Knowing and Experiencing the Love of God

Sunday, May 22, 2005
The Holy Trinity
Exodus 34:4-6,8-9
(Psalm) Daniel 3:52-56
2 Corinthians 13:11-13
John 3:16-18

Click here for the Readings

“God so loved the world that he gave . . .” (John 3:16)

Let’s stop right there. Sometimes these words can become too familiar and they roll by on the page without eliciting any new thought. But the greatest mystery of the universe is that God gave—and he gave and he gave some more. In fact, he gave everything so that we could be with him. That’s how much he loves us!

This is the real mystery that we celebrate today. This is a day to rejoice in the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit who love us! It’s a day to rejoice in the very personal love that God has for each one of us—a love that will never abandon us. God has held nothing back. He invites us, weak and sinful human beings, to share completely in his divine life. And he has moved heaven and earth to make it possible! What an amazing lover and a most generous giver!

John’s Gospel tells us that God has given us the Holy Spirit to guide us into all truth by revealing the mysteries of the gospel to our hearts. The Holy Spirit takes what he hears from the Father and the Son and reveals it to us in a personal, life-giving way (John 16:12-15). And this is not just a passing on of information. The Spirit works in such a way as to bring us into an experience of the Trinity. His revelation always lifts our hearts, fills us with joy, and gives us confidence that we are God’s beloved children.

At Mass today, ask for a deeper revelation of the Trinity, a revelation of the love that gave everything so that we could be with him. Expect God to fill you with his divine life and give you a deeper taste of his love.

“Thank you, heavenly Father, beloved Lord Jesus, and gracious Holy Spirit, for your amazing love. How incredible that you would give so much just for us. We praise you for revealing yourself to us and for filling us with your grace. Lord, we praise and glorify you!”

Questions for Reflection/Discussion by Catholic Men

1. In the first reading, God describes himself as “merciful and gracious,” and “slow to anger and rich in kindness and fidelity.” If this is the way that God treats you, out of gratitude to him, with whom specifically do you think that God wants you to treat in a similar manner?
2. In the same reading, Moses describes the people as “stiff-necked.” In what ways are you resisting God’s plans for your life?
3. In the Responsorial Psalm from the book of Daniel, we hear these words of blessing and praise to God from Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego -- after they were thrown into the fiery furnace on orders from King Nebuchadnezzar. What are the things that God has done in your life that make him worthy of your blessing and praise?
4. Paul encourages us in the letter to the Corinthians to “encourage one another.” How can you better reach out to the men in your fellowship group in order to provide deeper support and friendship? What about you - what are some of the things that keep you from asking a brother for help?
5. Paul also tells us to “live in peace.” Where does the stress in your life come from? How do you think God want you to deal with it so that you would experience greater peace?
6. We are all familiar with John 3:16. Jesus came not to condemn the world but to save it. He reached out in love to each one of us in order to reconcile us to his Father. Who are the people in your life with whom you must still be reconciled? If reconciliation requires you to forgive those who have hurt you or wronged you, are you willing to do this out of gratitude for the forgiveness and love you have received from God? Why or why not?
7. Today’s meditation asked us to seek a deeper revelation of the Trinity, and to expect God to give us a deeper taste of his love. What practical steps can you take to open yourself to that deeper revelation and taste of God’s love? Do you think the forgiveness (or unforgiveness), mentioned in the previous question, has a part to play in this?