Trinity Sunday

The Solemnity of the Most Holy Trinity or Trinity Sunday will be on May 30, 2021, this year. It’s the first Sunday after Pentecost, which is fitting because of the descent of the Holy Spirit on Pentecost, the concept of the Trinity is now complete.

It is said that Saint Patrick used the shamrock to explain the concept of the Trinity. The Father, Son, and Holy Spirit are three distinct persons in one being. The shamrock, or clover, is one sprig with three leaves. Whether St. Patrick used it or not, it is a useful teaching visual.

We find the baptismal formula of the triune God in Matthew 28:19. “Go, therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit.” And when we profess the Nicene Creed at Mass each Sunday we include the Father, the Son, and “the Holy Spirit, the Lord, the Giver of life, who proceeds from the Father and the Son. With the Father and the Son He is worshipped and glorified.”

You may hear your choir sing this hymn on Sunday. It’s been one of my favorites since I was a kid.

Holy God, We Praise Thy Name

Holy God, we praise thy name;

Lord of all, we bow before thee;

All on earth thy scepter claim;

All in heaven above adore thee.

Infinite thy vast domain;

Everlasting is thy reign.

 

Hark the glad celestial hymn

Angel choirs above are raising;

Cherubim and seraphim,

In unceasing chorus praising,

Fill the heavens with sweet accord:

Holy, holy, holy Lord.

 

Holy Father, Holy Son,

Holy Spirit: three we name thee,

Though in essence only one;

Undivided God we claim thee,

And adoring bend the knee

While we own the mystery.