The Trinity and Mystery

As intelligent modern people, we like to think that we have everything all figured out.

Once we have spent a certain number of years on this earth, we realize that the world is more than we know: that while we can learn much, there is always so much more that will remain beyond our grasp.

So it is when we consider infinity, eternity, and ultimately the reality of God.

Thus the Psalmist exclaims in today’s Responsorial Psalm (Psalm 8:4-9):

When I behold your heavens, the work of your fingers,
the moon and the stars which you set in place -
What is man that you should be mindful of him,
or the son of man that you should care for him?

The Solemnity of the Most Holy Trinity, which we celebrate today, is a very special celebration of the mystery of the reality that is God: a reality that should be far beyond the grasp of finite, earthly minds and yet is revealed to us by the grace of God himself.

Our Lord Jesus Christ in today’s Gospel (John 16:12-15) reminds us of this - our limitations and the grace of God that leads us beyond our limitations – even as he gives us yet another glimpse into the inner life of God: Father, Son, and Holy Spirit.

I have much more to tell you,
but you cannot bear it now.

But when he comes,
the Spirit of truth,
he will guide you to all truth.

He will not speak on his own,
but he will speak what he hears,
and will declare to you
the things that are coming.

He will glorify me,
because he will take
from what is mine
and declare it to you.

Everything that the Father has is mine;
for this reason I told you
that he will take from what is mine
and declare it to you.

Whether we are trying to understand the mystery of the Trinity or the mystery of God’s path for our lives, may we always be faithful and docile to the Spirit of Truth so that we may be led step by glorious step into the life of God himself.