Easter ended last Sunday with Pentecost, and this week we have returned to Ordinary Time. As I mentioned many times before, there is nothing “ordinary” about this time, as this Sunday brings our attention to one of the greatest mysteries of our faith – The Most Holy Trinity.
Of the world's three monotheistic religions, Judaism, Islam, and Christianity, only Christianity grasps the inner nature of God, that God is actually one in three: one divine nature, and three divine persons. Each of these three divine persons possesses the fullness of the divine nature, which is why we always pray in the name (singular) of the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit, and not in their names (plural). This is why we say in the Creed that the Son is "one in being with the Father, God from God, light from light," and that the Holy Spirit "proceeds from the Father and the Son; with the Father and the Son he is worshipped and glorified."
In addition, the Catechism confirms that this is "the central mystery of Christian faith and life" (CCC 234), a mystery that is challenging to grasp. How can the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit each be fully God, and yet distinct persons? True, this is hard to understand; our minds cannot grasp this completely. And yet, that very fact makes the doctrine of the Trinity ring true. It shows that no merely human mind would have been able to come up with it. And it also shows that God, the Creator of the universe, exists in a way that we, mere creatures, cannot fully understand - and that makes perfect sense: God should exceed our ability to understand him; if he didn't, he wouldn't be much of a God.
The Lord in His love for us, continues to transform our baptismal identity to become greater witnesses to the message of the Truth. This Sunday, after over 2 months long delay due to Mass cancellations in response to the coronavirus pandemic, Bishop Felipe Estévez will preside over a special Mass with the celebration of the Sacrament of Confirmation. In a joint celebration with Mary, Queen of Heaven Parish in Jacksonville, 40 confirmandi will receive the fullness of the Holy Spirit to become true and authentic disciples of Jesus and to joyfully proclaim the Gospel message. This is also a very special time for most of them as they celebrate graduations and Confirmation with delays and yet with profound humility, patience, and perseverance.
The celebration of the Sacrament of Confirmation is also a powerful reminder of how much God has loved you. Often times we live in circumstances that love is terribly diminished. Today, you are actually assured that you are members of the divine family; you are actually friends of God; insiders in the Kingdom of Heaven. Friends open their hearts to each other; they share secret thoughts, affections, and desires. I believe that this is what the sacrament offers you, all what makes friendship so beautiful and valuable. God, through Jesus Christ, has offered us this kind of friendship with Him: He has revealed His innermost thoughts and identity. So, today let's promise Him that we will no longer take it for granted, but every time we pray in the name of the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit, we will renew our commitment to live lives worthy of the divine friendship, the divine adoption that we have received.
The month of June is dedicated to the Sacred Heart of Jesus. One of the most popular Catholic devotions, tradition tells us that Jesus appeared to St. Margaret Mary Alacoque in 1673, showing her a vision of the now-famous image of His Sacred Heart, surrounded by flames. He said to her: “My Heart is so full of love for men that It can no longer contain the flames of Its burning love. I must discover to men the treasures of My Heart and save them from perdition." She was given the special mission to spread devotion to His Sacred Heart throughout the Church. In 1856, the Feast of the Sacred Heart was spread to the Universal Church, and in 1899 Pope Leo XIII solemnly consecrated all mankind to the Sacred Heart of Jesus.
I wish you all a blessed week! May the love of the Triune God be your guide this week and, in the days, ahead.
Most Sacred Heart of Jesus, have mercy on us! With prayers, Fr. Andy