The Blessed Trinity: Foundation, Encounter, and Transformation in Christian Faith

The Holy Trinity Sunday:  June 04, 2023

Readings: Exodus 34:4–6, 8–9; Daniel 3:52–56; 2 Corinthians 13:11–13; John 3:16–18

Blessed Trinity
To listen to my audio-video reflections via YouTube, please click here: https://youtu.be/4zlpW2A0cwY 

Today the Church honors the central doctrine of the Holy Trinity by its feast. The concept of the Holy Trinity is a fundamental belief in Christianity that expresses the nature of God as three distinct persons: the Father, the Son (Jesus Christ), and the Holy Spirit. Although they are distinct, they are united in one divine essence or substance. The Holy Trinity represents the mystery of the Godhead, emphasizing the unity, equality, and indivisibility of the three divine persons. The short liturgical readings of this Sunday in a very simple way tell us the idea behind the Blessed Trinity.

1. Holy Trinity embraces us all

The origins of the Feast of the Most Holy Trinity Sunday can be traced back to the early centuries of Christianity. The feast's establishment was primarily influenced by the Church's efforts to clarify and affirm the doctrine of the Holy Trinity, especially in response to theological debates and heretical beliefs that emerged during those times. The early Church Fathers and the Ecumenical Councils played a significant part in clarifying those linguistically difficult nuances on the nature and profound relationship and the coexistence of Three Persons in One Godhead. 

St Paul writes so beautifully in his letter to the Corinthian community: "The grace of the Lord Jesus Christ and the love of God and the fellowship of the Holy Spirit be with all of you" (2 Corinthians 13:14). This line we use at every Eucharistic celebration as an opening salutation in the form of invoking blessings.  It serves as a reminder of God's immense love, grace, and divine presence in the lives of believers. This phrase highlights the nature of God as a source of love and peace. It reminds us that our faith is centered on a God who loves us unconditionally and desires our well-being. It encourages us to seek God's love and peace in our lives and to reflect these qualities in our relationships with others.

2. Holy Trinity, the Transforming Power of Grace

The grace of Jesus Christ is often highlighted in our Christian language either in praying or even in our everyday of our life. As Christians, we are always and continuously called to the transformative power of God's grace in our lives. Through the sacrifice of Jesus, we receive forgiveness, redemption, and the opportunity for renewal. It encourages us to rely on God's grace and to extend grace and forgiveness to others.

Along with Grace, love is the core of Christian living. It is the foundational principle of Christianity. In fact, God's love is the essence of our faith, and that we are called to love one another as God loves us. It challenges us to embody selfless love in our interactions, to prioritize love over division, and to extend love to all people. Only love is credible. Only love wins over hatred. All sorts of wars, strife and suffering that we face in our lives could be addressed by the power of love. St John writes, "God so loved the world that he gave his only Son, so that everyone who believes in him might not perish but might have eternal life" (John 3:16). Such are the so powerful words that we can put into our hearts and minds wholeheartedly. In spite of evil and wickedness in this world, God sent His only Son to lift us up forever.

3. Holy Trinity, the present and the future of Christian living

The doctrine of the Holy Trinity is so central to us. Vladimir Lossky, a prominent Russian Orthodox theologian of the 20th century, emphasized the centrality of the doctrine of the Holy Trinity in Christian theology and spirituality. According to him, the Trinity is not merely a doctrinal concept but the very foundation and essence of the Christian faith. He believed that a correct understanding of the Trinity is crucial for a genuine encounter with God and for the fullness of the Christian life. Lossky argued that the Trinity reveals the inner life and dynamic love of God. The three persons of the Trinity—Father, Son, and Holy Spirit—exist eternally in perfect unity and mutual love, yet each person is distinct and has a unique role in the divine economy. The Trinity is a communion of persons, and this divine communion is reflected in the creation and redemption of the world.

For Lossky, the Trinity is not an abstract theological concept but a living reality that has profound implications for human existence. The doctrine of the Trinity highlights the relational nature of God and the call to participate in the divine life. Through the incarnation of the Son and the indwelling of the Holy Spirit, believers are invited to enter into communion with God and to be transformed into the image and likeness of the Trinity. Lossky emphasized that the Trinity is not a puzzle to be solved through rational analysis but a mystery to be embraced and experienced through faith. It is a mystery that surpasses human comprehension and demands a humble and receptive heart. Lossky believed that the contemplation of the Trinity leads to a deepening of faith, a sense of wonder, and an awareness of the vastness and beauty of God's love.

Conclusion: Therefore the doctrine of the Holy Trinity is not an intellectual abstraction but a living reality that shapes the life of the Church and the spiritual journey of individuals. It is the heart of Christian theology, worship, and spirituality. Hence we must rediscover the centrality of the Trinity in Christian thought and practice, recognizing that the Trinity reveals the ultimate truth of God's nature and the path to union with God. Only a deep contemplation and experience of the Trinity will make us recognize it as a living reality that transforms lives and opens the way to union with God.

A few questions for self-reflection: 

1. How am I actively pursuing reconciliation and peace in my relationships? Are there any conflicts or divisions that need to be addressed or resolved?
2. In what areas of my spiritual journey am I seeking growth and maturity? How can I strive for perfection in my faith and align my heart and mind with God's will?
3. How am I fostering unity and fellowship within my Christian community? What steps can I take to promote a spirit of oneness and cooperation among believers?
4. How am I relying on God's grace in my life? In what ways can I extend grace and forgiveness to others, mirroring the grace I have received through Christ?
5. How can I live in communion with God and others, mirroring the perfect love and unity found within the Trinity?

Prayer based on Daniel 3:52–56

O Mighty God, we humbly bow before Your greatness. Your name be praised, now and forever. You are the God of wonders, beyond compare. In awe, we stand, in reverence and care. From fiery trials, You deliver us unharmed. Your faithfulness, like a shield, keeps us armed. We sing Your praises, with hearts filled with joy, For You alone, our souls find true employ.

Blessed are You, the Creator of all things. To You, our praise and adoration sings. In every moment, Your love shines so bright, Guiding us through darkness, with heavenly light. We make this prayer in Your Holy Name, Amen.

Olvin Veigas, SJ

June 1, 2023