A few people have asked for this poem that I shared last week in my Trinity Sunday homily.  This has been in my files for so long that I’ve lost the source of it, so I don’t know who wrote it.  But I am happy to share it.  A poet expressed his experience of who God is; his experience of the Trinity in the following words: 
 
"Tell me what you have seen of life, of goodness, of wonder.
Tell me about the most beautiful sunrise you've ever seen,
the most beautiful flower you've ever touched,
the most delicious berry you've ever tasted,
the most magnificent animal of the forest, sky or sea.
Tell me about the mysteries of the atom and the cosmos.
Tell me about the possibilities of science and medicine.
Tell me about the miracle of the birth of your child.
And I will tell you about the Father.
 
Tell me what you know about right and wrong, about love, compassion and mercy, about peace and justice and integrity.
Tell me what you believe, what you value and treasure most in your heart. Tell me about your hopes in the midst of despair, about your ability to forgive and be forgiven.
 
Tell me what you seek on your journey through this life.
Tell me about the crosses you have had to bear
and the strength and grace you found to bear them.
Tell me about the agonies of your good Fridays
and the miracles of your Easter Sundays.
And I will tell you about the Son.
 
Tell me what you really feel passionate about,
Tell me about those you most love--
love in the deepest, most secret part of your heart.
Tell me what you are willing to die for—
and what you are hoping to live for.
And I will tell you about the Spirit.”
 
Today is the Solemnity of the Most Holy Body and Blood of Christ. At one time, this day was called Corpus Christi, the Latin words for “the Body of Christ.” In the most recent revision of our liturgical rites, the name for this day is expanded to be a more complete reflection of our Eucharistic theology.  The Gospel for today reminds us that the Eucharist is a memorial of Christ’s sacrifice on the cross. We believe that Jesus is truly present to us in the elements of bread and wine. Each time we celebrate this sacrament, we prepare for the Kingdom of God. This celebration, as the Second Vatican Council taught us, is the source and summit of the Christian life.
 
Since the Eucharist is at the very heart of who we are as Catholics, it is important that we bring our very best efforts to its celebration.  In the beginning of today’s Gospel, Jesus instructs his disciples how to prepare for the Passover meal. Like most meals, the Passover meal required planning and preparation.
 
Our celebration of the Sunday Eucharist also requires planning and preparation. Certainly, the ministers at the Eucharist prepare for their roles: I spend time in prayer and carefully prepare a homily; the prayers of petition are written; Ryan Beke prayerfully selects music and practices it with the choir; Eucharistic ministers, lectors and altar servers prepare carefully for their roles.  I praise God that by your reverence and active participation, so many of you bring your best efforts to the celebration of the Eucharist.   If we allow this experience of God’s love to touch our hearts and, if we let this Communion with Jesus push out the other stuff that is "pre-occupying" us - the anxieties, the conflicts, the fears, etc. - we will be ever more free to love as we have been loved by our God.

Fr. Jerry Ragan