Gospel Reflection for 16th June Trinity Sunday

Trinity Sunday

Three in one, one in Three! 

Today is not  day to worry about maths, numbers or numerical puzzles. Today is not a day to try and figure out the reality of the Trinity with our heads or brains. Yes, the Trinity is a mystery. But it is not a mystery that can be solved, proven or understood, even with all our technology and computers! We can’t simply ‘google’ the Trinity, it doesn’t work that way!

Mystery

The word ‘mystery’ is used a lot when we talk about the life, death and resurrection of Jesus, indeed in many other Catholic teachings and doctrines. So, if it is not a mystery in the same way that a crossword is a mystery, what are talking about? In the Christian context, a mystery is a reality so deep and profound that the more we pray about it and reflect upon it, it will never be exhausted and it will always reveal to us and show us more about God and our relationship with God. The Trinity is a phrase that we use as a way of talking about the energetic and dynamic relationship between, God, Jesus and the Holy Spirit. We can pray and talk about the Trinity all we can, but we will never exhaust it. We can drink from the well that is the Sacred Trinity, but it will never run dry!

In the name of the Father, Son and Holy Spirit

When were baptised and became a member of God’s family, it was done in the name of the Trinity. We were baptised in the name of the Father, the Son and the Holy Spirit. When we begin our prayers, whether alone or in church with others, we do so in the name of the Trinity by making the Sign of Cross. The Trinity is in our blood! 

Through the Trinity, God creates us, Jesus saves us and the Holy Spirit encourages us. The Trinity is a powerful, life-giving and dynamic part of our faith and prayer life.

Rublev’s Icon

There is a very famous icon or picture called Rublev’s Icon. It is probably the most famous attempt at actually depicting the Trinity. Created by Andrei Rublev (1365 -1417), it shows three strange figures all seated around a table as they face the person looking at the picture. There is a space or gap in this little trio of figures. It is strongly suggested that the idea behind this is that each of is being invited to sit at the table with them.

We are called and invited to be part of the life-changing and life-giving reality that is the Trinity. We are invited to be part of the power relationship that flows between God, Jesus and the Holy Spirit. The Trinity is matter of love, not logic, it is a matter friendship, not facts.

Perhaps the most suitable and appropriate way to end this reflection is with a prayer:

Loving and Compassionate God, you sent your Son to bring us truth and your Spirit to strengthen us. Through them we come to know the mystery of your life. Help us to follow you, One God in Three. You show yourself to us in the depths of our hearts and lives. Grant this through Jesus your Son, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God forever and ever. Amen.

Br Michael Moore OMI