On the first Sunday after Pentecost, we celebrate the Solemnity of the Most Holy Trinity reminding us of what God tells us about the Trinity….one God in three persons: Father, Son and Holy Spirit. The teaching in most Christian denominations is that these three persons are distinct but share the same divine essence. The teaching further says that they eternally exist together, not separate, or one before or after the other. John 10:30 : “I and the Father are one” .

Last Sunday during the sermon, the priest gave an excellent analogy of the Trinity. Here it is: So, take an earthly father. He has the job as a father to his children; a job as a spouse to his wife; and a job as either an employer or employee for a company. Each job has a different role, but each role exists within this same man and each role has a different purpose he must fulfill.

For me, this was a helpful analogy. God our Father is the creator role, Jesus the Son is the redeemer role, and the Holy Spirit unites the believer with Christ providing those seven gifts we receive at Baptism, Confirmation and come to us again in Pentecost. (Shared last week on the blog).

Yes the Holy Trinity is complex, but isn’t it beautiful and the essence of our faith.

PJP