REFLECTION/HOMILY FOR THE SOLEMNITY OF THE MOST HOLY TRINITY

THE MYSTERY OF THE MOST HOLY TRINTY IS A RELATIONSHIP TO BE LIVED OUT, NOT A MYSTERY TO BE FULLY GRASPED

First Reading: Exodus 34:4-6,8-9
Responsorial Psalm: Daniel 3:52-56
Second Reading: 2 Corinthians 13:11-13
Gospel Reading: John 3:16-18

As we celebrate the solemnity of the Most Holy Trinity, we are invited to reflect upon the profound mystery of our faith—the mystery of the Triune God – one God in three Persons: Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. This mystery is very central to the Christian faith. It expresses the nature of God as three distinct persons in one divine being which sets us apart from other religions. While the term “Trinity” is not explicitly mentioned in the Bible, the concept is derived from the teachings and revelations found in Scripture. The doctrine of the Trinity affirms that there is one God who eternally exists in three distinct persons: The Father, the Son (Jesus Christ), and the Holy Spirit. Each person is fully God, yet there is only one God. This concept is not a contradiction but rather a mystery that surpasses human comprehension. The mystery of the Most Holy Trinity is not something that can be fully comprehended or explained by human reason alone. It is a divine truth that transcends our finite understanding. Therefore, we must understand that the mystery of the Most Holy Trinity is not a mystery to be grasped fully but a relationship to be lived. For in the Trinity, we encounter a God who is both unity and diversity, a God who is love itself and invites us to experience an awesome relationship with him. The lessons of the relationship of the members of the Trinity – love, self-giving, peace, unity, togetherness, etc., are deeply rooted in this Sunday’s liturgy, which we are called to emulate by entering into a relationship with God.

The first reading from the book of Exodus (Exodus 34:4-6, 8-9) recounts the encounter between Moses and God on Mount Sinai. In this passage, God reveals His name to Moses and proclaims His own attributes: “The Lord, the Lord, a God merciful and gracious, slow to anger, and abounding in steadfast love and faithfulness.” This description of God’s character highlights His mercy, compassion, and faithfulness towards His people. It reminds us that the Triune God is a God of love and grace, reinforcing His covenant relationship with His people – a God who desires to be in a relationship with us. It is when we get into a perfect relationship with God that we shall attain eternal life, which is brought about by the perfect relationship between the Father and the Son, in the unity of the Holy Spirit. This is why the Gospel reading (John 3:16-18), one of the most well-known and beloved passages in the Bible, contains Jesus’ famous words to Nicodemus: “For God so loved the world that he gave his only Son so that everyone who believes in him may not perish but may have eternal life.” This verse encapsulates the central message of the Christian faith – God’s immense love for humanity, which leads to the giving of His Son for the purpose of salvation. The condition for receiving eternal life is faith in the Son, and the consequence of disbelief is judgment. Thus, this passage serves as a pivotal declaration of God’s love and the offer of salvation through faith in Jesus Christ. It also highlights the relationship between the Father and the Son, expressing the unity and shared mission of the divine persons. These lessons of unity and fellowship of the Father and the Son reflect themselves in the second reading on how believers should live in a diverse world with different worldviews. Here, the second reading from the second letter of Paul to the Corinthians (2 Corinthians 13:11-13) serves as a closing exhortation to the Christian community in Corinth. Paul encourages them to live in harmony and peace, to be comforted by the love of God, and to strive for the communion of the Holy Spirit. This passage emphasizes the unity and fellowship that believers share through their participation in the triune life of God. It reminds us of the importance of living in love and peace, reflecting the nature of the Triune God.

Beloved friends in Christ, as we reflect on the mystery of the Holy Trinity, let us consider how this reality shapes our lives as disciples of Christ. It reminds us that we are called to live in communion with God and with one another. Just as the three Persons of the Holy Trinity exist in perfect unity and love, so too are we called to be united with one another in the bonds of love and to work together for the building up of God’s kingdom. The love of the Trinity is self-giving, sacrificial, and all-encompassing. It is a love that transcends all boundaries and embraces every person, regardless of their background or circumstances.

As followers of Christ, we are called to imitate the love of the Holy Trinity in our own lives. We are called to love one another as the Father has loved us, to lay down our lives for the sake of others as the Son did for us, and to seek the common good, in accordance with the gift of the Holy Spirit. Our love should be marked by selflessness, forgiveness, and generosity. In a world that often values individualism and selfishness, our witness to the love of the Trinity becomes all the more important. Let us strive to deepen our relationship with each person of the Trinity, and let us allow that love to transform us from within.

Today, as we celebrate the Holy Trinity, let us renew our commitment to live as children of God, rooted in the love of the Father, redeemed by the Son, and empowered by the Holy Spirit. May we constantly strive to grow in our understanding and experience of the Trinity, deepening our relationship with each of the divine Persons. And may the grace of the Holy Trinity be with us always, guiding us on our journey of faith, and leading us to the eternal communion of love. Amen.

May the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit bless you and keep you always in their love.

Shalom!
Fr. Chinaka Justin Mbaeri, OSJ
Paroquia Nossa Senhora de Loreto, Vila Mediros, São Paulo
nozickcjoe@gmail.com / fadacjay@gmail.com
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PS: Have you prayed your Rosary today?