Acts
2:14a, 22-36— The
epistle lesson is a continuation from the Pentecost experience. The apostles
had been baptized with the Holy Spirit and had spoken in other languages to
various groups. Now they stand with Peter, who serves as their spokesman.
Peter, the man who once denied his Savior now boldly confesses Him as God and
Lord.
The Trinity is central in the life of our Christian
worship. References to the Trinity are encountered frequently in worship. The
worship service opens with the Invocation – “In the Name of the Father and
of the Son and of the Holy Spirit.” The service may close with the
threefold Aaronic benediction. The Christian life begins with baptism “In
the Name of the Father…” At Confirmation the Trinity is used for the
blessing, “The Father in heaven for Jesus’ sake renew and increase in you
the gift of the Holy Spirit.” After a Psalm is prayed in the Introit the
congregation says or sings the Gloria Patri: “Glory be to the Father and to
the Son and to the Holy Ghost.” The Doxology is used at the dedication of
the offering: “Praise God from whom all blessings flow…Praise Father, Son
and Holy Ghost.” The New Testament benediction involves the Trinity: “The
grace of our Lord Jesus Christ and the Love of God and the communion of the
Holy Spirit be with you all.” (2 Corinthians 13:14)
[1] Image of the Trinity, copyright © Ed Riojas, Higher Things
[2] Collect for Trinity, Lutheran Service Book © 2006 Concordia Publishing House, St. Louis
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