Dear Parishioners of Mary Immaculate and Saint Rose,

This weekend we reflect on the mystery of the Holy Trinity.  Few truths are so instilled in the Christian mind and yet so often misunderstood.  Christians are monotheistic; we believe in one God.  We also believe that God exists as three Divine Persons, but still only one God.

This is what we refer to as a mystery: something which we fully believe, and yet only partially understand.  Every time we make the Sign of the Cross, we are affirming our belief in the Holy Trinity.  In the Name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit.

God the Father is manifested in the Old Testament.  He is the God of creation.  He made the heavens and the earth and all that they contain.  Finally, He created Adam from the dust of the earth and breathed life into him.  This is the God of Abraham, Isaac, and Moses.

In the fullness of time, God the Father sent His Son Jesus into the world.  It is Jesus who came to teach us about the love of God the Father.  Jesus preached the Good News.  He suffered and died on the Cross for the forgiveness of sins.  On the third day, Jesus rose from the dead.  Jesus conquered sin and death.  It is Jesus, God the Son, who has redeemed us and given us the hope of Eternal Life.

After He ascended into Heaven, Jesus sent us the gift of the Advocate, the Holy Spirit.  Once the Spirit descended upon the Blessed Virgin Mary and the Apostles, they had the courage to begin to preach the Kingdom of God.  Is it through their preaching that the Church came into being.  The Holy Spirit is God dwelling within us.  It is the Spirit that draws us to God in the first place.  It is the Spirit who helps us to pray.  It is the Spirit who makes us holy.  God the Holy Spirit sanctifies us.

Between these three persons of God, Father, Son, and Holy Spirit, is a unity so complete that they are truly one God.  A community of persons united and made One in love.  It is a mystery!

One of the most powerful prayers that we say as Catholics is also one of our shortest.  It celebrates the great mystery of the Holy Trinity:

Glory be to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit.  As it was in the beginning, is now, and will be forever.  Amen.

Msgr. Cox
 Trinity with globus cruciger, from an antique holy card. Artist unknown.