The Holy Trinity and the family have a lot in common
By Megan Lacourrege
“Theology of the Body” by Pope St. John Paul II is a thought-provoking read. A celibate himself, John Paul II took observations from his own upbringing and years of counseling couples amidst their marital trials to give public homilies on human sexuality. These homilies were transcribed and compiled to make “Theology of the Body.”
Among the wisdom that he shared, John Paul II likened the family to the Holy Trinity. A mom, dad and child are different people but one family. They are called to give themselves to each other with their unique gifts.
The family is important. It is our first introduction to God. As children, we almost innately look to our parents to discover who God is. Sometimes, we can put onto God the faults and failings of our own parents. Other times, as parents, we may pressure ourselves to be immediate saints. Some may even give up the pursuit of holiness out of despair of their repetitive sins.
God is trying to draw us up into the mystery of his very self, where we can experience the selfless love of the Trinity. He doesn’t give up on us, so we shouldn’t give up on ourselves.
If we mirror that selfless love in our families, we can find the ability to forgive those who hurt us in the past. We can obtain the humility to ask forgiveness from our spouses and children for the times we have failed. It is then we can truly give our entire selves to each other in the present. And, that is a gift of eternal value.
