To describe the Trinity, Jesus uses names very familiar in our Catholic faith—household names—names that embrace and forge bonds: Father, Son, Holy Spirit—the breath that instills life.
The Feast of the Trinity is the proclamation that God is not solitude in himself, but communion, bond, and embrace. That he reaches out to us and gives us his manifold heart. Then I understand why solitude weighs so heavily on me and frightens me: because it is against my nature.
Then I understand why, when I am with those who love me, I feel so good: because I am fulfilling my vocation. The Trinity reflects my purpose and the universe’s meaning, guiding everything toward a Father who sources free lives, a Son who inspires love, and a Spirit who brings communion to our solitude.
Even God’s self-revelation on Mount Sinai, before his great friend Moses, bears affable names: merciful, compassionate, slow to anger, abounding in grace and faithfulness (Ex 34:6).
Moses climbed the mountain with great effort,
carrying two stone tablets. To his surprise, God inscribed words of tenderness on the stone, and Moses prayed: “May the Lord walk among us and be present with His people, not remaining distant on the mountain, but descending as one with the crowd.”
“I do not judge!” (John 8:15). A powerful statement, one we must repeat to our fearful faith seventy times seven! Our God is love; he doesn’t need to judge by verdicts; he heals broken hearts rooted in love.