THE TRINITY
HOLY TRINITY SUNDAY A
Readings: Exodus 34:4b-6, 8-9; Psalm Daniel 3:29-30, 31, 33, 32, 43; II Corinthians 13:11-13; John 3:16-18
THEME: THE TRINITY: A MODEL FOR PRACTICAL CHRISTIAN LIFE
So many things in the world seem to have two sides. Some thinkers call this two-sidedness of realities – dualism. For example, there is the reality of male and female, heaven and earth, black and white, night and day, belief and unbelief, the list is endless.
On the coin of Christianity in particular and religion in general, there are two sides: theory and practice, or faith and works. When faith and works blend together in a person, there you find a good person, a godly, Christ-like personality. But when one aspect dominates the other, there is the tendency of finding a distorted personality, a hypocrite, even a fanatic.
In Nigeria, we can say without doubt that everyone is religious. But the question we always ask is, ‘Is there a good blend of faith and works in us? No one can accuse Nigerians of lack of theoretical faith in the divine. Evidence is there to show in our existential actions. But when it comes to good works, can same be said of us? Again, evidence is there to speak for itself.
Today we celebrate the Mystery of the Holy Trinity. This word or idea has brought about accusation for Christianity from those who do not believe or understand what it means. The accusation will continue until there comes a time when a pot can sufficiently explain how its potter came to be, or how a son/daughter can sufficiently give a detailed account or explain how his/her own father came to be; or a creature can sufficiently give a full account of how his creator came to existence.
It is easier for a potter, a father and Creator to give the full details or explanations on when, where, why and how the pot, the son and the creature were or are made. So, our endeavour to explain who God is in himself is beyond us. It is only God himself who reveals to us Who He Is. Our explanation of God must surely come from him. He has to empower or enable us with knowledge to know him and even explain him to others.
In the gospel, Jesus calls us to believe in God so that we shall be saved. “God so loved the world that he gave his only-begotten Son, that whoever believes in him should not perish but have eternal life. For God sent the Son into the world, not to condemn the world, but that the world might be saved through him. He who believes in him is not condemned; he who does not believe is condemned already, because he has not believed in the name of the only begotten Son of God” (John 3:16-18).
As we live and move and have our being in God, this belief presupposes practical action for the betterment of others as well. The criteria Jesus gave for judgement on the Last Day indicate that entrance into heaven will be based on what good actions we did for the sake of Christ (cf. Mat 25:35-40)
This means that for us Christian, our faith in God must be accounted for and accompanied by good actions or works. This is because our best attempt to give theoretical explanations about or for the existence of the Trinity will be futile if such explanations are not backed up by practical application. Those who do not know God should see him in us. After all, Jesus himself says to those who believe in him and love him, ““Anyone who loves me will obey my teaching. My Father will love them, and we will come to them and make our home with them” (Jn 14:23). For, “On that day you will realize that I am in my Father, and you are in me, and I am in you” (Jn 14:20).
Since we are created in God’s image, it is important to always live our lives in imitation of God. We remember that the early followers of Christ were first called Christians in Antioch because they behaved like Christ (cf. Acts 11:26). Being a Christian therefore is not only in answering sweet Christian names, going to Church or knowing and believing in Christ but also it is about doing God’s will through good works as St. James states, “But someone will say, “You have faith; I have deeds.” Show me your faith without deeds, and I will show you my faith by my deeds. You believe that there is one God. Good! Even the demons believe that—and shudder. You foolish person, do you want evidence that faith without deeds is useless? (James 2:18-20). This means that action speaks louder than words.
This idea of believing in God and doing God’s will or performing good action is reinforced by Jesus Christ when he says, “Not every one who says to me, ‘Lord, Lord,’ shall enter the kingdom of heaven, but he who does the will of my Father who is in heaven” (Mat 7:21). But doing God’s will also presupposes believing in God and in his Son, Jesus Christ: “Do not let your hearts be troubled. You believe in God; believe also in me” (Jn 14:1).
In Nigeria, as far as the theory of belief or faith is concerned, we seem to do well and only God, to whom our claim of religious belief or faith is directed to, can judge its authenticity or otherwise. But our faith and works must blend in order to give an aromatic fragrance to our claims of following the one true God who is Three Persons – Father, Son and Holy Spirit.
