PART ONE: THE HOLY TRINITY
GOD IS LOVE
Everything that a Catholic believes is built upon the very foundation of the mystery of the Holy Trinity, ONE GOD in THREE PERSONS. Every sacrament that we celebrate invokes the Holy Trinity, the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit. It is a rather incredible mystery to wrap our minds around, but we shouldn't worry, great saints have struggled with the concept also! It is beyond our human minds to comprehend.
Saint Augustine was pondering the mystery of the Holy Trinity as he walked along the seashore. He came across a boy who was using a seashell to bring the water of the ocean and dump it into a little hole he had made in the sand. Augustine watched him for some time and then asked the boy what he was doing. The boy answered that he was trying to put the whole ocean into the hole. Augustine laughed and explained to the child that was impossible! The boy looked up at him and responded, "Neither can you comprehend the mystery of the trinity!" Shocked, Augustine looked away to ponder this wisdom, but when he returned his gaze to the child, the boy had disappeared. Was it an angel? Was it the Christ Child? The truth of this story greatly affected Augustine and his teachings on the Holy Trinity. It is because of his deep studies and sermons that he has been declared "Doctor of the Church".
The two videos below give an excellent discourse on the Holy Trinity. Watching these videos will give you a good idea of what Nathan talked about during our session on Wednesday:
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St. Bonaventure reflections on God from the Ark of the Covenant
Another great saint of the Catholic Church is Saint Bonaventure. He meditated on the Ark of the Covenant and explained that the Ark tells us much about the mystery of the Holy Trinity.
In the Old Testament God reveals himself to Moses as I AM. He instructed Moses to make the Ark of the Covenant which would contain different articles of faith; the Ten Commandments, Aaron's staff that budded, and a pot of manna (bread from heaven). Upon the Ark are two angels, cherubim, with wings outstretched and touching. The Ark was made of acacia wood and covered in gold. It represented GOD WITH ISRAEL. It was a physical manifestation of God's presence. St. Bonaventure explains how the space between the two cherubim was known as the “mercy seat,” over which the presence of God hovered within the tabernacle. The angels represented both the Old and New Testaments wherein are hidden revelation regarding the Holy Trinity. The Old Testament revealing the nature of God as BEING (I AM). The New Testament revealing the essence of God as LOVE.
Old Testament references to the Holy Trinity:• -Genesis 1:2: The Angel of the Lord, God's Word during creation
• - Genesis 1:26-27: 'Let us make man in our image' • -Genesis 11:7: "Come, let us go down and confuse their language..." • -Deuteronomy 6:4: God is One • - Isaiah: 6-8: "Who will go for Us?" "Holy, Holy, Holy" • -Isaiah: 48:16: "Now the Lord has sent Me and His Spirit" • - Proverbs 8: Wisdom speaks of being 'poured forth from the Lord' |
New Testament references to the Holy Trinity:• -Matthew 28:19 & Luke 3:21-22: Baptism of Jesus
• - John 1:1: "In the beginning was the Word..." • - John 10:30: "I and the Father are One" • - John14:9: "He who sees me sees the Father..." • -2 Corinthians 13:14: "...and the fellowship of the Holy Spirit..." • - Galatians 3:20: God is One |
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Jesus Reveals God as LOVE
• - Jesus was sent by the Father
• - Jesus forgives sins → exercises divine authority • - Jesus acts in the very person of God • - At Pentecost the Holy Spirit links Father & Son → Trinitarian life revealed Jesus preached about love, mercy, and forgiveness of sins. He also stated that He and the Father are One. The Holy Spirit is also revealed at Jesus' baptism and more intensely at Pentecost. The Trinity is therefore the basis of all our belief and worship, uniting us to God through the sacraments.
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SO WHERE DID THE WORD TRINITY COME FROM?
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Tertullian of Carthage lived in the first century and was an early theologian who coined the phrase "Trinitas" when referring to God the Father, Jesus the Son, and the Holy Spirit as three in one.
