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Sunday, June 15, 2003

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Trinity Sunday


Deuteronomy 4:32-34, 39-40
Romans 8:14-17
Psalm 33
Matthew 28:16-20

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baptism, trinity, and the holy spirit

"Go, therefore, and make disciples of all the nations. Baptize them in the name 'of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit.' " —Matthew 28:19

The greatest moment of our lives was when we were baptized. At Baptism, we received a new nature (see Jn 3:3, 5) and were adopted as sons and daughters of God (Rm 8:15). We were baptized into Christ's death and resurrection (Rm 6:3ff), redeemed, sanctified, and consecrated (see 1 Cor 6:11). This greatest of all graces in our lives occurred when the priest or deacon was saying the words: "I baptize you in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit."

We should never forget the words at the moment of our Baptisms. Therefore, when we wake up, the first words of our day should be the first words of our new life in Christ, that is, "In the name of the Father..." When we begin to pray the Mass, the rosary, meal prayers, or any prayer, we begin and end "in the name of the Father..." When we end our days and our lives, it should be "in the name of the Father..." We are baptized in, immersed in, preoccupied with, and in love with the Holy Trinity.

To enter more deeply into Trinitarian love, we need the Holy Spirit of Pentecost to reveal to us "what lies at the depths of God" (1 Cor 2:11). That's why the Church always celebrates Pentecost the Sunday before Trinity Sunday. Through the Spirit, our lives will be always and deeply "in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit." Come, Holy Spirit! Renew our Baptisms. Lead us into the Trinity.

Prayer:  Father, Son, and Holy Spirit, prepare me to be immersed forever in You, the Trinity.

Promise:  "Did anything so great ever happen before? Was it ever heard of?" —Dt 4:32

Praise:  "Praise the Holy Trinity, undivided Unity!"

Nihil Obstat:  Reverend Ralph J. Lawrence, December 29, 2002


Imprimatur:  †Most Reverend Carl K. Moeddel, Vicar General and Auxiliary Bishop of the Archdiocese of Cincinnati, December 31, 2002