The Sublime Nature of the Trinity

The sublime nature of the doctrine of the Trinity can be a bit daunting to explain.  As Trinitarians, we believe in one God with three expressions, while still proclaiming adherence to a radical monotheism. Our critics do not believe this tenet is truly monotheistic since we talk about the three “persons” of the Trinity in distinct terms (Father, Son and Holy Spirit).  The point is valid as far as it goes, but there is so much more to this doctrine that gets lost when we try to simplify it or talk about it in metaphorical terms, like water existing as a solid, liquid and gas. 
While most of us probably don’t spend a lot of time thinking about the Trinity, such contemplation does offer us the opportunity to stretch our spiritual foundation by focusing our attention of how we understand God and what God does in the world.  As the diagram above shows, we understand each person of the Trinity as distinct from the others, yet working in harmony with them.  Perhaps we can understand the doctrine best through the life of the Son, whose incarnate nature is utterly distinct from the Father and the Spirit, yet his actions were not solely based on his own will, but on that of God.  Similarly, the Son could not resurrect himself; he was acted upon by the Father and the Spirit.
What implications does this have on our faith in day to day life?  Perhaps it may help us be a bit more specific in our prayer.  Are we asking for help from God, the Creator; God, the Redeemer; God, the Sustainer?  At the same time can we allow God, who passes all understanding, work in our lives in ways we may not even imagine, through a person of the Trinity we didn’t ask for help?  As Christians, we may feel closer to the Son, yet need the strength of the Holy Spirit.  In what ways can we experience her presence in our lives that is different from our relationship with Jesus? In what ways is it the same? 
For me the Trinity is the expression of a perfect relationship, both interdependent and independent – the sum is greater than the parts.  While each is complete by itself, God does not have a complete identity without all the persons to make it work and be understood.  I know God the Father through God the Son; I feel God the Son through God the Holy Spirit. God is still, however, a mystery because I am not capable of understanding or even comprehending all that God is – but that does not stop me from seeking to know God as much as I can. 
In Christ,

Rev. Valerie+

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