St. Paul, in the Second Reading, shows us how to live that life which will blend our theoretical and practical claims in God and manifest the Trinity to others without even theoretical explanation or claims: We should
Rejoice: “Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice!” (Philippians 4:4). The Christian vocation is a call to be happy. This is precisely why Jesus came to save us. The Christian therefore ought to be happy despites all odds and circumstances in the world. As Jesus tells us, ‘Be of good cheer, I have overcome the world’ (Jn 16:33)
Mend our ways: ‘From that time on Jesus began to preach, “Repent, for the kingdom of heaven has come near”’ (Mat 4:17). This is the call of the mission of Jesus to us. We are sinners in need of repentance. The Christian life is a life of struggle to be at one with God. it is a call to be holy as God our father is Holy.
Heed his appeal: “Follow God’s example, therefore, as dearly loved children and walk in the way of love, just as Christ loved us and gave himself up for us as a fragrant offering and sacrifice to God” (Ephesians 5:1-2) . St. Paul appeals to us to imitate Jesus Christ by doing the right thing and loving all as God loves us in Christ.
Agree with one another: “Do two walk together unless they have agreed to do so?” (Amos 3:3). This agreement is for mission. It is an agreement for the sake of Christ and the spread of his kingdom. It is an agreement that leads to unity in our houses, churches and nation. “After this the Lord appointed seventy-two others and sent them two by two ahead of him to every town and place where he was about to go. He told them, “The harvest is plentiful, but the workers are few. Ask the Lord of the harvest, therefore, to send out workers into his harvest field” (Luke 10:1-2).
Live in peace: Since Jesus is the Prince of Peace (Cf. Is. 9:6), we his followers must live peace with everyone and the God of love and peace will be with you.
Greet one another with a holy kiss: “The angel went to her and said, “Greetings, you who are highly favored! The Lord is with you.” (Luke 1:28). And St. Paul greets us today in the second, “May the grace of the Lord Jesus Christ and the love of God and the fellowship of the Holy Spirit be with you”. Greeting is a gateway to peace and mutual living. if you greet someone, you show your respect for the person and the person feels dignified by you.
Readings: Exodus 34:4b-6, 8-9; Psalm Daniel 3:29-30, 31, 33, 32, 43; II Corinthians 13:11-13; John 3:16-18
THEME: THE TRINITY: A MODEL FOR PRACTICAL CHRISTIAN LIFE
So many things in the world seem to have two sides. Some thinkers call this two-sidedness of realities – dualism. For example, there is the reality of male and female, heaven and earth, black and white, night and day, belief and unbelief, the list is endless.
On the coin of Christianity in particular and religion in general, there are two sides: theory and practice, or faith and works. When faith and works blend together in a person, there you find a good person, a godly, Christ-like personality. But when one aspect dominates the other, there is the tendency of finding a distorted personality, a hypocrite, even a fanatic.
In Nigeria, we can say without doubt that everyone is religious. But the question we always ask is, ‘Is there a good blend of faith and works in us? No one can accuse Nigerians of lack of theoretical faith in the divine. Evidence is there to show in our existential actions. But when it comes to good works, can same be said of us? Again, evidence is there to speak for itself.
Today we celebrate the Mystery of the Holy Trinity. This word or idea has brought about accusation for Christianity from those who do not believe or understand what it means. The accusation will continue until there comes a time when a pot can sufficiently explain how its potter came to be, or how a son/daughter can sufficiently give a detailed account or explain how his/her own father came to be; or a creature can sufficiently give a full account of how his creator came to existence.
It is easier for a potter, a father and Creator to give the full details or explanations on when, where, why and how the pot, the son and the creature were or are made. So, our endeavour to explain who God is in himself is beyond us. It is only God himself who reveals to us Who He Is. Our explanation of God must surely come from him. He has to empower or enable us with knowledge to know him and even explain him to others.
In the gospel, Jesus calls us to believe in God so that we shall be saved. “God so loved the world that he gave his only-begotten Son, that whoever believes in him should not perish but have eternal life. For God sent the Son into the world, not to condemn the world, but that the world might be saved through him. He who believes in him is not condemned; he who does not believe is condemned already, because he has not believed in the name of the only begotten Son of God” (John 3:16-18).
