Word to Life

June 19, The Most Holy Trinity
Readings:
1) Exodus 34:4b-6, 8-9
Psalm: Daniel 3:52-56
2) 2 Corinthians 13:11-13
Gospel: John 3:16-18

Sherry and Jim were gratified last spring when Kyle, their firstborn, graduated from college and traveled halfway across the country to begin training in his first professional job.
I've known Kyle since he was in middle school and watched him grow up to be a handsome, talented and thoughtful young man who is sure to succeed in every way. No doubt this is largely due to his being a product of a loving family who nurtured and formed him well with strong values of faith and responsibility.
Now, a year later, Kyle's been assigned to a new location in yet another city but closer to home. Naturally, Sherry was happy to know that she could see him more often.
On the other hand, as mothers do, she felt his anxiety as he moved to a new place, feeling alone and pressured by expectations of his employer and co-workers at his new job.
"It just pulls at my heart," she admitted. "I don't want him to have to go through this hard time. But I also know he has to. It's the only way for him to grow and learn. And of course, then he'll be fine."
When he occasionally feels down and calls home, his parents encourage him and let him know that he can trust his own judgment and goodness.
"I'm really proud of him that he's decided to step out and take on this adventure," Sherry said. "It's a good thing, because he has a lot to offer."
When I read this weekend's Gospel, I realize that one way we're made in the image of God is that the tight, self-giving relationship in a healthy nuclear family is a likeness of the Holy Trinity.
The family, much like the Father and Holy Spirit, gives our sons and daughters—bearing our values in their own strength and goodness—to the larger community. We do it because the community needs them. And oh, how we love it when the community recognizes them for who they are and accepts them.
More deeply, the Father and Spirit are present when we accept the gift of Jesus, who "proceeds from" them, as the Nicene Creed so succinctly explains. In knowing and loving Jesus, we receive our whole triune God.

QUESTIONS:
How has your acceptance of the person of Jesus affected your understanding and relationship with the Father and Holy Spirit? What about the Holy Trinity is a "mystery" for you?

This column is offered, in cooperation with the North Texas Catholic of Fort Worth, Texas.

Copyright (c) 2010 Catholic News Service/U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops