For those who love mysteries, there is none greater than The Most Holy Trinity. Only God has the answer. And though He shares it in so many different ways through what the Father, Son and Holy Spirit do for us, it befuddles us. We spend an inordinate amount of time looking to make sense of its components (three Persons in one God) than accepting what They accomplish together and individually.
We probably shouldn’t be too surprised since the Church itself didn’t provide a doctrine of a Trinitarian God until the Council of Constantinople in 381 AD, from which came the Nicene Creed. Not even the Bible mentions the word Trinity in the Hebrew Scriptures or New Testament. Theologians use nature, person and relations to best “define” what Trinity is and does. St. Patrick used a three-leaf clover to explain the Trinity and St. Augustine likened the Trinity to the Lover (God the Father), the Beloved (Jesus the Son) and the Love (The Holy Spirit) which binds Them together.
In essence, I believe we are so intent on solving this mystery because we want to know why God created us. The reasons we give are somewhat convoluted, especially when we try to give human reasons for God’s decision. The answer accepted by most in the end is it was a choice. It seems to me to be the best answer and one that brings a good feeling to all of us; especially those who believe in God.
From the standpoint of our Gospel and readings, we learn what God’s intent for us as a Triune God is to make sure His perfect plan for our life on earth and ultimate salvation is based on a foundation of love for Him and all that He has created.
In our first reading from the Book of Deuteronomy, Moses consistently wants the Israelites to understand that God is committed to their wellbeing. Though he never defines who God is as a Triune entity, he shares with them the unique relationship that have with God as His chosen people. He lists multiple experiences while in Egypt before their release and during the 40 years in the desert all that God has done for them, even though they have challenged God during the entire time. All God asks is their loyalty.
St. Paul in his letter to the Romans outlines for us in detail how the Spirit of God works on our behalf when we are faithful and follow His ways. We are adopted children of God who we call “Abba, Father” and heirs with Christ who though we will suffer with Jesus, we also will be glorified with Him. Though not named as the Trinity, it is the Father, the Son and the Holy Spirit working with one another to ensure Their love shines brightly in our lives.
St. Matthew’s Gospel provides the purpose of The Most Holy Trinity by mandating that the Apostles and we who are baptized in the name of the Trinity to go throughout the world baptizing all in the name of the Father, and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit. In addition, we are to teach everyone to follow the ways of the Lord as he commanded. And finally, a reminder to all of us, that He is with us always, until the end of time.
Our Bible is filled with multiple stories of how The Most Holy Trinity has chosen Their love to be shared with us. It is by that love that we recognize a Triune God who though a mystery in Their nature, Their personage and in Their relationship with each other, we have been chosen to be loved and saved. Let us follow the ways of the Lord, no matter how difficult it may seem and the mystery is more of question of God’s depth of love for us rather than how God is able to put it all together for our benefit.
Reading 1: Deuteronomy 4:32-34, 39-40
Reading 2: Romans 8:14-17
Gospel: Matthew 28:16-20
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