June 12 – The Holy Trinity

There are many mysteries in life.  When I am confounded by some mystery, I always remind myself that life is not a problem to be solved, but a mystery to be lived!  One of those mysteries is what we celebrate liturgically today – The Most Holy Trinity; One God, Three persons.  How in the world can you explain it?  St. Patrick tried by using the three-leaf clover – one clover with three leaves.  Others have used the three states of water: liquid, vapor and ice.  All are water acting in three distinct ways.  Instead of solving the mystery of the Trinity, I prefer to think about what the Trinity means.  When we read the Bible, we discover that it is all about relationships.  From the first page to the last, the Bible is all about relationships – our relationship with God and our relationship with one another.  The relationship between the Father, Son, and Spirit are all equal.  Each person is fully divine and equal to the others.  There is no hierarchy implied in the work ascribed to each person of the Trinity.  This is the model for our human relationships.  We should abandon our pursuit for domination over one another.  Each member of the human family is distinct, each given distinct qualities and mission.  Therefore there should be no separation of the human family into higher and lower levels.  In the doctrine of the Trinity we find the ultimate basis for the pursuit of justice.  The doctrine of the Trinity is the basis of a new world order.  Imagine that!! A mystery to be lived, not a problem to be solved!

In my bulletin article of last week, I told you 36 pilgrims from Our Lady of Mercy and St. Michael joined me in a trip to see the Passion Play in Oberammergau, Germany.  We are now in the city of Prague in the Chez Republic, our last stop.  We fly back to Chicago this Wednesday, June 15, Prague to Vienna, then Vienna to Chicago.  May I once again ask for your prayers for a safe journey home.

Well, my days are truly numbered! As you read this article, I have 18 days until retirement!  I will be preaching all the Masses on the weekend of June 25/26.  I will be presiding at the 4:00pm Saturday, and 10:00am & 5:30pm on Sunday.  Please join me after Mass for some cake and refreshments.

Have a blessed week!

Father Don