• - Trios = three • - Unitas = unity • - God = three-in-one |
SAINT AUGUSTINE'S ANALOGY
Augustine was influenced by the writings of Tertullian. Being a deep thinker, Augustine meditated on varying aspects of our relationship to God, especially God in His fullness as the Holy Trinity. Having been made in the image and likeness of God, our interior life mirrors God’s trinitarian presence:
• - Mind (latin: mens) = Father
• - Self-knowledge (latin: notitia sui) = Son
• - Self-love (latin: amor sui) = Holy Spirit
• - Self-knowledge (latin: notitia sui) = Son
• - Self-love (latin: amor sui) = Holy Spirit
Spiritual Implications:
Baptism inserts us into Trinitarian life. That is why a valid baptism is one in which the words "I baptize you in the name of the Father, and the Son, and the Holy Spirit are required.
After baptism we are invited to live in intimacy with Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. This is made possible by the sacraments of Confession, Communion Confirmation, Holy Marriage, Holy Orders, and finally Last Rights.
The Holy Trinity is not just doctrine but a very necessary spiritual reality, a union with God, that every Christian must experience for themselves.
After baptism we are invited to live in intimacy with Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. This is made possible by the sacraments of Confession, Communion Confirmation, Holy Marriage, Holy Orders, and finally Last Rights.
The Holy Trinity is not just doctrine but a very necessary spiritual reality, a union with God, that every Christian must experience for themselves.
-AT THIS TIME, WE TOOK A TEN-MINUTE BREAK-
YOU HAVE TOHE OPTION OF GETTING UP AND STRETCHING...OR JUST PLOUGHING THROUGH TO THE END
YOU HAVE TOHE OPTION OF GETTING UP AND STRETCHING...OR JUST PLOUGHING THROUGH TO THE END
PART TWO: THE LIFE AND TEACHINGS OF JESUS
Who is Jesus to you?
At some point in our spiritual journey, we have to ask ourselves, "Who is Jesus to me?"
Most common views of Jesus are:
He was a wise teacher.
He was a great prophet.
He was the greatest historical revolutionary even known.
Famous author, C.S. Lewis, states: "Jesus cannot simply be called a 'good teacher, wise prophet, great revolutionary'. Jesus’ life and teachings demand a response of us." The way Jesus lived during his thirty-three years on Earth, the things He said, the miracles He accomplished all speak more eloquently than any other human in history. Jesus shows us what true love and union with God is. He didn't conquer nations, he conquered hearts, he saved souls and continues to do so thousands of years later.
NO ONE ELSE in history has had this effect on the world.
-His life is our salvation; His teaching is the path to life-
Most common views of Jesus are:
He was a wise teacher.
He was a great prophet.
He was the greatest historical revolutionary even known.
Famous author, C.S. Lewis, states: "Jesus cannot simply be called a 'good teacher, wise prophet, great revolutionary'. Jesus’ life and teachings demand a response of us." The way Jesus lived during his thirty-three years on Earth, the things He said, the miracles He accomplished all speak more eloquently than any other human in history. Jesus shows us what true love and union with God is. He didn't conquer nations, he conquered hearts, he saved souls and continues to do so thousands of years later.
NO ONE ELSE in history has had this effect on the world.
