By: Amelia McDaniel, Lay Associate for Christian Formation
I bind unto myself today the strong name of the Trinity. This hymn known as St. Patrick’s Breastplate is one of my favorite hymns. It probably falls into my top 10 list. I remember singing it in church as a kid and struggling to match the words to the notes. That’s a generous statement which might lead you to think I read music. If you have stood anywhere near me while singing you know that is not the case. I just know that the notes go up and down and I try to match my voice accordingly. But I sing this one out no matter what.
It is so solid and strong and sure. The Trinity. The Three in One and One in Three. The solid foundation of our faith. There is something about declaring the name of the Trinity that seems fixed as well. Unmovable. And for certain, I through faith and experience I believe in the three persons of the Trinity and the unbreakable strength in that. But I’ve also learned that the Trinity is anything but static; it is always on the move. Moving me. Moving others.
In the course of church history the doctrine of the Trinity has sparked controversy and debate and heresy and schisms and all kinds of messes. To try to explain how three separate and distinct entities are one in the same can produce some consternation. But I am convinced that God is most interested in how I respond to the Trinity at work around me. Accepting the mystery of the Trinity can be easier than seeing the work the Trinity calls me too. The strong name of the Trinity demands that I stop naval gazing and to look out see what our Triune God is up to in the world. The Trinity in truth is simple, it’s just not easy.