Trinity is the doctrine of – God, The Father; God, The Son; and God, The Holy Spirit.
Last Sunday was Trinity Sunday, but, because it fell on the last Sunday of May which is statutorily our Juvenile Harvest day, we didn’t celebrate it, but observed the collects for the day. This week therefore it seems appropriate for us to address the issue of Trinity.
Pentecost marks the end of the Easter season and commemorates the outpouring of the Holy Spirit on the early disciples. Pentecost was a monumental turning point in Christian history, considered to be the birthday of the church, as it commemorates the establishment of the church as a result of the Apostles’ teachings on the gospel and the baptism of thousands of followers. Pentecost is when the Apostles went out and began spreading Jesus’ message, thus establishing the beginning of the church.
Trinity Sunday is the first Sunday after Pentecost to honor the Holy Trinity – the Father, Son and Holy Spirit. While the word “trinity” does not appear in the Scripture, it is taught in Matt. 28:18 – 20 and 2ndCor. 13: 14 along with many other Bible passages.
The concept of the Holy Trinity can never be completely understood. Understanding this comes through the work of the Holy Spirit; therefore, it is appropriate that this mystery is celebrated the firstSunday after Pentecost.
On Trinity Sunday, the Christian Church ponders with joy and thanksgiving what the Father, Son and Holy Spirit have done to accomplish the salvation of sinful humanity. It is brought to remembrance how Christians should respond to the love God has shown for us. We remember the Father as our Creator, the Son as our Savior and the Holy Spirit as our Comforter.
The Athanasius creed tries to guide us to a fuller understanding. Part of it reads: We worship one God in Trinity, and Trinity in Unity. For there is one Person of the Father, another of the Son, and another of the Holy Ghost. But the Godhead of the Father, of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost, is all one.
The Father eternal, the Son eternal, and the Holy Ghost eternal. And yet they are not three eternals, but one eternal. So likewise, the Father is Almighty, the Son Almighty, and the Holy Ghost Almighty. And yet they are not three Almighties, but one Almighty.
So, the Father is God, the Son is God, and the Holy Ghost is God. And yet they are not three Gods, but one God. And in this Trinity, none is afore, or after other; none is greater, or less than another; But the whole three Persons are co-eternal together and co-equal. So that in all things, as is aforesaid, the Unity in Trinity and the Trinity in Unity is to be worshipped.
Next Sunday we will throw more light on the subject of Trinity.
Have a great and fulfilled week ahead, and may it be your best so far.
Your Vicar and Friend.
Revd. Canon Kiri Wakama
