Walking with Jesus: The Most Holy Trinity

Deuteronomy 4:32-34, 39-40; Romans 8:14-17; Matthew 28:16-20

The concept of God is fairly easy to understand. Even the old catechism states this abstract idea clearly: “God is an infinite being who made all things and keeps them in existence.” It is easy for a child to understand that God is the one who created everything and the one that we have to answer to at the end of time. Children develop a general notion of God depending on how they observe their parents and those in a supervisory capacity over them. Are these people kind or mean? Are they considerate or bullies? Do they respect and treat you nicely, or are they cruel and hurt you? Are they to be avoided or respected? God is the one who loves, they know this.

This is the easy part but then the child will ask something like, “What does God look like? Where does He live? Can I ever see Him? What kind of clothes does He wear? Is there food He doesn’t like to eat? Does He like boys/girls? Way back I remember seeing a nice picture of Jesus and wondered why He was wearing what looked like lipstick. So many artists from times past pictured Jesus and the saints with rosy features, with a halo suspended over their heads. Why is this so? I believe people want to have a God that is not distant but who cares and likes them and is always present to help them … from the littlest to the grownups. The main point of today’s readings is that God seeks a relationship with each person because He loves us all.

It’s best to view Deuteronomy as one long speech delivered by Moses to the Israelites as they prepare to enter the Holy Land. They have wandered on their journey for 40 years. They are excited to be on their own and reap the beauty and fruits of the Promised Land. God tells Moses at the Burning Bush, “Go and assemble the elders of the Israelites, and tell them: The Lord, the God of your fathers, the God of Abraham, Isaac and Jacob, has appeared to me and said: I am concerned about you and about the way you are being treated in Egypt; so I have decided to lead you up out of the misery of Egypt into the land of the Canaanites, Hittites, Amorites, Perizzites, Hivites and Jebusites, a land flowing with milk and honey.” [Exodus 3:16-17]

Now, as their journey ends, Moses is reviewing the special bond that the people have with God. They have been so honored and privileged to know God is with them. They have heard the voice of God guiding them … even God’s fire leads them at night and does not consume them. Moses reminds them of all the signs and wonders that consistently affirm God’s faithfulness. They now are to be faithful to God because they are going to encounter people who worship other gods. Can they be faithful to this God who chooses not to be isolation but in a love relationship? Do we search out this loving relationship that can transform us?

Paul’s letter to the Romans outlines the fundamental difference between their lives before and after baptism.  Prior to baptism they have lived entirely in a mindset and behavior at odds with God, living “in the flesh” as Paul has described earlier. Paul explains that God’s grace has freed us from fear, letting us see God and address Him as Our Father since we are His Children: co-heirs to eternal life. Being this way is serious business since we pass it on to those in need of God’s love, suffering and final glory. He implies that we are to take over the family business. Can we ask what business God is in and how we can participate?

The Catechism of the Catholic Church states that the “mystery of the Most Holy Trinity is the central mystery of Christian faith and life.” The Gospel describes the final gathering of the 11 apostles with Jesus. They are witnesses of the Risen Jesus. They believe now that He is the Messiah, but they still doubt. There is no problem in wondering and doubting; God is a mystery. Jesus blesses them and sends them out in love to teach, heal and love as He loved. Is love a mystery to us? How many times have we loved and been loved? Why me? Why this person? Why did they choose me? Who am I? All love is a shadow of God’s totally committed love for each person. Love created our world. Love passionately desired to become one of us. Love showed total love in the giving of Himself. Love never leaves us but helps us to be loved and love in return, so that we can live the mystery of love. I don’t pretend to understand the mystery of the Trinity, but I understand the love, giving and sacrifice that Jesus showed consistently. I’m still learning to be a witness to that love and not to be consumed with myself.

So I reflect on:

• God is a mystery: the Father who created; the Son who has redeemed; the Spirit who surrounds, encourages, and empowers me to be His witness. How has each of the Trinity made an impact on my life?
• How can I continue to say YES each day to the needs that are all around me? Can I name three ways God has used me to bring His love to others? How about five ways? Have I thanked Him for this?
• Can I let this God, who loves me so much and has never abandoned me but has continually surrounded and filled me with people, gifts, accomplishments … can I love Him by serving Him in love?

Sacred Space 2021 states:

“Lord, You terrify me with this command, ‘Go out and teach all nations.’ You were talking to 11 men without education, money, or influence, in a despised province of the Roman Empire. But they obeyed You because they knew You were with them. And today Christians are the largest body of believers on this planet. Today’s preaching is different. We are educated, sometimes too well. It is harder than ever to make our voice heard. Yet in Sacred Space Your word goes out potentially to all nations, and You are still with us.”