Holy Trinity Sunday

The Catechism teaches that "by sending His only Son and the Spirit of Love in the fullness of time, God has revealed His innermost secret: God Himself is an eternal exchange of love, Father, Son, and Holy Spirit, and He has destined us to share in the exchange" (CCC:221). "The complete trinity dwells in us." (R.P. Philippon). By worshipping the Trinity we realize the full truth of ourselves. In the communion of grace with the Trinity, man's living area is broadened and raised up to the supernatural level of Divine life. Man lives in God and by God." (Pope John Paul II.)

In celebrating the Trinity we celebrate the mystery – the all-encompassing – the all-including – reality that defines us. We celebrate our origin, our calling, our fulfillment in self-giving love.

We all have the experience of wanting respectful love. We all want to give ourselves and receive others tenderly – without force – without control – freely, graciously being with others – isn’t that what we all want? The earthy mystery of the Trinity tells us to cherish, even reverence that desire – because it is the very presence of the Holy Spirit – recalling us to our origin – encouraging us to our destiny and fulfillment.

If you yearn for love, recognize and reverence that yearning as holy. It is a holy yearning. Do not run from it. Do not trivialize or sentimentalize it.

It is the mystery of God becoming present to you – the presence before which Moses bowed and worshipped. It is the mystery of God which Paul recognized becoming present among the Christians at Corinth – so that he could write to them: Brothers and sisters, rejoice! The grace of the Lord Jesus Christ – the love of God – the fellowship of the Holy Spirit – are with all of you.

It is the mystery of God who becomes present to us in Jesus -- coming not to condemn us -- but to bring us God’s own life – to bring us eternal life. As the Father is in me, so I am in you. Receive our Holy Spirit.

The next time you yearn for love, the next time you yield to love, rejoice in the Trinity living in you and through you.

~ From a Homily delivered by the Reverend Pat Earl, S.J.

For more on Holy Trinity Sunday, go here.

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