SUNDAY HOMILY: SOLEMNITY OF THE MOST HOLY TRINITY – YEAR B
SUNDAY HOMILY: SOLEMNITY OF THE MOST HOLY TRINITY – YEAR B
HOMILY THEME: TRINITY–THE SOURCE OF OUR LOVE
BY: Fr. Anthony O. Ezeaputa
Today, we celebrate the Solemnity of the Most Holy Trinity, a mystery that lies at the heart of our Christian faith. As St. Augustine notes, “The Trinity is the central dogma of Christianity, and it is the key to understanding all other dogmas” (De Trinitate, 1.3.6).
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The Trinity affirms that there is only one God, yet this one God exists in three distinct persons: Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. As Tertullian puts it, God is “one being in three persons” (Against Praxeas, Chapter 2).
This concept of one God in three persons has been a topic of discussion and debate, but it remains a core belief in Christianity. To understand the Trinity, let’s explore the concept of nature (or being).
Aristotle said that everything has a nature that defines what it is and what it does (Metaphysics, 1028b10–15). In other words, a thing’s nature is its essential characteristics and purpose. If we apply this to God, we can say that God’s nature is what makes him God. The Bible tells us that God’s nature is holy (Isaiah 6:1–5, Psalm 99:3-5).
The Father, Son, and Holy Spirit share the same divine nature, making them “one being” or “one nature” (CCC, 252). This is what we mean when we say they are consubstantial; they have the same substance (holiness), making them equal in divinity (Council of Nicaea, 325 AD). Jesus Christ is fully God, just like the Father; and the Holy Spirit is fully God, just like the Father and the Son (CCC, 266).
The Trinity is not a hierarchy of beings but a communion of persons, each fully God yet distinct from the others (Bernard Lonergan, The Way to Nicea, 110). This understanding affirms the coequality and coeternality of the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit and highlights the unity and communion between them.
In addition to being one God, the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit are also three distinct persons (CCC, 254). The term “person” refers to a relational aspect, implying communication and dialogue (St. Augustine, De Trinitate, 7.1.2). Each person of the Trinity is distinct because of their relationships with one another, just like a musical trio where each instrument is unique yet essential to the harmony.
The relational aspect between the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit is what makes each person unique, just as the relationships between the instruments create a beautiful and harmonious sound (De Trinitate, 7.1.2). The Trinity is a mystery of relational harmony, where the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit are distinct yet fully God (St. Bonaventure, Commentary on the Sentences, I, d. 2, a. 2).
This divine relationship provides us with a powerful model for our own lives, urging us to embrace and celebrate our differences. This means seeking out diverse perspectives and experiences, as well as honoring the unique gifts and talents of those around us.
Additionally, nurture loving relationships. This involves prioritizing the development of strong, supportive relationships with family, friends, and the community, as well as actively demonstrating love, kindness, and compassion to those we encounter.
Lastly, the divine relationship encourages us to cultivate a feeling of community and cooperation. This entails collaborating to achieve shared objectives, pooling our resources and skills, and providing mutual support for our common humanity.
As St. John Paul II notes, “The Trinity is the mystery of the love of God, and it is the source of our own love” (Redemptor Hominis, 9). Following these practical examples, we can embody the loving relationship of the Trinity in our own lives and communities.
In a world that often values individualism and division, the Trinity offers us a powerful alternative. It demonstrates that we should celebrate and embrace our differences instead of fearing or erasing them. As Cardinal Walter Kasper writes, “The Trinity is a mystery of unity in diversity, and it is the foundation of our own unity and diversity” (The God of Jesus Christ, 158).
As we celebrate the Solemnity of the Holy Trinity, let us be inspired by this divine model of relationship and love. Let us strive to build bridges between our differences, to nurture loving relationships, and to foster a sense of community and collaboration in our own lives and in the world around us. As St. Thomas Aquinas notes, “The Trinity is the ultimate end of our journey, and it is the source of our joy and happiness” (Summa Theologica, I, q. 39, a. 8).
May the Trinity, our God of love and unity, guide us on our journey and inspire us to live in harmony with each other and with God. Amen.
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