For God so loved the world that he gave his only Son
John 3:16
Begin with a few moments of quiet.
The intention is to open yourself to the presence of God within you and among those gathered.
Alternatively use this method of entering quiet:
Invite all present to sit comfortably.
When sitting comfortably, take three deep breaths, as you breathe in feel your lungs filling all the way up, when they are full slowly release your breath and feel your lungs emptying out fully. Repeat this three times.
Now return to breathing normally and make the sign of the cross:
In the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit.
Amen
Invite each person present to take a few moments to reflect on:
Where in the past week did I encounter God in my life?
Where in the past week did I inhibit God in my life?
Allow time in quiet for this and then, after a few moments, invite those present to share on this, if they are comfortable to do so.
If you like to have some quiet music playing during this click below.
Introduce the Gospel
As we move beyond the season of Eastertide, we enter into ‘ordinary time’. In these days, we do not know what ordinary is anymore, ordinary will evolve over time. Our Gospel passages will take on a whole new meaning as we move through these ordinary days.
On this Sunday we celebrate the Trinity
The Trinity is not first of all a puzzle, which in principle could be solved, bur rather a mystery, a relationship which is first of all lived, never exhausted and only inadequately spoken of in words.
This is true of any of the significant relationships in our lives and true, therefore, all the more so of God.
Within the mystery of that relationship, we recognise God, from whom we come, in whom we live and move and have our being. We recognise the Son, the way, the truth and the life. We recognise the Spirit, who helps us to pray when we do not know how to pray as we ought.
Read the Gospel – John 3:16-18
Read the Gospel aloud, even if you are on your own.
Jesus said to Nicodemus:
‘God loved the world so much that he gave his only Son,
so that everyone who believes in him may not be lost
but may have eternal life.
For God sent his Son into the world
not to condemn the world,
but so that through him the world might be saved.
No one who believes in him will be condemned;
but whoever refuses to believe is condemned already,
because he has refused to believe in the name of God’s only Son.’
Reflect on the Gospel
Sit quietly now for a few moments and allow the images created by hearing the Gospel to emerge. Use the quietening music again if you wish
Using some or all of the following questions, today and or on different occasions over the coming week reflect on this Gospel passage.
- Jesus speaks of himself being lifted up, a term that can mean a physical lifting, or also exaltation. By this play on words the evangelist, John, explains to us that Jesus’ gift of himself in the passion was a glorious revelation of love, despite all its injustice and brutality.
Bring to mind occasions when the love shown by Jesus in his passion was a sacrament of God’s love for you. - It would be very cushy for us if we could be a source of life to others without cost to ourselves. The true life-givers know that they need the generosity of being lifted up by giving their lives so that others may have life.
Recall when you have had that generosity and give thanks for others who have been like that for you. - We receive life from God when our faith enables us to trust in God’s love for us. We give life to one another when the love between us is trustworthy.
Recall memories of that kind of trustworthy love. For whom have you been able to be a ‘Jesus person’ and give a love that another could trust? Who has shown that kind of love to you and been for you a sacrament of God’s love? - People loved darkness rather than light…so that their deeds may not be exposed. Judgment and condemnation are very inhibiting forces and we easily slip into them. Occasionally we meet someone who is non-judgmental, who does not come into the world to condemn the world but in order that the world might be saved.
What has it been like for you when you met a non-judgmental person? What has it been like for you, and for other people, when you have been able to adopt a non-judgmental approach to them?
Finish this part with a Prayer
Merciful and gracious Father, you showed the fullness of your love when you gave your only Son for our salvation and sent down upon us the power of your Spirit.
Complete within us the work of your love, that we who have communion in Christ may come to share fully the undying life he lives with you, in the unity of the Holy Spirit, God for ever and ever. Amen.
Prayer of the Faithful
In the Mass, the prayer of the faithful are the people’s response to their reflection on the Scripture readings. The following have been prepared by parishioners for our Masses on this weekend.
On this Trinity day, when we celebrate the relationship of love that is God, we turn to You, our God, in renewing our commitment to bringing your Good News to reality by how we live in relationship.
For the Church
we pray that we may all come together in one Spirit, joyfully accepting our diversity, seeking to live our lives within the love and harmony of the spiritual community which is the one God. Lord hear us
For our political leaders
that in these difficult times they may have the courage to compromise on their differences and agree on a program for government which is both wise and just.
Lord hear us
For those leaving school this year
Now that the uncertainty surrounding the Leaving Certificate has been resolved we pray that they will relax and enjoy the summer. We also pray that they will look forward in hope to taking the next step in their lives. Lord hear us
For those who are sick
we pray that they are filled with the grace of God and that they have the strength to make a good recovery. We thank all who care for them and we pray that they are also kept safe. Lord hear us
O merciful Lord we pray that You give each one of us the strength to contribute to putting this world in order. Help us accept that all are called to eternal life. Help us to live in peace with our differences and our diversity. Lord hear us
For your own intentions: name those intentions you specifically want to mention
Lord hear us
For all who have died ………. name those people you specifically want to remember
Lord hear us
We pray: The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, the love of God and the fellowship of the Holy Spirit be upon us all. Amen.
Close the time of Prayer with the Our Father
Our Father, who art in heaven,
hallowed be thy name;
thy kingdom come,
thy will be done
on earth as it is in heaven.
Give us this day our daily bread,
and forgive us our trespasses,
as we forgive those who trespass against us;
and lead us not into temptation,
but deliver us from evil.
Take a moment now to bring to mind those you want to share peace with, family, friends, those where your relationship is broken.
Deliver us, Lord, we pray, from every evil,
graciously grant peace in our days,
that, by the help of your mercy,
we may be always free from sin
and safe from all distress,
as we await the blessed hope
and the coming of our Saviour, Jesus Christ. Amen
Additional Resources
Fr. Kieran O’Mahony offers a scriptural analysis on the Readings in Written or on Video.
An short exploration of the Trinity by Fr. Richard Rohr OFM:
And over the week, you might like to sit with the following image in prayer.
Breaking Open the Word in Prayer 