06/06/2026
FROM THE PASTOR’S DESK
My Dear Sisters and Brothers in Christ,
The mystery of the Holy Trinity is just that, a mystery, by which we cannot understand fully. God, however, chose to reveal himself to us at first, to the People of Israel through their prophets and teachers “In many and fragmentary ways,” as it says in the Letter to the Hebrews and finally through his Son Our Lord Jesus Christ who, in the words of St John, is the “Word made flesh.” Sacred Scripture affirms the belief that there is one God, but in the New Testament we find Our Lord saying “The Father and I are one” and he promises that when he returns to the Father another Paraclete or counselor will be sent by himself and the Father. The doctrine of the Holy Trinity came from a desire to find some formula that could reconcile the paradox, or apparent contradiction, that while we believe that God is one, we also believe that Father, Son and Spirit are all God but are somehow still distinct from one another.
The word “Trinity” was invented by the theologian, Tertullian, from two Latin words meaning “three” and “one” and he taught that there were three Persons but one God. St. Ephrem, who influenced St. Maron, argued that since we could never know God fully the proper response to the paradox was not one of enquiry but rather awe-filled contemplation. The really important matter is not whether we use our intellect to try to understand what is beyond our understanding or simply sit in contemplation of the mystery. It is whether we remember that we are created in the image and likeness of God and try through his grace to reflect that image and likeness in our lives. Here we have plenty to work with!
The Father is Creator, he is the origin of life and the perfect example of love “For God so loved the world that he gave his only Son.” We might ask ourselves if we bring life and love to those around us. Are we constructive, helpful and imaginative in employing our God-given gifts?
The Son is God made man and shows how human beings can be a perfect reflection of the Father. He preached, taught, forgave, confronted and ultimately suffered and died for us. “Greater love has no man” he said, “Than he lay down his life for his friends.” How do we measure up to the standard set by Our Lord in the Gospels? Are we really willing to be self-sacrificing not only for those we love but also for those we dislike? How faithful are we in our relationship with the Father?
The Holy Spirit, given to us in baptism, enables us to be disciples of Our Lord and continue the mission of proclaiming the good News by word and deed. Above all there is the example of the perfect unity between Father, Son and Spirit which is a model for us all in our relations with each other. Do we seek to bring unity, peace and harmony, or are we a source of disunity and discord? We may not be able to understand the mystery of the Holy Trinity but God has given us plenty of food for thought and examples to copy.
God Bless You,
Father Bassam
