REFLECTION FOR TODAY
May 30, 2021
By Fr. Andrew Ibegbulem, OSA
“All power in heaven and on earth has been given to me. Go, therefore, and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you. And behold, I am with you always, until the end of the age.” Mt. 28:19-20
Today we celebrate the mystery of the most Holy Trinity. It is the eternal mystery and the mystery of mysteries. It is a basic doctrine of the Church and the pillar on which all profession of the Christian faith stands.
It is a mystery that is less understandable with our heads but which our hearts must live. It teaches us that there are three distinct Persons in one God, sharing the same Divine Nature, co-equal and co-eternal. Our mind cannot grasp or understand this doctrine which teaches that 1+1+1 = 1 and not 3.
In our gospel reference today, Jesus affirmed the authority and power he has received to extend the kingdom of God, so, he gives the disciples the mandate to go out to all nation baptizing in the Triune God. Even when there was no developed trinitarian theology here, the formula for baptism reflects an identity among the Father, Son and Holy Spirit.
The Doctrine of the Trinity does not negate our believe of monotheism rather it gives a better and deeper definition to our monotheistic concept of God. In the salvation history, we see how the three worked. God the Father created, Jesus the Son redeem, and the Holy Spirit sanctifies. All three working in unity. The doctrine of the Trinity teaches us that God exist in community of shared love.
As Christians, we are created in love to be a community of loving persons, just as the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit are One in Love. We belong to the Family of the Triune God. The love, unity, and joy in the relationship among the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit should be the supreme model of our relationships within our Christian families. Our families become truly Christian when we live in a relationship of love with God and with others.
Reflect, today, upon the Most Holy Trinity. As you do, say a prayer to God asking for a deeper and more intimate knowledge of Him. Ask Him to communicate to you His divine love and to open your mind and heart to a deeper understanding of Who He is. Try to humble yourself before the great Mystery of the inner life of God. Humility before the Mystery of God means that we know how little we know about Him and how little we know of Him. But that humble truth will help you move closer to the deeper relationship of love to which you are called.
Most Holy Trinity, Father, Son and Holy Spirit, please draw me into a relationship of love with You Who are one God and three divine Persons. May the mystery and beauty of Your life become more known and loved by me each day through the gift of transforming mystical prayer. Jesus, I trust in You.