Detail, Castillo San Felip del Morro, San Juan, Puerto Rico

San Juan Trinity

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As the years have passed, I find the concept of the Holy Trinity less and less persuasive in discussing the sacred. In fact, I find it quite unhelpful. There is a joke that my denomination's acronym (UCC) actually means 'Unitarians Considering Christ." We each passing year I find that more and more true in my personal faith journey.

This 'street grab' from a recent trip to Puerto Rico captures some of the best and worst aspects of trinitarian language. The woman in the middle, with her reflective sunglasses is the powerful center of these three people. She is the 'first person' of the three, her expression truly reminds me of an 'unmoved mover' and the fact that she appears to be looking straight at the camera reminds the viewer that 'God is watching us.'

The beggar sitting on the pavement reminds one of the suffering Jesus. On a personal note, this was made more pronounced in that this picture was taken two days after Ash Wednesday. He is propped up against the wall to avoid a scorching noonday sun. He is 'sitting at the right hand' of the woman in the center. His expression is that of someone worn down by life. Could his begging cup be his invitation for us to share in his suffering? Is it really and invitation for us to be in communion with him? In this photograph he truly is one of 'the least of these'.

The women on the right side of the photograph has a rather ethereal look upon her face. She isn't looking at the photographer. Her gaze seems to be directed at something beyond the harsh reality of the San Juan streets. She seems to be the most spiritual of the three.

This photo was taken outside of La Bombonera a coffee shop made famous by Rachel Ray. Always remember to double click on the photograph to enlarge!