On this Solemnity of the Holy Trinity, our thoughts turn to how Francis and Clare lived out this Mystery of Unity and Sharing.

As we read through the Sources, we realise that the early experiences were enveloped in the blessing of this great Mystery.

For example, Francis’s Testament concludes as follows:

" «And whoever observes these things, may he be filled in heaven with the blessing of the Most High Father, and on earth with the blessing of his beloved Son, with the Most Holy Spirit the Paraclete, and with all the powers of heaven and all the saints.

And I, little Brother Francis, your servant, insofar as I am able, confirm this most holy blessing to you both within and without. Amen» ” (FF 131).

In the Regola non bollata, specifically in the [Admonition to the Friars], he exhorts them thus:

“ «And let us always build within ourselves a house and a permanent dwelling for Him, who is the Lord God Almighty, Father, Son and Holy Spirit […] And let us adore Him with a pure heart» ” (FF 61).

In the same Rule, further on:

“ «And wherever we are, all of us, in every place, at every hour and in every time, every day and without ceasing, let us truly and humbly believe, and hold in our hearts, and love, honour, adore, serve, praise and bless, glorify and exalt, magnify and give thanks to the Most High and supreme 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, inscrutable, blessed, worthy of praise, glorious, exalted, sublime, gentle, lovable, delightful and above all things desirable for ever 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 which highlights how Francis, regarding the way of life to be followed [by him and his companions], consulted the Holy Scriptures.

“A true worshipper of the Trinity, he sought the support of three witnesses; wherefore 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 yearned for” (FF 1431).

And Clare herself, at the beginning of her Spiritual Testament, begins thus:

“ «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 be merciful to you» ” (FF 2854).

The two Poor of Assisi made the Trinity their dwelling place, the inexhaustible Treasure from which to draw Light and Love, Communion and multifacetedness.

«For God so loved the world that he gave his only Son, so that everyone who believes in him might not perish but might have the life of the Eternal» (Jn 3:16)

Trinity Sunday A  (Jn 3:16–18)