Greetings on this the Solemnity of the Most Holy Trinity
Readings: Exodus 34:4b-6, 8-9; Daniel 3:52, 53, 54, 55, 56; 2 Corinthians 13:11-13; John 3:16-18
Summary
We are always limited in our reliance upon empirical and intellectual knowledge. Nicodemus was stuck there. If left in that condition, we would be lost to the warmth, love and affection the Lord has for us made most explicit by the Triune revelation. We are to have relation with the Lord through the Holy Spirit. He brings enlightenment — the fire of God’s love — that simple physical measurements and philosophical constructs cannot provide. We should not think this knowing is merely an extension of our own capacity but a foundational rebirth, a closeness and intimacy with the divine that is not possible without trust. Holy Trinity Sunday, coming after the celebration of the Gift of the Holy Spirit at Pentecost, is our shared overshadowing.
God so loved the world that he gave his only Son,
so that everyone who believes in him might not perish
but might have eternal life.
For God did not send his Son into the world to condemn the world,
but that the world might be saved through him.
Whoever believes in him will not be condemned,
but whoever does not believe has already been condemned,
because he has not believed in the name of the only Son of God. (Jn 3:16-18)
And the angel said to her in reply, “The holy Spirit will come upon you, and the power of the Most High will overshadow you. Therefore the child to be born will be called holy, the Son of God. Mary said, “Behold, I am the handmaid of the Lord. May it be done to me according to your word.” Then the angel departed from her (Lk 1:35, 38).
Reflection
For our gospel selection today, the Church provides us the center of the conversation between Nicodemus and Jesus, that is, the necessity of a new birth from above. In a way similar to the Blessed Mother, we too experience a variation of the Salvation Promise, Incarnation and Trinity. As Mary was overshadowed by the Holy Spirit so that Christ might dwell within her, we too are overshadowed by the Spirit so that Christ may dwell within us. God gave his Son by the holy Spirit to save all peoples and to dwell within us.
Even Moses understood the Presence of God and our need converge in necessity – pardon our wickedness and sins, and receive us as your own (Ex 34:9c).
Personal Reflection
Today we celebrate the Holy Trinity. The personal encounter with the Lord.
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 13:13).
Sacred Readings full text: https://bible.usccb.org/bible/readings/053126.cfm
Peace be with you,
Deacon Gerry