Three-peat
From my earliest memories, I have loved horses. It brings me joy being around them, riding them, and watching them in action, whether in person, as an event spectator, or on TV or movie screens. Happily, I was able to watch, from the comfort of my couch, many of the equestrian events of last summer’s Paris Olympics. I always record the Triple Crown races – the Kentucky Derby, the Preakness, and the Belmont – in case I am not able to watch them live. The excitement level ramps up when there is the possibility of a Triple Crown winner, but that is a rarity and was not in the cards this year.
What IS in the cards for each of us every day of the year, is our own spiritual Triple Crown. I am referring to the Blessed Trinity. The Father, Son, and Holy Spirit are always in our corner, if only we call upon them and their grace.
The power of three in our modern world is reflected in the sports term, “Three-peat.” The word itself is a combination of the two words “three” and “repeat.” While one title victory claimed by a sports team is special and unique, the three-peat is extra special, even extraordinary. How much more should our faith and conviction be in the power of the Holy Trinity, the ultimate three-peat?
As we prepare to celebrate Trinity Sunday, I offer a few notes on the power of three. In the Bible, the number three represents new life, harmony, and wholeness. Words and phrases that are repeated three times in Scripture often carry significant spiritual meaning. And, of course, the Holy Trinity is represented by three persons in one God.
We are emboldened to conquer the world through the power of the Holy Trinity. Our Father, his Son, and the Holy Spirit have already accomplished this, and they show us the way. From the Father’s love came the sacrificial sharing of his Son, who gave his life to the world, the Holy Spirit.
Triple Crown. Three-peat. Power of three. Most Holy Trinity.
I invite you to pray the following Trinity prayer, in unity with my parish, as we celebrate this weekend the official merger of St. Patrick Church and St. Paul Church into Blessed Trinity Parish.
Blessed Trinity, we praise you as Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. We thank you for your love and mercy, for creating us, for redeeming us, and for sanctifying us. Help us to live as members of Blessed Trinity Parish in unity; to love you and each other with all our hearts; and to serve you with all our strength. Amen