We have been created to be baptized "in the name 'of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit.' " The word "baptized" means "to be immersed in." The meaning of life is to be immersed in, that is, preoccupied with and consumed by the Holy Trinity (see Heb 12:29).

We enter into Trinitarian love and life through Jesus, the only Way to the Father (Jn 14:6) and the One Who baptizes us in the Spirit (Mk 1:8). Then the Father reveals the Son (see Lk 10:22), and the Spirit witnesses for Jesus (Jn 15:26) and proclaims Jesus as Lord (1 Cor 12:3). We are then immersed within a crossfire of Trinitarian love.

To be drawn even more deeply into the mystery of Trinitarian love, one of the most important events which must occur is for the Spirit to cry out in our hearts "Abba," that is, "Father" (Rm 8:15; Gal 4:6). When we know the Father's love so personally, we are usually immersed in the Trinity forever. However, we may withdraw from Trinitarian love if we quench the Spirit crying out "Abba" by refusing to trust God, forgive our earthly fathers, or repent of our sins of selfishness and self-reliance.

Are you going to go all the way with the Trinity or back out? The Holy Spirit is crying "Abba." Fall into your Father's arms.

Rescript:  †Most Reverend Joseph R. Binzer, Auxiliary Bishop, Vicar General of the Archdiocese of Cincinnati, October 21, 2014

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