On the solemnity of the Holy Trinity, our thoughts turn to how Francis and Clare lived this Mystery of Unity and Sharing.
Looking through the Sources, we realise that the experiences of the early days were surrounded by the blessing of the great Mystery.
For example, Francis' Testament concludes as follows:
"And whoever observes these things will be filled in heaven with the blessing of the Most High Father, and on earth with the blessing of his beloved Son, with the Holy Spirit, the Paraclete, and with all the powers of heaven and all the saints.
And I, little brother Francis, your servant, for what little I can, confirm this most holy blessing to you, both inside and outside. Amen" (FF 131).
In the Unapproved Rule, specifically: Admonition to the friars, he exhorts them:
"And let us always build in ourselves a house and a permanent dwelling place for Him who is the Lord God Almighty, Father and Son and Holy Spirit... And let us adore Him with a pure heart" (FF 61).
In the same Rule, further on:
"And everywhere, all of us, in every place, at every hour and at every time, every day and without ceasing, truly believe and humbly hold in our hearts and love, honour, adore, serve, praise and bless, glorify and exalt, magnify and give thanks to the Most High and eternal God, Trinity and Unity, Father and Son and Holy Spirit, Creator of all things and Saviour of all who believe and hope in him and love him; who is without beginning and without end, unchangeable, invisible, ineffable, incomprehensible, unsearchable, blessed, praiseworthy, glorious, exalted, sublime, lofty, gentle, lovable, delightful and all above all things desirable forever and ever. Amen" (FF 71).
The mystery of the Trinity is illustrated by the attributes used by the Poverello.
And in the Legend of the Three Companions there is a passage that highlights how Francis, regarding the form of life to be followed (by him and his companions), consulted the Holy Scriptures.
"A true worshipper of the Trinity, he wanted the support of three witnesses; so he opened the book a second and a third time.
Each time he opened the book, Francis gave thanks to God, who approved the ideal he had long cherished" (FF 1431).
And Clare herself, at the beginning of her Spiritual Testament, begins as follows:
"In the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit. Amen.
May the Lord bless you and keep you.
May He show you His face and have mercy on you" (FF 2854).
The two poor people of Assisi made the Trinity their home, the inexhaustible treasure from which to draw Light and Love, Communion and multifacetedness.
«All that the Father has is mine; that is why I said that he will take what is mine and declare it to you» (Jn 16:15)
Sunday of the Most Holy Trinity C (Jn 16:12-15)
