There are certainly more suitable readings for this weekend’s Trinity Sunday where all three persons are mentioned. But on second reading of the Gospel, particularly the opening line “For God so loved the world that he gave his only Son” there is certainly something to think about and ponder over.

In these few words from John’s Gospel they reveal that God’s very nature is love. Love is directed outwards to the other. It always involve another person or persons. When all involved think the same, respond in the same way there is perfect communion. We can only say this about God because God serves as the perfect model of love. Love binds one together yet it is also totally voluntary and free. We hear at Mass the words of greeting, “The grace of our Lord, Jesus Christ, the love of God and the communion of the Holy Spirit be with you all” and at the elevation of the Body and Blood after consecration of hosts and wine, “Through him and with him and in him, O God almighty Father in the unity of the Holy Spirit…”. The Holy Spirit is the builder and binder of relationships.

God’s intention is to draw us into this communion by offering us love. An offer does not always guarantee acceptance and so even the almighty makes himself open to rejection. Yes, love is risky business yet so worthwhile. From our first reading from Exodus, God’s beloved people, the Israelites turned their backs by making a golden calf, a sign of great betrayal and rejection. Moses petitioned to God with the belief that divine love goes deeper than any human error, “Lord, Lord, a God of tenderness and compassion, slow to anger, rich in kindness and faithfulness”. This gives us an insight into the dynamism of love between the persons of the Trinity held together by this strong bond rooted in forgiveness, mercy and tenderness. The golden calf represents humanity’s attempt to make God into their own image which leads to division, separation and disappointment. By accepting and orienting ourselves in God’s likeness, which is unity and community, we may grow and flourish.

By Fr Hoang Dinh