e-vo for week of May 14

Dearest e-votees-

This Sunday is the day set aside to commemorate God in three persons yet one deity--Holy Trinity.

May you be blessed as you gather in community--both human and divine--this week.

Peace,
Karl

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Finally, brothers and sisters, farewell. Put things in order, listen to my appeal, agree with one another, live in peace; and the God of love and peace will be with you. Greet one another with a holy kiss. All the saints greet you.

The grace of the Lord Jesus Christ, the love of God, and the communion of the Holy Spirit be with all of you.

2 Corinthians 13:11-13, NRSV

This appointed text comes at the tail end of two rather lengthy letters to the oft-conflicted community of Corinth.

Despite all of the struggles Paul obviously loves Corinth very deeply. In parting words he commends reconciliation, affection and closes with a benediction.

Paul closes this letter with the words many of us hear at the beginning of our worship: The grace of the Lord Jesus Christ, the love of God and the communion of the Holy Spirit be with all of you. This is what is often called the apostolic greeting. Jesus manifests the grace of God. Because of Jesus' gracious work God's love enters into our lives more fully. Because of the work of the Holy Spirit we are drawn into community with one another and with God. What great news this blessing bears.

Since God is at work in us drawing us into community with each other and with God we can come to agreement. We can live in peace. We can offer affection. We can receive others in Jesus' name.

Our conflicts aren't minimized or dismissed. But new hope comes to bear when the Triune God is at work.

God, help us live in your grace and your love and your community. Stir us to make room for others. In the strong name of Jesus we pray. Amen.