Saint Anthony of Padua R.C. Church
Beautiful Rocky Point, NY
Love one another as I have loved you.
Faith Sharing for Next Sunday
In preparation for the Solemnity of the Most Holy Trinity, May 26, 2013
First Reading: Proverbs 8:22-31
God and Wisdom play in the creation-event like a loving parent and endearing child.
God is great. We are small. Yet God cares for us nonetheless.
Second Reading: Romans 5:1-5
Our peace rests on this: Jesus breaks the chain of death fastened on our race since Adam.
Gospel: John 16:12-15
Jesus speaks of his Father and the Spirit in an early summation of later church doctrine.
Questions
◆ In today’s First Reading, the wisdom of God speaks to us. What do we learn about the origins of wisdom? Although the verses in today’s reading don’t include it, the Book of Proverbs personifies the wisdom of God as female. (At the beginning of chapter 8, we read “Does not Wisdom call, / and Understanding raise her voice?”) In today’s reading she explains that at creation she functioned as a “craftsman.” How do you understand this description and the relationship between God and wisdom?
◆What do you think Paul means when he says, “we have been justified by faith”? What parts of this reading give you hope and comfort?
◆ In today’s Gospel, Jesus promises the disciples that the Spirit of truth will guide them. What are some of the ways the Spirit of truth is guiding the Church? In what ways do you think the Spirit is an active, transforming agent at work in the liturgy, the Church, and the world?
Activities
◆Reflect on the last three lines of today’s First Reading in which wisdom is described as “playing on the surface of his earth.” Have you ever thought of God as playful? Talk with a friend or write in your journal about ways you see play as an element in God’s creation.
◆Use Psalm 8 in your prayer this week and revel in the wonder of our God. In your imagination, join with the animals on the land, birds of the air, and fishes of the sea in this great hymn of praise. Also, be an advocate for an end to pollution of air, land, and sea.
◆ In books from the library or by searching the Internet, explore the way artists have represented the Most Holy Trinity—Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. What new insights do images offer?
