The Solemnity of the Most Holy Trinity is our opportunity as a Catholic community to enter more deeply into a profound divine mystery, and that word should not be seen as an evasion or excuse. We use the word “mystery” not in the same sense as a novel or movie that features a crime that needs to solved. A mystery is a doctrine of faith that acknowledges that divine revelation is sometimes beyond our human ability to fully explain.
The word “Trinity” does not appear anywhere in the Bible. Indeed, the early Church, fresh from the lived experience of Jesus Christ, struggled for three centuries with a new understanding of God as revealed through the words and life of Jesus.
It was at the Council of Nicea in the year 325 that the Church developed the Nicene Creed as a response to a great controversy on the dual nature of Christ. Is he divine or is he just human? As expressed in the Nicene Creed, Jesus Christ is both fully human AND fully divine – consubstantial with the Father – and the doctrine of the Trinity helps us to understand his dual nature. We don’t have time in a one-hour Sunday liturgy to fully explain to our community the mystery of the Trinity in preaching and in song. But let’s look at today’s readings for some guidance.
In the First Reading from Proverbs, we see a poetic description of the Wisdom of God:
When the Lord established the heavens, I was there. . . When he set for the sea its limit, so that the waters should not transgress his command, then was I beside him as his craftsman. . . and I found delight in the human race.
Wisdom personified is often seen as a pre-figuration of our understanding of the Holy Spirit. Notice the final stanza on how Wisdom finds delight in the human race. Through our baptism, we become the temple of the Holy Spirit.
The Second Reading from Paul’s Letter to the Romans amplifies the teaching of the First Reading by speaking more openly of the Holy Spirit in Trinitarian context:
Brothers and sisters, since we have been justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ. . . and hope does not disappoint because the love of God has been poured out into our hearts through the Holy Spirit that has been given to us.
Lastly, in the Gospel of John . . .
Jesus said to his disciples: “I have much more to tell you. . . But when he comes, the Spirit of truth, he will guide you to all truth. . . Everything that the Father has is mine; for this reason I told you that he will take from what is mine and declare it to you.”
Thus, what belongs to Jesus in the Father is attested by the Spirit. So let us not worry about the doctrinal and theological immensity of the Most Holy Trinity. In this liturgy, let us celebrate this divine mystery: Even for God, love is expressed as relationship – the eternal love of Father, Son and Holy Spirit. Since we are created in God’s image, every relationship of ours is an opportunity to reflect God’s love: with our spouses, our families, our friends, our communities. Such a grace! Such a privilege! Such a responsibility, especially because Jesus commissions us to invite others into his family!
Holy Trinity Entrance Antiphon Blest be God the Father, and the Only Begotten Son, and also the Holy Spirit (Steve Angrisano, Sarah Hart and Curtis Stephan)
Let Us All Rejoice #115
The Entrance Antiphon is not taken from Scripture but was written specifically for this solemnity. It aptly expresses the mystery of the Trinity in context of God’s love for us.
Entrance Chant Holy, Holy, Holy (Lord God Almighty) (Traditional; arr. by Josh Blakesley)
Breaking Bread #215
On this great solemnity, we can perhaps do no better than to sing “Holy, Holy, Holy,” the traditional Trinity hymn that is beloved by so many Christian denominations. Breaking Bread has the traditional arrangement. The link above features the sheet music for Josh Blakeley’s compelling contemporary rendition.
Responsorial Psalm O Lord, Our God, How Wonderful Your Name (Trevor Thomson)
Spirit & Psalm 2025: p. 244
The simplicity of Trevor’s verbatim Psalm setting underlies the complexity of the divine mystery of the Three Persons in One God.
Gospel Acclamation Alleluia: Mass of the Desert (Tom Booth)
Spirit & Psalm 2025: p. 246
The verse text from Revelation 1:8 is expressed as a song of praise for the Most Holy Trinity.
Presentation and Preparation of the Gifts God of Wonders (Steve Hindalong and Marc Byrd)
Spirit & Song #217; Never Too Young #88
This contemporary classic celebrates the wonder and mystery of God.
Holy Trinity Communion Antiphon Since You Are the Children of God (Steve Angrisano, Sarah Hart and Curtis Stephan)
Let Us All Rejoice #116
The antiphon text from Galatians is a reminder that we are temples of the Holy Spirit.
Communion Chant All Creatures of Our God and King (Traditional; arr. by Rick Modlin)
Spirit & Song #203
The lyrics attributed to St. Francis of Assisi sing praise to God in creation. For the bridge, arranger Rick Modlin cleverly utilizes the traditional Trinity hymn, “Praise God from Whom All Blessings Flow.”
Sending Forth By Our Love (Tom Kendzia)
Breaking Bread #500
Tom Kendzia’s revisioning of “They’ll Know We Are Christians” is an anthem for the Christian love that is modeled for us by the Most Holy Trinity. Note that the bridge sings in praise of Father, Son and Holy Spirit.
Liturgy Blog is a weekly liturgy planning resource for musicians, liturgists, homilists, youth groups, faith sharing groups, and all who look to the liturgical readings for inspiration and nourishment. Join Ken Canedo as he breaks open the Scripture and suggests tracks from the Spirit & Song contemporary repertoire.
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