A Eucharistic Invitation

I have often seen the icon The Holy Trinity, which was painted by Andrew Rublev in the fifteenth century, but was never particularly drawn to it until I read a description of some of the symbolism in the piece. As Peggy Rosenthal notes, “A feature of Rublev’s Trinity often commented on is the empty place along the fourth side of the square table, the side closest to the viewer. This empty place is generally seen as an invitation to the viewer to join in God’s inner life—especially as the Eucharistic chalice stands close to the edge of this side of the table.”

On the two Sundays after Pentecost, the Church celebrates the feast of the Most Holy Trinity and the Most Holy Body and Blood of Christ. The feast of the Most Holy Trinity invites us to “join in God’s inner life,” and the feast of Corpus Christi shows us how—by partaking of the Eucharist and literally becoming a part of the body of Christ.

Why would anyone refuse this invitation? Perhaps because as Moses removed his sandals before he approached the burning bush, we must (metaphorically) remove our shoes before we approach this table—that is, we must be willing to leave part of our “self” behind, the part that enables us to move on if we wish. To join God’s inner life is to enter into the stability of commitment that love requires. God’s inner life is magnificent, but it is also demanding—to love God with all one’s heart, mind, and soul and to love one’s neighbor as oneself. As we give, so shall we receive—but we can’t be sure of that until we take the risk to accept the invitation and take our seat at the table. Are we willing to take off our shoes and approach?