Study and Meditations on this Sunday's Scripture Readings: June 19, 2011

[Fidelis]

From The Word Among Us devotional magazine:

The Holy Trinity
*
“God so loved the world that he gave …” *(John 3:16)

Let’s stop right there. Sometimes these words can become so familiar that 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!

John 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 or Group Discussion

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, then why is it important for us to treat others in the same way?

1. In the Responsorial Psalm from the book of Daniel, we hear 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?

1. Paul encourages us in the letter to the Corinthians to “encourage one another.” How can you better reach out to others in order to provide deeper support and friendship? What about you - what are some of the things that keep you from asking a brother or sister in Christ for help?

1. Paul also tells us to “live in peace.” What are the stress areas in your life that cause you to lose your peace? How do you think God want you to deal with these areas so that you would experience greater peace?

1. We are all familiar with John 3:16 from the Gospel reading. 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? What would be the next step for you in this reconciliation after forgiveness?

1. The meditation asks us to seek a deeper revelation and experience of the Trinity, including a deeper experience of his love. What practical steps can you take to open yourself to that deeper revelation and experience of God’s love? Do you think the forgiveness (or unforgiveness), mentioned in the previous question, has a part to play in this?

1. Take some time now to pray that you would experience a deeper revelation and a deeper experience of God’s love for you. Use the prayer at the end of the meditation as the starting point.

 

[Fidelis]

Other resources on the Sunday Scripture readings:

Catholic Caucus: Sunday Mass Readings, 06-19-11, Solemnity, Most Holy Trinity
(Free Republic)
freerepublic.com/focus/f-religion/2736768/posts

Have a blessed week everyone.

 

[kelvinf]

Hi Fidelis,

thanks for the resources. Have you ever thought of creating a perpertual Sunday’s Scripture Readings Study and Meditations thread?

I came looking for you on last Saturday but I didn’t find you. With a perpertual thread, once you start posting (be it Friday, Saturday or Sunday), all those subscribed to the thread will immediately be notified via email. As such, we can start following immediately as you start posting (whenever it may be.)

Just a suggestion.

Grace to you and peace from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ.

 

[Fidelis]

Hi Fidelis,

thanks for the resources. Have you ever thought of creating a perpertual Sunday’s Scripture Readings Study and Meditations thread?

I came looking for you on last Saturday but I didn’t find you. With a perpertual thread, once you start posting (be it Friday, Saturday or Sunday), all those subscribed to the thread will immediately be notified via email. As such, we can start following immediately as you start posting (whenever it may be.)

Just a suggestion.

Grace to you and peace from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ.

I didn’t know I could do that, kelvinf, but it sounds like something that might be helpful in posting these threads. I’ll look into it, and if it works for this thread, I’ll give it a try. Thanks for the tip!