livingtheword

Download Trinity Sunday Yr B

Reflection Questions

1. Easter concludes with 50 days and the celebration of Pentecost. The Feast of the Trinity and the Feast of Corpus Christi are the Sunday experiences before us. Yet what we celebrate and believe is far from ‘ordinary’. Moses speaks to the people and us: can your imagination comprehend how great it is that God has personally ‘spoken’ to us in the fire on the mountain of Sinai. God personally fought for us and rescued us out of Egypt where we were mistreated. Can you recognise and see with ‘your very eyes’ things God has done for you? What experience do you need to treasure more deeply?
2. This Trinity was first of all an experience of disciples before it became a theological teaching. ‘God does not prove himself, he shows himself’. Jesus is the Messiah sent by the Father. His life and words reveals the Fathers love and Mercy. The Spirit is the first gift into our hearts. Imagine the whole experience of being ‘adopted’. The parents doing it and the child receiving it. The child will need help to cry out ‘Abba’ – Daddy. Do you experience this relationship? ‘You did not receive a spirit of slavery to fall back into fear’. What do these words mean for you?
3. The most significant events in the Gospel of Matthew happen on Mountains. It symbolises being very close to God and consequently the events taking place have the full authority and power of God. It is almost humourous that the disciples bow down in worship but are also doubting. Some texts have ‘but some doubted’. Jesus’ response is to approach them! And even in the midst of doubt he sends them into the world with a job / mission. Imagine yourself in this scene. Do you bow, kneel, stand, doubt, hunger, question, fear, run, watch….? What do you wish to say to Jesus as he ‘sends you out’?
4. Knowing and using a person’s name symbolises a relationship and knowledge of the person. Using a persons name attracts and turns the persons attention toward you. Reflect on using the name of someone who loves you. What is the experience of calling their ‘name’? Imaginatively enter this experience speaking to each person of the Trinity. Abba – Father. Jesus – Son. Holy Spirit. Can you glimpse a personal relationship and knowledge of each?
5. Within the mystery of God’s nature we enter a mystery that love is not alone – but a relationship of 3. Consider the ancient icon of the Trinity opposite. There is an empty space at the table for you to ‘pull up your chair’ at prayer and at the Eucharistic table. What do you notice as you spend time in prayer with this icon?
6. Jesus gives clear – and challenging – instructions. There is no privileged people, his message is for ‘all nations’. A new rite of Baptism in the name of Father Son and Holy Spirit will mark an acceptance and adoption into the family of God. People need to be taught how to ‘observe’ and live Jesus’ teachings. ‘Go’! Do you have a consciousness of being involved in this ‘great commission’? If people were to be with you, would they glimpse a love-relationship alive and nurtured by a church community? If anyone asked you about your relationship with God what would you share?
7. What is one action that you will do to be ‘livingtheword’ this week?