The Collegeville Dictionary of Spirituality says this about the Trinity. It is as good a starting point as any for this Sunday. The doctrine of the Trinity affirms that is belongs to God's very nature to be committed to humanity and its history, that God's covenant with us is irrevocable, that God's face is immutably turned toward us in love, that God's presence to us is utterly reliable and constant. Trinitarian spirituality is one of solidarity between and among persons. It is a way of living the gospel attentive to the requirements of justice understood as rightly ordered relationships between and among persons.

Now, that is quite a mouthful. And perhaps one of the more insightful statements about the trinity that I have heard. "It belongs to God's nature to be committed to Humanity and it's history...and God's face is turned immutably toward us in love." It's hard to get that phrase out of my prayer, nor am I sure that I want to. But how do we experience that? Let me tell a simple story from my own life - perhaps it will open up for you a similar experience.

His name is Fr. Vince Dwyer. And he is one of those people through whom I have learned the good news...not just in my head, but in my heart as well. I met him while on a ministry for Priests retreat. Context: I had delayed ordination to the priesthood. Decision time was approaching, and I had no clue... So I went to talk to Fr. Vince - who had let retreats among thousands of priests around the world - hoping that what he had seen about priesthood might shed some light on my life. So I talked and poured out my questions and frustrations and wrestlings. For about 3 hours, it seemed. And when I was all done, he, behind his cigar, kind of did his crooked half smile. What he said, though, seemed like nothing to do with helping me decide about the priesthood. And I was a bit thrown off by it.

"Do you know what?", was the question. No!. "I think you do." "Do you know what?" he asked again. "I guess you're gonna say that I am loveable." Almost. "Do you know what?" "You love me." VERY GOOD. Very good. Now, what does that say about you?" "Ah, Vince, it says you are a great guy." Wrong... "Okay, it says I am worth the loving." "Good."

And every time I would pass him in the hallways during the rest of the retreat, he'd say: "Do you know what?" And if I wasn't thinking and said no - he'd hit me in the arm. And then I'd remember. On the second last day of the retreat, I was again bouncing questions off of Vince about my life and the priesthood. When I was done - it was the usual questions. Do you know what. Yes. Good, now what does that say about you? "That I am loveable." Very Good. NOW - if I can do that, and I am just a screwed up clam digger from Vermont- what does it say about what God must think of you????

And I was undone. I was undone. I knew the presence of the one who is 'immutably turned toward me in love - the God who's nature it is to be intimately involved in our history and our humanity. In that moment, I experienced the heart of the Trinity - a God who is turned toward us, and who's energy invites me to be turned in love toward all my sisters and brothers.

So, this Trinity Sunday, what is YOUR favorite quote about the Trinity, and where have you experienced that life- now flowing in your veins as mission and gift. Because at this table is the one who says to us: "Do you know what?"