Sheringham: St Peter

Readings: Matthew 28: 16-20; 2 Corinthians 13: 11-13; Isaiah 40: 12-17, 27-31

‘Remember, I am with you always, to the end of the age.’ says Jesus.

Today is Trinity Sunday, so we’ll have a think about Jesus, but as last Sunday was Pentecost and Toby gave us some thoughts about the Holy Spirit, that’s where we’ll begin.

I see the Holy Spirit coming to us in three ways: through a crashing wave, a trickling stream or a still pool - to use the water analogy; a rushing wind, a breeze or a quiet whisper if you prefer.

Some people look for the more exciting ways, like surfers, while others may look for pragmatic day to day input, or set aside time for deep meditation and contemplative prayer. We might do all three.

The Holy Spirit reaches every one of us if we turn our consciousness towards her.

The Holy Spirit corresponds with the spiritual side of our nature. She is ready and waiting for us to ask for a top-up when the events of life leave us dis-spirited. ‘Those who wait for the Lord shall renew their strength, they shall mount up with wings like eagles, they shall run and not be weary, they shall walk and not faint’. (Is.40:31) We are revitalised in spirit.

Let’s return to Jesus: who was, who is, and who is to come. He is with us always, to the end of the age. A man born of a woman and yet the Son of God, the promised Messiah, the Christ. He is risen from the dead and ascended into heaven.

Jesus is the one who sets our feet on the right path when we follow him. His words and example are set down in scripture, but they don’t stop there - they continue through the words and deeds of his followers: not only those we see in the New Testament but also by the saints ever since.‘Make disciples of all nations’ he said.

Our Lord Jesus Christ still shows us the way. He reaches every one of us if we turn our consciousness towards him. Jesus corresponds with the practical, physical side of our nature. He is ready and waiting for us to ask for help when we’re not sure which way to turn. He tells and shows us what to do and where to go that is good and right.

And now let’s think about the Father: The Almighty God, the Creator of all, the one who we cannot fathom and yet we can begin to appreciate. The energy in every atom has been sourced by him, every good sound and sight and sense we experience on this wonderful planet, and beyond into the universe.

It’s not surprising that over the millennia people have written about how awesome God is, have wanted to worship him, and have acceded to his calling into service.

Paul calls him the God of love and peace, and so he is. Every word which has come from God through the mouth of his prophets has been good advice for the sake of humankind, each calling asks us to work for the good of all in self-sacrificial love.

We were made in his image so that he could be with us, and we could be with each other and him, in perfect harmony. Because he loves us, he allows us to decide for ourselves whether or not we accept his love or advice or calling. The Father corresponds with our mental capacity, our minds. He is ready and waiting for us to ask for understanding - but be prepared, every question draws out another.

And so we have the Trinity: Father, Son and Holy Spirit in relationship and constant communication with each other. Many people look for visual aids to help.

The way I think of it is in the way that our minds, bodies and spirits relate with and communicate with each other.

The message which can remain with us now, and every time we think of the Trinity, is that we cannot control, test or comprehend God.

He is unpredictable in many ways - and yet we can know that he will be with us always, until the end of the age, and that he will ever be ready for us to ask, seek, and knock: because God loves us. He wants us to turn away from harmful ways, and to truly live in mind, body and spirit with him and with each other, with love in our hearts.

May the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, the love of God, and the fellowship of the Holy Spirit be with us always.

Amen.

Julie Rubidge, Lay Minister

Sheringham: St Peter

Message from the Minister: Trinity Sunday 31st May 2026

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