Pastor's Note from Fr. Szparagowski 📝 - [May 31st Bulletin]

Dear St. Philip Neri Family and Friends,

We give praise and thanks to God for His graces and blessings He has given us! On this beautiful Solemnity of the Holy Trinity, the Church invites us to reflect on the greatest mystery of our faith: that God is Father, Son, and Holy Spirit — three Divine Persons, yet one God. The Holy Trinity is not simply a doctrine to be explained, but a mystery of love into which we are invited.

In our first reading from Exodus, Moses encounters the living God on the mountain. God reveals His heart to Moses, proclaiming Himself to be

“a merciful and gracious God, slow to anger and rich in kindness and fidelity.”

Even after the people sinned and turned away from Him, God remained faithful. Moses then prays,

“Lord, do come along in our company.”

God’s response is yes and stays with His people.

What a beautiful reminder for all of us. Even in our weaknesses, sins, and failures, God does not abandon us. The Holy Trinity remains faithful. God continues to walk with us, guide us, forgive us, and love us. His mercy is greater than our sins. His love is constant and faithful.

In the second reading, St. Paul encourages the Christian community to encourage one another, agree with one another, and live in peace. He reminds them that

“the God of love and peace will be with you.”

God does not leave us alone. The Holy Trinity dwells among us and within us.

Through our Baptism, we were baptized in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. The very life of the Holy Trinity was placed within our souls.

Then in the Gospel, we hear one of the most beloved passages in all of Sacred Scripture:

“For God so loved the world that He gave His only Son.”

God the Father gave us Jesus because He loves us. Jesus came not to condemn the world, but to save it. He desires eternal life for everyone of His beloved sons and daughters. God cares for us now so that He may care for us forever in heaven.

Every grace, every blessing, every act of mercy we receive is a sign of the love of the Holy Trinity. The Father watches over us with providence and care. Jesus walks with us, saves us, and nourishes us through the Sacraments. The Holy Spirit strengthens us, guides us, and fills our hearts with peace and courage.

The saints understood this mystery deeply. St. Elizabeth of the Trinity had a profound devotion to the Blessed Trinity. In prayer, she reflected on how each Person of the Trinity uniquely loved her and poured graces into her soul. She recognized the gentle presence of the Father, the closeness of Jesus, and the power of the Holy Spirit working within her heart.

We are called to live that same awareness – to recognize that the Holy Trinity is not distant from us, but close to us every day. God is loving us, guiding us, protecting us, and giving us the graces we need.

Today, let us open our hearts more deeply to the Holy Trinity. Let us remain faithful to God who is always faithful to us. Let us share the love, mercy, kindness, and peace we receive from God with our brothers and sisters. May we always remember that we are never alone, for the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit are always with us, leading us toward eternal life in heaven.

And may Almighty God bless you, the Father, and the Son, and the Holy Spirit. Amen

Please invite someone to Mass today

St. Philip Neri, pray for us.

Have a blessed Easter!

Fr. Szparogowski

“In her voyage across the ocean of this world, the Church is like a great ship being pounded by the waves of life’s different stresses. Our duty is not to abandon ship but to keep her on course.”

-St. Boniface / Feast Day June 5th