May 31, 2015

SOLEMNITY OF THE HOLY TRINITY

Mt 28: 16-20

Now the eleven disciples went to Galilee, to the mountain to which Jesus had directed them. When they saw him, they worshiped him; but some doubted. And Jesus came and said to them, “All authority 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, and teaching them to obey everything that I have commanded you. And remember, I am with you always, to the end of the age.”

New Revised Standard Version, copyright 1989, by the National Council of the Churches of Christ in the United States of America. Used by permission. All rights reserved. USCCB approved. http://www.usccb.org/bible/approved-translations

In the Trinity

Jesus constantly searches for disciples to share his mission. He doesn't always succeed, even with privileged friends like Peter, but he keeps inviting isolated people like Matthew the tax collector into community.

Although Jesus loves praying in silence, he is never alone for long. This is not an extrovert's preference but a mirror of the love between Father, Son and Spirit in the Trinity.

Matthew ends his Gospel with Jesus gathering his scattered and fragile disciples on a mountain before sending them out in the name of the Trinity to make the community larger.

Many people are interested in spirituality but not religion, meaning they want to find God without belonging to a community. Ironically, the God they will find, if their quest succeeds, is not a solitary individual, but a community of three Who want to include all of us.

Why wouldn't I accept their invitation?

—Fr. Tom Rochford, S.J. is moving to Denver where he will serve as chaplain and artist-in-residence at Regis Jesuit High School. He is an artist (primarily oil painting), photographer and videographer.

Prayer

Father all powerful, Christ Lord and Savior, Holy Spirit of love—we praise you! Be near to the people formed in your image, close to the world your love brings to life. Amen.