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“The Spirit of truth … will take from what is mine and declare it to you.”

Jesus says in today’s Gospel that the Spirit declares something to us. Sharing in the blessed life of the Holy Trinity, we have the opportunity for an intimate relationship of the truth that is Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. Truth exists, it comes from God, and that we can know it, hear it, and live according to it.

The very idea of truth has become a touchy subject in our era. Because there is so much focus on tolerance and not offending anyone, we tend to shy away from discussions about “absolute” truth. Instead, we hear a lot of talk about “what’s true for me” or “what’s true for you.” But the truth does not change. Either Jesus is God, or he isn’t. Either his claims were true, or they weren’t. The Holy Spirit helps to convince us of what is right. But we needn’t fear that this will lead us to be intolerant. It is this same Spirit within us that brings the fruits of love, peace, patience, kindness, and generosity. We immerse ourselves in the mystery of the Holy Trinity so we may know what is true.

THE FIRST HYMN PROJECT – A new documentary released around Easter time tracks the attempts of historians and musicians to resurrect an ancient Christian hymn and give it back to the world. P.Oxy 1786 is a scrap of parchment uncovered in the ruins of the Egyptian city of Oxyrhynchus. Specialists discovered the document contained not just the words of the oldest Christian hymn ever to be found, but the music as well. For the first time, the world could not only know what these ancient believers were singing about, but they could also hear what they sounded like.

What I find particularly interesting is that the hymn written 100 years prior to the Council of Nicaea praises the Holy Trinity, Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. It was at this council that what we now know as the Nicene Creed was promulgated as a doctrinal statement of what we believe. It is important to understand, therefore, that the Christian belief in the Holy Trinity was being articulated in its earliest days and, therefore, predates any divisions, schisms or creations of other denominations. Our Trinitarian belief is a point of unity for us with other Christian churches and communities; we continue to pray that the Holy Trinity may continue to cause real unity in the Body of Christ.

“The First Hymn” documentary tracks this ancient hymn’s journey from its desert origins to the efforts of contemporary Christian music composers Chris Tomlin and Ben Fielding to transform the ancient melody into a contemporary worship piece, culminating in a live concert performance. You can view the documentary and listen to the contemporary rendition of the hymn at https://www.thefirsthymnmovie.com.

As we celebrate the Solemnity of the Holy Trinity this weekend, let us pray for a unity in truth, a unity with those who preceded us in faith, a unity with those to whom we will pass on faith, a unity with all those who profess Christ today and a unity with Father, Son and Holy Spirit.

HAPPY FATHER’S DAY – Today we honor the men who lead their families as husbands and fathers. Through the intercession of St. Joseph, we pray today for all who live the vocation of fatherhood. We ask for the Lord’s blessing upon them, granting them the courage and commitment they need to lead their families in faith.

CORPUS CHRISTI PROCESSION – Next Sunday, we celebrate the Feast of the Body and Blood of the Lord.  As we have done in past years, we will conclude the 10:00 am mass with a Eucharistic Procession around the church. We encourage children who have received their First Holy Communion this year to dress in their First Communion attire and help to lead the procession.

CELEBRATING FR. ALLAN – As I announced a few weeks ago, Fr. Allan will begin a new assignment at the end of this month and will be moving to St. Francis of Assisi in Greenlawn. His final Sunday Mass with us will be at 12:00 pm next Sunday, June 22.  A farewell reception will follow. Please mark your calendar and plan to join us.

CAMPS ‘R’ US – As I wrote last week, we are excited to welcome Camps ‘R’ Us to its inaugural summer season at St. Rose. Camps ‘R’ Us is an affordable neighborhood summer day camp dedicated to supporting families throughout the summer months. Located at 10 Catholic Parishes and schools, the camp offers sports, arts & crafts, gaming, field trips and more. Enrollment for this first season at St. Rose has already exceeded expectations and we are happy to say there is still room for more. Camps ‘R’ Us also offers employment opportunities for teachers, college and graduate students studying and/or working in early childhood, secondary or physical education. They also employ high school and college students. Please go to https://www.campsrus.org/ for more information on enrollment and job opportunities.

Peace,