As we celebrate Trinity Sunday, we are invited to ponder the profound mystery of the Triune God, a mystery that calls us into deeper worship and contemplation. Today’s reflection draws from the rich soil of Sacred Scripture and the wisdom of the Church Fathers, focusing on Romans 11:33-36 and Matthew 28:18-20.
Romans 11:33-36: The Depth of God’s Wisdom and Knowledge
St. Paul’s doxology in Romans 11:33-36 is a powerful hymn of praise:
“Oh, the depth of the riches and wisdom and knowledge of God! How unsearchable are his judgments and how inscrutable his ways! ‘For who has known the mind of the Lord, or who has been his counselor?’ ‘Or who has given a gift to him that he might be repaid?’ For from him and through him and to him are all things. To him be glory forever. Amen.”
St. John Chrysostom, in his homilies, marvels at this passage, emphasizing that Paul speaks with astonishment and awe at the incomprehensibility of God. Chrysostom notes that Paul, having recounted God’s plan of salvation, is overwhelmed by the divine wisdom that orchestrates all things beyond human understanding. This passage invites us to recognize the limits of our own wisdom and to surrender to the infinite wisdom of God.
St. Augustine echoes this sentiment, asserting that the inscrutability of God’s judgments is a call to humility. Augustine teaches that it is not through human merit but through divine grace that we come to know God, and even this knowledge is partial and veiled, as God’s ways are far above our ways.
Matthew 28:18-20: The Great Commission
In Matthew 28:18-20, we encounter the risen Christ commissioning His disciples:
“And Jesus came and said to them, ‘All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. 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, teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you. And behold, I am with you always, to the end of the age.'”
St. Athanasius, in his writings against Arianism, emphasizes the Trinitarian formula in this commission as a testament to the co-equality and co-eternity of the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. By commanding baptism in the singular “name” of the three Persons, Christ reveals the unity and indivisibility of the Holy Trinity.
St. Cyril of Alexandria also reflects on this passage, highlighting the mission of the Church as an extension of the divine life. He notes that through baptism, believers are incorporated into the life of the Trinity, becoming participants in the divine nature. The promise of Christ’s abiding presence, “I am with you always,” assures us that the mission is sustained by the power and presence of the Trinity.
Trinity Sunday: A Call to Worship and Mission
Trinity Sunday stands as a reminder of the central mystery of our faith: one God in three Persons. The readings from Romans and Matthew draw us into this mystery from two complementary perspectives—adoration and mission.
From Romans, we learn to stand in awe of God’s infinite wisdom, acknowledging that His ways surpass human comprehension. This awe leads us to worship, to a doxological response where we proclaim, “To him be glory forever.”
From Matthew, we receive the imperative to go forth, bearing the name of the Triune God to all nations. This mission is not merely a task but a participation in the life and love of the Trinity, assured by the presence of Christ with us.
Conclusion
In reflecting on these passages through the lens of the Church Fathers, we are invited to deepen our appreciation of the Trinity’s profound mystery. St. John Chrysostom and St. Augustine teach us to humbly adore the unfathomable wisdom of God, while St. Athanasius and St. Cyril remind us of our mission to bring the world into the embrace of the Triune God.
This Trinity Sunday, let us unite our voices with the great cloud of witnesses, proclaiming the glory of the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit. And as we go forth, may we carry the light of this mystery into every corner of the world, living out our baptismal call with joy and fidelity.
To the Triune God be all glory, now and forever. Amen.