Exploring Street Theology

We now start an exploration of the community mosaic found in Tin Lane, St Thomas and viewing it as a piece of Street Theology

The Three Graces.

In Greek Mythology,  the names of the three Graces vary from source to source, as do the qualities that they represent. Commonly, they are known as Aglaea (Beauty/Splendour/Brightness/Elegance), Euphrosyne (Good Cheer/Mirth/Joyfulness) and Thalia (Youth/Beauty/Bloom/Festivities).

However, we need to be careful in our understanding of the word myth. It has two distinct meanings. Most people plumb for that which means a widely held but false belief or idea. However there is a deeper and perhaps more useful definition of “a traditional story, especially one concerning the early history of a people or explaining a natural or social phenomenon, and typically involving supernatural beings or events.”

Within christian thought and wisdom we have the image of three eternal graces as expressed in 1 Corinthians 13:13  “.... these three remain: faith, hope and love. But the greatest of these is love.” and these three qualities play a key role in Paul's understanding of the Christian life. Together they are the ingredients for a Christian community—followers of Christ who can change their world though faithful "turning," and find joy even in suffering, through the power of the Holy Spirit. 

It is understood that Triangles are the strongest shape there are. Any weight placed on them is evenly distributed on all 3 sides. They represent geometric sturdiness; no matter how much weight you put on any side, it will not break.

Grace is the most important concept and strengthening premise found in the Bible, Christianity, and the world. This grace is most clearly expressed in the promises of God revealed in Scripture and embodied in Jesus Christ. Grace is the love of God shown to the unlovely; the peace of God given to the restless; the unmerited favour of God. May the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ and the love of God and the fellowship of the Holy Spirit be our strong foundation.

Lord God, give me the faith I need to know your will, the hope I need to accept your will, and the love I need to do your will, even when I don’t understand it, knowing that your way is better. I ask this through Christ Our Lord. Amen.