Gospel Acclamation: Rev 1:8
Glory to the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit; the God who is, who was, and who is to come.
On the feast of the most Holy Trinity we read from the Gospel of John. It is quite interesting that the word “Trinity” is not mentioned at all in either the Old or the New Testament. Trinity comes from a Latin-based word meaning the number three or triad. Although in the New Testament there are many texts that speak of God as the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit; there is never a direct reference to the Trinity.
Today’s reading is where Jesus, the Son, is speaking making references to the Spirit and to the father. There is a dynamic relationship between each of the three persons that the Trinity represents, and it is expressed in a variety of ways throughout the various different scriptural passages. Today’s particular gospel from John gives us a hint of the relationship that will be explored for many centuries.
The passage today we experience the notion of the “Spirit of Truth” rather than the “Holy Spirit” that we all are very 
familiar with. This Spirit of Truth has a particular task that is bestowed upon them, which is to guide the disciples through the truth—bringing to them the message that is heard from the Father, Son, and Spirit. The Spirit of Truth also functions to glorify the Son—and to then take from the Son, whom has everything the Father has—declaring it all to the disciples—HOW WONDERFUL!
We run into problems is the fact that we are given several different reference points to try and explain the Trinity. One of the most popular is the shamrock—followed closely by the image relation of using the sun. God is of course more than a leaf on a clover, and more than the sun [Father the sun itself, Son is the light, and Spirit the heat]. No matter what image that you use, all of the references lack in some way, creating an incomplete and problematic approach to trying to explain the presence of the Trinity. It is, of course, best to go back to the Scripture for the understanding.
KEY PHRASE:
Everything of the Fathers is mine—and from mine will be given unto you!
Focusing on the Gospel today we see that the three people are relational. The Son have obtained everything from the Father, while the Spirit functions as a commutator relaying the message of fullness and unity of the Father and Son. Within God there is shown a completeness, and a relationship between the Father, Son, and the Holy Spirit. We see that all are necessary to complete the outpouring of everything among them. Because we are made in the likeness of God, we are called to participate in this community. To pour everything from within—to be then filled with the mercy, forgiveness and love of the Father, Son and Holy Spirit.
In the readings we are introduced to a figure of “Lady Wisdom”. In the first reading the Lady sings a song of self-revelation. This hymn tells us of a long-lived relationship that developed over time. It was a relationship of Joy. It is a complete relationship that is of mutual respect. It is a relationship of dependence. It is a humble gift that should be met with humility and JOY!
PSALM:
O Lord our God, how wonderful your name in all the earth!
Taking a look at this mystery we can see that it is nearly impossible to fully understand it. The mystery of the Trinity is not something we can understand in this world, and we should not try to understand it. We should engage in a deeper relationship to get to know God the Father, and God the Son, and God the Holy Spirit. There is no distinct answer that can ever be given, but then why would you want to solve that mystery. By maintain the mystery of the Trinity we care thus called into a developing relationship. We can be continually filled with wonder and LOVE!
Let us take His message out and breathe new life among all God’s disciples.
St Maximilian Kolbe, PRAY FOR US!
Deus lo Vult!
†lvm†
Seeking forgiveness is a sign of humanity. This is something we do not always seek to do, which is why we often find ourselves in situations that are hard to control, full of grief and ultimately difficult for us to understand. But a even bigger task that we are given is to not only seek forgiveness, but to forgive those who have done wrong unto us… That one sure is hard for most EVERYONE to do! But that forgiveness of others is in fact the pathway to salvation. Do not seek to admire Christ by asking for forgiveness, seek to be a follower of Christ and deliver that forgiveness!
Do not compare the gifts that each of us have. They all come from the same place. What a boring world it would be if we all had the exact same thing [though we do in the redemption of Christ]. Instead of comparing, let us look toward asking ourselves how we can use the gifts that we each have for the good of ALL GOD’S PEOPLE.
Gospel Acclamation: John 14:18
In fact, we often do this too well! It is easier for us to want to believe that things should all blend in and be the same. We are then able to find those things that are different and easily call them out. But have we forgot that Christ did not pray for us to be the same? He prayed for us to be united. If we actually looked closer at what we felt were different we might actually see that they have more in common than they often do different. IF we spend more time trying to find that common ground rather than trying to find ways to set people, and even groups, apart, then we will actually find ourselves in a position to better understand and fulfill Christs prayer for all of us.
In the psalm we find Israel worshiping among other nations who serve other gods. In present day, idols are not foreign gods, but rather the things that we allow to take a higher place than God in our lives. Chaos and despair are bound to rule when we allow things such as: money, power, fame, drugs, pornography, hate or anything “thing” come before God or take a place above God. When we can find the personal will power to place all of these things below God, and submit ourselves to the powerful God—allowing him to become: “Most High over All the Earth”; it is THEN that we will find peace and unity among all the nations.
disciples huddled in the Upper Room, He again reminds them that Peace should be with them. He reminds them: “Do not let your hearts be troubled or afraid.” Christ NEVER tires of offering this offering of Peace.
Gentiles receive the good news of Jesus’ death and resurrection and are brought into the early Church with their Jewish brothers and sisters. Then we are given a vision of the Holy City [Jerusalem], becoming a beacon for the world and all nations to “walk by its light”, and to be shared to all peoples.
My Father, who has given them to me, is greater than all, and no one can take them out of the Father’s hand. The Father and I are one.”
Those in the early Church were faced with great adversity. Even our Apostles suffered greatly [John is the exception as he died from old age on the island of Patmos] –they were martyrs of the violence inflicted unto Christians by the Romans. Because of this persecution, many people would have had reason to doubt Jesus, to doubt the word of God—to flee from His promise of Salvation. Yet, He gives us the message that NO ONE can take them from the palm of His hand. Even in death, we are not separated from our Heavenly Father. Our Good Shepherd gives us Eternal Life, something that NEVER changes.
God’s people, that we are a community with Him. That we cannot be taken from Him. Even though we receive the call individually, we come to our Lord as a community. As a GROUP of disciples that are there to listen to the Lord and to go forth and bring others to Him. In this multitude we experience diversity, knowing that ALL are welcome.
Dr. Lawrence V. McCrobie 
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