On the two Sundays after Pentecost we celebrate specific beliefs of our faith: the Trinity and the Body and Blood of Jesus Christ. Last Sunday, we celebrated the dogma of the Trinity: "IN THE NAME OF THE FATHER AND OF THE SON AND OF THE HOLY SPIRIT."
CC 233 / Christians are baptized in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit: not in their names, for there is only one God, the almighty Father, his only Son and the Holy Spirit: the Most Holy Trinity.
CC 234 / The mystery of the Most Holy Trinity is the central mystery of Christian faith and life. It is the mystery of God in himself. It is therefore the source of all the other mysteries of faith, the light that enlightens them. It is the most fundamental and essential teaching in the "hierarchy of the truths of faith". The whole history of salvation is identical with the history of the way and the means by which the one true God, Father, Son and Holy Spirit, reveals himself to men "and reconciles and unites with himself those who turn away from sin."
These are quotes from the Catechism of the Church. Besides being part of the teachings of the Catholic Church, it is also how we pray. Our Eucharist, Mass, is directed to the Father, through the Son and by the power of the Holy Spirit. For me, the shamrock is still the best example of three petals, but still one piece.
Each of us has our own traditions of prayer. Some people pray to the Father, others to the Son or the Holy Spirit and may be some just pray to God. All of these work. What is important is that we pray. Prayer is building a relationship with God and having God as part of our lives. Jesus expressed so often the desire which the Father has for us and Jesus the Son, who was sent to bring us the Father and as we unite ourselves to the Son.
We are so blessed by having received the gift of faith. Treasure that gift and nurture that gift, because we can lose that gift also.
Praise be to God the Father, the Son and the Holy Spirit!
Pastor