A Weekly Bible Study

Trinity Sunday
Proverbs 8:22-31; Psalm 8:4-9
Romans 5:1-5; John 16:12-15

Sometimes we find it hard to believe that God really has a plan in mind! Our world often seems aimless as it courses through history. We ourselves struggle to find a rudder as we tread challenging paths. But a golden thread running through today’s four readings offers us some insight into God’s glorious design.

Wisdom, personified as a woman, speaks first. Existing even before the created world, she partners with God to bring life into being. God’s plan unfolds with Wisdom as master “artisan.” All that would come to be, including humankind, would be shaped by God’s Holy Wisdom.

The psalmist joins the chorus of praise, showcasing humanity as the pinnacle of creation. But more than that, the psalm highlights our deep connection to God, as creature to creator. And in the process, Lady Wisdom continues to walk hand in hand with us in our lifelong quest.

Next, Paul’s message to the Romans echoes the theme of God’s loving design. Paul says that we have been justified (saved) by faith, and therefore our lives are not bound to the tempests of sin and death. Enfolded in grace, we are empowered to move in harmony with God’s plan toward a hope of glory, despite any present-day suffering.

And in today’s gospel, Jesus tells the disciples, “I have much more to tell you, but you cannot bear it now.” It has been said that if God revealed everything to us at once we could not endure it! But now as then God's Wisdom is revealed, little by little over time, so we may come to know God more fully and ultimately achieve God's plan for us: a share in the glory of God.

In the meantime, we rejoice to know that God, in infinite wisdom, not only has a plan for the world (Jesus called this plan the Kingdom of God), but that we are called, through our daily choices, to partner with God in the unfolding of that perfect plan.



The author, Ms. Barbara Gawle, leads Bible studies at her parish, Incarnation Church of Wethersfield, CT. She is a CBS graduate and the 2012 recipient of the Biblical School's highest award, The Lawrence Boadt Memorial Medal.