Living the Presence of the Trinity

In the rich tradition of Celtic Christianity, the mystery of the Trinity was not a theological puzzle to be solved but a sacred presence to be lived. The Celts sensed God not as a solitary monarch in the sky, but as a circle of eternal relationship—Father, Son, and Holy Spirit—bound together in the dance of divine love. John O’Donohue writes that the Trinity reveals the “secret symmetry” at the heart of all creation, a unity of threeness that breathes harmony into the human soul and the natural world alike. To walk with the Trinity is to move in rhythm with that sacred harmony. They prayed often: “God be in my head, God be in my heart, God be in my soul. Three in One, One in Three.”

On this Most Holy Trinity Sunday, we are invited to gaze into the mystery of God as Father, Son, and Spirit—not in abstraction, but in relationship. Jesus says in today’s Gospel (John 16:12–15) that the Spirit of Truth will come to us, guiding us into all truth. This Spirit will not speak on his own but will declare what he hears from the Father and glorify the Son. The Spirit, then, is the presence of God alive and moving among us—always drawing us back to the love shared between Father and Son.

 

As we mark Father’s Day this weekend, we give thanks for the father figures in our lives. We also remember that God the Father was always present in Jesus’ life—at his baptism, on the mountaintop, and even in the silence of the Cross. That steadfast presence is what every father hopes to give—a presence that blesses, sustains, and loves.

 

We glimpsed that divine heartbeat powerfully last weekend at the Diocesan Youth Retreat in Lake Tahoe. With over 300 high school students and 100 youth leaders, the mountain was alive with the Spirit of Truth. The theme—GPT: God’s Presence Transforms—was not just a slogan; it was a lived reality. It was moving to see so many of our young people on fire with the Holy Spirit, praying, worshiping, sharing, and growing together in faith.

 

I was deeply encouraged to see our Church in good hands with these young disciples and the amazing youth leaders who guided them. Bishop Cantú was present for most of the week, personally engaging with the youth, and 16 priests came up on Wednesday night to hear confessions—a powerful sign that the Spirit is clearly stirring in our diocese. The pastoral plan for renewal is already in motion, and it is clear: we must commit to forming our youth and young adults and nurturing their spirituality with passion and purpose. May the Spirit flow!

Speaking of presence, I experienced a beautiful presence again at our own St. Simon eighth-grade graduation last weekend. These young men and women have grown remarkably, and it was beautiful to witness their transformation. What truly touched me was a moment I’ll never forget: the entire eighth grade stood up and sang a heartfelt song to their parents, then handed each parent a personal letter of gratitude. I’ve never witnessed something so simple and yet so profound. That is what it means to live the presence of God—through gratitude, music, and love.

 

On Friday, the students from our parish school had their last school Mass for the year and showed their gratitude for Fr. Chris and blessed him. Fr. Chris is someone who has lived God’s presence among us for the past six years. He has been a faithful companion in our parish, a joyful priest, and a brother in ministry. Next weekend on June 21st & 22nd, we will show him our gratitude and farewell him at all Masses. He will also speak briefly about his home diocese, the Archdiocese of Abuja in Nigeria, and we will take up a second collection in support of that vibrant and growing Church. Please join us to wish him well, we gather after all Masses with wine & cheese after the 5pm Masses and donuts & coffee after the morning masses. We have set-up an online card for messages (link in the ebulletin).

 

As we celebrate the Trinity this Sunday, may we remember that God is not a distant observer but a living communion of love. The Father gives. The Son receives and returns. The Spirit speaks—and transforms. The Spirit of Truth is among us, speaking through every act of love, every moment of gratitude, and every breath of prayer. May we live that presence boldly, gratefully, and joyfully. Happy Father’s Day to all the fathers and enjoy this beautiful poem written by Christine Moore here

God Bless,

Fr. Brendan