as a way God refines faith, making it more resilient and authentic.
Reflections: “Spiritual and Religious!”
Regular readers of the blog know that I’m fascinated by artistic interpretations of Biblical stories. Jean Restout II’s Pentecost (1732) is a dramatic Baroque painting depicting the Holy Spirit descending over the apostles and Mary. Restout places them in a grand courtyard, with swirling clouds above. The figures react with awe, fear, and reverence, while Mary stays calm at the center, contrasting with the stunned apostles. Restout’s bold lighting and detailed gestures bring great energy to the moment. An amazing painting!
St. Peter Preaching at Pentecost
So, let’s imagine what the disciples experienced on the day of Pentecost! The Holy Spirit (our Advocate, as identified by Jesus in John’s Gospel — and isn’t that a beautiful description?) descends with fire and wind, filling them with supernatural power. A mighty rush of wind shakes the room, and tongues of fire settle on each person, igniting them with divine speech. They begin speaking in different languages, astounding the crowds of pilgrims in Jerusalem. Confusion turns to awe as people realize they are hearing the wonders of God in their own tongues. Some mock the disciples, accusing them of drunkenness, but Peter steps forward with authority, declaring that this is the fulfillment of Joel’s prophecy—the Spirit of God is poured out on all people, men and women, young and old (verse 17 is great poetry). He proclaims that signs and wonders will accompany this new era, and everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved. The Church is born in fire, power, and prophecy, setting the world ablaze with the unstoppable movement of God. Wow!
What should we take away from this powerful moment from the first century? There are many things, but these stand out. Pentecost reminds us that God is active, faith is communal, and transformation is real. It’s not just a story—it’s a call to live spirit-filled lives that impact the world. Further, God empowers His People. We do not find this within ourselves (or our “consciousness,” in Emerson’s description). In fact, when we try to do that, we easily lose our way. And finally, the Gospel is for all nations and all people. When the apostles speak in different languages, it signals that God’s message is universal, meant for every tribe and tongue. Christianity is not confined to one people or culture but extends to all. And while many in our midst may see organized religion as rigid or hypocritical, ours should be a faith that heals, uplifts, and serves. The Church must show grace, truth, and love, proving faith is about justice,hope, and transformation, not control. When we live with integrity and compassion, we help break negative stereotypes and reveal that faith inspires real change. The world needs a Church that reflects Christ’s love, not just defends tradition. This is a radical and powerful message and one that we are privileged to share!
Soli Deo Gloria!
Prayer Reflection: Inspired by Luther’s Explanation of the Third Article
“I believe that I cannot by my own reason or strength believe in Jesus Christ, my Lord, or come to Him; but the Holy Spirit has called me by the Gospel, enlightened me with His gifts, sanctified and kept me in the true faith. In the same way, He calls, gathers, enlightens, and sanctifies the whole Christian church on earth, and keeps it with Jesus Christ in the one true faith. In this Christian church, He daily and richly forgives all my sins and the sins of all believers. On the Last Day, He will raise me and all the dead, and give eternal life to me and all believers in Christ. This is most certainly true.”
Spirit of the Living God, fall fresh on us today! You call us by the Gospel, shaping us into Christ’s body. You gather Your Church from every nation, binding us in unity and love. You fill us with Your gifts—wisdom, courage, and boldness to proclaim Your truth. You forgive, renew, and send us out, strengthened for the work of Your kingdom. And on the last day, You will raise us up in glory, bringing us into eternal life. Come, Holy Spirit—move in power! Amen.
A Musical Offering: “New Hope”
Meditation on New Hope
When I first heard this track, it struck me that it is more than just a melody—it’s a reminder that faith renews us, even in the most uncertain seasons. The track weaves a sense of possibility, much like the quiet yet persistent voice of the Spirit, whispering courage into weary souls. Hope is not passive; it stirs, it moves, it calls us forward. Faith does the same. Every dawn, God offers us a fresh start, a chance to dream again, to believe that renewal is possible, no matter how heavy the night has been. Now, more than ever, we need that reminder: hope is alive, and faith makes it real.
“New Hope“
“New Hope” is a track from Bob James and Dave Koz’s collaborative 2025 album Just Us, which features unplugged piano and saxophone duets.
Update on “Faithful Conversations”
Our regular gatherings for discussing the weekly lectionary are on a pause. Summer worship at ELC is at 8:30 in town and 10:15 at Hatfield by the lake. The 8:30 service will be streamed. Please stay in touch!
Introduction to Bible Study
A few weeks back, I shared this link to the on-line class I put together and am reposting now as we get into the summer phase of the Lectionary. If you’re looking for a “reboot” on how to approach Bible study, take a look! Click on the photo for access!
The Past is a Foreign Country 