In an article called The trinity: a model for belonging in contemporary society, Thomas J. Scirghi wrote;

The relationship of the three persons of the Godhead is aptly described with the Eastern Orthodox notion of perichoresis, a word roughly translated as "interpenetration", or permeation without confusion. It describes the dynamic activity of exchange in which persons are who they are because of their relation to each other.

Scirghi goes on to suggest that…

Between the Father and the Son there exists such a dynamic activity of exchange, a love which opens out through the Holy Spirit to the whole of creation. In this love the Father and Son are intertwined like dancers moving to the music of the Spirit.

Scirghi's metaphor of ecstatic dance is a useful bridge to move us out of our minds and into our hearts. God is not a puzzle to be figured out. God is the beloved waiting to be encountered. God is the Lord of the dance, the music that moves the dancers, the electric engagement that bonds circle dancing partners into one body. There is one Body and one spirit, one hope in God's call to us. And God is the one standing with outstretched hand calling us onto the dance floor and into the divine dance, in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit.

In the current course of readings from the Gospel according to John, Jesus is setting the stage for a change in dancing partners. Jesus is holding a series of discourses with his disciples, and his words today follow on the heels of his talk with Philip last week. Philip had asked to see the Father. Jesus replied "Have I been with you so long and yet you do not know me?" Philip had not fully recognized the dance or the dancer. Jesus presses on in his discourse this week. "Now I am going to him who sent me; yet none of you asks me, "Where are you going?" The disciples are not focusing on the fact that in Jesus the Father has been present with them, nor can they see or understand what Jesus is saying about the promised Advocate who is to come. The disciples do not see either continuity or a new beginning in the events about which Jesus speaks. All they can see coming in his impending death is the end of the music, with nothing left but to turn out the lights and leave town.

Who can blame them? Where the proof?

God knows we need assurance; outward and visible signs to help us find our way. Jesus told the disciples what was coming, and from Easter through the day of the Ascension he showed them. When Jesus rose, in resurrected glory, it was clear that the dance was not over. God is Lord of the dance -not the powers of this world that attempt to corrupt and destroy the creatures of God. Neither sin nor death gets the last dance with any of us, for God is Lord of all. God is the Lord of the dance.

On the day of Pentecost, the Holy Spirit came down like flame and burst forth like music, that universal language that sets all bodies swaying and moves all hearts into harmony. Neither disciples nor strangers could stand still and thousands were baptized on that day. There is One Lord, one Faith, one Baptism; One God and Father of all. God in three persons - Lord of the dance, dancers on the floor, and music that moves like the wind.

Now we are called to dance upon this stage set by others. The Apostles have moved into the realms of light, but the music continues. Those who forged and formed the doctrine of the trinity are gone and Jesus himself has ascended. But the Spirit of Truth is among us and the dance goes on.

The Trinity is an indivisible unity, it can be no other way - loving relationship is what God is and what God offers. But we have a choice. Our participation in the dance of God is a decision. But remember that persons are who they are because of their relation to each other. We become like that with which we dance. As Thomas J. Scirghi wrote:

There is no being apart from belonging. Furthermore, we are made in the image of God and the image of God is Triune, with the Three existing in an eternal communion of agape, a relationship of mutual giving and receiving.

Consequently it is the vocation of human beings to attain the full realization of humanity by making themselves a gift for others and receiving from others in kind. In order to become, as Irenaeus said, "fully human and fully alive", we need to have the ability to make of our lives a pure gift.

God has offered himself to us: a gift and a sacrifice for the whole world. Now we decide whether to accept the gift, to grasp God's hand, and to join the dance as gift to others.

This community is on its feet, we are swaying side to side. The pull of the music is growing. The desire to give is growing. The excitement of learning is growing. The desire to act, in God's name is growing. Everywhere I turn I hear and see the power of the Spirit's invitation and the joy of peoples' response.

This week has been one epiphany after another. In the Academy we have cycled through Moving Up day, the Eighth Grade retreat, the farewell Assembly and the Graduation Eucharist. As we have tried to honor the rites of passage in our students' lives we have heard, in their own language, the students' stories of God. All the years we have witnessed to them by word and example have been worth it. I wish you all could have been there. These young people are full of the fire of faith and the light of the Spirit in their eyes brought tears into mine.

On Wednesday the Bishop and the Diocesan Missioner for Christian Education were here for a Regional Confirmation. Nathan, your Curate, and the crew of young parishioners he had assembled had planned meticulously and served faithfully. We extended support and hospitality to three other parishes, our bishop and all those being confirmed and received. It was a joyous offering, a cause for celebration that was topped off by the reception given by the Entertaining Angels. Both your bishops praise you for your hospitality. They look forward to their visits here. I spoke with Bishop Rabb earlier this week and he has agreed to be one of the teachers for our 2005 Lenten Study program

Mid-week I spoke on the phone and in person with anonymous givers who will quietly make a project most of you do not even know about come to fruition. But this silent work will change someone's life. Money will transmute into a miracle.

Yesterday morning I met with the Social Ministries Community to discuss the passion they feel for the work to which they are called. More people, resources, and self-giving are moving into view. Look for their invitation and offering at the Ministries Fair in the fall. Join us in the dance.

Finally I want to say "thank you" to those who have embraced the 50/50 giving program. Today we will receive a ciborium, a bread-box for the altar. This week another couple called me. They had decided that the most fitting way to celebrate their wedding anniversary was not a trip, or a present for themselves, but a gift to their church for the glory of God and the work of Christ in the world. I cannot tell you what a joy it is to hear such things. Would you like to make a difference in the world even as you celebrate a milestone or honor the memory of someone you love? Call me, I have a list of opportunities.

You are an impressive people. It is an honor and a privilege to minister with you. I hear the music of the spirit soaring all around us and I cannot sit still. It is good to proclaim the word, but it is not enough to simply tell the stories. Let us rise up and get moving
In the name of the Father, and the Son, and of the Holy Spirit, shall we dance?
AMEN