READ
JN 3:16-18
God so loved the world that he gave his only Son, so that everyone who believes in him might not perish but might have eternal life. For God did not send his Son into the world to condemn the world,
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UNDERSTAND
by Father Greg Friedman, OFM
As a friar it sometimes happens that when I’ve planned a trip by car another member of my community asks to ride along. I confess it makes me stop and think: Do I want to spend hours in the car with that person? Traveling with another person means forming a relationship or building on one.
In today’s first reading, Moses asks God to “come along in our company”—to travel with the Israelites to the Promised Land. Moses admits they are “stiff-necked”—perhaps not the best traveling companions. But in reality it’s God who’s invited Israel on this trip. And God will supply what’s needed to get them to their destination. Their relationship with God will be life-giving.
Today on Trinity Sunday we celebrate a divine relationship—Father, Son and Holy Spirit—three divine persons, one God. Understanding how that relationship works may be more than we can comprehend. But understanding what that relationship means is essential.
Through the Trinity we have strength to live in relationship to one another. As today’s second reading says: We’re to encourage one another and live in peace—and the God of love and peace will, in effect, “come along in our company.” Such a relationship is God’s plan for us. The Gospel tells us that in what is perhaps the New Testament’s most famous quote, John 3:16—God so loved the world that he gave his only Son.
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DISCUSS
by Father Dan Kroger, OFM
• In the first reading (Ex 34:4b-6, 8-9), we hear about Moses climbing up Mount Sinai with two stone tablets. There the Lord came down in a cloud and spoke with Moses. What did the Lord say to Moses?
What did Moses do when the Lord came down in the cloud?
What did Moses ask God to do?
• According to the second reading (2Cor 13:11-13), what does Paul tell the folks in Corinth to do?
At the end the letter Paul expresses his hope for them. What are the final words in this reading?
• In the Gospel (Jn 3:16-18), why did God send his only Son into the world?
Did God send him to condemn the world’s people?
What is the promise made to those who come to believe in the Son.
ACT
by Susan Hines-Brigger
• Amidst the current civil unrest and protests in the United States, find concrete ways to spread love to all. One way may be to educate yourself about the experiences of others. Pope Francis often offers words of insight that may inspire discussion and action within your family and with friends.
• What does love look like to you? Write about it or draw a picture to express what it means to you. Love doesn’t often have to resemble romantic love, though it often does. Ask your parents and grandparents about their experience of love in their lives and relationship.
