Readings: Prov. 8:22-31; Rom. 5:1-5; Jn. 16:12-15
The Trinity Teaches Us Love
1. Today is the solemnity of the Most Holy Trinity. “Christians are baptized “In the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit.” Before receiving the sacrament, they respond to a three-part question when asked to confess the Father, the Son, and the Spirit: “I do.” The Faith of all Christians rests on the Trinity.” (CCC 232). We, therefore, worship God who manifests himself as Father, Son, and Holy Spirit, three persons in one God: God the Father, creator of the world, God the Son, Savior of the world, and God the Holy Spirit, the sanctifier of the world. The Catechism states again, “The mystery of the Most Holy Trinity is the central mystery of Christian faith and life. It is the mystery of God in himself. It is, therefore, the source of all the other mysteries of faith, the light that enlightens them. It is the most fundamental and essential teaching in the “hierarchy of the truths of faith.” The whole history of salvation is identical to the history of the way and how the one true God, Father, Son, and Holy Spirit, reveals himself to men “and reconciles and unites with himself those who turn away from sin.” (CCC 234). In the Trinity, we celebrate the revelation of God in his theology and in his economy. His theology reveals the mystery of God’s inner life within the Blessed Trinity. In contrast, in his economy, we see all the works by which God reveals himself and communicates his life. In life, a person discloses himself in his actions, and the better we know him, the better we understand his actions, so it is with the Trinity. God manifests himself in his actions; the more we know Him, the better we understand God’s actions.
2. The Trinity is a mystery that shows us a God of closeness, communion, and intimacy. The three persons in the Trinity live in community, communication, and love. As William J. Bausch would say, “This is an initiating God, an outgoing God, a creative, life-giving God who stamps his communal life on us. We are in a relationship because God is in a relationship. We are made in his image and likeness.” There is absolute love, respect, and understanding within the Trinity. The unity of mind and purpose is enjoyed and expressed in the Trinity. “God loves the world so much that he gave his son to redeem the world.” (Jn 3:16). The Father gave himself in giving his Son because the Father and the Son are in perfect communion. They are one in Spirit. The Spirit is the origin of the mutual relationship and expression of love of the Father and the Son.
3. The intimate relationship is transparent and visible between the persons of the Trinity. Therefore, none of the three persons keeps anything as his own, and no one takes particular pride in individual achievements. The success of one is enjoyed by all; everything is shared, communicated, given, and received; none is taken for granted. The love of the Trinity is not jealous, arrogant, or boastful; it is reciprocal. The love of the Trinity offers humanity redemption from decadence and despair.
4. How can we make the Trinity a part of everyday life? First of all, we should be serious and intentional as we begin and end every prayer by calling on the Trinity to be the beginning and the end of all we do and say and to guide our steps aright. We call on the Trinity to dwell in us and help us live good and saintly lives. This is so because the life of a Christian is characterized by the Triune God dwelling in us. When we die, our coffin and grave will be blessed and marked by the sign of the Cross. Secondly, we should have a devotion to the persons of the Trinity. We can devote our day to the Trinity as follows: morning prayer to the father, afternoon to the son, and evening to the Spirit. Parents must play their part in teaching their children devotion to the Trinity, by assisting them to turn the sign of the cross into prayer. It is the invitation of the indwelling of the Trinity into their young lives. Finally, all the prayers that relate to the Trinity should be observed with devotion and love. Our families should reflect the love, compassion, understanding, and generosity of the Trinity. And since the Trinity teaches us to love, may we demonstrate the love of the Trinity in our dealings with one another, our community, and the Church. Let us conclude this reflection with “In the name of the Father, and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit.” Amen.
Rev. Augustine Etemma Inwang, MSP
No comments:
Post a Comment