The word “Trinity”, what does it mean? Does it mean God is a mystery? No! Is the Blessed Trinity another Person of God? No! Then what is it?
The root of the word “Trinity” originates from the Latin word “trini” which means “three each” or “threefold”. The term has been used as early as the days of Tertullian around 200A. D. to denote the central doctrine of the Christian religion. The Catechism of the Catholic Church explains it this way. “The mystery of one God in three persons: Father, Son and Holy Spirit. The revealed truth of the Holy Trinity is at the very root of the Church’s living faith as expressed in the Creed. The mystery of the Trinity in itself is inaccessible to the human mind and is the object of faith only because it was revealed by Jesus Christ, the Divine Son of the eternal Father.”
In Jesus dwells the Father and the Holy Spirit. And the same can be said about the Father and the Holy Spirit. In each one dwells the other two Persons of God. This truth is supported by a verse in The Letter of Paul to the Colossians. “In Him (Jesus) all the fullness of God was pleased to dwell bodily.” All the fullness of God means the Father, the Son and the Holy Spirit. And again from St. Paul, this time from his letter to the Corinthians, he says, The grace of the Lord Jesus Christ, the love of god, and the communion of the holy Spirit be with all of you.”
From our earliest recollections the doctrine of the Holy Trinity has been part of our faith and upbringing in the Catholic Church, from the time we were Baptized in the Name of the Father and the son and the Holy Spirit, to the blessing we receive at the conclusion of each Holy Mass. I would like to review the richness of our Christian life in which the Holy Trinity is manifested and the part it plays not only in our Liturgy but in our catholic Tradition as well.
- In Jesus. As I stated earlier, dwelled the fullness of God bodily. Regarding this indwelling of the Father the Gospel of John tells us, “Do you not believe that I am in the Father and the Father is in me?” Regarding the indwelling of the Holy Spirit in Jesus, the gospel of Luke tells us at the end of His earthly life, Jesus said, “Father, into your hands I commend my Spirit.” At that moment the Spirit left his body and He died. This affirms that, “the body without the spirit is dead.” (James 2: 26)
- In the womb of Mary. The Angel Gabriel came to Mary and told her that the Holy Spirit will come upon her and she will conceive a Son and name Him Jesus. Based on these passages from Luke it is revealed that the Holy Spirit made His indwelling in Jesus at the moment of conception. Within the womb of Mary dwelled the fullness of God bodily, the Father, the Son and the Holy Spirit. No one else has ever enjoyed such a privilege, for this indwelling for Mary was physical in nature, whereas, the indwelling for the Saints was spiritual.
- During the institution of the Eucharist at the Last Supper Jesus took Bread, gave it to His Disciples and Said, “This is my body, which is given up for you, do this in remembrance of me.” When the priest consecrates the Bread and wine during Mass they become the physical Body and Blood of Christ who remains with us today along with the spiritual presence of the Father and the Holy Spirit just as they dwelled within Jesus while He walked the earth.
- In the celebration of the Holy Mass not only does the priest begin with the sign of the cross in the name of the Father, the Son and the Holy Spirit, but he also ends the Mass with a blessing that evokes the Holy Trinity on each and every one of us. And all throughout the liturgical prayers of the Mass the fullness of the Trinity is mentioned over and over.
- Whenever a person or object is Blessed, the Trinity is mentioned as the source and summit of that blessing.
- In our prayers and in our singing and music we hear the manifestation of the Holy Trinity.
- Most importantly in the administration of the sacraments. When the priest administers them he is but a visible servant of Jesus, who is also administering them to us. When you receive the Eucharist you are receiving it from Jesus. The same can be said for the sacraments of Confirmation, Penance, Holy Orders, Matrimony, and Anointing of the Sick. Just as Jesus is present to us in each of these, so is the Father and the Holy Spirit.
As can be appreciated from all that has been said , the three Divine Persons of the Blessed Trinity deserve and receive co-equal glory and adoration in all phases of our Christian life. Before continuing with the Mass, I ask each and everyone of you to take a few minutes to reflect on the presence of the Holy Trinity within you, in your life, in our home and within those whom you come in contact with. During that moment of reflection ask yourself, “How would I behave in a particular situation if I saw before me God the Father, the Son and the Holy Spirit.” Now, more than ever, it is important that we see the Trinity in all our brothers and sisters, no matter their faith. Let us keep in mind each time we pray or come to Mass that the holy Trinity is present with us every step of the way, not just on Trinity Sunday. And may the Holy Trinity embrace you now and forever, AMEN!!!!
— Deacon Charley