HIS FACE NEVER CHANGES
The other day, I saw a picture of myself. It was posted by a college friend and showed me walking on the beach with my friend way back in the late 80’s. It was before I entered the seminary.
I couldn’t believe my eyes. I had the fullest, thickest and waviest hair. I was so slim but healthy. No wrinkles on the forehead. Just plain young me! Anyone who saw the picture asked: is that really you?
I’m sure it happens to you, too. Go back to your photos of yesteryears and I’m certain you too, sported a different hair, a different style, a different look, back in those days. Many times, we were also a different person, with different outlooks and attitudes in life.
Our pictures change through the years. Our image changes as we grow old.
As we celebrate Trinity Sunday, we actually celebrate the picture, the image, the very identity of God. One thing is sure: God’s face does not change. From the beginning, God is Father, Son and Holy Spirit. This is the image of God closest to our hearts, accompanying us through the sacraments, in prayer and through all our lives.
Some people may not understand this or accept this image of God. But it is not something we have invented. It is something we discover in the Word of God. It is what Jesus revealed in his life and ministry. Take a look at the gospel today, where Jesus speaks of the very deep, unbroken connection between the Father, Himself and the Holy Spirit.
God doesn’t change his face; he will forever be Father; so close to us as our Father. When we need someone to support us in our feeble attempts to live life meaningfully, God is present there – giving life, supporting life, sharing life.
God doesn’t change his face: he will forever be Son; the Son of God who is also our brother; willing to take upon himself the shame and punishment for our sins; willing to stand by us and embrace us in our weaknesses and failures.
God doesn’t change his face: he will forever be Spirit; the Spirit who continues the work of Jesus today in our hearts and in our communities; the unseen Spirit whose presence is felt in all of creation making goodness present where we can only fathom destruction and evil.
The Trinity is One God in Three Divine Persons, who wants to be experienced and encountered as loving and caring for his people. Other religions have a different take on who and what God is. The Christian picture of God stands out in that we believe our God is forever the same, in his love, in his relationship, in his approach to us whom he draws close to his heart.
All glory to the Father, the Son and the Holy Spirit. Amen.
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