Preparation

Find a quiet spot. Sit comfortably, upright. Put aside the thoughts that absorb you. Breathe gently in-out. Do it again. Close your eyes and remember you are in the presence of God. Call upon the Spirit of God to be with you as you begin your conversation with God. When you are ready open your eyes and read:

From our earliest days we have been familiar with the greatest mystery of our religion: the Trinity. Every time we bless ourselves:

"In the Name of the Father, of the Son and of the Holy Spirit"

or when we pray:"Glory be to the Father and to the Son and to the Holy Spirit…" we express our belief in this profound truth. What a mystery we profess. There are many aspects to consider, but let us focus on the Gift this mystery is.

Meditation

Join Jesus in that upper room where the Apostles are eating their last meal with him and ask the Holy Spirit to instruct you as you listen. Judas has left the gathering and now Jesus begins a long, passionate and prayerful discourse. He talks about going to the Father. Philip interjects "Lord show us the Father". (John:14;8) Jesus responds with a degree of exasperation: "Philip, after I have been with you all this time, you still do not know me? Whoever has seen me has seen the Father. How can you say "show us the Father? Do you not believe that I am in the Father and the Father is in me?"

On the mountain of the Transfiguration three of the apostles had seen the glory of Jesus; now all the apostles have the mystery of Jesus clearly stated: Son of the Father, Son of God!

Yet as you look around the table the apostles have heard the words but are floundering trying to picture what Jesus is saying. He is more than what they can see and touch. He is saying that from all eternity Father, Son and Spirit have lived in a relationship. A community of incredible love. Totally adequate in each other, needing nothing else, blissfully happy.

Like the apostles, as you contemplate this scene you try to comprehend the reality too. Our Jewish ancestors believed in one God; but now Jesus says this God is three in one? Such a mystery!

day one: meditation, continued

home page for this retreat

Email questions or comments about this page to Fr Columkille Regan, C.P.

Copyright 2003, Passionist Publications - Union City, New Jersey USA - All Rights Reserved