Our Belief In the Trinity

If you are asked by somebody, whether Catholic or not, about what is our belief in the Trinity, what will be your answer? It is a fair question. It is not about explaining it clearly, but simply, what do we profess?

Our catechism states that we believe in One God. But God exists in three Persons, Father, Son, Holy Spirit. We profess that they are all equal in their dignity as God. We profess that though they are equal in majesty and divinity. However, they are distinct from each other. They have their own existence. However, they work as one. Each is present in all their activities.

This was not just a invention of the Church in order to have a mystery. The belief was born out of the faith experience of the early Christian community. In their experience, God has revealed Himself as Father (of Creation), as Son (our Savior), and as Holy Spirit (as advocate and guide). Is this possible? We can only say that nothing is impossible with God. But there are reasons to believe that the belief is true. St. Ignatius of Loyola saw the clover leaf as a partial revelation of how the Trinity exists. A person, for example, can play many roles at one time. While being father to a son, he can also be a son to his father, a grandfather to a grandson, a grandson to his grandfather etc. This is not yet talking about the different hats he can wear. I for example am parish priest, priest coordinator of the archdiocesan ecology desk, board of director of a cooperative and anchor of a radio program at the same time.(We even now have a three-in-one coffee!) These are, however, analogies that fail so much compared the truth of the Trinity. At least, they give us the idea that Three Persons in One God is not really unthinkable or impossible.

But the more relevant question is, so what? So what if God is a Trinity? There are really a lot of reasons why God exists as a Trinity. Foremost is the message of community. Though distinct they are one. Though diverse, they are united. In the same way, God had made each and everyone unique. No two people, including identical twins, are fully the same. There remains some differences. Those differences are not weaknesses. Through the example of the Trinity who are able to govern and guide excellently, we can also make use of our differences for our benefit. If we work together and live our gifts in complimentary with each other, the world will be a paradise as it was originally intended. Heaven can be here on earth if we put our acts together. Sharing our gifts and resources in community is the essence of life. Only in communion will we be able to fully live life. Our model? The Trinity!

So, let us think Trinitarian. Let us think Community.