As we begin, let me say “I am so glad you are here.” We have been waiting for you to experience Living Streams Flowing Water. Because it is more than just being glad you are here. I am delighted you were born! You are uniquely you – the person in God’s image. The Master Artist of Creation has left a Divine imprint distinctively named you.
You alone bring God’s love in your own manner to the world and to relationships. You are God’s gift to the world. The world would rather not tell us of our Belovedness. The world has many voices; loud voices that often clamor for our attention. These voices often disorient our sense of who we are.
The world voices which say or imply that you are not good enough, mean, or call you unkind names. Sometimes the world voices are abusive and violent holding control over others. These loud voices create a false self. Yet we are together today to affirm your goodness and your place at God’s table.
One of my favorite icons is the depiction of God’s word written by the iconographer Andrew Rublev, The Holy Trinity. According the late Father Henri Nouwen, one of the great spiritual authors of the 20th century,
“Andre Rublev painted this icon not only to share the fruits of his own meditation on the mystery of the Holy Trinity but also to offer his fellow monks a way to keep their hearts centered in God while living in the midst of political unrest.”[1]
In this icon there is a depiction of the intimate conversation taking place among the three Divine angels. The Father, on the left encourages the Son with a blessing gesture. The Son in the center points with two fingers toward the empty box. And the Holy Spirit holds the same staff of authority as the Son, pointing to the rectangular opening in the front of the altar. The box, that empty space, is our place at the table. It is the open space of love in the community of the Trinity inviting us into this intimate community of Divine love. The 4 corners of the rectangle include all the people from every corner of the earth – North, south, east, west. This place of community with the Trinity is a place where we offer our unique love to God and bask in God’s circle love for us.
At the table we are invited to surrender our strong sense of self will and let the divine community of love form us from the inner most depths of our being. At table we become even more Christ like in our speech, our actions, thoughts, love for self, love for others and love of God. As we come to table, we discover This table is a place of liberating love which forms us from the inside of being – nourishing us on the inside our attitudes and character into greater Christlikeness.
Scripture
It is there at table we hear clearly the authority of Jesus words as spoken in our Matthew 28:16-20. As delightful as it is to bask in the peaceful serenity of God’s communion of love at table, it is not ours to simply keep to ourselves. Matthew does not have the resurrection experiences narrated. This is the disciples first encounter with the risen Christ after their fear filled, disoriented time of Jesus crucifixion.
For Matthew Jesus’ commissioning of the disciples all rests on the authority of Jesus’ word from the risen Christ. He commissions them to rise from the table and go into all the world
Today’s Prayer Practice
Today you are invited to table with the Holy Trinity. You are invited to open the link and gaze upon this icon with the gentleness of God’s eyes. Here is the link to Andrew Rublev’s The Holy Trinity. Remember that icons are not an image of God. Icons are a depiction of the word of God. As you sit in silence praying with this icon, listen for the whisper of God’s wisdom.
When you are done silently gazing at God’s presence through this icon consider:
- What is it like for your to be invited to sit at table with the Holy Trinity?
- How do you feel when you intentionally enter this trinitarian community?
- Stay long enough in prayer with this icon so that God’s love soaks deep into your being.
- When you are finished with your icon gazing prayer, offer thanksgiving to God for God’s word revealed to your heart.
- Next rise from the table and icon gazing and consider Matthew 28:16-20.
- How is Jesus’ authority inviting, no urging you to share the love of God with others this day?
- Make an intentional plan for living God’s love among humanity today.
- Once you have embodied God’s presence in the world today, celebrate in thanksgiving the unique ways God’s love is lived through you.
Enjoy praying.
[1][1] Nouwen, Henri. 1987. Behold the Beauty of the Lord: Praying with Icons. Notre Dame: Ave Maria Press. Page 20.
