While scripture never explicitly uses the word Trinity to describe the relationship of God the Father, God the Son, and God the Holy Spirit, the Early Church used this term to describe the essential unity and diversity of the Three Persons of the One God. St. John tells us that above all else, “God is Love”. (1 John 4:8) If God’s true nature is Love, then the reality of God must be relational—and so he is. St. Augustine advanced Trinitarian theology by describing the Trinity as a relationship of three persons: the One who Loves (the Father), the One who is Loved (the Son), and Love itself (the Holy Spirit). This understanding is reflected in our creed as we say that the Son is “eternally begotten of the Father.” God’s perfect and eternal Love is poured out on his eternal Son, which in turn inspires the Holy Spirit, who proceeds eternally from the Father and the Son, With the Father and Son, the Holy Spirit is worshiped and glorified as God himself.
These words only approximate the mystery we celebrate this weekend on Trinity Sunday. One should remember however, that the Trinity is not simply an abstract theological construct, but it is, instead, a living reality of our faith. Our relationship to the Godhead is through our status as adopted sons and daughters in Christ. Thus, our place within the love of the Trinity is in and through Christ, “who lives and reigns with you [God the Father] and the Holy Spirit, One God forever and ever.” All authentic prayer acknowledges this Triune God, and is directed to him. At Mass, listen carefully to whom the different prayers are directed. The Eucharistic Prayers, for instance, are directed to God the Father, through the power of the Holy Spirit. Through this prayer God the Son is made present. Other prayers, such as the Sign of the Cross, the Glory to God, and the Creed are Trinitarian prayers. Trinity Sunday is presented to the Church to help us become more conscious of the reality of God and his desire to share his love with us. Love was the reason for creation itself. Love is the reason for God’s work to redeem his people after they fell. Love remains the reason God works within the Church today to unite all men and women in the hope of the Kingdom of Heaven.
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