LIVING IN THE LOVE AND UNITY OF THE TRIUNE GOD

Homily for the Trinity Sunday (B)

Fr. Ugochukwu Ugwoke, ISch

Scripture Texts: Deuteronomy 4:32-34, 39-40; Romans 8:14-17; Matthew 28:16-20

Today we celebrate the Solemnity of the Holy Trinity, a central mystery of our Christian faith and the readings of this Sunday invite us to reflect on the unfathomable nature of the Triune God. The understanding that God is one yet three finds its foundation in both Sacred Scripture and Sacred Tradition. While the concept of the Trinity may seem mysterious and difficult to comprehend fully, the Church seeks to explain this profound mystery based on the revelation given to us by God himself.

Our faith affirms the central teaching of monotheism, that there is only one true God as revealed in the Scripture: “Hear, O Israel: The Lord our God, the Lord is one” (Deuteronomy 6:4), and “I am the Lord, and there is no other; besides me there is no God” (Isaiah 45:5). In today’s first reading from Deuteronomy, Moses reminds the Israelites of the greatness of their God, who has revealed himself in unique and powerful ways. This one God has shown his attributes and character to us as being merciful, gracious, and abounding in steadfast love.

At the same time, our faith teaches that within this one true God, there are three distinct persons: the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit. For instance, Jesus, in the Gospel of Matthew, commissions his disciples to baptize “in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit” (Matthew 28:19). The Apostle Paul closes his second letter to the Corinthians with a Trinitarian blessing: “The grace of the Lord Jesus Christ and the love of God and the fellowship of the Holy Spirit be with you all” (2 Corinthians 13:14). In John’s Gospel, Jesus promises the coming of the Holy Spirit, who will be sent by the Father in his name (John 14:16-17).

In other words, while there are three distinct persons in the Trinity, they are united in essence and share the same divine nature. The Father is God, and so are the Son and the Holy Spirit. They are not separate gods, but one God. Jesus says, “I and the Father are one” (John 10:30), and prays that all may be one just as he and the Father are one (John 17:21). The three persons of the Trinity are in a dynamic relationship with one another. They exist in perfect communion, love, and harmony, as seen at Jesus’ baptism where the Spirit descends like a dove and the Father’s voice is heard from heaven (Matthew 3:16-17).

The belief in the Holy Trinity carries profound lessons for Christians. Firstly, the Trinity reveals that God is a communion of persons - Father, Son, and Holy Spirit - in a perfect and eternal relationship of love. As Christians, we are invited to enter into this divine relationship and to live in loving communion with one another. We are called to foster healthy relationships, promote unity, and build communities based on love, respect, and selflessness. The Trinity demonstrates that unity can exist amidst diversity. The three persons of the Trinity are distinct, yet they are perfectly united in love and purpose. Likewise, as Christians, we are called to embrace and celebrate our diversity - of cultures, gifts, and backgrounds - while remaining united in faith and love. Our differences should not divide us but rather enrich our communities and contribute to the building of God’s Kingdom.

Moreover, the Trinity reveals the nature of God as love itself. The Father, Son, and Holy Spirit exist in a perfect communion of love, constantly giving of themselves for the other. As Christians, we are called to imitate this self-giving love in our relationships with God and with one another. We are called to love sacrificially, to serve others, and to prioritize the well-being of others above our own interests. Additionally, the Trinity affirms the equality and dignity of each person within the Godhead. Though the three persons are distinct, they are co-equal in their divine nature. This reminds us that all human beings, regardless of gender, race, social status, or abilities, are created in the image of God and possess inherent dignity. As Christians, we are called to respect and uphold the equal worth of every person, advocating for justice, inclusion, and the protection of human rights.

Finally, let us remember that the Trinity is a mystery to be contemplated and revered. While we seek to deepen our knowledge and relationship with God, we also recognize the limits of our comprehension. This teaches us humility, trust, and a sense of awe in the presence of the Divine. Instead of seeking to fully comprehend the mystery of God, the mystery of the Trinity invites us into a relationship of love and communion with God, drawing us deeper into the divine life through faith, prayer, and worship. May the grace of the Lord Jesus Christ, the love of God, and the fellowship of the Holy Spirit be with you all. Amen.