-His life is our salvation; His teaching is the path to life-
A SHORT VIEW OF THE LIFE OF JESUS
You are encouraged to grab your bible and look these scriptures up to see the text in full context. If you are already familiar with these scriptures, you can browse through them as a refresher. In summary: Every moment of Jesus’ life reveals
God’s love and brings salvation,
God’s love and brings salvation,
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A. The Incarnation of Jesus the Christ
• John 1:14: “And the Word became flesh and dwelt among us.” • Reflection: God becomes small, vulnerable, human (Philippians 2:7 reference) • CCC 456: “The Word became flesh for us in order to save us by reconciling us with God.” |
B. The Hidden Life of Jesus
• Luke 2:51: “He went down with them and came to Nazareth and was obedient to them.” • Thirty years in obscurity—carpenter in Nazareth • Lesson: Holiness is often found in ordinary life and hidden acts of love. |
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C. The Baptism & Public Ministry of Jesus
• Matthew 3:16–17: Baptism of Jesus; Spirit descends like a dove. • Jesus chooses baptism to unite himself to us • CCC 535: “Jesus’ public life begins with His baptism.” • Mark 1:15: “The time is fulfilled, and the kingdom of God is at hand; repent and believe in the gospel.” |
D. His Miracles
• John 2:11: First miracle—water into wine; manifests His glory. • Mark 2: Healing of the paralytic; forgives sins. • Lesson: Miracles reveal His mission to save souls, not just heal bodies. |
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E. The Passion, Death, and Resurrection of Jesus Christ
• John 19:30: “It is finished.” • CCC 613: Christ’s death is the Paschal sacrifice accomplishing redemption • John 15:13: “Greater love has no man than this...” • Matthew 28:6: “He is not here; for he has risen...” • 1 Corinthians 15:17: “If Christ has not been raised, your faith is futile.” |
F. Ascension of Jesus into Heaven & Sending of the Holy Spirit
• Acts 1:8: “You shall receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you...” • John 14:18: “I will not leave you desolate; I will come to you.” |
A SHORT VIEW OF THE TEACHINGS OF JESUS
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A. The Kingdom of God
• Matthew 4:17: “Repent, for the kingdom of heaven is at hand.” • Parables: Mustard seed (Matt 13:31–32), Leaven (Matt 13:33) • CCC 2816: “The Kingdom of God lies ahead of us. It is brought near in the Word incarnate.” • Reflection: Is God reigning in your life? |
B. The Beatitudes
• Matthew 5:3–10: Blessed are the poor in spirit... • CCC 1717: “The Beatitudes depict the countenance of Jesus Christ and portray his charity.” • Contrast with worldly values—Jesus shows true happiness. |
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C. Love of God and Neighbor
• Matthew 22:37–39: Greatest commandments • John 13:34: “Love one another as I have loved you.” • CCC 1970: The Law of the Gospel is contained in the ‘new commandment’ to love as Christ loved. |
D. Mercy and Forgiveness
• John 8: Woman caught in adultery • Matthew 6:12: “Forgive us our trespasses, as we forgive those who trespass against us.” • CCC 2843: Turning injury into compassion through the Holy Spirit. |
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E. Discipleship and the Cross
• Matthew 16:24: “Deny yourself, take up your cross, and follow me.” • CCC 618: Suffering united to Christ participates in His redemptive Passion. • Reflection: Christianity is self-gift, not self-help. |
F. Teaching with Authority
• Matthew 7:29: “He taught as one who had authority, not as their scribes.” • Matthew 5: “You have heard it said... but I say to you...” • CCC 581: Jesus fulfilled the Law perfectly; His words are the Word of God. |
G. Jesus Himself as the Teacher
• John 14:6: “I am the way, and the truth, and the life.”
• Reflection: Following Jesus is following God, not just a set of ideas.
• John 14:6: “I am the way, and the truth, and the life.”
• Reflection: Following Jesus is following God, not just a set of ideas.
Conclusion & Call to Action
The life of Jesus reveals God’s love and brings salvation.
The teachings of Jesus show us how to live in love and reach eternal life.
• Matthew 7:24: “Everyone who hears these words of mine and does them will be like a wise man who built his house upon the rock.”
Reflection questions:
Are you living Jesus’ teachings?
Where are you building on sand?
Encouragement:
God provides the Spirit, the Church, grace, and Sacraments—follow Him with the support the He gave.
The teachings of Jesus show us how to live in love and reach eternal life.
• Matthew 7:24: “Everyone who hears these words of mine and does them will be like a wise man who built his house upon the rock.”
Reflection questions:
Are you living Jesus’ teachings?
Where are you building on sand?
Encouragement:
God provides the Spirit, the Church, grace, and Sacraments—follow Him with the support the He gave.
-GO DEEPER-
Saint Augustine
SAINT AUGUSTINE - November 13, 354, to August 28, 430 - Bishop and Doctor of the Church
Ignatius Press produced a movie called RESTLESS HEART: CONFESSION OF ST AUGUSTINE. It is very well done and is highly recommended as an introduction to who Saint Augustine was and the impact he had on the Catholic Church.
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Saint Bonaventure
MOVIE TIME (grab the popcorn)
These are some movies you might find entertaining and inspiring:
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Thank you for taking our online version of this session.
We encourage you to spend time with us on Wednesdays from 6:30-8:00 pm in McMullan Hall.
We encourage you to spend time with us on Wednesdays from 6:30-8:00 pm in McMullan Hall.