A reflection for the feast of the Most Holy Trinity, by Fr Gerry O'Shaughnessy SDB

I still have many things to say to you but they would be too much for you.
But when the Spirit of truth comes he will lead you to the complete truth.
John 16: 12-13

Many of us know the beautiful icon of the Trinity painted by Rublev; it presents the three sitting around a table with the chalice of blessing. The fourth space around this square table is left deliberately open for YOU. On this lockdown Trinity Sunday, there is a special place for you at the table of the Lord: you are more than welcome because you are needed. As St John Henry Newman reminds each of us, "God has created me to do Him some definite service." Time and time again Jesus made it clear that EVERYONE was invited to the table, especially if they were poor or sinners; he was totally cavalier in his welcome, even if the religious leaders of his time disagreed. So don't let the modern day scribes and Pharisees try to stop you either - they seem to take great delight in pointing out the weakness of others, all the time conveniently forgetting their own failures. In these difficult times, we must take our place with dignity and not be afraid. That place at Rublev's table is yours by right; you have dignity, as you are made in the image of likeness of the Trinity.

In our feast today, we glory in the family of the Trinity; today we pray for our own families, those we have spent lockdown with, and those from whom we have been separated. Family should encourage and support us, and the blessing of this time of lockdown has given us chance to reimagine our family dynamic. While there probably have been wobbles, the odd problem and even raised voices, I pray that you have seen the strength and beauty of your family; that you have received support, a listening ear, and care, and you have brought these gifts to your family also. That's what we do as families: we are there for each other.

Jesus reveals the love of the family of the Trinity in his words, actions and teaching. As families, gathered around your table of friendship, let us follow that example of Rublev: let us pray that the hungry, the lost, the lonely and stressed find a space in our hearts. The Trinity reminds us that God is there for us, especially in these times of difficulty and stress. The challenge is to realise just how loved we are and how each of us can make a real difference, if we just follow that example of the Trinity.

As we unite in prayer today, we remember our own families and those friends who have become family to us. We remember the family that is our Church and look forward to that day when we can enter our Parish buildings again and stand, as one family, around the altar of the Lord - however, we can only do this when it is safe to do so. Our care and concern for each other is expressed through such sacrifice.

Together, as one, we will make a difference; we will need each other in the Church of the new normal, when new demands will be placed on us. We need not fear as the Trinity walks with us to give inspiration and new light for new ways. Happy family day!

Fr Gerry O'Shaughnessy SDB

Image: Andrei Rublev c 1430, Public domain via Wikimedia Commons