Trinity Sunday

Today we celebrate The Solemnity of the Most Holy Trinity.  Our belief in the doctrine of the Trinity is the most distinguishing characteristic of Christianity and of people who identify themselves as Christian (Christ centered people).  It is the essence of our faith.  The Catechism of the Catholic Church teaches us “The mystery of the Most Holy Trinity is the central mystery of the Christian faith and of Christian life.  God alone can make it known to us by revealing himself as Father, Son and Holy Spirit” (CCC 261).  

In today's first reading from Exodus, God the Father revealed Himself to Moses saying, "The LORD, the LORD, a merciful and gracious God, slow to anger and rich in kindness and fidelity" (Exodus 34:6).  God our Father is the source of life.  God our Father is generous.  And God our Father is loving and compassionate.  God promised Moses and all of us that "I will work such marvels as have never been wrought in any nation anywhere on earth, so that this people among whom you live may see how awe-inspiring are the deeds which I, the LORD, will do at your side" (Exodus 34:10). 

It is because of the loving and compassionate nature of God "that he gave his only Son, so that everyone who believes in him might not perish but might have eternal life" (John 3: 16).  God our Father loves us so much that He sacrificed Jesus so that "that the world might be saved through him" (John 3:17).  In the Letter to the Ephesians, St. Paul tells us that "In love," God our Father "destined us for adoption to himself through Jesus Christ, in accord with the favor of his will..."(Ephesians 1:4-5).  God our Father continues to shower us with his love by sending us the Holy Spirit to strengthen and sustain us.  The Holy Spirit lives in us, guides us, enlightens us and "bears witness with our spirit that we are children of God" (Romans 8:16). 

As children of God, we are called to practice the same love God bestows on us.  Just as God so generously pours love into our hearts, we are expected to pour our God given love out on others and in today's second reading from 2 Corinthians 13, St. Paul tells us how to do it.  "Brothers and sisters, rejoice.  Mend your ways, encourage one another, agree with one another, live in peace, and the God of love and peace will be with you.  Greet one another with a holy kiss. All the holy ones greet you.  The grace of the Lord Jesus Christ and the love of God and the fellowship of the Holy Spirit be with all of you" (2 Cor.13:11-13).  By sharing God’s love, we are building God’s community here in Peachtree City and in the world.  And finally, we are building God’s kingdom, a kingdom of love. 

O God Most High,
in the waters of baptism
you made us your sons and daughters
in Christ, your only-begotten Son.
Deep within us is the cry of the Spirit,
who calls out to you, “Abba, Father.”
Grant that, obedient to our Savior’s commission,
we may become heralds of the salvation you offer
and go forth to make disciples of all people.
We ask this through our Lord Jesus Christ, your Son,
who lives and reigns with you in the unity of the Holy Spirit,
God for ever and ever.

AMEN