The Solemnity Most Holy Trinity

Proverbs 15:1: A gentle answer turns away wrath, but a harsh word stirs up anger.

Prayer …

Heavenly Father, help us more cautiously guard our speech from things you despise, especially chat (gossip), slander, and innuendo. Thank you. In Infant Jesus' name and by His grace we pray. Amen.

Today's Readings (June 03, 2012)

The Solemnity of the Most Holy Trinity First Reading: Jude 17, 20b-25 Responsorial Psalm: Psalm 33:4-5, 6, 9, 18-19, 20, 22 Second Reading: Jude 17, 20b-25 Gospel: Matthew 28:16-20 Colour: White Lectionary: 165

Short Reflection on Today's Gospel (Matthew 28:16-20)

Jesus knew earlier that one of his own disciples would be disloyal to him. Such knowledge could have effortlessly led Jesus to distance himself from such a person and to protect himself from harm's way. Instead, Jesus expresses his love, friendliness, and loyalty to those who were his own, even to the one he knew would "bash him in the back" when he got the chance. Jesus used a reference from Psalm 4:9 which describes an act of betrayal by one's closest friend. In the culture of Jesus' day, to eat bread with someone was a sign of friendship and trust. Jesus expands such friendship to Judas right at the instant when Judas is conspiring to hand over his master. The expression lift his heel beside me reinforces the brute nature of this act of cruel rejection.