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INTRODUCTION
This article discusses the Holy Trinity as simply as possible.
I decided to limit my references to the Catechism of the Catholic Church.
I did this so the thought concerning the Holy Trinity would remain focused and accessible.
The discussion covers the following subjects related to the Holy Trinity:
· mystery of the Christian faith and life
· one being, distinct, and relational
· Divine works and Trinitarian missions
· relationship to the Church
· source of salvation, reconciliation, and unity
I will provide additional information in notes after the conclusion concerning abbreviations used in my citations regarding the Catechism.
DISCUSSION
Mystery of the Christian Faith and Life
"The mystery of the Most Holy Trinity is the central mystery of the Christian faith and of Christian life. God alone can make it known to us by revealing himself as Father, Son, and Holy Spirit." ("Catechism of the Catholic Church", 69.)
One Being, Distinct, and Relational (References Catechism of the Catholic Church, 66-67.)
The Trinity is one being. There is one God and three persons. There is one substance, i.e., one nature or one essence. Each person is fully God (eternal and infinite).
Each person is distinct. "He is not the Father who is the Son, nor is the Son he who is the Father, nor is the Holy Spirit he who is the Father or the Son" ("Council of Toledo XI: (675): DS 530: 25" in "Catechism of the Catholic Church", 67).
Each person is considered in relation to the other. “In the relational names of the persons the Father is related to the Son, the Son to the Father, and the Holy Spirit to both.” (“Council of Toledo XI: (675): DS 528" in "Catechism of the Catholic Church", 67.)
Divine Works and Trinitarian Missions
“God is love: Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. God freely wills to communicate the glory of his blessed life.” (“Catechism of the Catholic Church”, 68.)
God’s plan of giving life to his people was “conceived by the Father before the foundation of the world”. (“Catechism of the Catholic Church”, 68.)
“It unfolds in the work of creation, the whole history of salvation after the fall, and the missions of the Son and the Spirit, which are continued in the mission of the Church.” (“Cf. AG 2-9” in “Catechism of the Catholic Church”, 68.)
Relationship to the Church
The Church has its origin and mission in the Holy Trinity.
"Thus the Church confesses, following the New Testament, 'one God and Father from whom all things are, and one Lord Jesus Christ, through whom all things are, and one Holy Spirit in whom all things are.' " (“Council of Constantinople II: DS 421” in “Catechism of the Catholic Church”, 68.)
Source of Salvation, Reconciliation, and Unity
"The whole history of salvation is identical with the history of the way and the means by which the one true God, Father, Son, and Holy Spirit, reveals himself to men 'and reconciles and unites with himself those who turn away from sin'." (“GCD 47” in "Catechism of the Catholic Church", 62.)
"The ultimate end of the whole divine economy is the entry of God's creatures into the perfect unity of the Blessed Trinity." ("Cf. Jn 17:21-23" in "Catechism of the Catholic Church", 69.)
CONCLUSION
A summary of the most important conclusions contained in the discussion:
· The Holy Trinity is the central mystery of the Christian faith and life.
· The Holy Trinity is one being, comprised of distinct persons that relate to one another.
· God’s plan of giving life to his people was conceived by the Father and unfolds in creation in a special way in the Son and Holy Spirit.
· The Church proclaims: It is from the Father that all things are; through Jesus that all things are; and in the Holy Spirit that all things are.
· The Holy Trinity is the source of salvation, reconciliation, and unity for the people of God.
NOTES
· "DS" refers to Denzinger-Schönmetzer, Enchiridion Symbolorum, definitionum et declarationum de rebus fidei et morum, 1965. The number after "DS" is used to locate the citation within Enchiridion Symbolorum. More info at Catholic Answers.
· “Cf.” or “cf.” means texts are not quoted word for word but are merely referenced.
· “AG” means Ad Gentes. AG is the Second Vatican Council’s decree on missionary activity of the Church.
· “GCD” means General Catechetical Directory. It can be viewed online via the Vatican and the Congregation for the Clergy.
Stephen Steiniger is a Catholic who is alive in the love of Christ. He desires all who read his writings to benefit in their relationship with Christ. He enjoys religion, politics, and comedy. Stephen possesses an undergraduate and graduate degree from Bowling Green State University. He lives on planet earth with the rest of the human race. Stephen believes this is a good About the Author profile.
