Homily: Solemnity of the Most Holy Trinity (C)
John 16:12-15
15 June 2025
Fr. Ricky Cañet Montañez, AA
When I was very young, I would like to believe that I did quite well in Math. Arithmetic was simple for me. 5-5 is zero; 5+ 5 is 10; 1+1 is 2. That is what is nice about Math. Even, complex mathematical equations are solvable. It is absolute. If you persevere, you will get the answer. When I was coming into an understanding of our faith and especially the Holy Trinity, I got so confused because suddenly, 1+1+1 equals ONE.
Today, we celebrate the Solemnity of the Most Holy Trinity. It is a mystery at the heart of our faith. One God in three Persons: Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. They are distinct in characteristics and functions, but integral to one whole. It is very difficult to explain more precisely and I will not attempt it today. I will however tell you what the Holy Trinity is NOT and how we can prove the existence of all three persons by simply going over today’s readings.
The persons of the Trinity are not simply costumes worn by one person or various roles played by one actor. They are neither distinct parts of one body like the Frankenstein Monster nor are they Japanese robots that have separate vehicles that volt in to form a super robot. In the Creed, we mention that they are consubstantial. They are of the same substance, essence, and power but different in their function and how they manifest to humanity.
In the First Reading from the Book of Proverbs, we hear about God the Father who is the Creator. Wisdom is at God’s side during creation — delighting in the world, and especially in us. This details the Father’s joy in creating us and sharing His life with us. Throughout the Old Testament we hear about the relationship between God and humanity in its early stages, where God reveals Himself through the prophets and establishes a covenant with His people.
We know that the covenant is broken many times and attempts to re-establish this fail constantly due to the weaknesses and infidelity of humanity. This creates a divide between God and His people. However, God remains merciful and promises a Messiah who will liberate His people once and for all. In the Second Reading, St. Paul tells us that we finally have peace with God through His own Son, Jesus. Through the Son, we are no longer outsiders — we have been welcomed back into God’s family. The gospels detail the life of Jesus who lived among us, bridging and reconciling humanity with the God who created all things.
Last week, we celebrated the Solemnity of Pentecost — the descent of the Holy Spirit who empowers us and pours God’s love into our hearts, making divine love real and personal. In today’s gospel passage from St. John, Jesus speaks of the Spirit who will guide us into truth, taking what belongs to the Father and the Son and declaring it to us. Jesus Himself reveals this truth — so how can we possibly dispute His words? This truth about the Holy Trinity is a profound expression of complete unity — a love shared by the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit — that now embraces us as well.
On this Solemnity of the Most Holy Trinity, let us be mindful of how the Father, the Son and the Holy Spirit remain present with us, especially during the Holy Mass. It is a memorial of how Jesus bridges the gap created by humanity with God the Father. In the liturgy of the Eucharist, Jesus willingly offers Himself as a pleasing sacrifice to the Father to make amends for the grave offences of humankind against God. It is not a simple re-enactment. Without leaving the Church, we are brought into the very moment of the Last Supper and the Crucifixion — when these events truly take place — and we, who are present, become recipients of Christ’s saving act. At the final blessing, the priest calls on the Holy Spirit to descend upon those present to receive spiritual gifts. We bow our heads in reverence and humility to receive the gift of the Father through the Holy Spirit.
Our whole life on earth is an experience of the Trinitarian God who loves us. Our Triune God is love — a love that calls us into being, restores our brokenness, and guides our path. Therefore, every time we make the sign of the cross, let us vividly remember the FATHER who lovingly created us and delights in us, the SON who became fully human to redeem us, and the HOLY SPIRIT who lives within us and stirs our hearts. This is far more than mere doctrine — this is the very core of who we are as God’s people.
Painting by Shekells89/ArtMajeur
Sunday Gospel Reflections 