The deep complexity of the relationship between creator, son, spirit is offered to us on Trinity Sunday, along with invitation that we have a part to play in the unfolding.
John 16:12–15
“I have much more to say to you, more than you can now bear. But when he, the Spirit of truth, comes, he will guide you into all the truth. He will not speak on his own; he will speak only what he hears, and he will tell you what is yet to come. He will glorify me because it is from me that he will receive what he will make known to you. All that belongs to the Father is mine. That is why I said the Spirit will receive from me what he will make known to you.”
Conflict draws us into complexity. Initially it may appear that there are simple steps we can take to resolve tension. Invariably, however, as we dive into conflict we encounter complexity. This is a bit like diving into the mystery of the Trinity.
The passage this week from John’s Gospel opens up the mystery of the Trinity. What may first appear as a straightforward relationship between creator, son and spirit is revealed as layered, nuanced levels of depth which ultimately bind us in to the holy mystery of faith. Here’s my reading of John 16:12–15:
“The world is complex. You’re not alone on the journey. Listen out for the truth you hear from surprising sources. Trust that the truth will unfold as it should. Your role is to listen, to trust, and to join in with the unfolding.”
There is a painting in Iona Abbey called ‘Trinity – After Rublev, Iona.’ This piece takes its inspiration from the original celtic trinity symbol can be a useful image for noticing the dynamic movement in the relationship between the three persons of the trinity. What is often understood as a hierarchy of Father, Son and Holy Spirit is represented here by a more fluid, flowing relationship of equals: each distinct, yet at the same time merging one with the other in a dynamic, ever–fluid movement. The emphasis here is on power–with rather than power–over.
In the context of conflict transformation it can be useful to notice the power dynamics at play. Who has power over whom? What appetite is there for the sharing of power, of moving from ‘power–over’ towards ‘power–with’? How much openness is there to being changed by the other, to regarding the space between us as opportunity for growth more than threat?
The image of the Trinity painted in words by gospel–writers, and in icon and image by Rublev, Wroe and others, draw for us the possibility that we are called to a life rooted in relationship, where otherness is welcomed, fluidity is assumed, and equality is foundational.
Consider a difficult conversation that is ahead of you. In advance, practice the art of listening without judging. Notice that you are not a bystander, but a participant. How does this change your perspective?
As you go about your day, consider the spaces between people and imagine the flow of energy that connects and binds you. What colour is this energy? What does it feel or look like? How would you describe it? Consider how noticing this energy affects your relationship with others.
Holy God, God in community
Trinity of peace,
we thank you for the gifts
of unfolding mystery deep relationship and
energy greater than all that is.
In and through the hard times,
the times of war and waiting,
the times of uncertainty and conflict,
bathe us in these gifts.
This we pray in the name of
One–God in community,
creator, son and spirit.
Amen.
Ruth Burgess, Trinity: Prayers and Resources for Trinity Sunday Wild Goose Publications.
The deep complexity of the relationship between creator, son, spirit is offered to us on Trinity Sunday, along with invitation that we have a part to play in the unfolding.
John 16:12–15
“I have much more to say to you, more than you can now bear. But when he, the Spirit of truth, comes, he will guide you into all the truth. He will not speak on his own; he will speak only what he hears, and he will tell you what is yet to come. He will glorify me because it is from me that he will receive what he will make known to you. All that belongs to the Father is mine. That is why I said the Spirit will receive from me what he will make known to you.”
Conflict draws us into complexity. Initially it may appear that there are simple steps we can take to resolve tension. Invariably, however, as we dive into conflict we encounter complexity. This is a bit like diving into the mystery of the Trinity.
The passage this week from John’s Gospel opens up the mystery of the Trinity. What may first appear as a straightforward relationship between creator, son and spirit is revealed as layered, nuanced levels of depth which ultimately bind us in to the holy mystery of faith. Here’s my reading of John 16:12–15:
“The world is complex. You’re not alone on the journey. Listen out for the truth you hear from surprising sources. Trust that the truth will unfold as it should. Your role is to listen, to trust, and to join in with the unfolding.”
There is a painting in Iona Abbey called ‘Trinity – After Rublev, Iona.’ This piece takes its inspiration from the original celtic trinity symbol can be a useful image for noticing the dynamic movement in the relationship between the three persons of the trinity. What is often understood as a hierarchy of Father, Son and Holy Spirit is represented here by a more fluid, flowing relationship of equals: each distinct, yet at the same time merging one with the other in a dynamic, ever–fluid movement. The emphasis here is on power–with rather than power–over.
In the context of conflict transformation it can be useful to notice the power dynamics at play. Who has power over whom? What appetite is there for the sharing of power, of moving from ‘power–over’ towards ‘power–with’? How much openness is there to being changed by the other, to regarding the space between us as opportunity for growth more than threat?
The image of the Trinity painted in words by gospel–writers, and in icon and image by Rublev, Wroe and others, draw for us the possibility that we are called to a life rooted in relationship, where otherness is welcomed, fluidity is assumed, and equality is foundational.
Consider a difficult conversation that is ahead of you. In advance, practice the art of listening without judging. Notice that you are not a bystander, but a participant. How does this change your perspective?
As you go about your day, consider the spaces between people and imagine the flow of energy that connects and binds you. What colour is this energy? What does it feel or look like? How would you describe it? Consider how noticing this energy affects your relationship with others.
Holy God, God in community
Trinity of peace,
we thank you for the gifts
of unfolding mystery deep relationship and
energy greater than all that is.
In and through the hard times,
the times of war and waiting,
the times of uncertainty and conflict,
bathe us in these gifts.
This we pray in the name of
One–God in community,
creator, son and spirit.
Amen.
Ruth Burgess, Trinity: Prayers and Resources for Trinity Sunday Wild Goose Publications.