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The Most Holy Trinity
The mystery of the most Holy Trinity is a basic doctrine of Faith in Christianity, understandable not with our heads but with our hearts. It teaches us that there are three distinct Persons in one God, sharing the same Divine Nature, co-equal and co-eternal. Our mind cannot grasp this doctrine which teaches that 1+1+1 = 1 and not 3. But we believe in this mystery because Jesus, who is God, taught it clearly, the evangelists recorded it, the Fathers of the Church tried to explain it, and the Councils of Nicaea and Constantinople defined it as a dogma of Christian faith.
Importance of Christian Life
- All prayers in the Church begin in the Name of the Holy Trinity and end glorifying the Trinity.
- All Sacraments are administered anointed, our sins are forgiven, our marriages are blessed, and our Bishops, priests and deacons are ordained) in the name of the Holy Trinity.
- When Church bells ring thrice daily, they remind us to give glory to the Holy Trinity for the incarnation of Jesus and his redemption of all of us.
- We bless ourselves, and the priest blesses us, in the name of the Holy Trinity.
Biblical Basis
There are only vague and hidden references to the Trinity in the Old Testament. But the New Testament gives clear teachings on the Holy Trinity.
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At the Annunciation:
God the Father sent His angel to Mary, God the Holy Spirit came upon her, the power of the Most High overshadowed her, and God the Son became Incarnate In her womb. |
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At the Baptism of Jesus:
When the Son received the baptism of repentance from John the Baptist, the Father's Voice was heard, and the Holy Spirit appeared as a dove and descended upon Jesus. |
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At the Ascension:
Jesus commissioned his disciples to baptize those who believed, in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit. |
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In John's account:
In John's Gospel, chapters 15-18, we have a detailed account of Jesus' teaching of the role of each person of the Holy Trinity:
- God the Father creates and provides for His creatures.
- God the Son redeems us and reconciles us with God.
- God the Holy Spirit sanctifies us, strengthens us, teaches us, and guides us to God.
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Litany of the Gifts of the Holy Spirit
The Litany of the Gifts of the Holy Spirit is a prayer asking the Holy Spirit to help us live as followers of Jesus. It focuses on the seven gifts that the Spirit gives to guide and strengthen us. It also serves as a reminder that we cannot follow God's ways on our own. We need the Holy Spirit to give us strength when we are afraid, wisdom when we are unsure, and guidance when we are lost. Praying this litany helps us to open our hearts to the Holy Spirit. When we pray it, we are asking for help to grow in faith. We are also reminding ourselves that God is always with us and ready to guide us if we are willing to listen.
| May we spread the Good News with courage. | - Come, Holy Spirit |
| May we trust in God with piety. | - Come, Holy Spirit |
| May we approach you with reverence and awe. | - Come, Holy Spirit |
| May we listen to your counsel and do the right thing. | - Come, Holy Spirit |
| May we seek understanding of what you teach. | - Come, Holy Spirit |
| May we grow in wisdom and put you before all else. | - Come, Holy Spirit |
| May we have the knowledge to see as you see. | - Come, Holy Spirit |
| Spirit of God | - hear our prayer |
| Fire of our souls | - hear our prayer |
| Promise of our Savior | - hear our prayer |
| Source of inspiration | - hear our prayer |
| Softener of hearts | - hear our prayer |
| Mover of minds | - hear our prayer |
| Light to our path | - hear our prayer |
| Merciful Spirit | - hear our prayer |
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