Today the Church celebrates its devotion to the Most Holy Trinity. Three divine persons share in one divine nature. God is both three and one. Our readings at Mass today will not mention the word Trinity: indeed the word does not appear in the bible. Scripture does however speak clearly about the divine nature as Father, Son and Spirit. From this triune witness, the Church over the first five centuries, and notably at the Councils of Nicea and Constantinople, set forth its teaching about the Trinity. At the Annunciation of Jesus’ birth, the three-fold divine nature is declared to be at work. The archangel Gabriel, sent by God the Father, tells Mary that the Holy Spirit will come upon her and that the power of the Most High will overshadow her. Thus God would become flesh in her womb and she would give birth to the Son. At Jesus’ baptism, the Spirit descends in the form of a dove and the voice of the Father is heard: “you are my Son, whom I love”.
In John’s gospel, Jesus’ final address to his apostles makes the unity of love between the members of the Trinity clear. The persons of the Trinity are in a relationship of love with each other. “As the Father has loved me, so have I loved you. Now remain in my love.” (15:9). Jesus promises the Spirit of truth who goes out from the Father. Jesus’ prayer was that we too would be caught up in this love that unites the Trinity. “I have given them the glory that you gave me, that they may be one as we are one.”
Like God the Father, may we be creative, building up love in our families, our Church, our community and our nation. Like God the Son, may we be peacemakers. Like God the Holy Spirit, may we help to spread the joy of the Gospel.