FAITH MATTERS
The Holy Trinity is foundational to the Christian faith
The Trinity teaches us that the force that binds us together in community is love, writes Bishop Gerard Bergie
By
Bishop Gerard Bergie
Contributing Columnist
Sunday, June 2, 2024
Christians believe in one God who is a Trinity of persons, Father, Son and Holy Spirit. Each member of the Trinity is God; however, there are not three Gods because God is one.
The classical definition for theology is faith seeking understanding. This becomes more challenging when we speak about the Trinity because it is difficult to comprehend.
There is a long-standing belief that St. Patrick used a three-leafed shamrock in order to teach the inhabitants of Ireland about the Holy Trinity. In the fifth century he was using something familiar in order to teach about something that was extremely difficult to understand.
If this symbol was used today, it would still be inadequate because it could not fully express the nature of this mystery. There is no analogy in the universe that can adequately express this divine reality. Despite this fact, our faith still moves us to seek understanding.
Prior to Jesus’ ascension we find the following passage in the Gospel of Matthew: “Now the eleven disciples went to Galilee, to the mountain to which Jesus had directed them. When they saw him, they worshiped him; but some doubted. And Jesus came and said to them, ‘All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything that I have commanded you. And remember, I am with you always, to the end of the age.’”(Matthew 28:16-20)
Jesus speaks about the three members of the Holy Trinity: Father, Son and Holy Spirit. This teaching, or doctrine, comes to us from Christ and is foundational to the Christian faith.
The doctrine of the Trinity is a profound mystery and for mere humans, it is impossible to comprehend. How can God be three and yet one? The truth is that God reveals this mystery to us, not to be understood, but rather, to be lived. What do I mean?
The doctrine of the Trinity teaches us about the nature of God and about life. God is revealed as a community of divine persons — Father, Son and Holy Spirit. They live together in peace and love. The Father loves the Son and the Son loves the Father and the fruit of their love is the Holy Spirit.
Just as we relate to one another, the members of the Holy Trinity relate to each other in love with a distinct personality. We are also invited to share in that divine relationship. If we believe that the human person is made in the image and likeness of God, then we too are called to live in community. Our communities should reflect God’s community. We need community in order to both thrive and survive.
This is why the recent COVID-19 pandemic was so devastating. We were cut off from each other. We lived in isolation and suffered the consequences. Many died from the virus; however, there were also a good number who died from the isolation, especially in our long-term care facilities.
The Trinity teaches us that the force that binds us together in community is love. When there is little love, we all suffer. We can see this today in all of the significant issues that we face as a society.
If theology is faith seeking understanding, then how can we comprehend the Trinity? The answer is found in life. We are called to live this mystery by building communities that are motivated by love and meaningful relationships.
Let us follow the example of our God, the Father, Son and Holy Spirit.