Homily Cycle C 06-15-2025 Solemnity of the Most Holy Trinity – Offered at OLPH

 

Every Sunday we profess our belief in the Trinity when we pray the Nicene Creed.

“I believe in one God, the Father almighty ….

I believe one Lord, Jesus Christ ….

I believe in the Holy Spirit ….” 

 

We belief in the Most Holy Trinity in the unity of the Godhead, three distinct Persons: Father, Son and Holy Spirit – one God.

 

 

The Danish philosopher Søren Kierkegaard tells a story about a town where only ducks live. Every Sunday the ducks waddle out of their houses and head to church. They waddle into their pews as the choir waddles in and prepares to sing. Then the duck pastor comes forward, opens the duck Bible, and proclaims the Scripture to them, saying: “Ducks! God has given you wings, with which you can fly. No walls can confine you. No fences can hold you. Be free! Soar like the eagles.” All the ducks in the congregation shout, “Amen!” And then, they all waddle home, but they do not soar like eagles.

The story reminds us we need to profess our faith, with our lips and with our lives, and our actions.

Today’s feast reminds us that the hand of God is in every molecule of creation, even the Ducks. Unlike the Ducks when we go home today filled with the Spirit of God, [Father, Son and Holy Spirit] we are to share God’s love.

The Mass should compel us to soar like eagles because we encountered Jesus in Scriptures, and in the Eucharist.  Transformed by grace to become more like God and more authentically ourselves. Remembering that our lives here on earth are a preparation for life eternal.

God wants us to be in His innermost life, the Trinity, His profoundest secret. [paraphrased from Frank Sheed, The Trinity: Theology and Sanity]. God longs for us to be with Him for all eternity.

A Harbor Master

When a large ship enters a harbor, it takes on board … a harbor master. A person who knows that harbor: the length of it, the depth of it and where the hazards are, the tides & currents are; what direction they flow in and how strong they are. When that harbor master comes on board, he takes control of that ship, and he gives order to the captain who steers the ship.

The Spirit is our harbor master, the Spirit knows the hazards we face and will help us avoid them. If we say yes to the Spirit, He will guide us to the Father through Jesus Who is the Way to life eternal. [Adopted and modified from Sermons.com James Merritt].

In today’s Collect [Opening Prayer] we prayed, “God our Father sent the Word of truth & the Spirit of sanctification to us - a wondrous mystery, may we acknowledge the Trinity of eternal glory.” [paraphrase].

Reflecting on it may aid us in celebrating today’s Solemnity of the Most Holy Trinity. God is relational: Father, Son and Holy Spirit; a relation of love. When we pray - we pray [not so much to God as] inside of God Who is Father, Son and Holy Spirit.

God initiates, we respond.

The Trinity is a mystery not to be understood in this world, but to be lived in & to remind us - God created us, redeemed us and sanctifies us. We are called to “Live in such a way that you give proof of God’s Presence.” [St. Francis de Sales].

 

 

As we celebrate the Trinity may we chose to live not like the Ducks but like the Apostles giving witness to God’s Presence by our lives. For a few minutes think about you will soar in the Faith rather than waddle in it.

 

May God Be Praised!

N.B. To all the fathers in heaven and on earth, thank you and the assurance of our prayers today and everyday.