As we live and move and have our being in God, this belief presupposes practical action for the betterment of others as well. The criteria Jesus gave for judgement on the Last Day indicate that entrance into heaven will be based on what good actions we did for the sake of Christ (cf. Mat 25:35-40)
This means that for us Christian, our faith in God must be accounted for and accompanied by good actions or works. This is because our best attempt to give theoretical explanations about or for the existence of the Trinity will be futile if such explanations are not backed up by practical application. Those who do not know God should see him in us. After all, Jesus himself says to those who believe in him and love him, ““Anyone who loves me will obey my teaching. My Father will love them, and we will come to them and make our home with them” (Jn 14:23). For, “On that day you will realize that I am in my Father, and you are in me, and I am in you” (Jn 14:20).
Since we are created in God’s image, it is important to always live our lives in imitation of God. We remember that the early followers of Christ were first called Christians in Antioch because they behaved like Christ (cf. Acts 11:26). Being a Christian therefore is not only in answering sweet Christian names, going to Church or knowing and believing in Christ but also it is about doing God’s will through good works as St. James states, “But someone will say, “You have faith; I have deeds.” Show me your faith without deeds, and I will show you my faith by my deeds. You believe that there is one God. Good! Even the demons believe that—and shudder. You foolish person, do you want evidence that faith without deeds is useless? (James 2:18-20). This means that action speaks louder than words.
This idea of believing in God and doing God’s will or performing good action is reinforced by Jesus Christ when he says, “Not every one who says to me, ‘Lord, Lord,’ shall enter the kingdom of heaven, but he who does the will of my Father who is in heaven” (Mat 7:21). But doing God’s will also presupposes believing in God and in his Son, Jesus Christ: “Do not let your hearts be troubled. You believe in God; believe also in me” (Jn 14:1).
In Nigeria, as far as the theory of belief or faith is concerned, we seem to do well and only God, to whom our claim of religious belief or faith is directed to, can judge its authenticity or otherwise. But our faith and works must blend in order to give an aromatic fragrance to our claims of following the one true God who is Three Persons – Father, Son and Holy Spirit.
St. Paul, in the Second Reading, shows us how to live that life which will blend our theoretical and practical claims in God and manifest the Trinity to others without even theoretical explanation or claims: We should
Rejoice: “Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice!” (Philippians 4:4). The Christian vocation is a call to be happy. This is precisely why Jesus came to save us. The Christian therefore ought to be happy despites all odds and circumstances in the world. As Jesus tells us, ‘Be of good cheer, I have overcome the world’ (Jn 16:33)
Mend our ways: ‘From that time on Jesus began to preach, “Repent, for the kingdom of heaven has come near”’ (Mat 4:17). This is the call of the mission of Jesus to us. We are sinners in need of repentance. The Christian life is a life of struggle to be at one with God. it is a call to be holy as God our father is Holy.
Heed his appeal: “Follow God’s example, therefore, as dearly loved children and walk in the way of love, just as Christ loved us and gave himself up for us as a fragrant offering and sacrifice to God” (Ephesians 5:1-2) . St. Paul appeals to us to imitate Jesus Christ by doing the right thing and loving all as God loves us in Christ.
Agree with one another: “Do two walk together unless they have agreed to do so?” (Amos 3:3). This agreement is for mission. It is an agreement for the sake of Christ and the spread of his kingdom. It is an agreement that leads to unity in our houses, churches and nation. “After this the Lord appointed seventy-two others and sent them two by two ahead of him to every town and place where he was about to go. He told them, “The harvest is plentiful, but the workers are few. Ask the Lord of the harvest, therefore, to send out workers into his harvest field” (Luke 10:1-2).
Live in peace: Since Jesus is the Prince of Peace (Cf. Is. 9:6), we his followers must live peace with everyone and the God of love and peace will be with you.
Greet one another with a holy kiss: “The angel went to her and said, “Greetings, you who are highly favored! The Lord is with you.” (Luke 1:28). And St. Paul greets us today in the second, “May the grace of the Lord Jesus Christ and the love of God and the fellowship of the Holy Spirit be with you”. Greeting is a gateway to peace and mutual living. if you greet someone, you show your respect for the person and the person feels dignified by you.
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