THE MOST HOLY TRINITY 31ST MAY 2026

The reading reflects on some of the Bible’s central themes: God’s mercy, the mystery of the Trinity, and salvation through Christ. In Jewish tradition, God’s sacred name, often written as Yahweh, was considered so holy and personal that it was never spoken aloud. God first revealed this name to Moses at the Burning Bush, but its deeper meaning became clearer later, when God forgave Israel after their rebellion. God describes Himself as “a God of tenderness and compassion,” highlighting His mercy and willingness to forgive. This image of God appears throughout Scripture, including Deuteronomy, the Psalms, Jeremiah, and the story of Jonah, where even the sinful city of Nineveh is shown mercy. The New Testament continues this same message, especially in the opening of John’s Gospel and in the Parable of the Prodigal Son.

The text of the second reading also explores Paul’s teaching about the Trinity in his Letter to the Corinthians. While the formal doctrine of the Trinity developed over time in Christian theology, Paul often speaks of the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit together, pointing to both their unity and their distinct roles in salvation. God the Father is presented as the source of salvation, Jesus Christ as the one who redeems and reconciles humanity, and the Holy Spirit as the one who transforms believers in holiness. Rather than focusing on explaining the inner mystery of the Trinity, Scripture emphasizes how each divine Person works in creation, salvation, and sanctification.

The Gospel reading from John 3:16–18 emphasizes God’s great love for the world, shown through the gift of His Son. Jesus was sent not to condemn humanity, but to save it and offer eternal life to those who believe. The commentary describes the relationship between the Father and the Son as one of complete trust, unity, and obedience. The Holy Spirit is understood as the living bond of love between them. At the same time, human language can only partially express the infinite mystery and perfection of God’s divine nature.

                        Fr Jerome Otitoyomi DUKIYA