On this Trinity Sunday we have this reading which gives us Jesus, the Father and the Promise of the Father i.e. the Power from on High, the Holy Spirit. The Godhead, who we see and receive through the Second Person, Jesus is proclaimed to us.

But the Father glorifies the Son and the Spirit testifies of Jesus. And how do they do that? Everything written about Jesus in the Law of Moses and the Prophets are fulfilled. We only understand that when Jesus gives us the Holy Spirit to open our minds to the Scriptures. What do the Scriptures say? “…the Christ should suffer and on the third day rise from the dead, (47) and that repentance and forgiveness of sins should be proclaimed in his name to all nations, beginning from Jerusalem.” And so it was and so it is.

The apostles were witnesses to these things and we continue to carry that apostolic witness. Christ has died, Christ has risen, Christ will come again. The good news of repentance and forgiveness of sins in Jesus’ name have been carried out into the world and continue and will continue till his return. This good news is given to you today. Repent! Be contrite and terrified of your sins. Believe! Jesus has won forgiveness for you by his death and resurrection and he gives it to you now, freely, as a gift. No ifs, no buts, eternal life is yours today in Jesus’ name.

Jesus has given a seal of this gift of eternal life in baptism. In baptism we are united with his name and he gives us Power from on high, the Holy Spirit. The Spirit is the guarantor of the gift of forgiveness and eternal life. If you have been baptized, then you have been given this gift and guarantee. Believe it!

Dear Jesus, ever give us the gift of repentance and faith in your name that we may live our lives by your Spirit and witness the love the Father has for all mankind, that they too may repent and have forgiveness of sins. In your name we pray. Amen.