Now that we are past all of the eventful seasons of the liturgical year and well into the very long Trinity Season, it might be tempting to think of this as just a time to coast. Some would even dare to call this a boring season. But that would be to miss the whole point of the liturgical year. Beginning with Advent's anticipation of the coming of Christ to make all things new; continuing through the manifestation of Himself to the Gentiles (as was promised to Father Abraham); moving on to the cross and the tomb, and culminating in the sending of the Holy Spirit to empower the Church to overcome the world (did I mention that Christ would make all things new?), the whole liturgical year is driving toward the very destination that we know as Trinity Season, when the Holy Spirit accomplishes His work.

Why is Trinity Season so important? The growth of the Church that is so masterfully represented in the quiet rhythm of the Trinity lectionary is the fulfillment of both the Creation Mandate and the Great Commission. The mandate to be fruitful and multiply, replenishing the earth and having dominion over it, is accomplished in Christ's command to go into all the world and disciple the nations. The import of that term should not escape us. Through the spread of the Gospel, those who formerly thought of themselves as belonging to a particular earthly nation will be transferred into the Kingdom of God, a nationality that trumps all others. Those who were once divided by space and language and bodies of water and mountain ranges are now one in the Spirit of the living God. That is the miracle of Trinity Season. It may not be as spectacular as the fiery tongues of Pentecost, but it is the way God chose for His Kingdom to be advanced until Jesus comes again, which is the second half of the double meaning of Advent, closing the liturgical year in a perfect circle.

Perhaps the most spectacular news is that Trinity Season draws us into assisting with fullfillment of the petition for God's Kingdom to come on earth as it is in Heaven. The Trinity Season lectionary reminds us that God's Kingdom is at hand, and that we have the awesome and wonderful privilege as His people in the Church to enter into the task of extending the sway of His Kingdom. We are ambassadors for Christ, St. Paul tells us, and that is not just the clergy. It is every man, woman, and child who has been baptized in the name of Jesus Christ. May we ever be found faithful in Kingdom work!

In Christ our Savior,

Dss Teresa Johnson

President, Women of the Church
Diocese of Mid-America

dsstrj at dmawomen.org