The theology of the “Trinity” is all about relationship; it is the model for us for our families and for all the communities in which we reside. The 12th-century mystic Richard of St. Victor (1123–1173) wrote about the Trinity as a “mutual, loving companionship of friends”—an image I believe we must aspire to in these days of uncertainty, division, anger and fear. This ideal overcomes the “I” and shows us the truth of the “We.” The Trinity is all about relationship and connection—the kinship of all God’s children and God’s Creation. And although we are all related it’s not about uniformity—but about unity—and we should understand that diversity is a gift of our Trinitarian God. An injury to any diverse part of us is an injury to all (as the song text says: we are many parts, but all one body—thank you, St. Paul!); and we see division of diversity overcome by a generous, forgiving love!
In looking at today’s Scripture readings for the Solemnity of the Most Holy Trinity, we see that our God is generous and forgiving and slow to anger—a good thing—as our God is a God of love and peace! St. Paul reminds us of how we should treat one another, and the Gospel reminds us of the great sacrificial love God has for His children.
So, how can things be deeply connected and yet be clearly distinct, diverse from one another? In the Trinity we have three autonomous persons: Father, Son, Spirit—and yet all are in Communion! Think about why the theology of the Trinity is an important model for us: One alone is lonely (we know this is so true from those who are suffering isolation in this pandemic). Two is sometimes oppositional—each struggling for ascendency and leadership (why marriage is sometimes so difficult). Three in a relation is ever-changing in dynamics and leadership—generating ever-changing solutions according to the gifts and talents manifested by the different, equal parts.
I’m convinced that many of our current evils in the world—political corruption, ecological devastation, warring against one another, a hate for each other based on race, gender, sexual orientation, religion, or nationality—comes from a profound and painful sense of disconnection, dis-ease, with each other. And our isolation from each other is plunging us into increasingly short-sighted, hurtful, destructive behavior on all the fronts. The “take-away” from celebrating this Solemnity today should be a reconciliation with what Community means for all. (No exceptions.)
Our Catholic Christian belief in the Trinity should make it clear to us that God “is an event of communion.” (Thank you Rev. R. Rohr!) All of Creation is always both a giving and receiving between the Father, Son and Spirit—what St. Bonaventure called “A Fountain of Fullness.” The Trinity offers us a gift of connection with God, ourselves, all others and the world. We need to recognize our interdependence on God and each other in the form of love in action. A Community truly inspired by Trinitarian ideals will treat each other well: with love and respect; trust, mutuality, inclusion; with a delight for differences—but in unity—a sacrificial love of giving away, sharing, and letting go.
With the Trinity, God models for us the perfect example of Community. This image should change us politically and change all of our relationships in terms of the many power struggles between people (where two or three or many are gathered…). Community should be an “engine for peace” and “fuel for justice.” God made us for each other—and whatever good may grow or prosper or multiply only happens when people act for the good of others and for all—acting for each other—in important, significant ways. It is the “We” model in place of the “I” model.
We know that we depend on each other, and we could not flourish without each other. Forgiveness, healing and justice are the evidence of a truly shared life. We know and meet God through each other in our shared lives—yes, even though we are being challenged in this pandemic with distancing and civil unrest—our mutual exchanges of knowing and loving in spite of all may be God’s strategy for us. Caring and taking care of each other is the beginning and our goal as Christians who believe in the Trinity and God’s plan for His Creation.
As St. Paul says today: “Mend your ways, encourage one another, agree with one another, live in peace… The grace of the Lord Jesus Christ and the love of God and the fellowship of the Holy Spirit be with all of you.”
Keep singing in your hearts!
Elizabeth Dyc
Just a note: Many of you sent me emails after last week’s article about spiritual gifts asking for contact info for my trainers Nick and Emily (formerly of the Livonia Rec Center). You can find them at: getmtraining.online
In looking at today’s Scripture readings for the Solemnity of the Most Holy Trinity, we see that our God is generous and forgiving and slow to anger—a good thing—as our God is a God of love and peace! St. Paul reminds us of how we should treat one another, and the Gospel reminds us of the great sacrificial love God has for His children.
So, how can things be deeply connected and yet be clearly distinct, diverse from one another? In the Trinity we have three autonomous persons: Father, Son, Spirit—and yet all are in Communion! Think about why the theology of the Trinity is an important model for us: One alone is lonely (we know this is so true from those who are suffering isolation in this pandemic). Two is sometimes oppositional—each struggling for ascendency and leadership (why marriage is sometimes so difficult). Three in a relation is ever-changing in dynamics and leadership—generating ever-changing solutions according to the gifts and talents manifested by the different, equal parts.
I’m convinced that many of our current evils in the world—political corruption, ecological devastation, warring against one another, a hate for each other based on race, gender, sexual orientation, religion, or nationality—comes from a profound and painful sense of disconnection, dis-ease, with each other. And our isolation from each other is plunging us into increasingly short-sighted, hurtful, destructive behavior on all the fronts. The “take-away” from celebrating this Solemnity today should be a reconciliation with what Community means for all. (No exceptions.)
Our Catholic Christian belief in the Trinity should make it clear to us that God “is an event of communion.” (Thank you Rev. R. Rohr!) All of Creation is always both a giving and receiving between the Father, Son and Spirit—what St. Bonaventure called “A Fountain of Fullness.” The Trinity offers us a gift of connection with God, ourselves, all others and the world. We need to recognize our interdependence on God and each other in the form of love in action. A Community truly inspired by Trinitarian ideals will treat each other well: with love and respect; trust, mutuality, inclusion; with a delight for differences—but in unity—a sacrificial love of giving away, sharing, and letting go.
With the Trinity, God models for us the perfect example of Community. This image should change us politically and change all of our relationships in terms of the many power struggles between people (where two or three or many are gathered…). Community should be an “engine for peace” and “fuel for justice.” God made us for each other—and whatever good may grow or prosper or multiply only happens when people act for the good of others and for all—acting for each other—in important, significant ways. It is the “We” model in place of the “I” model.
We know that we depend on each other, and we could not flourish without each other. Forgiveness, healing and justice are the evidence of a truly shared life. We know and meet God through each other in our shared lives—yes, even though we are being challenged in this pandemic with distancing and civil unrest—our mutual exchanges of knowing and loving in spite of all may be God’s strategy for us. Caring and taking care of each other is the beginning and our goal as Christians who believe in the Trinity and God’s plan for His Creation.
As St. Paul says today: “Mend your ways, encourage one another, agree with one another, live in peace… The grace of the Lord Jesus Christ and the love of God and the fellowship of the Holy Spirit be with all of you.”
Keep singing in your hearts!
Elizabeth Dyc
Just a note: Many of you sent me emails after last week’s article about spiritual gifts asking for contact info for my trainers Nick and Emily (formerly of the Livonia Rec Center). You can find them at: getmtraining.online
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