Mercy Meditation for Trinity Sunday
… we even boast of our
afflictions, knowing that affliction produces endurance, and endurance, proven
character, and proven character, hope, and hope does not disappoint, because
the love of God has been poured out into our hearts through the Holy Spirit that
has been given to us.
Today’s second reading from Paul’s letter to the Romans
seems out of place for Trinity Sunday. Just when we want to focus on the beautiful
mystery of three divine persons in one God, here’s Paul saying we should boast
of our afflictions because somehow they produce endurance, character, and hope,
which shows us the love of God poured out through the Holy Spirit.
Really, Paul? We should be glad about our afflictions because
they show us the love of God? But isn’t love all about joy, and the Holy Spirit
about inspiration? Afflictions are not exactly what come to mind as a way to
show love; but then again, God’s ways are not our ways.
A story is told of Carmelite reformer St. Teresa of Avila getting
stuck in a muddy ditch while traveling by wagon to start up a new monastery.
She reportedly snapped at God, saying, “If this is how you treat your friends,
it’s no wonder you have so few of them!” Many of us can relate to that
complaint. Just when we are trying to do God’s work, obstacles appear, and
suffering and adversity come our way. But, remember, Jesus did not call us to
the easy path, but to the cross.
When we accept the cross of the Son with joy, the Father’s merciful
love will pour out into the world through the Holy Spirit. And suddenly Paul’s
words make sense for Trinity Sunday, because that is the Trinity in action.
"And I saw the
river over which every soul must pass to reach the kingdom of Heaven. And the
name of that river was suffering. And I saw the boat which carries souls across
the river. And the name of that boat was Love." ~ St. John of the Cross
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