How many times in your life have you made the sign of the cross? Every time we enter the church, begin the Mass, begin any prayers, or receive a blessing we say “In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit.” It is our identity. It reminds us that we are in the presence of God. It joins us to millions of other Christians across space and time. It expresses our belief in the Triune God. The three persons in one God enabled God to become incarnate, enabled God to come down upon us in baptism, and enables God to be with us today and every day.
In today’s Gospel passage we are reminded with two words that the disciples are still struggling to accept the miracle of the Resurrection. It says, “they doubted,” but Jesus does not express disappointment or criticism. He gives them the Great Commission, that is, the instruction to go to every nation, baptizing, teaching, and making disciples. Doubt is natural and can always be overcome. The apostles may have felt abandoned, but now Jesus assures them of his presence always. God is still with us and always will be.
On this Trinity Sunday the simple prayer of the sign of the cross reminds us that God is a Father who sees us not as servants but His beloved children. We recall He sent His Son to redeem us, and made the ultimate sacrifice so that we could join his family, members of His body the Church. And finally His Spirit dwells within us. As we are temples of that Holy Spirit. What a powerful and profound little prayer the Sign of the Cross is. And so I close as we do all things, in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. Amen.
Love, Peace, Joy
-Fr. Bob
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