Good morning, digital neighbors! Today in the wide world of Cath-O-landia, we celebrate the Solemnity of the Holy Trinity. While most of our celebrations focus on what God has done for us and how God calls to us, today’s feast simply celebrates the mystery of God Himself.

For me, this comes down to the unnecessary nature of it all — creation, humanity, all this stuff we call life. God gains nothing by creation that He does not already possess in unimaginable abundance. God gains nothing from my worship, my service, or my goodness. And yet this God, who could so easily have done without me or any of us, creates out of love and calls to us in subtle and humble ways to open our lives to Him and seek His will. Sundays are days of overflowing gratitude.

To any of you who struggle to find peace or gratitude in life, I pray that someone enters your path today to offer hope, strength, and healing. I pray there is a real godsend in your life that brings light into your darkness and perhaps a path out of it. While I know God does not promise us an easy walk in life even if we are faithful disciples, I don’t believe He is the dispenser of misfortune. He permits it, and that is often too much for people in the midst of their struggles. Please know of my prayers for you and for your peace. Off to our morning reflection. Gratitude is often about perspective and from my perspective, I am tremendously blessed.

SIMPLE PLEASURES
I took a hot bath last night.
As the tub filled, I marveled at the process.
I was grateful.
I did not have to fetch the water,
Nor build a fire to warm it.
I did not have to carry it,
Heavy, one bucket at a time,
Taking care not to slosh it,
Up the flights of stairs to the second-floor tub.
I simply turned a handle.
There it poured, Water, flowing uphill,
Hot, clean, refreshing, abundant.
Thank you, God, for simple pleasures
That really aren’t that simple, after all.

• Susanne Wiggins Bunch