May 31, 2026 – Most Holy Trinity
Reflection by Rev. Leonard N. Peterson
It does not take much time viewing Facebook to see the truth that people are fascinated by other people. Whether it is cute toddlers scolding a puppy that is looking right at them, two senior ladies giving advice on living longer, or a middle-aged man revealing details of his model train hobby, we look or laugh or maybe even cry over what has been revealed—but “we’re there.” Maybe for hours on end, or until someone lets us know it is time for supper.
The same holds true for the less electronic fans of biography and autobiographical books. We just want to know as much as we can about as many people as we can. For many, it is an itch that needs scratching. And Facebook editors, booksellers, and movie makers know all about it and do their best to make the stories interesting and even profitable.
So it is no surprise that we humans who believe in a “Higher Power” wish to know as much as we can about the subject—especially if we’re convinced that such a being is a person with intellect and will, and not just a special ape or calf or some force of nature.
When we come to this particular Sunday on the Church calendar that invites us to focus on the Three Persons of the Blessed Trinity, we know automatically that we have entered into “the realm of the unusual,” to say the least.
The fact that we can even conjecture or discuss anything about so holy a matter as the inner nature of God is a tribute to God’s loving nature in the first place. He knows we can never truly understand it. Our minds are too small. Even when we claim to speak authoritatively about the Holy Trinity, using the names of “Father, Son, and Holy Spirit,” we know we are only using the language given to us by God Himself in the Person of His Son, Jesus Christ.
But just as the gift of human friendship grows richer and deeper the more we know and share experiences with our friend, so it is with this friendship and love we share with God. Yet there is a marvelous difference. As St. John so wonderfully phrased it: “It is not that we have loved God as much as that God has first loved us.” He has told us the truth about Himself in order to be loved in return as far as we are able.
There are no secrets between real human friends. So, it should be in our friendship with God. If any secrets do exist, they are ours. That is what God’s “omniscience” reminds us of: He already knows us completely and still loves us.
Rev. Peterson’s Reading & Gospel Summary
Reading I: Exodus 34; 4b-6, 8-9
Hewing two new stone tablets indicates that the broken Sinai covenant is about to be renewed. The proclamation of God’s name reveals His character, here listed.
Reading II: 2 Corinthians 13: 11-13
Here Paul gives his final greetings and benediction. A “holy kiss” is the equal of today’s friendly handshake.
The Gospel: John 3: 16-18
Jesus’ earthly mission is part of the heavenly Father’s plan. To reject the Son of God is to reject the light of Faith in preference of spiritual darkness.