Most Holy Trinity, Year C, Intermediate

Proverbs 8:22-31
John 16:12-15

 

Opening Prayer

Let us pray.
Glory to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit:
as it was in the beginning, is now, and will be forever.
Amen.

 

Opening Life Reflection

On Trinity Sunday we celebrate our belief in the Holy Trinity. Our belief that there is one God in three Persons -- God the Father, God the Son, and God the Holy Spirit -- is the deepest mystery of our faith. To begin today’s session, draw three connecting circles across a chalkboard or large sheet of paper. On top of each circle write God the Father, God the Son and God the Holy Spirit. Invite the children to brainstorm what images come to mind for each of the three Persons of the Holy Trinity. Write down their responses.

• What is the Holy Trinity?
• Why is our belief that there is One God in three Persons a mystery?
• How do we express our belief in the Holy Trinity?

Allow time for discussion. A mystery is something that cannot be explained. We can never fully explain or understand the Holy Trinity. We express our belief in the Trinity every time we pray in the name of the Father, Son and Holy Spirit.

 

Listening to the Word of God

In the first reading listen to find out how Wisdom came to exist.
Read Proverbs 8:22-31.
Allow for silence.

 

Scripture Discussion Starters

• How does Wisdom come to exist?
• How is Wisdom involved in creation?
• Who is Wisdom together with from the beginning?

In the Gospel listen to Jesus describe the Spirit of Truth.
Read John 16:12-15.
Allow for silence.

• How is the Holy Spirit described?
• What will the Spirit of Truth come to do?
• Why will the Spirit glorify Jesus?

 

Scripture Background

Provide 2-3 minutes of background information on the readings.

In the Old Testament reading we are given a poetic description of Wisdom. Before and during creation, Wisdom is with God. Wisdom knows the secrets of the universe and she delights in the human race. The author of today’s first reading brings reassurance to the people of Israel who have had their faith shaken by the events of the exile. This reading offers comfort to God’s people who are fearful and uncertain about their future. Christian faith finds in this passage a foreshadowing of Christ, whom Paul calls the very “wisdom of God.”

In the Gospel Jesus tells his disciples about the Spirit of truth. The union of the Spirit with God the Father and Son is apparent when Jesus tells his disciples that the Spirit does not speak on his own.

The early followers of Jesus recognized the Spirit of Jesus as a source of truth, comfort and guidance. After the death and resurrection of Jesus, his disciples came to a better understanding of all he had revealed to them during his ministry. The promised Spirit was the source of that deeper understanding. The disciples realized that the Holy Spirit was the one who would guide them to the truth. In today’s gospel Jesus promises that the Spirit will come. By the time John’s Gospel was written the Christian community had already recognized the presence of the Spirit with them.

 

Questions for Deeper Reflection

• What do these readings tell us about the Holy Spirit?
• How is the Holy Spirit a source of truth?
• How do these readings shed light on the mystery of the Holy Trinity?

If you are not going to continue with the doctrinal discussion, proceed to the Gospel in Life.

 

Doctrinal Discussion Starters

The Holy Trinity

As Christians we believe in one God who is Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. We are baptized in the name -- not “names” -- of God, the Father, Son and Holy Spirit, for we believe that there is only one God. When we bless ourselves saying, “In the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit,” we are professing our belief in the Holy Trinity.

• How do you express your faith in the Holy Trinity?
• Why do we bless ourselves in the name of the Father, Son and Holy Spirit?
• How can you learn more about the Holy Trinity?

 

The Gospel in Life

This week pray the Sign of the Cross each day and ask God to help you grow in your understanding of the mystery of the Holy Trinity.

 

Connecting to Be My Disciples
Grade 4, pp. 31, 201
Grade 5, Chapter 3
Grade 6, Chapter 3

Connecting to Faith First® Legacy Edition
At Home Guide, theme 7
Grade 4, chapter 8
Grade 5, chapter 3
Grade 6, chapter 4

 

Blest Are We
Grade 4, chapter 1
Grade 5, chapter 8
Grade 6, chapter 1