Hold Onto Your Hope

 

  The Solemnity of the Most Holy Trinity

12 June 2022 

 

First Reading: PRV 8:22-31

Responsorial Psalm: PS 8:4-5, 6-7, 8-9

Second Reading: ROM 5:1-5

Gospel: JN 16:12-15

 

Reflection

By: Fely Santiago

 

"Affliction produces endurance, and endurance, proven character, and proven character, hope, and hope does not disappoint."

Pope Francis said this last year on Trinity Sunday:

"Today is the Sunday of the Most Holy Trinity. The light of Eastertide and of Pentecost renews in us every year the joy and amazement of faith: let us recognize that God is not something vague, our God is not a God "spray," he is tangible; he is not abstract but has a name: "God is love". His is not a sentimental, emotional kind of love but the love of the Father who is the origin of all life, the love of the Son who dies on the Cross and is raised, the love of the Spirit who renews human beings and the world. Thinking that God is love does us so much good, because it teaches us to love, to give ourselves to others as Jesus gave himself to us and walks with us. Jesus walks beside us on the road through life." We can celebrate this great solemnity, not by thinking about or arguing about concepts on how the Trinity works, but by opening our hearts to a deeper relationship with our God, who is love. We can have a relationship with each of the Persons in the Trinity. Certainly the God who made us can fill us with grateful love. All of creation can give glory to God for the wonders which surround us. As we reflect on the gift of life itself, we may be tempted to feel overwhelmed with life's struggles.

While many are rejoicing, many are still hurting up to this time one month after the election. We are still in the midst of the pandemic. There's also war in Ukraine. So many uncertainties. Many are suffering, afflicted, depressed with what's going on in their lives. Personally, I just came from a medical crisis in the family. I sometimes feel it's just too much. Lord can I still carry on? Where is the Holy Trinity?

Hey can we pause for a while and be present for the moment? Are you alive? Are you breathing? No matter how great the storm may be, there is hope. And in today's Second Reading, it assures us that, "affliction produces endurance, and endurance, proven character, and proven character, hope, and hope does not disappoint."

Start writing down the things that you are thankful for and you will be surprise! Start it right now. Thank God for a new life every morning, for the sunshine, for the rain, for the trees, for the flowers, the plants, the mountains, the sea, your eyes to, your ears to hear, there is food on the table, you still have your feet to walk, you have friends, you can still meet the people online, the gift of technology, you can connect and browse the internet, you have your phone, the comfort of your bed, the air conditioner, the electric fan, your kitchen, your home, and on and on. How many were you able to list down?

Yes, we may be filled with dark clouds but the Holy Trinity is here, our Abba Father, our Lord Jesus and our advocate the Holy Spirit. Let us keep the faith and hope in the Trinity. Let us thank Him for His continued presence and unconditional love. Stay in faith. The Trinity is our only refuge at this time of the afflictions, trials, and sufferings, and for that we should already give thanks. We pray for the big things and forget to give thanks for the ordinary, small (and yet really not small) gifts. We strive for the grand spiritual adventure, which we haven't had, and neglect the many gifts from God that we do have. Let us be satisfied with the small measure of spiritual knowledge, experience, and love that has been given us.

Hope never fails.

Prayer

Lord Jesus, for whatever life may bring, I say THANK YOU! Give me the grace of a grateful heart all the time. Cause when there is gratitude and humility, there is peace. Thank You for everything You have given me Lord including the gift of life that I sometimes take for granted. All this I pray in Jesus' Name, Amen.