Reflection on Trinity Sunday by Sr. Barbara Schiavoni, GNSH

Written on: June 15, 2025

Sunday, June 15, 2025
By Sr. Barbara Schiavoni, GNSH

Today we celebrate Trinity Sunday. The Trinity is one of the great mysteries of our faith. Mystics, saints and theologians through the centuries have given their interpretations, with most centering on the mystery of one God in three persons, existing in a dynamic relationship of interpenetrating love, a love that reaches out.

Several years ago, when I was studying theology, one of my professors characterized the Trinity in a way that has stayed with me: The three divine persons exist in a relationship of unity, diversity, and mutuality. Unity, diversity, and mutuality.

This interpretation offers a lens to view our relationships with God and with each other.

Unity: Creation is God’s sacred gift to us, all of us. We are one human family and one Earth community. In this time of environmental urgency, and widespread war, violence and famine, let us pray deeply for the grace to acknowledge our unity with all of humanity and with creation. May we continually open ourselves to “Love one another as I have loved you.” (Jn. 13:34) And may we have the resolve to make choices for the good of this planet that we will bequeath to future generations.

Diversity: Diversity is foundational to creation. As a garden produces a multiplicity of colors, fragrances and fruits, so God created us as unique individuals and God cherishes each of us in our diversity. May we always treasure the diversity that gifts us with new perspectives, new life, and the joys of new discoveries.

Mutuality: Mutuality invites us to respect and value the other, to open ourselves to give and receive in a spirit of humility. In this time of deep polarization, we must be agents of peace and reconciliation, following the example of Jesus.

In our Gospel today, Jesus promises: “The Spirit of truth will guide you to all truth.” (Jn. 16:13) When we listen deeply for God’s voice in prayer and in the events of our lives, the truth emerges. We are called to live the truth of the Gospel and to share it with those who may have lost sight of it.

Especially in today’s world, we must do this in a spirit of mutuality: respecting the viewpoints and experiences of others, and at the same time offering truth as a counterpoint to the forces that oppress and dehumanize.

This Trinity Sunday, may we reflect on our relationships with God and each other, and find ways to treasure and give witness to unity, diversity, and mutuality; God’s gifts to us in the divine plan.

This entry was posted in Matters of Faith and tagged: Feast of the Holy Trinity, Sister Barbara Schiavoni, Trinity Sunday