John 3:16: 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.

Dear Parishioners and Friends,

In this age of texting, may I recommend the above passage from St. John that begins the gospel for this Sunday’s Mass.?  Just text “BTW John 3:16.”  I am convinced that this short text can go a long way in offering encouragement, consolation, and joy to all the people in our lives.  We Christians need to be grounded in what matters most.  We need to be grounded in God, who revealed Himself as Father, Son, and Holy Spirit.  We need to be aware that Jesus, by the power of the Holy Spirit, always stands ready to lead us to His loving Father.  Of this, we are certain.  Here is the Truth that never changes thus never disappoints and remains absolute for all time.  On this Sunday, we reaffirm our faith in the Most Blessed Trinity.  There is one God, but three Divine persons.  This is the greatest Truth revealed to us about God, thus at the heart of our Christian faith.
 
Though gradually revealed to us by God Himself from the beginning, it took several centuries before the Catholic Church, under the guidance of the Holy Spirit, would clarify the dogma on the Blessed Trinity.  In the first centuries, there were many heresies.  This is a period well worth studying so as to keep ahead of current attacks on this most important dogma that have revisited us in recent years  In our worship we profess two ancient creeds that basically sum up our belief:  the Apostles’ Creed and the Nicene Creed.   Usually, we use the Nicene Creed at Mass.  It is a venerable tradition to pray the Apostles’ Creed daily. These words should be on our lips and in our hearts.  Memorize them!
 
In his fine book  Introduction to Christianity Cardinal Joseph Ratzinger, Pope Benedict XVI, offers an important insight into understanding the Holy Trinity.  He suggests that we see the three persons as existing in unity (one God), where each is in a dynamic relationship with each other that ultimately draws us in.  In other words, the teaching on the Blessed Trinity is not some dry mathematical formula.  The Blessed Trinity is about the highest relationship of love.  The Father and Son love each other perfectly and that love is reflected perfectly in the Holy Spirit.  And you and I are invited to join in.  The Holy Spirit loves us into the love of the Father and the Son.  That is the greatest privilege that we own through Baptism by faith and by grace.  We are God’s beloved children.
 
Let us keep in touch with the God of perfect love, and reach out to others in love during these difficult days that we are living through. BTW John 3:16!
 
Yours in the Immaculate Heart of Mary,
Fr. Mark G. Mazza, Pastor