June 4, 2023: Most Holy Trinity Sunday

Gospel: John 3:16-18

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.

Reflection

Last Sunday we celebrated Pentecost as the season of Easter came to a close. This month we will celebrate two other important feasts of the Church year — today’s feast of The Most Holy Trinity and next Sunday’s feast of the Body and Blood of Christ.

As I read today’s Gospel in a lectio divina manner, the words that spoke to me were that “God gave his only Son.” Gave is a beautiful word. This word speaks of God as giver, and as lover. 

We see that same nature in Jesus throughout his lifetime — as he gives healing, gives forgiveness, gives words of teaching, gives comfort and gives us the Bread of Life.  Ultimately, he gives us his Spirit.

The gift of the Holy Spirit enables us to live in peace as Paul encourages us to do in the second reading. Let us rejoice in the gift of Trinity and the love of Creator, Redeemer and Spirit that is shared with us.

Action

Consider the week just passed — how giving have I been? How have I followed Jesus in giving my love and encouragement to family, friends, co-workers, strangers? How can I live in the week ahead with a more giving, loving spirit?