In the name of the Father, and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit. We say those words often; we learn how to make the Sign of the Cross when we say those words; we sometimes say those words, while making the Sign of the Cross, to which we add holy water that was likewise blessed in the name of the Father, and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit.

On Trinity Sunday we pause to reflect on our God who, in Scripture, revealed himself as a Trinity of persons: Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. As a matter of fact, we believe that there is one God, but three persons in that one God. Admittedly, this is a concept that is very hard to grasp, a challenge to grab onto. However, the inability of our minds to fully understand and appreciate what has been revealed and demonstrated in Scripture does not make the truth any less real.

St. Ignatius explained the Trinity as three notes making just one sound. A theologian compared the Trinity to water that exists in three forms: a gas, i.e. steam, a solid, i.e. ice, and as liquid. All three are the same: water.
Even with these explanations, the mystery continues. Even with the explanations and references in Scripture, we still grapple about the Trinity. Why is it that way? Could God have done something different? Couldn’t God have made it simpler for us? Those are interesting questions but without answers. However, couldn’t we probe the same questions about the moon, the human person, the world in general?

Take a look at the Trinity as a mystery that can affect our spiritual lives and our relationship with God.

The Father is exactly that. God, as a parent, who creates and watches over us, our origin and guide, our source of life and love, the love that unites us to him and allows us to love others.

Jesus, the Son, is like our brother. He is God who took on our human nature to save us. As a man, Jesus is God with us, understanding us, showing us how to live.

The Holy Spirit, with his many gifts, leads us to a deeper appreciation of the life that God has given us, who helps us appreciate who God truly is for us. The Holy Spirit is our constant companion refreshing us with those multiple gifts that he brings.

In our world we are beset with many struggles, with ups and downs. Thankfully, we have a Father to whom we can turn in our need. In a society that sometimes focuses on the needs of the individual and perhaps self-centeredness, we hear the Son say: “My commandment is this: love one another, just as I love you.” In a world with conflicting values, voices, and ideas, we need guidance that can come only from God, the Holy Spirit.

Again, all of this is a mystery, one which we can grasp every now and then a mystery that we profess: in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. AMEN.