Triple A

Some years ago, I celebrated the fiesta Mass in the parish of The Most Holy Trinity in Batangas City. As I started my homily, I looked up and saw three doves perched on one of the beams of the roof. I asked everyone to look up, and immediately, spontaneous applause came from the whole congregation! It was a clear reminder of the presence of the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit in our midst.

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Today is the Solemnity of the Most Holy Trinity. Three persons in one God! But more than the mystery of the Trinity let us focus on the indwelling love within the Trinity, the overflowing love of the Trinity for you and for me. Yes, we are united with the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit.

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In today’s Gospel (John 3:16 – 16-18), we hear the most important line in the Holy Bible: “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.” It is so consoling to know that we are loved and that we are participants in God’s loving will and plan.

“For God did not send His Son into the world to condemn the world, but that the world might be saved through Him.” So consoling and so life-giving this good news of God’s love, mercy, and compassion. May we not forget that we were saved with much suffering and sacrifice of our Lord Jesus Christ. May we not be indifferent, cold, and ungrateful to God’s tremendous love for us.

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All too often, we take for granted or even forget God’s presence in our daily lives. Sharing with you my “TRIPLE A” prayer, so that we can recharge when we are “low bat,” and refocus on God’s presence at different times during the day.

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ACKNOWLEDGE GOD’S PRESENCE: Take time off from whatever you are doing, and pray slowly “Father, you are here; Jesus, you are here; Mama Mary, you are here; Saints and Martyrs, you are here; Guardian Angel, you are here.”

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ACCEPT GOD’S PRESENCE: Pray slowly “Father, bless me; Jesus, forgive me; Holy Spirit, enlighten me; Mama Mary, embrace me; Saints and Martyrs, intercede for me; Guardian Angel, protect me.”

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ABIDE IN GOD’S PRESENCE: Slowly pray “Father, stay with me; Jesus, stay with me; Holy Spirit, stay with me; Mama Mary, stay with me; Saints and Martyrs, stay with me; Guardian Angel, stay with me.”

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Try this “TRIPLE A” prayer, at different times of the day so that you can be connected with the Trinity. The awareness of God’s presence should remind us to be patient, to be kind, to be hopeful, to be helpful, and to be joyful in whatever circumstances we experience. The acknowledgment, the acceptance, the abiding in God’s presence can help us to see the “big picture,” and remind us of our participation in God’s master plan.

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June is the month of the Sacred Heart. May our hearts be more and more like the Sacred Heart. Let us pray that our hearts become more humble, more prayerful, more generous, more loving and kind.

Let us also empty our hearts of hatred, selfishness, and pride.

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Think about this: “Measure your life not so much by the possessions you have, but by the hearts you have touched, by the smiles you have created, and by the love you have shared.”

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A moment with the Lord.

Lord, help us to acknowledge, accept, and abide in your presence every day. Amen.

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