Sunday Inbox Inspiration: June 4, 2023: Trinity Sunday, June 4, Cycle A

 Sunday Inbox Inspirations 

 Trinity Sunday 

 Cycle A

June 4, 2023

 

Spiritual Genetic Code

 

I don’t often watch TV crime shows, but I know that we sometimes see perpetrators identified by their DNA that is left at the crime scene.  

 

I think that our police in real-life solve some cases in this way. As we know, DNA is our genetic code.  

 

It is the genetic instruction that identifies us as human beings and as unique, individual persons. I got thinking about this as I reflected on today’s celebration of the Holy Trinity.  

 

We believe that we are made in the image and likeness of God. So, I am thinking that we must also have kind of a spiritual DNA.

 

In other words, God must have implanted within us certain elements that make us like him. And that means that these elements are indicators or even evidence of God as Father, Son, and Holy Spirit.

 

God the Father

 

For example, isn’t it true that in some way we want to give life to something or someone other than ourselves? 

 

Last Sunday we had a baptism of a baby at the 11 o’clock Mass, and you could just see that mother and father bursting with joy at the new life they have brought into the world. Don’t all of us want to give life to someone, maybe to a person who feels very down and lifeless?

 

Don’t many of us enjoy seeing seeds or little plants sprout into life with veggies or flowers in our gardens? Don’t auto mechanics feel a sense of accomplishment by bringing a broken-down engine back to life for the owners of the car? 

 

My point is that we have this hunger to give life in some way. I suggest that this is part of our spiritual genetic code.

 

And I believe that this hunger for giving life is an indicator of the One who is the author or creator of all life. It is evidence of God the Father.

 

God the Son

 

And then, isn’t it true that we all want to be loved and to love?

 

For example, don’t we look for affirmation from those who are close to us? And, on the other hand, don’t we feel good when we have helped someone in need or given a gift to someone special?

 

The idea is that within us there is this hunger to love and to be loved. I suggest that this is also part of our spiritual genetic code.

 

This is why the words in today’s gospel really get our attention: “God so loved the world that he gave his only Son…” And in another passage, the Scripture goes so far as to say: “God is love” itself.

 

So, I believe that our hunger to love and to be loved is also an indicator of God. It is evidence of God the Son.  

 

God the Holy Spirit

 

And finally, isn’t it true that we often want to be with others?

 

If a husband and wife are apart because one of them is travelling, don’t they try to be “with” each other through a text or phone call? When we go to an O’s game, don’t we usually invite someone to go with us?

 

Don’t we keep photos around the house of our loved ones? Don’t we enjoy sharing a nice dinner with others?

 

The idea is that deep down within us there is this hunger for relationship. I suggest that this is also part of our spiritual genetic code.

 

And I believe that this hunger to be with others is an indicator of God within us and drawing us to relationship. It is evidence of God the Holy Spirit.

 

Conclusion

 

So, maybe this can be a way of approaching the Holy Trinity!

 

Maybe we have a spiritual genetic code, something like our physical genetic code. And maybe these deep down, built-in hungers 1) for giving life, 2) for loving and being loved, and 3) for relationship with others – maybe these hungers are indicators and even evidence of God – God the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit.

 

 

Fr. Michael Schleupner