Key Aspects of the Trinity

GOSPEL THOUGHTS

*Ordinary Season:  Eleventh Week :  Sunday*

*Gospel : Jn 16:12–15*

*First Reading : Prv 8:22–31*

*Responsorial Psalm : Ps 8:4-5, 6-7, 8-9*

*Second Reading : Rom 5:1–5*

*Key Aspects of the Trinity*

*1) One God in Three Persons*

Christianity is monotheistic—believing in one God.

This, *One God* exists eternally in three distinct Persons: Father, Son, and Holy Spirit, who are co-equal, co-eternal, and consubstantial (of the same essence).

“Hear, O Israel: The Lord our God, the Lord is one.” (Deuteronomy 6:4)

*2) Unity and Distinction*

 *Unity* :The three Persons are not three gods but one God. 

*Distinction*: Each Person is distinct: the Father is not the Son, the Son is not the Spirit, and the Spirit is not the Father.

*3) Mutual Indwelling (Perichoresis)*

Each Person indwells the others perfectly; they are never apart from each other.

This emphasizes the perfect unity and love within the Godhead.

*“I am in the Father and the Father is in me.”* (John 14:11)

*4) Roles in Salvation History*

*The Father*: Creator and source of all.

*The Son*: Redeemer, who became incarnate to save humanity.

*The Holy Spirit*: Sanctifier, who dwells in believers and guides the Church.

*5) Revealed in Christ*

The Trinitarian mystery was fully revealed in the New Testament, especially in the life, death, and resurrection of Jesus Christ.

At Jesus’ baptism: *“The heavens were opened… and he saw the Spirit of God descending like a dove… and a voice from heaven said, ‘This is my beloved Son…’”* (Matthew 3:16–17)

*6) The Trinity as a Model of Love*

The Trinity is an eternal relationship of love.

This divine communion is the model for human relationships, especially in the Church and the family.

*7) Love and Service: Living Trinitarian Love*

The Trinity is a model of self-giving love—not grasping power but pouring out for others.

Serve others without seeking personal gain, just as Christ did.

Let the Spirit move you to acts of mercy and justice.

Honor the dignity of every person, created in the image of a Trinitarian God.

*Think about it*

*God bless you and your family. Praying for you and your dear ones*

*Fr Maxim DSouza*

*Jeppu Seminary*

*Mangalore*