GRACIOUS AND MERCIFUL IS THE LORD!

Trinity Sunday (A)

June 15, 2014

GRACIOUS AND MERCIFUL IS GOD!

We have all kinds of names for people who are gruff, rough, uncouth and unrefined. It is hard to pin down just what it is that stands out in their obnoxious character, but we simply know that there is something sorely missing. Thus, one who does not know how to close doors, turn off faucets and lights after using, or one who behaves like he is the only person in the whole wide world, unmindful of others’ welfare, comfort and needs is simply ungracious, dense, selfish, self-centered and a whole lot more.

We don’t like such people around. We avoid them. We steer clear of them, and some of them can even literally throw their weight around, and make everybody else’s lives revolve around their own. They can be very well connected, but never attuned; they can also be very much engaged, but never involved. They can very busy, but never really productive. They can even work at cross purposes with others, and by simply being obnoxious, turn off everyone and make them go for the nearest exit, to go as far as possible from such people.

Truth to tell, each one of us could very well fit the mold. As they say, we all have our rough edges, and we all have each of us our ugly side. There are times we are never gracious. There are times we are never merciful. Times there are, too, when, instead of uniting others, we become the cause celebre of division.

Charge all that to original sin. We were born with that “damned spot” in our nature, and graciousness and mercy are two things we need to develop and grow into, by virtue of hard work, God’s grace, and human determination.

God’s grace! … This is what is given to us each day at Mass … the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, coming from God, in communion with the Holy Spirit!

God’s grace! … This is what fellowship, communion and unity all lead to and produce in us.

God’s grace! … This is what we learn in history. This, too, is what we glean in mystery. And this, in the end, is what the eyes of faith will eventually show us – the splendor and majesty of God who is Father, Son, and Holy Spirit.

History is full of what is antithetical to the nature of God. We have always been at loggerheads with each other, not only Cain and Abel, mind you! Two world wars in recent memory have marred our history, not to mention the endless wars fought even – and most especially – by biblical peoples. You don’t have to go too far … I am sure there are those of us who cannot even see eye-to-eye with a neighbor, a sibling, a cousin, an estranged relative, or former ally, friend, or colleague. Even Jacob was ostracized by his brothers!

This same world shows us pretty mysterious signs of contradiction. Government ought to be a government of the people, by the people, and for the people. Last thing I heard is, people don’t count as number one. Money does. Pork barrel does. Fake NGOs do. And don’t talk to me about houses galore abroad, and properties abounding (owned by dummies, why of course!) everywhere where the sun rises and sets.

Many preachers today will speak about the Trinity in mystery … are you ready for this? Theologians have a big word for it – “the nature of the Trinity ad intra!” Never mind if you don’t get it … Let’s try another one … “the nature of the Trinity ad extra!”

Hmm … nice beautiful words. But let’s get down to jejemon language. It only means God, not in Himself, but a God in action, a God for us, before He is a God-in-and-for-Himself … a God in action, rather than a God who sits in the heavens! … A God who acts in history before He is known as a God of mystery!

And this is who God is … A God-in-relation … God who is Father … God who is Son … God who is Holy Spirit. Three persons, one God. This God is not a happy, lonesome Self, all by His lonesome unconnected Self. He is One, yes … in Three Persons. But that is not the important matter. The most important is what Scriptures say very succinctly: “The Lord, the Lord, a merciful and gracious God, slow to anger and rich in kindness and fidelity.”

And this is who God is … a God-in-action … God who who shares Himself in and through grace … a God who reveals Himself as Love and gives of Himself in the same love … a God who is in communion, in fellowship with us His creatures.

I don’t like snobs. (This is why, at times, I also don’t like my snobbish self!) I don’t like people who live their lives like there are no other people to be concerned with (I also hate it when I think only of myself!). I abhor people who bring discord, intrigue, factionalism, polarization and division everywhere they go.

Our gracious God is a God who makes us one. Our gracious God is a God who molds us into community, with Him, and thus form one Church, one Faith, who share in the one baptism and who worship one Lord, one God and Father of all.

Praise and glory be to the Trinity: Father, Son, and Holy Spirit! Gracious and merciful is He!