29
May
HOMILY, REFLECTIONS

WHAT KIND OF GOD DO YOU BELIEVE IN?|Trinity Sunday| Year B

Posted on by Fr. Simon Onyekachi Madu, OSJ
trinity sunday
Blessed Trinity

Do you realise you become what you believe; that your life is a reflection of the way you think, be it positive or negative? The bible is right when it says of idols, that their makers will become like them and all who trusts in them (Ps 115:8). And so if you claim you believe in God the question before you is: what kind of God/gods do you believe in, because your belief defines you. 

It becomes even more important to answer this question if you are a christian as this is fundamental to the doctrine of Christian faith. I bet you, many who call themselves Christian don’t believe in God. If they do their lives will not be the way it is. It will also surprise you to know that not all who profess beliefs in God actually believe the same God. If you are in doubt read slowly…


Deut 4:32-34,39-40
Moses said to the people: ‘Ask now of the days that are past…from the time God created man on earth: Was there ever a word so majestic, from one end of heaven to the other? Was anything ever heard? Did ever a people hear the voice of the living God speaking from the heart of the fire, as you heard it, and remain alive? Has any god ventured to take to himself one nation from the midst of another by ordeals, signs, wonders, war with mighty hand and outstretched arm, by fearsome terrors – all this that the Lord your God did for you before your eyes in Egypt? ‘Understand this today, therefore, and take it to heart: the Lord is God indeed, in heaven above as on earth beneath, he and no other. Keep his laws and commandments as I give them to you today, so that you and your children may prosper and live long in the land that the Lord your God gives you forever.’

POINTS FOR REFLECTION 

1. Child of God, the Word of God you just read reflects the exhortations of Moses warning the people of Israel after their exodus from the land of slavery to desist from idolatry. He does this by letting them know the uniqueness of Yahweh among other gods, that Yahweh is not only greater and mightier but is the only Deity that can have interpersonal relationship with man. Therefore idolatry not only debases their true identity as people God chosen among the nations of the world, but robs them of their dignity as human persons as well. This brings out the idea that God is an interpersonal Being: One who communicates with his people with interpersonal qualities and is able to enter relationships.
2. Today as the Church celebrates the Blessed Trinity, a term (though not in the Bible) that describes the Godhead: Father, Son and Holy Spirit as revealed in the Bible. By this, we do not profess a belief in three gods, but three Persons in One God. Three distinct Persons: Father, Son and Holy Spirit who are different but united and One in Essence and Divinity. Hence when Jesus commands in Matt 28:19: 

Go, therefore, make disciples of all the nations; baptise them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teach them to observe all the commands I gave you. And know that I am with you always; yes, to the end of time.’

He (Jesus) did so in the name of the Godhead. Therefore whenever we invoke any of the Persons of the Trinity, we summon the entire Godhead for they are never separated.

3. Who is God to You?

If you are to answer this question what would you say? Many would say many things like God is my Rock, God is my Protector, My Provider, My Shield, etc. Whatever descriptions you give have a way of reflecting how we relate with God. For instance, while the prodigal son desired to change his status from son to slave as a sign of his repentance, his elder brother saw himself as a slave labouring for his father. (cf Lk 15:21,28-30).

4. Throughout the bible Jesus always refer to God as “Father” a term that reflects interpersonal relationship. If we truly follow Jesus, then God should be nothing but Father to us while we, His sons and daughters as the bible says:

Everyone moved by the Spirit is a son of God. The spirit you received is not the spirit of slaves bringing fear into your lives again; it is the spirit of sons, and it makes us cry out, ‘Abba, Father!’ (Rom 8:14-15)

5. And so, whatever your description of God is, if it does not reflect this interpersonal relationship, then you are objectifying (idolizing) God and have become an object (idol) yourself. Remember you become what you believe! Therefore, if your relationship with God is based on only when you are in trouble, or in need of blessings and protection, under attack by enemies or in fear, etc, and not based on genuine love; or you live your life in isolation from others, always suspecting others, fighting others, wishing others bad, and not keeping good relationships with others, then you are an idolater. You don’t know God nor serve Him!

TASK

Try to be like the Trinity: a Divine Being united in diversity! Who are united and relating interpersonally in love. Pray Ps 89:1-17 now asking the Lord to help you know and discover Him more.

I pray for you: May the Lord be your glory and power, and may His favour lift you up in Jesus name. Amen.

Fr. Simon Onyekachi Madu, OSJ

Is a Catholic Priest of the Oblates of St. Joseph. He developed this medium to promote prayer life, spiritual growth, and meditation on the Word of God. He is a relationship and marriage counsellor, a deliverance minister, a mentor for career development, and a Canon Lawyer. You can call him for prayers, deliverance sessions, counselling or mentorship. Follow and pray with him daily across all social media platforms and Subscribe to his YouTube Channel with the links provided on this web. God bless you.

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