The Solemnity of the Most Holy Trinity
Understanding the nature of God may have its comparison in a four year old explaining how a car works. Theologians have provided explanations, saints have written prayers, and martyrs and died for their belief in the Trinity. Thomas Paine, the author of Common Sense, held the Trinity up for ridicule since this theological truth could not be proved, and he saw the whole business as supremely inconsequential good farming and democratic government. Today’s reading from the gospel of John provides an insight into at least the why of the Trinity exists: the love of God for humanity. The profound mystery of the Trinity has challenged theologians and inflamed the hearts of saints. The Church does not ask us to be profound theologians, but like the saints, we can understand that God loves, his son died for us, and Spirit of God continues the work of the Son in the church which moves us towards love of that same loving Father which necessitates a love of those created in His image and likeness.