three for all
"You did not receive a spirit of slavery leading you back into fear, but a Spirit of adoption through Which we cry out, 'Abba!' (that is, 'Father')." —Romans 8:15
Twenty-seven years ago, during Mass on Trinity Sunday, I had a profound and life-changing experience of the love of the Triune God. I had been worshipping God for years, but I had doubted (Mt 28:17). I believed that the Lord could change people's hearts, and had seen it happen to others. Yet subconsciously I didn't think He had enough power to change me. I believed more in the staying power of my fears and weaknesses than in God's power to change me.
During the homily, I was filled to overflowing with a new confidence in the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. I made the decision to begin publicly bearing witness to all the good things God had done for me (Ps 116:12), and carried that change permanently into my workplace the next day. This change wasn't forced; it just flowed naturally and easily from a deep gratitude to God (1 Thes 5:18).
Every year on Trinity Sunday, we are filled anew with that Spirit of adoption that leads us to lovingly cry out "Abba, Father!" (Rm 8:15; Gal 4:6). Today is the celebration of a joy which no one can take away from us (Jn 16:22). Today we realize all over again that the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit are with us always (Mt 28:20). Today we can give ourselves completely to God.
Christian brothers and sisters, rejoice today in "the grace of the Lord Jesus Christ, and the love of God, and the fellowship of the Holy Spirit" (2 Cor 13:13). Praise to the Holy Trinity forever!
Prayer: "Glory be to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit!"
Promise: "The Spirit Himself gives witness with our spirit that we are children of God." —Rm 8:16
Praise: "Praise the Holy Trinity, undivided Unity! Holy God, mighty God, God immortal, be adored."
Reference: (This teaching was submitted by a member of our editorial team.)
Rescript: †Most Reverend Joseph R. Binzer, Auxiliary Bishop, Vicar General of the Archdiocese of Cincinnati, December 29, 2012
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