Understanding the Trinity: God the Father Three key pieces of information about the Blessed Trinity, the greatest mystery of the Catholic faith: --- God alone is the Creator of everything that exists. --- God created everything through the Word, Jesus’ Son. --- The Old & New Testament confirms the action of Jesus and the Holy Spirit. Jesus & the Holy Spirit cannot be separated from the Father. (Logic and words cannot fully explain the Trinity).

Understanding the Trinity: God the Father 2. The Triune God is understood as the Creator (directly responsible for all life). 3. Exodus- God shows the Israelites that he is like a parent, refers to them as his “firstborn.” This same metaphor or idea is present in the Book of Psalms.

Understanding the Trinity: God the Father 4. “Fatherhood” and “Father” is a powerful metaphor- and symbol- used to describe God all throughout both the Old & New Testaments. God in the Bible is presented as male, female, as a spirit, and having no gender. Abba – In the New Testament, Jesus told his followers to call Him this. It translates to “Our Father.”

Understanding the Trinity: God the Father 7. The Sermon on the Mount- Jesus is again presented as a protector or Father as with the introduction of the Beatitudes.

Understanding the Trinity: God the Son Two hugely significant church councils (meetings) were held in Nicea and Constantinople during the 4th century AD. At these councils, it was determined that the Son is consubstantial. (The Son is one and the same God: Jesus is God). This dogma (a fixed teaching of the Church) is expressed in the Nicene Creed. Jesus is like in in all ways except …..?

Understanding the Trinity: God the Son Key points regarding the Son of God: ---He was “begotten” (this refers to the eternal relationship btwn Jesus and God) and then manifested (shown) in the Incarnation. Jesus has both a divine (godlike) and human nature. He is like a mediator (a bridge, intermediary) btwn God and humanity. Who else could we say acts as a mediator btwn ourselves and God?

Understanding the Trinity: God the Holy Spirit The Third Person of the Blessed Trinity is the Holy Spirit. Bear in mind that the Holy Spirit is present all throughout the Old Testament. Breath and wind are powerful symbols used to describe the Holy Spirit. Why? God Himself was present and active all thoughout Creation.

Understanding the Trinity: God the Holy Spirit Book of Isaiah: The world was told that the promised Messiah would receive the Holy Spirit in an especially intense and spiritual way. This prepared the way for the apostles’ understanding and for our current understanding of the Holy Spirit. 3. There is a connection between the 7 sacraments and the Trinity. The sacraments are help us become open to the gift of faith and especially to the grace of God.

Understanding the Trinity: God the Holy Spirit 4. Jesus Himself revealed the Trinity. He proclaimed Himself to the divine son of the Eternal Father.

Understanding the Trinity: The Trinity’s Response to Evil The fact that God allows evil is a mystery, but keep in mind that God sent His Son to show that we can triumph over evil. This is shown in the Resurrection! God intends for good to come out of any type of evil present here on Earth- (although that might be hard for us to understand). We cannot fully understand this mystery of evil until we have achieved eternal life! As seen in the Garden w/ Adam & Eve, humans choose to bring evil/sin into the world- free will!

Understanding the Trinity: The Trinity’s Response to Evil 2. God is truly merciful, but he allows evil because he has given us the gift of free will. He will not force us to act. He wants us to choose good on our own. God is not the source of evil: it comes from human deeds and choices, from the abuse of free will. Evil results from our personal sins. God did not intend for life to be perfect. Why?

Understanding the Trinity: The Trinity’s Response to Evil 4 & 5. The Book of Job is part of the wisdom literature of the Bible. It deals with evil and innocent suffering. Think of it as a symbolic story rather than a book of actual historical fact. It helps us understand that wisdom can come from suffering. Job’s life was tremendously difficult, but accepts his suffering with grace and dignity. He is rewarded for his faith. What other biblical character from the Old Testament is Job similar to?

Understanding the Trinity: The Trinity’s Response to Evil Key terms: theology, consubstantial, begotten, the fullness of time, Christology, procession, and pneumatology. The Our Father, or Lord’s Prayer, has 7 petitions which symbolize perfection. Notice how the last four make requests of God whereas the first 3 are more like prayers of praise and gratitude.