The Holy Trinity

05-22-2016Weekly ReflectionSaint Catherine of Siena

From the dialogue On Divine Providence by Saint Catherine of Siena, virgin
(Cap 167, Gratiarum actio ad Trinitatem)

I tasted and I saw.

Eternal God, eternal Trinity, you have made the blood of Christ so precious through hissharing in your divine nature. You are a mystery as deep as the sea; the more I search, themore I find, and the more I find the more I search for you. But I can never be satisfied; whatI receive will ever leave me desiring more. When you fill my soul I have an even greaterhunger, and I grow more famished for your light. I desire above all to see you, the true light,as you really are.

I have tasted and seen the depth of your mystery and the beauty of your creation with the light of my understanding. I have clothed myself with your likeness and have seen what Ishall be. Eternal Father, you have given me a share in your power and the wisdom thatChrist claims as his own, and your Holy Spirit has given me the desire to love you. You aremy Creator, eternal Trinity, and I am your creature. You have made of me a new creation inthe blood of your Son, and I know that you are moved with love at the beauty of your creation,for you have enlightened me.

Eternal Trinity, Godhead, mystery deepas the sea, you could give me no greatergift than the gift of yourself. For you area fire ever burning and never consumed,which itself consumes all the selfish lovethat fills my being. Yes, you are a firethat takes away the coldness, illuminatesthe mind with its light and causes me toknow your truth. By this light, reflectedas it were in a mirror, I recognize that you are the highest good, one we can neithercomprehend nor fathom. And I know thatyou are beauty and wisdom itself. Thefood of angels, you gave yourself to manin the fire of your love.

You are the garment which covers ournakedness, and in our hunger you are a satisfying food, for you are sweetnessand in you there is no taste of bitterness,O triune God!