That we worship one God in trinity and the trinity in unity,

neither blending their persons

nor dividing their essence.

For the person of the Father is a distinct person,

the person of the Son is another,

and that of the Holy Spirit still another.

But the divinity of the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit is one,

their glory equal, their majesty coeternal.

This is part of the Athanasian creed, a little-used, quite long, but still technically official creed focusing on the Trinity recognized in several branches of the Church.

This is what some folks might think of when they think of the Trinity – what might be interpreted as heavy, confusing and technical language. A concept really for philosophers and theologians.

This is not my favourite way to approach this wonderful idea that I think is really for everyone – that God is three in one and one in three.

At its heart, the Trinity, like everything else that we can claim about God, is a mystery. It only scratches the surface, only helps us catch a glimpse of the true truth of what is ultimately unknowable.

But I like it. I love it, even. To me, it is a precious gift that I treasure, savour and delight in from our tradition.

In the dance of the Trinity, we make a claim that God’s very nature, God’s very self is relationship.

As children of God, being made in God’s very image, maybe that means that we are too. That we are made for relationship, for community with each other, with all of creation, with the one Holy and Undivided Trinity itself.

That is exciting, wonderful, good news indeed.

Thanks be to God!


CG+