Sharing life: How was your Pentecost Sunday church experience for you?
Facilitator reads focus statement: Last Monday we returned again to Ordinary time. The Sundays in Ordinary Time after Pentecost begin with two Solemnities -- namely the Most Holy Trinity and Corpus Christi. On this Sunday, as we honor the Holy Trinity, The Catechism of the Catholic Church states: "The mystery of the Most Holy Trinity is the central mystery of the Christian faith and the Christian life." (Art #261) We are invited to reflect on (a) who God is -- One mighty in deeds (first reading), (b) our adoption in Christ (second reading), and (c) on the mission Jesus charged his disciples (and us) with before he ascended to heaven.
Now read the readings, pausing briefly after each one. Consider reading the commentary after each reading, if you do not already do so.
FIRST READING: Deuteronomy 4:32-34, 39-40
The choice of the first reading from Deuteronomy sets up both a comparison and a contrast between Moses and Jesus. The book of Deuteronomy is presented as Moses' Farewell Speech to the Israelites. After wandering in the wilderness for forty years the Israelites, led by Moses, have come to the threshold of the Promised Land. Moses can look across the Jordan to the land which they - but not he - will enter. There, Moses once again takes on his greatest role as the spokesman for God who gives to the people God's Law. The first time he had done this was at Mount Sinai when he had delivered the Ten Commandments and all the laws contained in the books of Exodus, Leviticus, and Numbers. Now, on the Plains of Moab, Moses repeats the Law for their instruction. This is, therefore, the second time he gives the Law: the word "Deuteronomy" means, "Second law." Thereafter Moses ascends Mount Nebo where he dies.
This reading is filled with awe for the greatness of God. It is as if Moses could not get over the fact that God spoke to his people with outstretched arms, delivered them from the slavery of Egypt. In response to God's goodness to them they must be diligent in following God's ways. If they are obedient they will prosper in the land that God is about to give them.
PSALM 33
This psalm highlights the privilege of the people who are called to respond to the goodness and justice of God.
SECOND READING: Romans 8:14-17
In these verses, Paul speaks of the Christian's relationship with God as one of spiritual adoption. It is as if God has legally adopted us as his sons and daughters. As such we can address God as Jesus addressed him, namely, with the familial title "Abba", which is translated Daddy or Papa. If we truly see God as our "Pop", we should be able to go to him with the confidence of a child who believes very much that he/she is totally loved by his/her father. To be a child of God also implies a willingness to be taught and led, something that may not be easy for those of us who were raised to be self-sufficient and independent.
GOSPEL: Matthew 28:16-20
Just as Moses gave his people a farewell speech, Matthew presents us with Jesus' farewell speech to his apostles. He commissions them to go and "make disciples" of all nations (no racial or ethnic barriers here), "baptizing" them and "teaching" them, not the Law of Moses, but rather, "all that I have commanded you." Matthew, writing mostly for Christians who were raised as Jews, presents Jesus as the new and greater Moses who gives them a new and greater Law. The mention of the Father, Son and Holy Spirit, is a clear expression of the Trinity. They are distinct and equal persons in the One God.
The text ends with the assurance that Jesus will be with his church at all times. Because of this divine guiding presence, the church will never self-destruct. Because the church is made up of sinners, she will always be imperfect and in need of external reform and inner renewal, but she will never be in need of replacement, as Luther and other reformers seemed to have believed.
FAITH SHARING QUESTIONS
1. What events, experiences and teachings have most shaped your understanding of God?
2. The Father, Son and Holy Spirit are sometimes described in terms of their roles, namely, Creator, Redeemer and Sanctifier. Which one appeals to you most or which one do you relate to most? Why?
3. Instead of seeing ourselves as "beloved children" of God, many Catholics see themselves as "distant relatives". Comment. What does it mean to you to be a child of God? To what extent have you shifted from seeing yourself as a "distant relative" to being a "child of God"?
4. The Great Commission of Jesus to us is to "make disciples" of all nations. How well or poorly does your parish act on this command of Jesus? How well or poorly do you act on it?
RESPONDING TO THE WORD
Name one way you can act or respond to today's readings. One suggestion: As we approach this great solemnity try to relate to all three persons of the Trinity. In other words, put the Trinity into your prayers and thoughts.
CONCLUDE WITH PRAYERS OF PETITION AND INTERCESSION
Pray together St. Catherine's Prayer to the Blessed Trinity. ©