| Local parish communities are at their best during this time of pandemic. Neighbours help one another, while the politicians and health authorities continually tell citizens ‘we are all in this together’ as we wash our hands, keep socially distanced and abide by the challenges of the restrictions. A spirit of care and concern pervades among people, all which is daily presented through the daily media. Vast numbers of people go that extra mile to extend love within their families and communities. |
| The Gospel today (Mk 12:38-44) proclaimed at Mass may be heard via the webcam or read in the New Testament.
Today the Church celebrates the Solemnity of the Most Holy Trinity, the ultimate example of a community of love. It is our belief in the Triune God, Father, Son and Holy Spirit that is at the heart of the Apostle’s Creed. This is the core of our faith and a statement of our belief. It is in this Triune God that ‘we live and move and have our being’ (Acts 17:28). This is the Good News that the disciples make known to all nations (Mt 28:19). The three readings proclaimed today and the response from the prophet Daniel (Dan 3:52) reflect the one love of the three persons for God’s people. The first reading today from the book of Exodus reveals the Lord’s passing in front of Moses, crying out, ‘Lord, Lord, full of pity and mercy, slow to anger abounding in love.’ (Exodus 34: 6). Moses responded by bowing down to the ground in worship. Moses then asked God to accompany him and the people in spite of their sinfulness (Exodus 34: 6, 8). After this God made a covenant with Moses in the presence of the people. (Exodus 34:10). In the Gospel (Jn 3:16,) we read that God loved God’s people so much that he sent his Son Jesus to them. It was God’s desire that they would be saved and have eternal life. Not everyone believed. This is still God’s desire for us today. Here lies the hope for God’s people. Finally, St Pauls’ second letter to the Corinthians, ends with the Triune blessing, ‘The grace of Christ Jesus the Lord, the love of God and the fellowship of the Holy Spirit be with you all’ (2 Cor 13: 13), reflects the communion of the three persons. From ancient times artists, authors, orators, composers and poets have attempted to define and describe the Trinity: Yet it still remains a Mystery. |
| SEEK GOD’S LOVE IN THE GROW IN LOVE RELIGIOUS EDUCATION PROGRAMME
Children are invited to chat about events in the first reading from the Book of Exodus (Ex 34: 4-6, 8-9). They are familiar with the person of Moses and God travelling with the people as a pillar of cloud by day and a pillar of fire by night. They also are taught about the Ten Commandments given to Moses. They reflect on these in the context of their lives according to age and ability. The Commandments are taught as a means to love God. Moses’ response of bowing and worshipping, on recognising God’s presence is relevant for children. The children see the priest and the assembly of people bowing at Mass in reverence to God. The bowing gesture is an important one in the presence of the Blessed Sacrament and praying the Holy Name of Jesus. Children recognise the attributes of God as stated in the first reading; ‘full of tenderness and compassion’, ‘abounding in love’, and ‘slow to anger’. Children identify God as Creator of the world. God sent Jesus to share the Good News with God’s people. When children prepare for the feast of the Ascension they hear Jesus’ promises; he will be with his people to the end of time and he will send the Helper, the Holy Spirit. They understand the Holy Spirit first came to the apostles at Pentecost. They chat about Baptism, the time they first received the Holy Spirit and the sevenfold gift of the Holy Spirit given at the sacrament of Confirmation. The children express their thankfulness. Families might read the blessing of St Paul (2 Cor: 13-13) to celebrate the communion within the household. Children explore the experiences of love in life. They reflect on God’s love that is for everyone. God’s love is unconditional and everlasting. They identify the persons of the Trinity and begin to recognise prayers addressed to the Most Holy Trinity. They discuss how various artists depicted the Trinity. They attempt to draw their own image of the Trinity. In prayer they thank the three distinct persons, who complement one another, in their communion of love. Disciples model this ‘unity in diversity’ in their lives. Resources are accessible on the VERITAS website; including the Children’s e-book and accompanying resources to explore The Mystery of the Holy Trinity. Logon: www.veritas.ie Email: trial@growinlove.ie Password: growinlove |
| INVITATION TO:
READ from Grow in Love/ I nGrá Dé: ‘God is Love’ (1 Jn 4:7-8), ‘The New Commandment’ (Jn 13:34-5), SING from Grow in Love/I nGrá Dé: ‘Grow in Love’; ‘Sign of the Cross Chant’; PRAY from Grow in Love/I nGrá Dé: SIGN OF THE CROSS In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. Amen. COMHARTHA NA CROISE In ainm an Athar, agus an Mhic agus an Spioraid Naoimh. Áiméan. APOSTLES’ CREED I believe in God, The Father almighty, Creator of heaven and earth, And in Jesus Christ, his only Son, our Lord, who was conceived by the Holy Spirit, born of the Virgin Mary, suffered under Pontius Pilate, was crucified, died and was buried; He descended into hell; on the third day he rose again from the dead; He ascended into heaven, and is seated at the right hand of God the Father almighty, from there he will come to judge the living and the dead. I believe in the Holy Spirit, the holy Catholic Church, the communion of saints, the forgiveness of sins, the resurrection of the body, and life everlasting. Amen. GLÓIR DON ATHAIR Glóir don Athair, Agus don Mhac, Agus don Spiorad Naomh, Mar abhí ó thús, Mar atá anois Agus mar a bhéas go brách, Le saol na saol. Áiméan. GLÓIR DON ATHAIR Glóir don Athair, Agus don Mhac, Agus don Spiorad Naomh, Mar abhí ó thús, Mar atá anois Agus mar a bhéas go brách, Le saol na saol. Áiméan. |
| ‘Blessed be the creator and ruler of all things, the holy and undivided Trinity, both now and forever and for ages unending.’(Benedictus antiphon)
‘Blessed are you, Lord God of our fathers, be praised and exalted forever.’(Daniel 3: 52) ‘With our heart and lips we praise you, we worship you and we bless you, God the Father unbegotten, only begotten Son, and Holy Spirit Paraclete: all glory is yours forever.’ (Magnificat antiphon) |
| ‘The Father is the ultimate source of everything, the loving and self-communicating foundation of all that exists. The Son, his reflection, through whom all things were created, united himself to this earth when he was formed in the womb of Mary. The Spirit, infinite bond of love, is intimately present at the very heart of the universe, inspiring and bringing new pathways. The world was created by the three Persons acting as a single divine principle, but each one of them performed this common work in accordance with his own personal property. Consequently, “when we contemplate with wonder the universe in all its grandeur and beauty, we must praise the whole Trinity.”’ (Laudato Si’, no.238) |
Sr Anne Neylon