When seeking God’s work in action, we see the effects of the Trinity

Today the Church celebrates Trinity Sunday, which is the central mystery of the Christian faith. The readings for today’s Holy Mass are meant to guide us into the contemplation of the Father, Son and Holy Spirit who are distinct from each other and at the same time one God. That is the thread that ties the readings together, which could otherwise be difficult to understand. 

The first reading is from the book of Proverbs (Pr 8:22-31) and is a description of the beginnings of creation from the perspective of God’s wisdom. It calls to mind not only the first chapter of Genesis, (“In the beginning, God created the heavens and the earth …”), but also the first chapter of John’s gospel (“In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God”).  What is different about God’s creative Word and wisdom in Proverbs, however, is that the moment of creation is expressed in the first person, by wisdom personified.  This perspective is totally unique. “When he established the heavens, I was there … then I was beside him, like a master workman; and I was daily his delight, rejoicing before him always …”  This passage from Proverbs brings the wisdom of God to life and gives us insight into the common work of the Trinity. 

Saint Paul, in his letter to the Romans, speaks about the Holy Spirit and his power present within us. If Proverbs teaches us about beginning the creation, the letter to the Romans teaches us about the re-creation we receive in grace.  Saint Paul talks about justification by faith and the presence of God within the Christian heart (Rom 5:1-5).  He writes, “… (W)e rejoice in our sufferings, knowing that suffering produces endurance, and endurance produces character, and character produces hope,? and hope does not disappoint us, because God’s love has been poured into our hearts through the Holy Spirit who has been given to us.” This chain of conversion produced by the presence of the Holy Spirit is descriptive of the powerful effects of God in each person’s interior life. The transformation from suffering to endurance to character to hope is indicative of the presence of the Holy Spirit. If that is not happening, it is a call to examine one’s cooperation with the Holy Spirit overall as well as in the day-to-day events of life. 

Today’s gospel passage is taken from John’s gospel, from the discussion at the table between Jesus and the apostles at the Last Supper. This is like Jesus’ last will and testament; before a person dies, he often has certain things that he would like to say to specific people. Jesus is no different. Here, on the eve of His Passion and death, He reassures them that the Holy Spirit will be with them. There are many things that the disciples cannot understand at the moment, but with the Holy Spirit, they will be able to penetrate the meaning of the mysteries of the life, death and resurrection of Jesus.  That is what is promised when Jesus says, “When the Spirit of truth comes, he will guide you into all the truth; for he will not speak on his own authority, but whatever he hears he will speak, and he will declare to you the things that are to come. He will glorify me, for he will take what is mine and declare it to you.” 

In our lives, we can seek out opportunities to see God’s work in action. In this, we can begin to see the effects of the Trinity in the world. Start small, simply looking for small graces and blessings throughout the day.  Say “thank you” to God for those things. Also, look for ways to be a blessing to others through kindness, graciousness, gentlemanly behavior and ladylike courtesy. In so doing, you cooperate with the work of God the Father, Son and Holy Spirit.